A special award was gifted to all NHS Tayside staff at this year’s STAR Awards for their incredible work saving numerous lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Presented by the NHS Tayside chair, chief executive and employee director, the collective accolade also paid a thank you for everything frontline workers do for the people of Tayside.
A video celebrating the achievements of all staff across Tayside was shared with the audience before the award was accepted on behalf of all staff by representatives from each table of finalists in the room.
As well as the 200 in-person guests, the ceremony at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee was watched by over 4700 viewers as it was streamed live on NHS Tayside’s Facebook page.
Introducing the special award, chair Lorna Birse-Stewart said: “The past two years have been extremely challenging for everyone and on behalf of the board, I would like to personally thank all of our staff for their outstanding efforts throughout the pandemic.
“This was, and continues to be, an unprecedented time for healthcare teams and all of our staff have shown incredible dedication and commitment throughout this time.
“Our staff have been a shining example of the work that is carried out in Tayside every day and I am glad the STAR awards give us the opportunity to congratulate not just our finalists, but also give us the chance to recognise and sincerely thank each and every member of staff across Tayside for their ongoing hard work.
“Every single person in NHS Tayside has played an integral part in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and I am incredibly proud of you all.
“The chief executive and I were unanimous in our decision that this award should go to all staff.”
Employee director, Jenny Alexander joined the chair and chief executive on stage to present the award and said: “I was delighted to present this award to all staff to recognise teams across Tayside for their incredible dedication.
“In addition to this beautiful award, plaques will be displayed at sites across NHS Tayside so that all staff can enjoy this recognition.”
A number of Perth-based medical staff also received individual and team awards for their outstanding service and care.
Respiratory consultant at Perth Royal Infirmary, Dr Mudher Al-Khairalla, won gold in the Global Citizenship Award.
Senior charge nurse for forensic psychiatry at Murray Royal Hospital, Elaine Wood, won gold in the Clinical Staff Award and the Learning Disability Intensive Support Service at Murray Royal Hospital earned silver in the Innovation and Improvement Award.
Support services assistant at Murray Royal Hospital, Zaneta Rejszel, was handed silver for the Support Staff Award.
The Clinical Team Award saw the COVID High Dependency Unit (gold), the COVID Intensive Care Unit (silver) and the COVID Vaccination Team (bronze) also celebrated.
The full list of winners can be seen on the NHS Tayside website and Facebook page.
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