NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Regional Services directorate held its biggest ever awards ceremony celebrating the work of this large and diverse group of staff.
The Regional Services Directorate cares for people from Greater Glasgow and Clyde and across the west of Scotland, providing specialised services in a wide range of disciplines from cancer and forensic mental health to burns treatment and oral health.
At the event, a total of 49 nominations were made for individuals and teams in five categories – Employee of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Leader of the Year, Team of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
The ceremony was held in a packed venue in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, at Gartnavel Hospital, and at the event Dr David Dodds, Chief of Medicine for Regional Services, praised all those who had taken part this year.
He said: “We were surprised and delighted by the number of nominations we received. When we launched the awards in 2017, there were only a handful of us and we could all fit in one small room, but this year we received our largest ever number of nominations – an increase of nearly one-third on last year.
“It’s encouraging to see how people are so willing to celebrate their colleagues, and it demonstrates the real team spirit throughout Regional Services.”
Dr Dodds presented the awards alongside Lynsay Creighton, Interim Chief Nurse for Regional Services, who added: “As well as the sheer size of the response we’ve had, it’s so pleasing to see nominations for such a wide range of specialities and roles.
“I would like to congratulate our winners, but equally I’d like to pass on my thanks and congratulations to all our nominees – and for everyone who works so hard every day to provide the best possible care for our patients.”
At the end of the ceremony, each of the winners was invited to attend NHSGGC’s board-wide Celebrating Success Awards in November, when one overall winner for Regional Services will be announced. The Celebrating Success Awards is an annual event held to recognise the great care and professionalism displayed by staff and volunteers throughout the health board.
Regional Services Awards winners:
Employee of the Year: Christine MacDonald, Therapy Support Worker, Institute of Neurological Sciences
Since becoming the first Band 4 Therapy Support Worker in the Institute of Neurological Sciences, Christine has transformed the experience of patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery. Through extensive training in both physiotherapy and occupational therapy, she now supports patients throughout their entire journey, from assessment to discharge, helping around 90 per cent of patients recover and return home safely. Colleagues describe her as an invaluable member of the team whose expertise, compassion and communication skills have improved patient care, reduced pressure on staff and helped create a more efficient and effective service.
Runner-up: James “Jimmy” Chalmers, Health Care Support Worker, Ward 47, Burns & Plastics, GRI
3rd: Chloe Findlay, Specialist Occupational Therapist, Holly Ward, Rowanbank Clinic
Innovation of the Year (joint winners)
Establishment of Pilot Specialist Transplant Bariatric Clinic: This innovative clinic has helped remove one of the biggest barriers facing patients awaiting kidney transplants. By bringing together specialist expertise and targeted weight-management support, the pilot has helped patients with end-stage renal failure who were previously unable to join the transplant list because of obesity. In just six months, 14 patients have been added to the transplant waiting list and nine have already received life-changing transplants. The project has opened up new opportunities for patients who may otherwise have faced lengthy delays and demonstrates how innovation can directly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Ward 53 – Ambulatory Care: The team in Ward 53 continually adapts and evolves to ensure patients can benefit from the latest specialist treatments available through the NHS. Working across nursing, pharmacy, medical, administration and allied health professions, staff have developed new pathways and treatment protocols for patients with conditions including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Their work has improved access to care, reduced delays, helped prevent hospital admissions and empowered patients and carers to play a more active role in managing their health. The result is a service that combines innovation with a strong focus on person-centred care.
Runner-up: Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Allied Health Professional Team, QEUH
Leaders of the Year: Bernadette Shanley, Danielle Gow and Tammie McKinley, Senior Charge Nurses, Ward 4B Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, QEUH
The leadership shown by Bernadette, Danielle and Tammie during a highly challenging period for Ward 4B earned widespread admiration from colleagues and patients alike. As the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit responded to significant challenges, the three Senior Charge Nurses provided a calm, visible and reassuring presence for patients, families and staff. They helped maintain safe, high-quality care while supporting a team working under exceptional pressure, never losing sight of the people at the heart of the service. Their compassion, professionalism and commitment to patients exemplify the very best of NHS leadership.
Runner-up: Graham Christie, General Manager, Burns, Plastics Surgery, Renal & CIC
3rd: Leann Fenton, Senior Charge Nurse, Elm Ward, Rowanbank Clinic
Team of the Year: Ward B5, Beatson WOSCC
Faced with increasing pressure on cancer services, the Ward B5 team stepped forward to find a solution that would benefit both patients and colleagues. Staff learned an entirely new set of specialist skills, enabling them to deliver weekend treatments for cancer patients and reduce demand on an overstretched day-bed unit. The initiative has shortened waiting times, improved patients’ experiences and brought significant savings for the organisation, while helping shape future models of care. The award recognises a team that embraced change, worked together and consistently put patients at the centre of everything they do.
Runner-up: Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Allied Health Professional Team, QEUH
3rd: Cancer Older People Service (COPS), Beatson WOSCC
Volunteer of the Year: Keira Procter, Spinal Injuries Unit
For more than 25 years, Keira has lived with a spinal cord injury herself, and she now uses that experience to support others who face the same challenge following life-changing events in their lives. Travelling each week from Dunoon to the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, she offers practical advice, reassurance and hope to patients and their families at what is often the most difficult time in their lives. Through one-to-one conversations and patient education sessions, Keira helps people see that life after a spinal injury can still be rewarding and full of possibilities. Her kindness, honesty and unwavering commitment make an extraordinary difference to those she supports.
Runner-up: Lynne Anne Frankgate, FCPN, Forensic Mental Health & Learning Disabilities
