I still remember like yesterday, when I was asked to go see CNO of the medical department for Introduction as a new member of the department as a staff nurse. For a moment, I recall how the CNOs and DDNS would treat us while we were still students and I dreaded having that frightening experience again . In the midst of the anxiety, I gathered courage and walked in and seated was Bernice Mensah CNO of the medical department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as she said come in. She mentioned my name straight away with a smile and after every formality I left the office with a different impression of her, because she was really receptive. Little did I know that the moment she mentioned your name, she creates a space in her heart for you that is irreplaceable. There is no staff in the medical block that she doesn’t know the full name even the newest of staff and she loves everyone equally.
Your retirement will create a big vacuum in the medical department and in the hearts of many, and so you know, you are irreplaceable.
You acted as a leader, manager, friend, mother, counsellor, advocate, a role model to the patients, nursing and medical staff. You created an opportunity for everyone to showcase their potential and created an avenue of continuous learning by supporting the weekly nursing presentation. You were so concerned about our welfare that you supported the medical staff welfare and would always contribute more during voluntary contribution.
Your morning Koko, kose and brodo for the night staff was a great motivation, what about the biscuits and drink for the night staff, to make sure we don’t become hypoglycemic during night shift, it was a life saver. Free bags of water to take from your car for each unit, to help us save some coins, or is it the Christmas and new year meal for staff, OMG, I can go on and on and on, how you go and extra mile making sure staff are comfortable and happy. Because you know a happy staff will always be productive. No wonder most of us call you mama with our full chest, with no apologies.
We didn’t work with Florence Nightingale but we can boldly say we worked with someone who fits what he heard about her, in both passion and love for humanity and contribution to the profession.
You have fought a good fight and you have finished the race in the nursing profession, you have retired working as a nurse but you will always be a nurse.
We love so dearly and you could see that from your send off party, May God continue to bless you mama, we love you and will definitely miss you.
Ayeeeko 👏👏
Medaase 👏👏
Akpe 👏👏
Well-done 👏👏
Happy retirement Mrs Bernice Mensah
From the former secretary of Medical Staff Welfare Association.
Theresa Eze
(Formerly know as Theresa Ani)
