Obituary Miss Evelyn Hastings RGN OBE 1943-2024

It is with great sadness we report the death of Miss Evelyn Hastings RGN OBE on Saturday 3rd August.

Evelyn was an important part of the Crichton Foundation since its inception in 2000. Initially representing the Board of Dumfries and Galloway College as a member of the Crichton Foundation Board, she remained a Trustee until her retirement in 2021, laterally as our Vice-Convenor. She was also chairperson of our Awards Committee, in which role she was always very direct when expressing her opinion on the standard of the applications submitted. She continued to be a supporter of the Crichton Foundation and took an interest in our work after her retirement.

Evelyn had an impressive career in nursing, beginning as a student nurse in Dumfries in 1961. She went on to hold posts in Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, as well as Newcastle Area Health Authority and Lanarkshire Health Board as the Chief Area Nursing Officer for Scotland. It was during her time as the Sister-in-Charge at the Southern General that the Ibrox disaster occurred. Evelyn was a force to be reckoned with and when the Lord Provost of Glasgow turned up in full regalia for a visit in the midst of things, he was told in no uncertain terms by Nurse Hastings to leave and return the next day.

Evelyn did not suffer fools gladly but was fiercely supportive of those who needed her help. She did not have a family of her own but she took a great interest in the lives of her cousins’ children and was “Aunty” Lyn to many. She enjoyed the finer things in life and had collections of jewellery and porcelain. However, the true loves of her life were her miniature long-haired dachshunds Sacha, Max, Rosie, Bertie, Robbie, Charlie and Rudi.

Evelyn will be missed by all who knew her.