Staff and volunteers from across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Clyde Sector have been recognised for their outstanding work to support patients, families and colleagues.
The Clyde Sector Staff Awards for Excellence celebrated the dedication, compassion and innovation shown by teams and individuals working across the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Vale of Leven Hospital.
A total of 39 nominations were considered across five categories: Employee of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Leader of the Year, Team of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Two special awards were also presented in recognition of compassionate leadership and an exceptional contribution to the hospital community.
The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, attended by staff from services across the sector.
Rebecca Reid, Interim Director for Clyde Sector, said: “The quality and range of this year’s nominations demonstrate the exceptional work taking place across Clyde Sector every day.
“What stands out is not simply the number of nominations, but what they tell us about our culture. So many colleagues took the time to recognise the difference made by the people around them, reflecting the strong sense of teamwork, respect and appreciation that exists across our services.
“I would like to congratulate all our winners and those who received commendations, and thank everyone who was nominated. Each of them should be incredibly proud of the contribution they make to our patients, families, colleagues and communities.”
At the end of the ceremony, each of the category winners was invited to attend NHSGGC’s board-wide Celebrating Success Awards on 30 October 2026, when one overall winner for Clyde Sector will be announced. The Celebrating Success Awards is an annual event held to recognise the great care, professionalism and dedication shown by staff and volunteers from across the health board.
Team of the Year: RAH Front Door Frailty Multidisciplinary Team
By redesigning frailty services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the team has helped more older people receive earlier assessment and access alternatives to hospital admission, including Hospital at Home.
Bringing together medical and nursing staff, frailty practitioners, allied health professionals and community partners, the service ensures patients receive the right care in the right place while supporting the principles of Realistic Medicine. Their work has increased the number of patients assessed, reduced length of stay and improved patient flow from the Emergency Department and admission units.
Employee of the Year: Yvonne Hillier, Clinical Governance
For colleagues across Clyde, Yvonne Hillier has become a trusted source of advice, support and expertise on patient safety and organisational learning.
Based at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, she provides expert guidance on significant and local adverse event reviews while producing comprehensive reports that help senior teams monitor incidents, actions and wider patient safety issues. Yvonne also works closely with clinical teams to share learning, identify training needs and support continuous improvement across services. She was further recognised for her contribution as a Civility Saves Lives Champion and her willingness to support colleagues whenever needed.
Leader of the Year: Laura Cassidy, Waiting List Manager, Clyde Orthopaedics
Laura Cassidy’s collaborative and hands-on approach has helped improve access to orthopaedic services while supporting colleagues through periods of significant demand.
Alongside leading the Orthopaedic Administration Team and managing waiting lists, she has played a key role in developing the NHSGGC-wide Orthopaedic Outpatient Service, helping to streamline patient pathways, maximise capacity and reduce waiting times. Colleagues praised her approachable leadership style, commitment to supporting staff and determination to improve services for patients across Clyde and the wider health board.
Innovation of the Year: Harrison Salifu, Staff Nurse, CCU, RAH
A simple idea with a significant impact on patient care earned Harrison Salifu this year’s Innovation Award.
After identifying that fluid balance records could sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate, Harrison developed an image-based tool to help patients better understand and record their fluid intake. He also created bedside prompts to help staff identify patients who require particularly close monitoring. The initiative has improved communication, documentation and patient involvement while supporting safer care for people with cardiac conditions.
Volunteer of the Year: Danny McGreish, Volunteer, Ward 24, RAH
Every week for the past 18 months, Danny McGreish has brought companionship, encouragement and practical support to patients on Ward 24 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
A retired long-distance lorry driver, Danny volunteers on the busy surgical ward, helping patients with refreshments, providing conversation and easing the isolation that can accompany a hospital stay. Now serving as Lead Volunteer for Ward 24, he also supports and mentors new recruits and has inspired others to begin volunteering themselves. His kindness, enthusiasm and commitment continue to make a lasting difference to patients, staff and fellow volunteers.
Special awards recognise leadership and community contribution
Two additional honours were presented to recognise contributions extending beyond the five main award categories.
Compassionate Leadership Award: Denise Wilkinson, Chief Nurse, Clyde Sector
Creating opportunities for others to learn, develop and thrive has been a hallmark of Denise Wilkinson’s leadership.
Through her supportive and approachable style, Denise has strengthened relationships across nursing and management teams while encouraging collaboration, openness and professional growth. Initiatives including leadership development days, shadowing opportunities and acting-up experiences have helped colleagues gain confidence, broaden their experience and prepare for future leadership roles.
Clyde Community Award: Dr Lucy Thomas and the RAH Tree Planting Team
What started as a successful bid for tree saplings has grown into a project that continues to brighten the hospital environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Led by Dr Lucy Thomas, volunteers transformed areas of the Royal Alexandra Hospital grounds by planting trees and flowers throughout the site. As well as improving the surroundings, the initiative brought people together, encouraged pride in the hospital environment and created a lasting legacy for the wider community.
