Hamey was born at Bruges, and studied at the University of Leyden, where he graduated M.D.

He was nominated by Johannes Heurnius for a post under Feodor II of Russia, who had asked the Rector of Leiden for a physician.

[1][2] Mark Ridley was another physician in Moscow at the same time: it is thought they both made the mistake of coming without ensuring a legal right to leave.

[1] Hamey was a member of the Dutch Reformed humanist circle around the London church of Simon Ruytinck.

His niece, Mary Oeils, married George Johnson MP.