140 Doctors Retired Last Year from the Alicante Health Department

With the presentation of an original lithograph of the Dr. Balmis Hospital facade, inked by the renowned Alicante artist José Cerezo, and a sincere token of gratitude for their dedication and service to public health, 140 doctors who retired last year from the Alicante Health Department-General Hospital were bid farewell.

This Thursday, an event was held to honour these retired doctors, attended by family members and active colleagues, and took place in the auditorium of the Doctor Balmis University General Hospital.

The territorial director of the Health Department in Alicante, Francisco Ponce, presided over the event alongside the medical director, Diego Díez, and the director of Nursing, Mª Remedio Yáñez, as vice-president of the Social Acts Commission.

During the event, symbolic credentials with the name of each retiree were presented as recognition of their career and connection with the centre.

Dr. Elena Lorda addressed a few words on behalf of her colleagues. With 37 years of service, more than 25 as head of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Service, she emotionally reflected on the human and professional value of the hospital she belonged to.

The territorial director, Francisco Ponce, approached the professionals to address them, highlighting that it is a pleasure to be at this tribute to "accompany colleagues on this path." He thanked them for having done "an excellent job, leaving unique memories in the minds of those they interacted with. It is you who have made this department as great as it is, for Valencian healthcare."

The medical director, Diego Díez, reiterated his gratitude "for all the years of service you have dedicated to this department. Thank you for your dedication, empathy, and for always striving for excellence in patient care. Now it is time to pass the baton and, above all, to fully enjoy life."

For her part, the director of Nursing, Mª Remedio Yáñez, emphasized that the department "is great for many reasons, but its greatest value is undoubtedly its human capital. You are leaving, but you leave an indelible legacy: in the students, in the residents, in every colleague you shared the path with, and of course, in the grateful memory of the patients you cared for, treated, and accompanied."

Additionally, a touching video featuring images of the retired staff was shown, created by the head of the Economic Management Service, Miguel Pérez.

The event concluded with a performance by the Juan Félix Coello Choir, the first in the Valencian Community born in the hospital environment, dedicating its repertoire to the honoured professionals.