Joan says Goodbye After 50 Years
Thursday 26th August
2010
Joan O’Sullivan, Senior Practitioner of the
Visual and Hearing Impairment Team, officially left the council
today, after 50 years service. The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave
Hodgson, attended her farewell celebration at midday, at Sight
Concern’s Offices in Bromham Road, Bedford.
Joan was just 17 when she joined Bedfordshire
County Council as part of a trainee scheme, working in many
departments, and eventually opting for the Health Department. After
providing support for groundbreaking local research and trials into
glaucoma and diabetes, Joan developed a keen interest in visual
impairment.
Throughout her career, she organised numerous
activities to enable those with visual impairment to develop
independence and confidence. This included hospital liaison, craft
workshops, clubs, drop-in centres, social events, and became a
trustee for Sight Concern.
The Visual Impairment Team expanded in 1994,
and three of the original members are still in the team today. In
2008, Joan took on the additional challenge of leading the ‘Deaf
and Hearing Impairment Team’.
Frank Toner, Executive Director of Adult
Services, at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Joan has consistently
fought her corner for resources for people with sensory needs. Her
commitment and dedication to working with sight impairment has been
consistent throughout her career. I feel sure that services in
Bedfordshire would not be as advanced without the hard work and
dedication she has shown. Despite the fact that she is not
particularly tall, she is in all senses of the word a ‘big’ lady
with a big heart, and a big fund of ideas. Joan’s enthusiasm for
the sensory needs service has empowered her staff to be the best
they can be. Over the years Joan has supported hundreds of visually
impaired people of all ages.”
Bedford Borough Council wishes Joan a happy
and healthy retirement, and expresses their sincere thanks for the
massive contribution she has made to the care of vulnerable people
in the borough.