A SURGEON retiring from the Countess of Chester Hospital has shaved her head in support of the many patients she has treated over her 35-year NHS career.
Breast and Paediatric consultant surgeon Elizabeth Redmond, who started at the Countess as a general surgeon in 1998, decided to mark her final day as a consultant by taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign.
Reflecting on the many patients she has treated over the years, she wanted to do something to show support for them and raise money for a good cause at the same time.
“Simply shaving your head doesn’t come close to understanding what our cancer patients go through, but when I saw this campaign I wanted to do it as a statement of solidarity,” Miss Redmond said.
“Macmillan do a lot for cancer services, providing funding, support and advice that helps us offer more seamless care to our patients. This is my opportunity to give a little something back to them as well.”
Elizabeth Redmond before and after the shave
Miss Redmond, who first spent time as a junior doctor at the Countess before later returning as a consultant, has seen huge changes to the breast care team during her time at the Trust. The most significant being the current Ursula Keyes Breast Care Centre, located near Outpatients 4, opening in 2003 after a huge Countess Charity fundraising campaign.
She has also played a key role in developing and growing the team around her and says that is something she is most proud of as she steps away to enjoy her retirement.
She said: “We have a high-quality breast care service with a really good team ethos.
“When I look back over my time here that is what I’m most proud of because I know I’m leaving our patients and the service in very good hands.”
After the shave, she joked that she felt a little chilly.
Miss Redmond has raised more than £1,000 as part of her ‘Brave the Shave’ pledge, but she is not surprised by the levels of generosity shown by her colleagues.
“I’m really grateful for the support I’ve had from people in the hospital both for this challenge and throughout my career. I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked with who has helped to make it such a nice environment to come into every day.”
To support the fundraising campaign visit https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/elizabeth-redmond
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