Healthcare heroes announced as award finalists 31/1011
Caring health professionals from across the Western Isles have been shortlisted for two national accolades at the Scottish Health Awards 2011.
Ishbel Walker from Uist and Barra Hospital and Well North Outer Hebrides Team at Stornoway Health Centre have fought off stiff competition from around the country, to secure their place at the final award ceremony in Edinburgh.
The judges selected Senior Radiographer, Ishbel Walker as a worthy finalist to acknowledge her long standing contribution to serving the island communities of North and South Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, Berneray, Eriskay, Vatersay and Barra.
Ishbel has worked as a single-
Travelling on country roads, often in adverse weather conditions, Ishbel provides
vital diagnostic services in life-
The Well North and Outer Hebrides team at Stornoway Health Centre will also be acknowledged for their success at developing an innovative and dedicated screening programme to reduce cardiovascular disease in the Western Isles.
The team is in the running for the Healthy Living Award after the judges were impressed
by their dedication to delivering an innovative and highly effective screening service
to the population of the Western Isles on a purpose-
Through the delivery of targeted screening in local communities, the team make a significant contribution towards improving the health and wellbeing of the population of the Western Isles; successfully supporting people to make lifestyle changes that will reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The project has met and exceeded expectations in many areas by providing healthy lifestyle advice to over 6,000 clients. The team has also helped to support associated services in the Western Isles by referring people to smoking cessation and counterweight, creating a far reaching and comprehensive public health service.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our ambition is to deliver the highest quality of healthcare to the people of Scotland, and these awards give us the opportunity to recognise those individuals and teams who are making an outstanding contribution to that ambition. All those nominated have gone that extra mile to deliver consistent, reliable and responsive healthcare for everyone.”
“Over 400 nominations were received across the 14 award categories. Many of these were from patients and the public, and all nominations showcased excellent examples how individuals, teams and local NHS systems are working together with patients, families and carers. I would like to congratulate the winners and the runners up for their enthusiasm and commitment to improving the quality of care delivered by our NHS which I believe is amongst the best in the world.”
NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson said: “It is excellent news that NHS Western Isles staff have been shortlisted for two awards this year.
“To have been shortlisted for Scottish Health Awards is an incredible achievement for both the Well North Team and Ishbel Walker. I’d like to wish them all the best at the awards ceremony in November, and to personally thank them for their invaluable contribution to sustaining and improving health services in the Western Isles.”
The Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward the commitment and hard work of those who work in, and with, NHS Scotland to provide an outstanding level of care to the public.
The winners will be announced at a glittering award ceremony in Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on Thursday 10 November.