Hunter New England Health director of rural and regional health Susan Heyman and general manager of Mehi sector David Quirk were in Moree to present Certificates of Appreciation to a total of 27 staff members who were recognised for greater than 25 years or 40 years of service to NSW Health.

Nurse Heather Mooney was recognised for the longest service, having been a nurse at Moree Hospital since 1977.

Ms Heyman and Mr Quirk congratulated Ms Mooney on her contribution of 40 years of dedicated service to NSW Health.

Ms Mooney first started at Moree Hospital on June 7, 1977 and she’s been there ever since, apart from two short breaks to have her children.

Over that time she has worked in most departments of the hospital.

For the last few years she’s mostly been working in the operating theatre, as well as the emergency department on weekends.

Ms Mooney said she absolutely loves her job.

“What I love most about my job in general is being able to help people, especially if I see someone really ill or badly injured, seeing what we can do to help them get better is the best part,” she said.

“It’s a very rewarding career.”

Over the past 40 years Ms Mooney has seen lots of changes, most for the better of patients and staff.

“Without leaving Moree, I’ve worked for seven different health systems over the years,” she said.

“[Technology-wise] it’s so much better, we have so many things that make a nurse’s life a little easier now.

“Years ago we used to lift heavy people, now we have equipment to do all that.”

Ms Mooney said she has no plans to retire any time soon and hopes to continue working as long as her health allows.

She said she’d love to aim for 50 years of service.