Staff members at Humboldt General Hospital said goodbye last month to a
longtime local employee.
But HGH Unit Secretary Christine Birmingham says she won't be gone
long. She'll take 90 days to get her fill of full-time retirement
before she returns to the facility for occasional work as a casual call employee.
"I'm going to be sleeping in," she joked with staff members
at a retirement party held in her honor on Tuesday, April 30.
Birmingham's official retirement on May 1 closed out a 17-year career
at Humboldt General Hospital.
For most of those years, Birmingham worked the nightshift at the facility,
while HGH Chief Nursing Officer Darlene Bryan worked days.
Bryan said the two enjoyed getting to know each other better recently when
Birmingham switched to days. "It's been great getting to know
Chris better," she said.
Humboldt General Hospital CEO/Administrator Jim Parrish thanked Birmingham
for her years of service to Humboldt General Hospital. He presented Birmingham
with a plaque, a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a check for $1,700,
representing $100 for each of her years on the job.
Birmingham was also feted with plenty of gifts and well wishes from her
co-workers, including a digital photo frame that will carry memories of
her time at HGH.
Together, the group enjoyed cake and punch provided by the hospital's
dietary department.