Debora Brenner, a patient access representative at Trinity Health Livingston, shares her 50-year transformational experience working for the hospital.
“When I began my journey at McPherson Hospital in 1975, I was just 19 years old, working as a switchboard operator on an old plug-in board with a rotary dial,” said Brenner. “I was trained by a wonderful woman named Betty, and back then, everything was done by hand because there weren’t any computers; just paper and the careful reading of doctor’s handwritten notes.
"Throughout the next several years, while being a single parent, I worked various shifts. Norma, was my manager and felt like a second mother. She trained and mentored me in all aspects of the job. After those early years of doing everything by hand, we slowly began transitioning to using typewriters.
“At the time, it felt like a big step forward — but it came with its own challenges. Every mistake meant stopping to carefully use corrector tape, making sure everything was lined up just right. It was a very time-consuming process, and you had to be incredibly patient and detail-oriented to get things perfect.
“As the years went on, computers began entering the workplace. It was a whole new world! What once took so much time could suddenly be done much faster, but it also meant learning an entirely new way of doing things. I found myself in a unique position; I had learned the old ways so thoroughly, and now I was adapting to the new technology. Before long, I was helping to train some of the older employees, guiding them through how to use computers and reassuring them as they adjusted to such a big change.
“Since then, I have trained several new coworkers, which has been a very rewarding experience. There are a few seasoned employees who have worked for the hospital for 20 plus years, and whom I feel I’ve formed a bond with, like family. Over the decades I have been employed, the hospital has evolved from McPherson Hospital, to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, and finally to Trinity Health Livingston.
“Now, as we prepare to move to Brighton, I reflect on these 50 years with immense gratitude. I love the people, the sense of community, and the way we all care for each other and our patients.
“Being able to help so many patients over the years has been both an honor and a privilege and I will carry these memories with me forever. Leaving Howell after half a century is truly bittersweet, but I know Brighton will bring new beginnings, even as a piece of my heart stays here."