A FOND FAREWELL TO KAY
Members of health staff from across South Kirklees are expected to turn out in force on Friday (19th March) to bid a fond farewell to Kay Singh who is holding a special event to mark her retirement.
Kay has worked for the South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust as a community psychiatric nurse within transcultural services in Huddersfield since 1995, working alongside non-English speaking, South Asian clients with mental health problems.
Kay began her career in 1966 as a nursing cadet, and carried out general training at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. In 1970 she began training as a psychiatric nurse. She has worked as a ward sister at Storthes Hall Hospital before joining the community team to work with older people. In 1991 she took time out to train as a community psychiatric nurse and joined transcultural services in 1995.
Kay is planning to use her free time to travel and try out some new hobbies. Speaking about her retirement she said, ‘I’d love to travel and go on holiday to some of the places that I’ve always wanted to visit. Closer to home, I’m planning on joining the Laurence Batley Theatre Group and taking singing lessons to improve my singing voice. I’ve also recently joined a gym.
‘I’m looking forward to having more free time and to be able to do as I please but I will defiantly miss my colleagues and the work. I have really enjoyed helping people, being there for them and supporting them. Everyday has been different; I’ve been in many different situations and met a variety of people.
‘I am going to continue with health promotion work on a voluntary basis, continuing to have input on health promotion projects and initiatives that raise awareness about mental health. I’m currently working on a project to put health advice on to cassette tapes for people from ethnic minority communities. The cassettes will be recorded in different languages and will ensure that health advice can reach a diverse audience.
‘I’m also involved in planning events that raise awareness about mental health problems and will continue to be part of the project group.
Kay concluded, ‘I have definitely got lots to keep me busy!’