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Oct. 8, 2014
News. Events. Achievements.
Living legacies of the Hamilton General Graduates from the Hamilton General Hospital’s former School of Nursing, classes of ‘54 and ‘64 returned for a glimpse at what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same. The Hamilton General Hospital (HGH) Nursing Reunion Tour looks a lot like a family reunion: there are many hugs, a lot of kisses, and no shortage of stories about “the good old days”. For these healthcare veterans, the days spent within the walls of HGH were the best years of their lives, and the relationships they made forged bonds for a lifetime. On Sept. 18, HGH welcomed 18 graduates from classes 1954 and 1964 of the hospital’s former nursing program. The ladies many now in their 80’s - were treated to a reception and a tour of the same hallways where their
Memory lane
careers were sprouted more than 50 years ago.
recount old memories. Still, some things never change.
“The friends, and the memories are why I come back every year,” says Jeanette Shaver, class of ‘54. “The time we spent here shaped our whole lives.”
Just as cement lays the groundwork for building, the School of Nursing is, without question, the foundation of Hamilton General Hospital.
As Jeanette notes, nursing students not only worked, but lived at the hospital. Students were permitted home every six months for holidays. Needless to say, the General back then was a lot different than today and the transformation of healthcare and hospital protocol is apparent as the veterans
“Whether it’s 1954, 1964, or 2050, the focus on care remains the same,” says Louise MacRae, clinical manager and regional stroke director at HGH. “It’s a testament to the incredible work these women did.”
Janet Somerville, graduate of the Hamilton General Hospital School of Nursing’s class of ‘54, finds herself in her class graduation photo, in the hospital’s archive room. Also pictured is Theresa Harper, patient education specialist.
“The time we spent here shaped our whole lives.” jeanette shaver class of ‘54 hamilton general hospital school of nursing
CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER • ST. PETER’S • WEST LINCOLN