Matron Retires After 29 Years At Oxford

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30433, 6 May 1964, Page 2

Matron Retires After 29 Years At Oxford

Miss S. Skey, of Christ-1 church, who has been matron of Oxford Hospital for 29 years retired last week. Miss; Skey went as matron to the ; Oxford Hospital from the Christchurch Hospital where she began her nursing training in 1926. “The hospital has been modernised and many addictions made since I first went , there,” said Miss Skey yesterday. “A nursery and an outpatients department have; been added and the hospital has been brought up to date with Health Department requirements. “There was a danger of the hospital closing at one stage when the maternity department was closed down and it; was made a general hospital. There were not sufficient patients to keep the hospital open. “However, the hospital is, now for older geriatric patients and convalescing people.” While she was in Oxford.: Miss Skey was very interested 3 in girl guide work and was’ secretary of their committee; for six years. She is also interested in rose gardening' and photography which she hopes she will have more time for now. Miss Skey intends to travel next year. A social afternoon arranged by the Oxford Ladies’ Hospital Committee was held at the hospital recently in honour of Miss Skey. Among, those present were many past, members of the committee,: representatives of local organisations and friends. Musi- 3 cal items by Mrs N. Mehrtens. • Mrs Mears and Mrs Inwood and elocutionary items by Mrs Nita Bull were given.

i Mrs J. Pickering president of the committee, made a presentation to Miss Skey of a nest of tables, and a cheque and said the Oxford Hospital would not seem the same without Miss Skey. Dr. H. T. Knights also spoke. Mr W. M. Dailey, chairman of the Oxford County Council, and Cr. L. G. Skurr presented her with a travelling rug and ; handbag.