Lanarkshire Health Heroes shortlisted for Scottish Health Awards
10 October 2008
Health professionals from NHS Lanarkshire have been shortlisted for three high-profile honours at the 2008 Scottish Health Awards.
Dr Doreen Watson, a GP at Hunter Health Centre in East Kilbride has reached the final stages of the Doctors Award after a thankful patient nominated her in recognition of her considerate manner, expert care and constant support.
The woman has undergone major surgery and during this time Dr Watson has provided continuous support and advice. Dr Watson also maintained contact with the patient’s surgeon to ensure that she was kept informed and received the best possible care. The patient describes Dr Watson as ‘simply the best’ and commends her for treating her as individual, often calling after hospital appointments or treating her outwith surgery times. She said “Dr Watson is my family doctor and I have nothing but praise for her. When you are taking to Dr Watson you are very aware that you are her main focus.”
A troubled school girl has also nominated a youth health development worker at Coatbridge Health Centre for an accolade at the Scottish Health Awards this year. After struggling to cope with the separation of her parents and years of sexual abuse, the young girl was recommended to contact the Health Spot in Coatbridge – a health service for young people. Lorna Shearer, a youth health development worker at the centre, built up the girl’s confidence with trips to the Scottish Parliament and involving her in youth work, training and information days. The girl was eventually able to talk about her experiences and share her worries and concerns with Lorna. Nearly a year on and the girl still attends Health Spot and continues to confide in Lorna.
Lorna has been shorlisted as a finalist for the Support Workers Award to commend her commitment and dedication to helping young people in Coatbridge.
The Oral Health Team at Blantyre Health Centre has also been nominated for an accolade and will join Dr Watson and Lorna Shearer at this year’s Scottish Health awards.
The team have reached the final stages of the NHS Healthy Lifestyle Award for their work in promoting health eating to school children in South Lanarkshire. The Oral Health Team has developed a DVD called Molly s Magic Lunchbox, with children from local primary schools who entered a competition to produce drawings of their interpretation of each chapter of a story about a school girl and her lunch box. The DVD was promoted as a competition with the incentive to win £100 for their school.
As part of the DVD, the team was accompanied by a film crew to a primary school in South Lanarkshire to film children eating their healthy lunch and promoting healthy eating. The DVD is used as a fun but educational resource and highlights three dental messages in a colourful and visual way.
Health Minister Shona Robison said: “All those who have been shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Health Awards have made a special contribution to healthcare and helping people in Scotland. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck in picking up an award.
“Contributions small and large have been equally important, whether curing illness, promoting healthier lifestyles or going that extra mile to ensure a patient is comfortable.
“Throughout this year, the 60th anniversary of the NHS in Scotland, there have been a number of national and local events celebrating the distinctive flair of NHS Scotland and the achievements of all those involved in providing first class health care.
“For the future of the NHS in Scotland, I want to see the Scottish people and NHS staff become real partners – co-owners – so that they can shape a truly responsive National Health Service which meets Scotland’s needs for the next 60 years and beyond.”
NHS Lanarkshire Chairman Ken Corsar said: “These awards highlight the fantastic, but sometimes under-appreciated work our staff undertake every day to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
“We would like to congratulate all of our Scottish Health Awards finalists who fully deserve this recognition for their first class commitment and care which they provide to patients.”
People in Lanarkshire are thanked for pledging their support for local NHS workers who have shown commitment and dedication to patients and the community. The winners of the Scottish Health Awards 2008 will be announced in Edinburgh on Thursday 6th November, at a gala dinner award ceremony. As well as being in with a chance of picking up an award, all of the finalists will receive a donation to their nominated charity, with over £30,000 being donated.
The Scottish Health Awards, now in their sixth year, are designed to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism and hard work of all who work in and with our National Health Service in Scotland to deliver quality healthcare and patient treatment.
The aim of the Scottish Health Awards is to recognise and reward Scotland’s most committed and caring NHS workers who are prepared to go the extra mile. People who might be in jobs that normally don’t have a high profile and who generally should be acknowledged for their commitment to the NHS and their loyalty and devotion to their patients.