She can enumerate a long list of changes, but, for Betty Gordon, two things have remained exactly the same since the day in 1967 when she started work in the Cash Office at South Peel Hospital.

“It’s always been a wonderful place to work with a real sense of community and through all the changes, people have remained genuinely devoted to the care of the patient.”

In a few months, Betty Gordon will retire as the Finance Department’s Manager of General Accounting.

“I’ve loved every year of working here.  Change has been ongoing – it never stops — but it’s always been rewarding.”

One of the highlights of her career was the 1985 purchase of Meditech, a new computerized system that was to make hospital records “paperless”.

“We certainly didn’t eliminate paper but it was exciting and interesting to be part of the team that worked on the transition from a paper system to a computer-based system.”

In the years since, she’s been involved in the evolution of the Meditech system.

“I was given the opportunity to participate in a group that was developing the software to meet the needs of hospitals. I got involved so that we could ensure the enhancements of Meditech met our needs.  “For the last six years, I’ve been treasurer of that board.  I’m appreciative of the fact that Trillium gave me the opportunity to do that.”

She’s also proud of her 10 years as treasurer for Volunteers of Trillium and the fact that she was part of the group that pledged to donate $5 million to redevelopment, a goal achieved through the volunteer Gift Shops.

“I’ve been successful because of my total enjoyment of each day,” she says, adding that she wishes to applaud the people on her team.

“I want to recognize the staff who work with me.  They always take the initiative and are accountable for what they do.  I’m only as good as the people I work with.”

Asked how Trillium will cope without her, Betty Gordon laughs. “I guess I am part of the knowledge base of the hospital.  I’ve been around so long I’m really part of the bricks and mortar.”