After more than 33 years of dedicated service, Raymond Hamill, NHS Lanarkshire’s Senior Research and Development Manager, has retired.
Raymond began his NHS journey at Monklands District General Hospital in February 1991 and has been instrumental in shaping the health board’s research and development (R&D) landscape.
A proud recipient of the Dux Medal from St Margaret’s High School in Airdrie, Raymond’s early promise was matched by a career marked by innovation, leadership and a deep-rooted commitment to Lanarkshire.
Dr Chris Deighan, NHS Lanarkshire Medical Director, said: “The only word I can use for Raymond is irreplaceable. I think the R&D department owes everything to Raymond. The reputation of NHS Lanarkshire as a ‘non-medical school R&D department’ is way up there and the credit for that goes to Raymond and to the rest of the team.
“Everybody recognises the high regard that Raymond is held in by his team. I would like to thank Raymond personally for all the support he has given me and I wish him all the best in his retirement, he will be sorely missed.”
Since taking on the newly created R&D Manager role in 2009, Raymond built a department from scratch, now a 30-strong team, ensuring NHS Lanarkshire’s place on the national map.
Latterly, Raymond played a pivotal role in enhancing NHS Lanarkshire’s academic partnerships. He helped establish and manage strategic collaborations with institutions such as the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University.
Reflecting on his career, Raymond said: “I have always had good bosses and good people to work with. I love Lanarkshire. I had chances to move away but every time the emotional pull made me want to remain in Lanarkshire. I am from Lanarkshire, the whole team are, and we like looking after people from Lanarkshire – that is what it’s all about for us. It is the best place to be.”
In retirement, Raymond plans to enjoy more travel, indulge in his love of music and following his beloved Glasgow Celtic.
