Colleagues of Christine Matthews a dentist in Beverley, East Yorkshire have paid tribute to their colleague after she clocked up forty years of service.
To mark the remarkable achievement staff at Highgate Dental Practice sprung a surprise party.
Colleagues had plenty to say about the dentist who for four decades has provided care to countless people. Associate Dentist, David Davies said:
“It is just an amazing thing to have done the job for this long. For Christine to still be enjoying her job after this amount of time is incredible.”
“Obviously a lot of the patients have been coming to see Christine for that time and still come to see her. it is very satisfying in a way that a lot of the patients are still coming after 40 years.”
“I hope Christine just keeps on doing what she is doing and that she stays in good health from now on. Also, I hope she can carry on doing the job for as many more years as she wants to.”
A Phenomenal Achievement From A Phenomenal Lady
Practice Owner Jonathan Glassby has worked with Christine for six and a half years in total. He says in that time he has learnt a lot from her and her approach to patient care. He also said she lights up a room. Jonathan said:
“If I could last a fraction of that time in the same job and the same role with the patients watching them grow up and watching them mature I would very happy.”
“I think it is a phenomenal achievement from a phenomenal lady. The staff and the patients certainly adore her. She is the mother of the practice.”
“Christine has the ability to connect with every type of person. As a result, patients trust her in what she does hence she has built a stable list of loyal customers.”
“I want to wish her all the best, here’s to another 40 years.”
Outside Of Work We Just Have A Good Time
Dental Nurse Julie Woollock has spent 20 years working in the same practice as Christine. She says her friend is compassionate and shows a lot of empathy with her patients. She said:
“Congratulations Christine you deserve it. You are a bloody good dentist and a really nice friend. Thank you for being in my life.”
Carol Hamlet, a dental care professional has known Christine for decades. She says the pair have shared many life experiences together over the years describing her as an immaculate person.
Carol says Christine will always be her friend. Recalling some of their antics over the years Carol said:
“Outside of work we just out and have a great time in Beverley. Over the years we have certainly had some fabulous times. Lost a lot of our friends who have moved on but we do all stay in touch and raise a glass of wine now and again.”
“Back in younger days, we would go to the King’s Head though Beverley has changed so much. Now we go to the cocktail bar and like going to Figaro for a meal.”
Dental Nurse Evan Catt has worked with Christine for eight years. She says that over the years Christine has played a pivotal role in helping her develop her own career. She said:
“Christine has seen me grow up, it has been really good working with her. She has definitely had a positive impact on my career.”
“I have become a lot more confident under her guidance. When I first started I rarely spoke to patients but by working with her I gained confidence and now you can not shut me up.”
Christine Is Just A Lovely Person
Beverley Jefferson is the Head Receptionist at the practice. In the 23 years she has worked alongside Christine the pair have developed a close friendship.
She said:
“Christine is just a lovely person. She is one of us and does not come across as a boss. Kind and sharing she always treats us and is certainly one of the gang.”
“When we are out Christine is quite partial to a gin or a martini expresso and likes a bit of a dance.”
“All the customers love her, they do not want her to go. When they come down from treatments they ask if she is she is going to retire. The clients see her as a friend and most of them are on first name terms.”
Beverley said that Christine was absolutely determined to reach forty years of service. On reaching four decades in the job Beverley said:
“Well done Christine. She had a faze when she was not very well and as a result, she took a year out. We thought she may not come back. But she was determined through thick and thin to come back and she did. All the staff and the patients were so glad to see her return to work.”
