NHS Lanarkshire colleagues gathered in large numbers to pay tribute to Judith Park, a well-loved and highly respected senior manager in the acute division, as she retired at the end of this week.
Judith (pictured centre) has dedicated nearly 40 years to working in NHS Scotland, most of that time with NHS Lanarkshire.
With a BA Hons in Nursing, Judith started her career in a clinical role in NHS Forth Valley. She also has a postgraduate Master in Business Administration qualification, which led her into a hugely influential managerial career with us.
Her general manager roles included surgery & critical care, women’s services, cancer & diagnostics, and in our acute hospitals, Hairmyres and Wishaw. Judith went on to become head of access, deputy director and then director of acute services, and one of our deputy chief executives.
Speaking at a Judith’s retirement event at Kirklands headquarters, Professor Jann Gardner, NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive, told her: “Enormous congratulations as you move to this next chapter in life. I’d like to offer huge thanks for all you’ve done and for those 37 years in NHS Scotland – what a contribution and commitment! You have made so much positive impact over the years.”
Russell Coulthard, who has taken over from Judith as director of acute, added to the warm words, highlighting Judith’s reputation as a compassionate leader.
He said: “Judith has been a friend to all of us – and what a presence in our lives. During an illustrious career in senior roles, she has made a huge contribution to NHS Lanarkshire, the NHS and, crucially, to the patients of Lanarkshire.”
Dr John Keaney, Divisional Medical Director for Acute, added: “It’s a tribute to Judith to see so many colleagues, past and present, gathered here. She is the embodiment of professional leadership and always remembers the patient, who is the person at the centre of everything we do.”
Judith was director of acute services from December 2020 to April 2024 and latterly held the post of director of planned care.
She thanked colleagues as she reflected: “I’ve spent most of my career with NHS Lanarkshire, thanks to the great work family – people you trust and develop a bond with. I’m very grateful to them for their help and support.
“I’ve stayed in Lanarkshire due to the positive culture, the people, the communities and the way we collectively build whole-system working. The patient being at the centre of things is what’s most important to me. It’s been a fantastic job and I’ve absolutely loved it.”
Stressing that working in challenging senior NHS roles needs “vigour and enthusiasm”, Judith concluded by thanking her family for their support during her career.
Judith now intends to enjoy plenty of family time with husband David , their son and daughter and her parents.
