After 37 years and a varied career across NHS Forth Valley, Deirdre Coyle, Head of Information Governance is finally leaving the world of records, data security and information management behind her for a well-earned retirement.
Deirdre started working at the former Stirling Royal Infirmary as a temporary clerical officer within medical records in 1985. The job was only meant to last for three weeks which she described as the longest three weeks in her life. After escaping from the dark filing room where she was ‘locked’ away to sort out records she escaped to work in a range of roles in health records across the organisation. This included periods working at Bellsdyke, in the ‘Casualty’ Department, the former Royal Scottish National Hospital and, in the last 14 years, as Head of Information Governance where she has built up a team to respond to the requirements of new data legislation, cyber security and information management.
At her retirement tea, where she was joined by current and former colleagues from across NHS Forth Valley, she recalled the many ‘characters’ she has worked with and the many changes she has seen in the last four decades. From computers the size of sideboards to the requirement to memorise hundreds of clinic lists and take insurance details from newly arrived trauma patients she has seen it all and adapted to the ever changing world of the NHS.
Deirdre thanked her team and Medical Director, Andrew Murray, for their support and said she hoped her work to raise the profile and importance of Information Governance across the organisation will continue.
