Two veteran healthcare workers have retired from Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after contributing a combined 81 years to public hospital care in Antigua and Barbuda.

Central Sterilization Clerks Amelia Williams and Maria Thomas were honoured for decades of service that began at Holberton Hospital and continued through its transition to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre and later Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

Williams completed 35 years of service, while Thomas retired after a 46-year career.

Working largely behind the scenes, the women helped ensure medical equipment was properly sterilized and available to healthcare professionals—a vital responsibility in maintaining safe patient care.

“For more than three decades, and in Maria’s case, nearly five, they showed up, did the work, supported their colleagues and played an important behind-the-scenes role in keeping our hospital running and our patients cared for,” SLBMC said.

Colleagues celebrated the pair’s careers and reflected on the friendships, memories and contributions built over the years.

“Amelia and Maria, thank you for giving so much of yourselves to our hospital and to the people of Antigua & Barbuda. Your work has mattered, and your presence will be missed,” the medical centre said.

SLBMC wished both women a happy and well-deserved retirement.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Amelia Williams and Maria Thomas Retire After Combined 81 Years in Public Healthcare.