Retirement for Rachel after 31 years at Good Hope
Published on 10/10/2024
After over a decade as the hospital’s theatres matron, and 31 years as a nurse at Good Hope, Rachel Chitima is saying goodbye.
Rachel is retiring so she can spend more time with her family, although as a self-confessed workaholic, she can’t tear herself away completely and will be returning to work two days a week as a theatre practitioner.
Rachel, whose nursing career began in 1982, said: “Being a theatre nurse has always been my passion and I’m so grateful for my time at Good Hope, but it’s now time to slow down. Throughout my career, everyone has been so supportive – we’ve celebrated the highs and faced the challenges together, as one collaborative and caring team.”
Rachel joined Good Hope in 1993, after qualifying as a nurse in Zimbabwe. She joined as a D grade nurse and continued to rise through the ranks until eleven years ago, she was appointed the hospital’s theatres matron.
Rachel added: “I hope l have made a difference over the past three decades – I have enjoyed working alongside a group of colleagues who are very passionate about their roles.
“The teamwork in theatres has always been tremendous - there is a family atmosphere and l have worked with staff who are very positive and aim to deliver good care to all our patients.”
Tom Farmah, Associate Director of Nursing, said: ‘Rachel has made an amazing contribution to Good Hope since joining the team all those years ago. A hardworking and well-respected colleague, theatre expert and friend to many - we wish her the very best in her retirement’
