Colleagues gathered to pay a special farewell to Jackie Farnell, team leader (medical), who retired after 35 years’ service.

Jackie, who was based within the physiotherapy department at Wishaw General Hospital, started working as a physiotherapy helper in June 1982 at Monklands Hospital.  On qualifying from Queens College in Glasgow, Jackie secured her basic grade post in August 1982.

In 1984, Jackie joined the physiotherapy department at Law Hospital where she was appointed senior (superintendent IV) in medical. In 1995 Jackie was promoted to superintendent III/physiotherapy deputy at Law Hospital and transferred to Wishaw General Hospital when Law Hospital closed, where remained until her retirement.

Jackie was instrumental in the introduction and improvement of physiotherapy services across Lanarkshire, including cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services and latterly with palliative care and joint working with St Andrews Hospice.

To mark the occasion, Jackie planned holidays to Barcelona, Slovenia and Antigua.

Claire Rae, physiotherapy manager, said: “Jackie was an integral member of our team here at Wishaw and will be very much missed by all.  Jackie has shaped both the department here at Wishaw General to what it is today and also the physiotherapy service delivered within medicine across the board.

“Jackie was a pleasure to work with and the team here will always be very grateful for all the hard work, commitment and friendships that she provided during her time here.”