One of the most recognised voices behind Letterkenny University Hospital has put her headset back in its pouch for the last time at Main Reception in Letterkenny University Hospital.
What started out as a two-week temporary job turned into a fruitful 45-year career for Madeline Shiels (Ferry) daughter of the late Charles and Maggie Ferry of Mount Marian in Milford.
Her dedication and commitment have been exemplary throughout her entire employment.
Madeline retired from her post recently but colleagues are only now getting a chance to pay tribute to her.
She journeyed through the rapidly-transforming culture of communications, from the pioneering days when a caller had to request an operator to connect their call, to the digital days when the operators’ role gave way to a recorded voice with menu options.
Madeline’s first summer job was as a Switchboard operator in the Milford Post Office where a jumble of wires looped down from the ceiling before disappearing behind an upright wooden board punctuated with rows and rows of small single-hole sockets, some of which had cords dangling from them.
Madeline in her younger days on the switchboard.
On Madeline’s first day at Letterkenny Hospital in 1978 at the age of 18 she was led into the ‘Switch’ with even more contraptions. The apparatus must have appeared fearsomely complicated and Ms Ferry was perhaps daunted by the prospect of learning how to master such a contraption but in Madeline’s years at LUH she was involved in the operation and training of staff on two more such telephone systems the latest just a few years ago.
Over the years, Madeline has built great relationships with staff, patients and colleagues.
Her friendly and helpful demeanour has made Madeline a favourite among many, with a willingness to go above and beyond to help others.
Colleagues said there’s no question she set the standard for excellence in Switchboard Services right across the Saolta Hospital Group.
She has been a valued member of the team and everyone will miss her experience and expertise.
“On behalf of all your family, friends and colleagues past and present, congratulations on your retirement. We hope you enjoy your seven-day weekends,” said one colleague.
Madeline’s colleagues are sorry to see a very well-regarded team member leave, who has contributed so much to their work and personal lives.
However, they also wished her a very well-deserved retirement as she now retires to Windyhall and gets to enjoy her ever expanding family in husband Declan, daughters Amanda and Dearbhla, son in law Seamie and soon to be another Barney, and with many more opportunities to spend time with her cherished grandsons Jamie and Finlay.
