After a remarkable 41 years’ service, health and social work manager Richard Burgon has retired.

Richard began his career with the NHS in September 1974 when he was appointed as area administrative trainee with Fife Health Board.

After completing his training, Richard took up the post of higher clerical officer in August 1976 at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, before joining Johnstone & Thorn Hospitals (formerly Argyll & Clyde health board) in December 1979 as a general admin assistant.

Richard joined NHS Lanarkshire in July 1987 as a hospital administrator at Bellshill Maternity Hospital, a position he held until February 1988 when he moved to the Motherwell & Clydesdale Unit at Strathclyde Hospital as community administrator.

In May 1992, Richard was promoted to service manager and, in April 1995, was further promoted to director of operations with South Lanarkshire community and primary care at Udston Hospital.

In April 1999, Richard became planning manager with Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust and, in May 2001, became general manager of paediatrics.

In April 2005, Richard transferred to Cleland Hospital before moving to Netherton House at Wishaw General Hospital as general manager for the north-east unit in April 2010.

In November 2015, as health and social work services integrated, Richard became the integrated health and social work manager, a post he held until his retirement.

In his spare time, Richard enjoys golf, cycling, holidaying at his caravan in Ayrshire and travelling abroad. Richard has also recently became the owner a new cava-chon pup.

Richard lives in Chapelhall with his wife Anne and has one step-daughter Eilidh, 14.

Stephen Kerr, interim head of health, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Richard has dedicated 41 years of his career to working in the NHS in a variety of roles that have contributed to improving the health and wellbeing of the population. “Those of us who have come to know and admire him during his many years in NHS Lanarkshire, will miss him greatly. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”