NHS Forth Valley Staff Recognised in Scotland’s Health Awards
Four dedicated NHS Forth Valley staff members and teams have been announced as finalists in this year’s Scotland’s Health Awards. In its 23rd year, the awards, held in collaboration with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, aim to honour the outstanding contributions of healthcare workers and professionals throughout the country. Among the 16 categories, six finalists have been chosen, with the NHS Forth Valley nominees listed in various categories.
Susan Bannatyne, a Speech and Language Therapist, has been nominated for the Allied Health Professional Award. Recognised for her exceptional support for learners with language and communication differences, Susan collaborates closely with schools to enhance practices and provide timely assistance to children under her care. She is praised for her creativity in addressing engagement barriers faced by families.
The Care for Mental Health Award nomination goes to the Ward 5 Nursing Team from the Mental Health Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. This team is commended for embodying NHS values and showing remarkable dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of the community. They manage complex health conditions with skill, ensuring that patients maintain their dignity and quality of life to the best of their ability.
Linda Smullen, the Breast Clinic Coordinator, has been nominated for the Unsung Hero Award due to her unwavering dedication, compassion, and excellence in her role. Linda’s commitment to both patients and staff has made her an integral member of the clinic, providing empathetic care and understanding to patients facing the anxiety of a potential cancer diagnosis.
Aaron Smith from Forth Valley First Responders has been nominated for the Volunteers Award in recognition of his significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of patients and service users within NHS Scotland. Aaron’s commendable volunteer work includes responding to emergency calls and providing critical care in life-threatening situations.
Ross McGuffie, the Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, congratulated the local finalists and expressed gratitude to those who nominated them for the national awards. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 7 in Edinburgh’s O2 Academy.
Health and Social Care Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the importance of celebrating the exceptional achievements of healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate and high-quality care to the people of Scotland. The awards not only highlight the efforts of frontline workers but also recognise the behind-the-scenes roles that significantly impact the lives of individuals across the country.