Local clinic nurse says goodbye after 30 years

A bittersweet goodbye for clinical nurse, Edward Lister as he closes The Travel Medicine Clinic in Rancho Mirage. The clinic has been a place where he's built a family with travelers.

"It's a little bit depressing," said Lister. " I have been doing this for 30 years and all of sudden the phone isn't ringing anymore because no is traveling."

Due to the pandemic shutdown,Lister decided to pack it all up and say his farewells.

"We have real severe travel restrictions right now and people are going no where and I don't see in the future it being very robust so its time to retire," said Lister.

 But Lister said it came too soon.

"No.. i don't want to go," said Lister. "I wasn't prepared for this."

Over the years, Lister has vaccinated 30,000 valley travelers before going on trips to South America, Africa and many other destinations.

"It's going to be a huge inconvenience because I have always relied on Edward and this clinic for all of my shots," said Jeffrey Crider, Public Relations Directors for IMAHelps. "Plus, he would give me advice on what to be paying attention to in these different countries."

Lister took News Channel 3 around the clinic one last time before closing.

Lister said he'll be donating his supplies and equipment to a local  non-profit, IMAHelps, an organization providing medical help to impoverished countries.

"Syringes, dressings, alcohol sponges, I have got a vaccine refrigerator in the other room and vaccine freezer, examine table," said Lister.

IMAHelps spokesperson said the donations will also be given back to our community.

"All of this we could put to good, " said Crider. "I also believe there will be other material that we re-donate to local hospitals here in the Coachella Valley as well our medical team will go through it."

"I am going to miss you, I am going to miss your crazy calls and you're crazy trips and miss the fun," said Lister. "Goodbye."