Beloved by staff and residents there, she has seen a number of changes in the aged care sector over the years, with differences in ward size and the number of residents being the most noteworthy.
Ms Hancock’s journey in healthcare started in February 1976, where she began her nursing training in Bendigo.
She spent four days a week completing in-hospital training and one day in the classroom for three years, boarding at her school.
Ms Hancock completed a staff year and studied gerontology in Bendigo.
She started working at Echuca Regional Health in March 1976.
“When we first started, the residents might’ve been here 10-15 years, and they become part of your family,” she said.
Having grown up in Echuca, Ms Hancock knew most of the people she looked after, which gave her an insight into the residents’ lives and experiences.
These connections made one-on-one interactions with patients a more personal experience.
“I was born and bred here, so a lot of the people who come through, you already know them.”
Ms Hancock has looked after many generations of residents and has developed strong connections to the residents and their families.
“[I] actually looked after, here, second generations. You’ve looked after their parents way back, and then you look after them.”
Having worked at Echuca Regional Health for several decades, she has built lasting friendships with the staff there, and had important interactions with patients.
Ms Hancock says the thing she will miss the most about working at Glanville Village is the exchanges with the residents and staff.
“It’s been rewarding, working alongside the wonderful staff.”
Last Monday, Ms Hancock celebrated her retirement with her coworkers.
“ERH has given a lifestyle I’ve become accustomed to,” she said.
Ms Hancock’s 48 years of committed service at Echuca Regional Health has been exceptional, with many memories made, friendships built and lives changed.
Dakota Moses is a Year 10 student from Moama Anglican Grammar who is currently completing work experience with The Riv.
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