Hutt Maternity recently farewelled one of their champion midwives Grace Pillay who has retired after 51 years in the business.Grace, who first qualified as a registered nurse in 1971, and then as a registered midwife in 1974, has worked in multiple roles within that 51-year window, including in community, in hospitals, in primary birth, and in secondary birth.
During that time she has always been able to keep a passion for the roles, which included delivering hundreds of babies, while providing a wealth of experience, wonderful care, as well as inspiring the next generation of midwives.
Making the decision to move on from her beloved role was not one Grace took lightly.
“It has been a really difficult decision for me to leave. After 51 years of doing this I still have the passion for the job, but I feel like it is time to take things easier for myself.”
Hutt Hospital Clinical Midwife Manager Elaine Newman said Grace would be sorely missed.
“Grace is such a kind and calm person and has been a part of our team in different roles on and off for decades and we will really miss her. She is just always professional, she is really experienced and has got a calming nature about her. Even in busy times or emergencies, you could always expect the same from Grace. She was unflappable. Just a gentle nice person.”
Grace was given a little send off by her team and was presented with flowers on her last day.
