A CLYDEBANK hospital worker has been honoured for her 50-year service to Scotland’s NHS.

Ida Torrance’s five decades of dedication was recognised at NHS Golden Jubilee’s Our People staff awards ceremony.

Her career spans Glasgow’s major hospitals, including the Royal Infirmary, the Western Infirmary, and Yorkhill Children’s Hospital, before joining the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank in 2008.

Ida, a theatre worker from Milngavie, started her career as a physiological measurement technician in October 1973 at Glasgow Royal Infirmary before moving to the Western Infirmary a year later.

By 1976, she began training as a perfusionist, a role she says has been both "challenging and rewarding."

Throughout her long service, Ida has been instrumental in pioneering advanced techniques and services.

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Reflecting on her incredible journey, Ida said: “The machinery we use has evolved dramatically. When I started, operations took a lot longer.

"Today, surgeries are faster and more sophisticated, allowing us to tackle much more complex cases, particularly in adult and paediatric congenital care.

"It’s been incredible to see the advancements over the years.”

Ida, a mum of two, has witnessed the transformation of NHS Golden Jubilee into Scotland’s leading cardiac centre.

She said: “The Golden Jubilee has grown to handle a lot of cardiac care for Scotland and it's amazing to have been part of this journey.

“The hospital provides an excellent working environment, really supportive management, dedicated colleagues and we have the resources needed to provide the best care possible.”

She has treasured the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives.

At the NHS Golden Jubilee event, she met a former paediatric patient who had undergone cardiac surgery as a baby in 1995.

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Ida said: “Given the timing and my role at the hospital then, I realised I might have been involved in his care.

"It was really amazing, he has been fit and well ever since, and moments like that make everything worthwhile.”

Although officially retired in 2022, Ida returned part-time, continuing her service, sharing her expertise, and supporting excellence in patient care.

She added: “I love helping people and being part of a team that changes lives.

"The Golden Jubilee is a fantastic place to work, everyone's so nice and kind and I feel privileged to play my part.”