A lifetime of dedication: The resilient x-ray veterans of Nova Scotia Health

In the bustling halls of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, three remarkable individuals defy the conventional trajectory of a career in healthcare. Eric Morrison, Dave Doyle, and Frankie Fougere are the seasoned trio who collectively hold nearly a century and a half of experience in the hospital's X-ray department. These dedicated professionals have all retired at one point, only to return to the very place where they had spent their entire careers. This is the story of their unwavering commitment to their craft and the profound impact they continue to make on the health and well-being of Nova Scotians.

Frankie Fougere – The radiant veteran:

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Frankie Fougere, an embodiment of grace and warmth, almost sidestepped the diagnostic imaging career she has enjoyed for over 50 years. 

"When I was young, I always thought I wanted to be a nurse. My sister was two years older than me, and she went into X-ray. I used to look at her textbooks, and she’d say, ‘You’ll like this better than nursing,’ so I went into X-ray. I graduated in September of 1970 from X-ray here at the Victoria General (VG), because the school was right in the hospital back then." 

Fresh-faced and eager, Fougere embraced the challenges and triumphs that came with the evolving field of radiology. "I started in neurosurgery, and I worked there for 18 years. I was quite lucky because neuro had the first CT scanner, so I got to work on that. The first one east of Montreal. It was November 17, 1975."

After a fulfilling career spanning four decades, Fougere chose to bid farewell to her daily routine. Retirement brought her some leisure time, but the hospital corridors continued to call out to her. 

"I retired on December 31, 2003. I went to Europe for 6 months, but then came back and re-trained as a technician, and then I came back to the VG." 

Fougere is now marking 53+ years since she first walked in the door. "I think when I retired, I knew I’d be bored. I’m happy to be back. I think it’s great to be taking care of people. To put them at ease. You try to treat everybody as if it was your own family."

Fougere’s wealth of experience has made her an invaluable mentor to the younger generation of healthcare providers; her patience and wisdom guide them through complex cases, fostering continuous learning and growth within the department. 

"I’m just happy that I still can do it, and I think do a good job. I’m really fortunate- since day one, I’ve loved my job. I’ve grown with it, and I’m still learning."

Dave Doyle – A compassionate caregiver who is on the case:

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Known for his soothing demeanor and compassionate care, Dave Doyle has been an integral part of Nova Scotia Health’s diagnostic imaging department for just shy of 50 years. His journey has been marked by a desire to merge his love for patient care with the evolving field of medical imaging. 

"In 1975, I started in the OR as a nursing attendant, and I wasn’t really happy. I wanted more patient contact," said Doyle, who applied for a job in X-ray next. "I spent my two-week vacation here, in the library, and I researched everything about X-ray…and I got the job."

"So many things have changed in X-ray over the years, and a lot of it for the better. When I first started, we had the dark room.” The mere mention of the dark room draws an audible groan from all three at the table. “We’d go in and change the films in total darkness. Then it went through the processor, and then eventually we got to digital." 

The job has also offered some unexpected adventures. "We used to go to the morgue quite a bit. We used to do suspected homicides. The RCMP officers would be there, and they would watch us carefully. It was kind of trying and tense at times. Maybe somebody shot them or stabbed them, so we had to X-ray them, and a lot of times we’d find shrapnel in the person’s leg, stomach, or even in the head. It was very interesting work."

Doyle’s first retirement was a matter of course for him. "I’d said it myself, ‘I can’t wait to retire’". However, the pull of caring for patients proved too strong. "I was 62. When retirement actually came I was really upset. I was off for maybe 2 months, and I realized ‘oh god, I’ve made a mistake.’ 

It was a sense of duty and the bonds formed with patients over the years that drew Doyle back. "I had to come back, and I’ve been back ever since." 

Doyle’s return brought a wave of warmth to the Halifax Infirmary, with his gentle touch and empathetic approach easing the anxieties of patients undergoing X-ray procedures. His dedication to compassionate care serves as an inspiration to the entire hospital staff. "The main focus of X-ray is patient care,” said Doyle. “You have got to be that kind of person to be able to work at it as long as we have. I wouldn’t think about working anywhere else. I love the job and the people I work with. I couldn’t ask for more."

Eric Morrison – Patience for patients:

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Eric Morrison, with his quick wit and boundless energy, stands as a testament to the timeless adage – age is just a number. He was told about an opening at the Halifax Infirmary when he was in his early twenties. "They needed someone to push the big mobile around. To assist the technologists,” said Morrison. “It was a 2000-pound X-ray machine." 

The hiring process was a little simpler in those days. "I said ‘when do I start?’ He said ‘tomorrow’. That was September of 1973." 

After a fulfilling career, Morrison's initial retirement was short-lived. "When I was in my late 50’s I was like ‘Oh good, 4 more years to go and then I’m retired. Then the time came, and I was getting my pension and was home for two weeks. I was like ‘What did I retire for? I’m going back to work."

Now 74, Morrison doesn’t think retirement will be anytime soon. "I’m still healthy. I don’t have arthritis; I’m not on pills, and my doctor said ‘keep going’” said Morrison, who adds that the mobile X-ray isn’t any lighter, but it is now motorized for easy transport.

Morrison’s motivation is simple: "I enjoy working with patients. I enjoy my work." Now, in his mid 70s, he is still a vibrant part of the diagnostic imaging community. His colleagues often marvel at his skills, honed over a lifetime of dedication to his craft. 

And his advice to the next generation of DI staff? "There’s no point in working if you don’t like this. You need to be a person who wants to help people. You’ve got to be patient to take care of patients."

In the heart of QEII, Eric Morrison, Dave Doyle, and Frankie Fougere continue to make a lasting impact on the X-ray department. Their decision to return to work after retirement is not merely a testament to their enduring passion for their craft but also a reflection of the profound sense of purpose that comes with serving the community.

They have witnessed the transition from traditional film X-rays to the digital era, adapting their skills with unwavering determination. "We went from chemicals to digital," says Frankie. "That’s a long road and we’ve lived that. I just wonder what’s around the corner. What’s the next step? I’m keen to find out. I think it keeps us young, actually."

As these seasoned professionals navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, their stories illuminate the importance of experience, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to patient care. Frankie, Dave, and Eric stand as living legends, leaving an indelible mark on the hospital and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.