Team Collaboration of the Year
Virtual Assessment MDT for GP Calls
The Virtual Assessment Unit has made an exceptional contribution to patient care and service delivery through collaboration, innovation and a truly patient-centred approach. The team successfully brought together GP referral pathways previously managed across multiple sites, creating a more streamlined and consistent service. Working closely with primary care, acute services, community teams and specialist services, they ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Their commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement has reduced unnecessary attendances, improved patient flow and delivered tangible benefits for patients, staff and services across the health and care system.
Employee of the Year
Izabela Czajka
Izabela Czajka has made an outstanding contribution through her work supporting the Discharge to Scan pathway. Managing an extraordinary workload, she has coordinated the many moving parts of a complex service that enables patients to leave hospital safely while awaiting investigations as outpatients. She approaches every challenge with professionalism, diligence and meticulous attention to detail, helping to ensure the pathway runs smoothly and effectively. Despite significant pressures, Izabela consistently demonstrates positivity and determination, never seeking recognition for her efforts. Her dedication, reliability and commitment to patient care have been instrumental to the pathway’s success and have made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues.
Innovation of the Year
Laura Ritchie, Manager, Adult Services
Laura Ritchie demonstrated exceptional leadership while leading Inverclyde’s first Large Scale Investigation as part of statutory adult support and protection responsibilities. Over five months, she coordinated a complex, multi-agency investigation involving residents, families, care providers, inspectors and health and social care partners. Throughout the process, Laura ensured vulnerable adults remained safe, supported staff through challenging circumstances and maintained clear communication with all involved. She delivered meaningful improvements for residents and created an important model for future adult protection investigations.
Innovation of the Year
Discharge to Scan Pathway and MDT
The Discharge to Scan pathway is a powerful example of what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving patient care. Bringing together medical, nursing and administrative colleagues from across the Virtual Hospital, the team rapidly developed and implemented an admission avoidance pathway that has transformed access to diagnostics and streamlined patient journeys. Through effective service redesign and strong partnership working, they have improved both patient and clinician experience. The team has also shared its learning nationally, promoting quality improvement and clinical excellence. Their flexibility, dedication and patient-centred approach have delivered a truly innovative service improvement.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Rebecca Smith
Rebecca Smith is known for going above and beyond for both patients and colleagues every single day. No matter how busy or demanding a clinic may be, she always makes time to support patients, answer questions and help them access the information and services they need. Her compassion and dedication consistently impress those who work alongside her. Rebecca has also stepped forward repeatedly to support GP call services during periods of staffing pressure, using her experience and expertise to help colleagues when it was needed most. She does all of this quietly, without complaint or expectation of recognition, making her a truly deserving Unsung Hero.
Excellence in Care and Compassion
Mary Ebiti, Healthcare Support Worker
Since joining the OPAT team less than a year ago, Mary Ebiti has made an extraordinary impact on patients and colleagues alike. As a Healthcare Support Worker, she brings kindness, compassion and positivity to every interaction, helping patients feel welcomed, reassured and cared for from the moment they arrive. Patients regularly comment on her warmth and professionalism, while colleagues value her reliability, initiative and willingness to help. Mary is constantly looking for ways to improve services and support those around her. Her infectious positivity, exceptional work ethic and unwavering commitment to caring for others make her a truly outstanding recipient of this award.
Corporate Champion of the Year
Emmanuel Ochular
Emmanuel Ochular has been a driving force behind the Interface Division’s digital transformation journey. Through his work with the Electronic Patient Record programme, he has partnered closely with clinical, operational and administrative teams to develop digital pathways that support innovative Virtual Hospital services. Emmanuel takes the time to understand clinical processes and translate them into practical solutions that improve efficiency, standardisation and user experience. His expertise and commitment have been instrumental in supporting services such as Discharge to Scan, Discharge to Virtual Review and Virtual ED. A trusted and highly valued colleague, Emmanuel’s contribution has benefited patients, staff and services across the Division.
Clinical Champion of the Year – Joint Winners
Jill Roche
Since joining the Interface team, Jill Roche has been a passionate advocate and influential clinical leader for Virtual ED. Bringing a wealth of expertise, energy and enthusiasm, she has played an important role in shaping and promoting an innovative model of care that benefits patients across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Through her clinical credibility and collaborative approach, Jill has built confidence in the service and strengthened consultant involvement, helping ensure high standards of care while supporting continued service development. Her positivity, professionalism and commitment to embracing new ways of working have made her an outstanding ambassador for innovation and excellence in patient care.
Pauline Kerray
Pauline Kerray has consistently demonstrated clinical excellence, innovation and leadership across a range of Interface services. Highly respected for her expertise in minor injuries and advanced clinical practice, she is a trusted source of advice and support for colleagues managing complex cases. Pauline has played a key role in developing virtual consultation and assessment models that provide safe and effective alternatives to Emergency Department attendance. Alongside her clinical work, she has made a significant contribution to education, mentoring and workforce development, helping train the next generation of advanced practitioners. Her commitment to patient care, innovation and supporting others makes her a truly deserving Clinical Champion.