Paul Hay, who managed SMTL's Biological Testing section for nearly 40 years retired in April.

Paul started working with the laboratory's founder, Dr Steve Thomas, in 1978, when the Mid Glamorgan Quality Control Laboratory (the predecessor of SMTL) was in its infancy, at various times working out of St Tydfil's hospital, East Glamorgan Hospital, Bridgend General and finally Princess of Wales. 

Paul studied microbiology originally, but went onto develop the capability of the laboratory to perform protein testing of gloves, endotoxin testing of surgical instruments, and cytotoxicity testing of various medical devices, in particular urinary catheters.

Paul co-published a number of papers and articles with Dr Thomas over the years, and cemented the laboratory's role as a centre of expertise for the testing of medical devices, and for surgical dressings and woundcare products in particular.

Outside of the lab, Paul was (and is) a keen runner, completing a number of Marathons including the London Marathon on multiple occasions. As a diabetic, Paul invariably ran to raise money for one of the UK diabetic charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Diabetes UK.  In recent years you may have seen him stewarding at the Millenium stadium in Cardiff, where he has been able to indulge his passion for sport.

We are all going to miss Paul's experience and expertise, but most of all his friendliness. We wish him a long and happy retirement together with Mair (who fortunately for Paul is still working to keep the red wine flowing).

Good luck Paul from all of us here at SMTL.