PRESENTATION TO MATRON

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30839, 26 August 1965, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MATRON

A gesture of appreciation and affection was made by past and present nurses of the Nurse Maude District Nursing Association yesterday to the retiring matron of Averill House, Miss D. M. Herrick.

At an afternoon tea in her honour, Miss M. E. Rae, lady superintendent of the association, presented Miss Herrick with a cheque, and “something she really wants,” an ironing board. Since 1958 In her 17 years with the association—as a district nurse, and since 1958 as matron of Averill House —Miss Herrick had always been extremely loyal and efficient, Miss M. Corkill, a former lady superintendent, said. “But what is perhaps more important, she is always sympathetic and understanding. We hated her leaving district nursing, because she had been so successful, but as soon as she went to Averill House we knew everything would be well. “Miss Herrick had lots of troubles—which is always the

case when a hospital first opens—and there have been difficulties with staffing, but she has always managed to get through very well,” she said. “We feel sad that she is going, but are very proud that she has been the first matron of Averill House, if will be terribly hard to find someone to take her place,

for she has set a very high standard,” Miss Corkill said. In her tribute to Miss Herrick, Miss Rae said Averill House had never been static. “Something always needed to be done,, and I know that if Miss Herrick had had her way Averill House would be three times bigger than it is today,” sh,e said. “Always Happy”

“Patients were always happy there, and she did not like them leaving without knowing where they were going.” There were plans for further additions to the hospital; a scheme which was very dear to Miss Herrick’s heart—extensions to the kitchens —was under way. Miss Herrick had also been a wonderful friend to the returned servicemen; on their behalf Miss Rae presented Miss Herrick a book token.

Her years with the Nurse Maude Association had been a wonderful climax to her nursing, Miss Herrick said in reply. The position of matron at

Averill House had been a great challenge. “But no one person could do all you have credited me with, without the help of staff, I and a lot of the credit should 'go to the nurses,” she said.