Three Outer Hebridean NHS workers have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to patients after they were shortlisted for a pair of prestigious national awards.
Anna Morrison, Mary Lou Stilwell and Dr Dave Rigby were amongst the select names announced by the Nursing Times Workforce Awards (NTWA) and the Scottish Health Awards (SHA).
For Anna, who was one of only two NHS Scotland workers shortlisted in any of the NTWA’s 17 categories, being nominated as Practice Educator of the Year came as a surprise. Her name was put forward by NHS Western Isles Head of Clinical Governance Louise Sullivan after Anna impressed NHS Education for Scotland with her support for new local senior charge nurses.
Anna said: “As a nurse, I have always believed every day is a learning day. By being open to education and development, we can become better at what we do, whatever our role is. Ultimately that is best for the patients we support and care for which is what it’s all about.”
Paediatric physiotherapist Mary Lou Stilwell has been shortlisted for the SHA’s Allied Health Professional award. Her nomination came from a parent who said Mary Lou went ‘above and beyond her remit to ensure the children she has as patients have all the help and encouragement they need’.
Mary Lou commented: “To have been nominated was such a surprise and I felt honoured and humbled for a local family to have taken the time to do this. I am grateful for the kind words and am delighted to have been able to support my patients to participate and enjoy exercise.”
Realistic Medicine and Therapeutics Clinical Lead Dave was also a SHA nominee, this time in the Leader of the Year category. His nomination heralded his guidance and leadership that ensured patients in the Western Isles received care not only comparable with the mainland, but often beyond it.
Dave said: “I’m humbled and rather embarrassed to be honest, but delighted to help raise the profile of NHS Western Isles and the staff who work here at a national level whatever the outcome on the evening of the awards.”
Dave has since been named in the final three finalists in his category, the winner of which will be announced at a ceremony at the O2 Academy in Glasgow on November 2.
The NTWA awards will be held on November 21 in the Hilton London Metropole, London.