Published on: 21 September 2022

Goodbye Julie...

"We recently said farewell to our brilliant friend and college Dr Julie Fitzgerald. After spending 48 years in the NHS, training in hospitals in the 70’s, 80’s, General and Maternity, all knocked down and rolled into the James Cook and as a staff nurse in theatre, neurology and junior sister in pleads, along with a few other hats, Julie eventually came to South Tyneside to work within the Dental Department as a Senior Dental Officer in Special Care Dentistry.

"Over the many years, Julie has mentored many of the staff including dental nurses, clinician and oral health promoters, helping them to develop their career. Her relationships with her patients goes without saying…Second to none!

"Julie will be a huge miss in the team and we wish her all the very best for her non dental years ahead, however we are sure she will enjoy spending more time her husband and two beautiful daughters, oh and not forgetting pooch. No doubt Julie will continue sprinkling her fairy dust wherever her new chapter takes her.

"So remember Julie…..Keep pop in the shop!"

From your colleagues in the Dental Department.

And a message from Julie as she leaves:

Thank you to my wonderful dental department colleagues as I leave the Trust.

"Many have sent me kind messages and dropped in which means such a lot so thank you for that. I have been very touched. The flowers and super gifts were amazing and brought me such pleasure and gratitude.

"There are so many experiences I’ll never forget, lots of wonderful times with the dental team and as we all know our work is challenging, very rewarding and I think you are all amazing colleagues.

"I hope someone will pick up the baton to reach out to the teams within STSFT to remind them of the importance of early referral to help these little ones become dentally fit as possible as they soon become adults with ongoing additional needs. Prevention is the key. The NHS award to our services for focusing on this was thanks to out Oral Health Promotion team and our dental device

"I feel fortunate to have worked with such a gifted and talented group of colleagues in the team, each bringing special things and I am wishing you all more success and progress in your roles.

"With warmest regards, Julie."

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