Trust stalwart Eileen Hamer has retired today after 29 years here.

Comms caught up with her over cupcakes at HRI. There was also more cake at another session at CRH. 

Mike Culshaw paid tribute to her hailing her the "backbone" of pharmacy and praising her passion and true grit down the years

He said: " Eileen has been the backbone of Pharmacy for the last 29 years .Much of the success of the Pharmacy team can be attributed to her super-efficiency, knowledge of everyone and everything, her passion and true grit . We will miss her dearly and wish her every success and happiness in the next exciting stage of her life."

Earlier CEO Owen Williams had dropped in to say farewell - see attachment.

Owen  said: "It was a hectic day but I couldn't miss the chance to give Eileen a goodbye hug. She has been a tremendous servant to the Trust and all the farewell messages she received from colleagues and patients alike tell their own story. I wish he all the best for the future."

Here's Eileen's thoughts...in her own words.

"Throughout my  time I have met, past and present, some lovely people and enjoyed my working career because of the friendships and working relationships forged in that time.  Since October 2012 as a Trust Membership Governor for admin and clerical, I have also had the opportunity to work closely with the Trust Board, Non-Executives and some extremely knowledgeable, lovely and sociable staff and public representatives.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this role and would highly recommend it to those who want to share in contributing to our future.

" I do feel sad to be leaving and moving as I have lived in Halifax/Huddersfield my entire life, but I am looking forward to a new, exciting and happy future with Ray. Part of my heart will always remain here as my much loved daughters/their husbands, granddaughter and soon second grandchild, live in Huddersfield.  Therefore my interest in the Trust will not wain…. the only difference will be you won’t have to listen to me “bang on” about how great we are as a team.

  " I made the personal choice not to have a leaving “do/ present”. In the past the Pharmacy team have been very generous and I have lovely mementos to cherish from them. I would instead prefer that next time you are having a drink you raise your glass to me for my future health and happiness, as I will do for all of you.  

   " You are a fabulous bunch of very caring people and I feel lucky to have known and worked with each and every one of you both within the Trust and also Community, Engie and ISS.

Love and very best wishes to you all