West Lothian’s healthcare heroes have been awarded for their hard work and dedication.
The local workers have been honoured at the annual Celebrating Success Awards 2022, after being nominated by staff, patients and families.
Picking up the Team of the Year award were staff from Ward 1, Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU), Multidisciplinary Team at St John’s Hospital.
The team won the award for many reasons including their exceptional patient care, welcoming team culture and proactive approach.
Dr David Carmichael, clinical psychologist for IPCU said: “It’s a lovely boost for the team to win this award as the work we do can be quite challenging. Despite the pandemic, we did quite a lot of work to improve our service over the last two and a half years and it’s amazing for that to be recognised.”
Louise Mowatt, clinical director for psychiatry, St John’s Hospital won the Leadership Excellence Award.
Over the last 18 months Louise has significantly improved the experience of Junior Doctors training within West Lothian Mental Health Services. Her leadership has been described as exemplary, building an environment where trainees are heard, valued and empowered to make changes.
Louise said: “It’s really nice to be recognised for all the hard work that you put in, and I can’t thank my nominator enough. It meant so much just to be shortlisted but to win is unbelievable. I’m really proud.”
Frances Aitken, lead dementia nurse for stress and distress at St John’s Hospital, made it a hat-trick of awards for West Lothian by picking up the Lynn Jackson ‘Nurse of the Year’ Award. The award is in memory of Lynn Jackson, former chief nurse for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
Frances won the award for significantly changing the delivery of care for patients presenting with stress and distress, enhancing the patient experience and improving staff wellbeing.
Frances said: “It feels absolutely amazing. I’m completely overwhelmed. I’m just absolutely delighted.”
The awards are sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity and this year, staff were excited to be able to pick up their awards in person at a special ceremony in Edinburgh. Last year the awards were held virtually due to Covid-19.
Calum Campbell, chief executive, NHS Lothian, said: “It is fantastic seeing staff being able to come together again and celebrate in person.
“Even though we still face significant pressures across NHS Lothian, I continue to take pride in the work that our staff do 365 days a year. I want to extend my warm congratulations to all of this year’s finalists for their achievements.”
Professor John Connaghan CBE, chair of NHS Lothian Board added: “The resilience and dedication of staff over the course of last year and since the start of the pandemic has been remarkable. They have provided high quality care under the greatest pressure.
“It is testament to the commitment of our staff that they continuously innovate in the delivery of care to our patients.”
“I’d like to say well done to all of our finalists as we celebrate success.”
For the full list of award winners, including a short film of The Team of the Year visit the NHS Lothian Celebrating Success Winners page.
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
