In its 62 years Skaggs Regional Medical Center has grown by leaps and bounds.  One employee, proud to be part of the growth over the years is Jackie Rozell, Director of Skaggs Clinical Laboratory.  After 40 years of working in the lab, Rozell is retiring at the end of August.  During that time the lab had four different locations, each larger than the last.  “When I first started in August of 1972 there were five people in the lab,” explains Rozell.  “Now there are 40 employees and a full clinical lab, an outpatient lab and lab services at many of our satellite clinics.”

Rozell recalls the days before everything was computerized and when glass tubes were used for blood draws.  “Only the basic lab studies were done with a large number having to be sent to reference labs,” she explains.  “Not anymore.  Skaggs Administration has always understood the need for staying abreast with technology, allowing us to advance year after year.”

She reflects on her positive work environment and family ties developed with her co-workers.  “From the beginning, the dedication and pride of the personnel here has been so strong,” explains Rozell.  “The strong focus on patient care is and has always been the shining light of Skaggs.  To be able to be a part of that has been very rewarding.”

Four decades later Rozell is excited to be able to say to her friends, “I am going to do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it.”  Retirement holds travel and volunteerism for Rozell.  “My grandchildren are in North Carolina and Seattle,” she explains.  “So, I’ll visit them, and I hope to volunteer and spend more time with my parents who are both still living and in a nursing home.”