THE GOLDEN Jubilee Foundation chief executive has retired after 14 years of leading Scotland’s flagship hospital and thanked staff for making her job “worthwhile and fulfilling.”

Jill Young clocked out for the last time more than 40 years after starting her career in the NHS.

Having started out as an auxiliary nurse, Jill’s focus on redesign and modernisation of services saw her quickly work her way up the nursing and management ranks and in July 2004 she was appointed as the chief executive of the Golden Jubilee.

Jill said: “It has been my honour and my privilege to be chief executive for the past 14 years. It has undoubtedly been the most exceptional job I could have wished for and, although it has had many challenges over the years, I could not have asked for better support.”

Under Jill’s leadership, the Golden Jubilee has grown from just 3,000 procedures in its first year to more than 55,000 procedures in 2017/18 and become home to major centres for orthopaedics, heart and lung, ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging.

Jill paid tribute to the Golden Jubilee’s dedicated staff.

She added: “They are some of the most passionate, hardworking and dedicated teams I have ever worked with.

“I would like to thank every single member of staff, old and new, as I could not have done my job and delivered so much without knowing that I could rely on their expert advice, guidance, support and friendship.

“I am leaving the Golden Jubilee in safe hands, and I am confident that it will continue operating at the highest level and delivering exceptional research, quality and innovation for the people of Scotland and beyond.”

The hospital also opened dedicated centres for research and innovation whilst under Jill’s leadership.

Susan Douglas-Scott, chair of the Golden Jubilee Foundation, said: “Jill has dedicated her entire career to improving quality and safety to ensure patients receive excellent care.

“All of us wish Jill a long and happy retirement. She will always be a part of our Golden Jubilee family.”