Kirkcaldy midwife who delivered thousands of babies set to retire

A Kirkcaldy nurse and midwife is set to hang up her uniform after working for nearly half a century with NHS Fife.
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Linda Kirk, who is in her 50th year of working with the local health authority, is set to retire this Sunday.

Linda, who is originally from Sunderland, started her student nurse training shortly before her 18th birthday with East Fife District Hospitals at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy on August 9, 1971.

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She always wanted to be a nurse from a young age, but never thought she would leave her home to achieve her goal.

Nurse and midwife Linda Kirk who is in her 50th year of working with NHS Fife is due to retire on November 29.   Pic:  Fife Photo AgencyNurse and midwife Linda Kirk who is in her 50th year of working with NHS Fife is due to retire on November 29.   Pic:  Fife Photo Agency
Nurse and midwife Linda Kirk who is in her 50th year of working with NHS Fife is due to retire on November 29. Pic: Fife Photo Agency

She said: “I originally wanted to do my training in Edinburgh but there was a year’s waiting list there, so I applied to the Fife School of Nursing and Midwifery and was successful.”

She recalls her new uniform: “We were the first group to wear it – and it was shapeless!

"It came down to your calves and there was a belt around the middle. We had to wear white shoes and our caps were paper, kept in place with white kirby grips.”

Linda (middle row, 3rd from the right ) pictured with the other student midwives in September 1976.Linda (middle row, 3rd from the right ) pictured with the other student midwives in September 1976.
Linda (middle row, 3rd from the right ) pictured with the other student midwives in September 1976.
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During her three years training, she was sent to other hospitals including Forth Park for midwifery. At that time, she didn’t want to be a midwife.

Linda qualified in March 1975 as a registered general nurse, but despite saying she wasn't going to do midwifery, she started her year long training as a student midwife on September 1, 1976.

She recalled: “I qualified in November 1976, but there were no jobs either in midwifery or general nursing. I was on the dole – but after three months I got a job in Boots. In June 1977 I started back at Forth Park as a staff midwife and, two years later, I became a midwifery sister.”

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Linda’s son Steven was born in June 1982 and so she came back to work as a staff midwife part time for a decade when when she became a midwifery sister again.

She worked in the labour ward until staff moved to the new build at Victoria Hospital in January 2012.

The relocation was a poignant day for the team and Linda who had worked there for 37 years.

In 1993 part of her duties involved organising training for staff on how to help and support bereaved parents who had lost a child.

In 2004 Linda was nominated by the staff for an award.

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She said: “The Child Bereavement Trust celebrated its 10th anniversary and decided to present ‘Outstanding Bereavement Support’ awards. I was one of two midwives in Scotland nominated and I received a highly commended award.

"When clearing my filing cabinet I came across thank you cards from bereaved parents and a copy of the presentation from the ceremony - these are my greatest memories and I will always treasure them.”

Linda reckons she has delivered thousands of babies over the years.

She added: “I never wanted to be a midwife, but I am so glad I did because I have loved every minute of it. There were sad times as well as happy times, but I wouldn't have missed any of it. I am proud to have worked for NHS Fife.”

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