The achievements of health and social care workers from across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been recognised at the Health Board’s annual Celebrating Success Awards, hosted yesterday evening (Thursday 04 May) in Glasgow.
Two special awards of excellence were announced on the evening, with all staff working across NHSGGC’s Unscheduled and Urgent Care services being recognised for their work throughout the pandemic and beyond. Specifically, working under unprecedented pressures, constantly adapting and evolving while driving forward innovations and services underpinned the decision to award them the Chairman’s Award of Excellence.
Dr Andrew Thomson, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, was recognised in the same category for his professionalism and compassion in working with patients to deliver an exemplary standard of care and recently providing crucial support to a patient during the most challenging time of her life.
Teams and individuals were awarded over seven other excellence categories at the event which was hosted by Professor Jason Leitch, CBE at the Radisson in Glasgow’s city centre.
This year’s Gold Award winners included:
Better Care: Dr Abigail Gunn, Stroke Consultant at Inverclyde Royal Hospital was recognised for reducing hospital admissions and A&E pressures thanks to her management in the development and implementation of the Acute Assessment and Short Stay Units at the hospital.
Better Health: The Support and Information Services was awarded for the creation of the Emergency Food Discharge which ensures no patient goes home to an empty kitchen. The service which is run in partnership with the Aroma Café and the Trussell Trust, provides a two day food supply for patients who need it.
Better Value: The Cancer Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) e-health team developed a digital solution to make MDT working across boards and services far more streamlined, resulting in positive feedback from patients and the system being standardised across the West of Scotland
Better Workplace: Liz Thomson, Healthcare Support Worker for the Complex Needs Service, launched ‘Lizzie’s Lunch Club’ which ensured busy members of the mental health team were able to enjoy a healthy lunch at work to help fuel them for the day.
Global Citizenship: Katie Earle-Payne was recognised for her outstanding support to the 1,500 Ukrainian Refugees aboard the MV Ambition. Fluent in Ukrainian, Katie worked three days per week providing in-person advice consultation and acting as a crucial link between patients and a whole range of services.
Nursing: Charlotte Picken, Royal Hospital for Children Senior Staff Nurse was recognised for leadership in the creation of the theatre recovery nurse prescribing initiative which has reduced post-operative pain for children while also reducing waiting times for analgesia.
Volunteer: Sandra Forbes and all the staff involved in transforming a patch of ground at the IRH into the Rainbow Garden – a tranquil green garden enjoyed by patients, visitors and community groups alike.
Throughout the evening, award winners from each of NHSGGC’s local areas and services were also celebrated. Additionally, the William Cullen Prize for Innovation was awarded to Dr David Lockington in recognition of the creation of a new dedicated ophthalmology teaching suite. The William Cullen Prize for Education was jointly awarded to Dr Scott Morris for his training of renal physicians, alongside Dr Libby Ferguson for her contribution to palliative care training.
Commenting, Professor John Brown, CBE, Chairman at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:
“This year’s winners are fantastic examples of staff going above and beyond during what is an immensely testing time for the NHS. I’d like to share my personal thanks and congratulations to the winners and all of the nominees for the significant efforts they have made to support our staff, patients and local communities during this time. They are a credit to the NHS and they should be proud of the contribution they make on a daily basis to the delivery of healthcare in Scotland.”
National Clinical Director for the Scottish Government, Professor Jason Leitch, CBE, added:
“I was honoured to host this year’s NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Celebrating Success ceremony. We’ve seen three years like no other, and my hat goes off to all NHS staff who’ve responded so magnificently. It was therefore no easy feat in selecting the winners as there have been so many instances of individuals and teams demonstrating unwavering commitment, professionalism, compassion and innovation in the drive to deliver person-centred care across NHSGGC. As such, my huge thanks and congratulations to all of the winners at the 2023 Celebrating Success Awards.”
You can find all of the award winners on the NHSGGC website, including more information on categories and individual nominations.
