Gwen Wishart of Gladstone began her nursing career at the local hospital in Gladstone in 1955 and advanced to the position of Matron in 1967 and was later the Director of Acute Care until her retirement in 1989.
After her retirement, she continued to work for seven years as a nurse in a community nursing home. During her career there were countless times when she volunteered her time and energy to maintain the quality of medical care on which her community depended, including sandbagging during floods to protect the facility. She also found herself on various advisory boards and committees, overseeing and offering her expertise to health care affiliated organizations.
Mrs. Wishart is a founding member of the local volunteer ambulance service and a recipient of the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. She was instrumental in forming and maintaining the Palliative Care Committee. She spends time sitting with patients who have no local family or friends. She is the committee’s treasurer, has long been a part of the health auxiliary, has served as President and Regional Representative, and has been a citizen representative on the District Advisory Committee for the Regional Health Authority – Central Manitoba District. She has been trained as an educator for the Arthritis Society.
In addition, she has been a member of the I.O.D.E., the Gladstone Area Seniors Support Program, Citizens on Patrol & Citizens Advisory Council on Crime, Meals on Wheels, and also served for two years as President of Manitoba Child and Family Services. 2002
