July 2020 brings about the retirement of Steve Haughey, Chief Radiographer and Sonographer at the Young Health Service since 1989.
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Steve will finish up his last day of work at the Young Hospital on Friday July 17 after 30 years.
Steve began his medical imaging career in Sydney in 1973 as a radiographer, trained in the very challenging science of Medical Ultrasound and was Chief at Ryde whilst also servicing Mona Vale Hospital until relocating to Young in 1989.
A move to the country certainly didn't slow him down, with Steve working full-time for more than 30 years while providing after hours on-call x-ray and ultrasound services, for what accounts to 50 percent of his 'free time' according to Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
"Certainly a different way of life for many people but it has shown his dedication to the community and rural health provision," Young Hospital manager Belinda Downey said.
On top of this workload came the many changes in the Medical imaging industry - from hand operated chemical film processing in a red-light darkroom, semi-automatic and automatic chemical processing to the amazing introduction of chemical-free computed radiography, Steve's career has covered it all.
The installation of a new direct radiology system, allowing images to be directly transferred from an electrical plate to the computer for viewing, within two seconds without the use of an x-ray cassette, will be the final change he sees before hanging up the work phone for good.
The changes he has seen over the years don't stop at x-ray.
As a rare 'dual-qualified' Radiographer/Sonographer, Steve has scanned up to three generations of families on fast-changing ultrasound technology.
Steve said he has been fortunate enough to be present during all the exciting technological changes that ultrasound has provided since it's introduction in the late 70s to the almost life-like 4D images that can be produced today.
"Innumerable radiography students have learnt important clinical skills on their placements in at Young under Steve's guidance and supervision but more importantly have learnt from him the priceless skill of happy, friendly cooperation with fellow health workers - doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administration and health support staff, maintenance and delivery staff, all treated with equal respect for their important roles," Ms Downey said.
"Young Health Service, staff past and present, would like to thank Steve for his years of dedicated service and wish him all the best as he puts his feet up and turns off the on-call phone once and for all.
"The departments and hallways will certainly be very different without him."
The departments and hallways will certainly be very different without him.
- Belinda Downey.
When asked what he would do once he retires Steve said he would spend some much missed time with his grandchildren, probably go back to the gym and enjoy his time.