Healthcare workers, support staff and volunteers who have gone the ‘extra mile’ have been recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.
Hundreds of nominations were received over 12 categories, with the winners announced at a virtual awards ceremony yesterday (Thurs 26 Sept) evening.
The Emergency Department Frailty Service picked up the Team of the Year award, recognising their collaborative efforts in supporting frail older people who attend the Emergency Department. The multidisciplinary team was established in February 2023 and works to deliver safe alternatives to hospital admission and care closer to home.
Dr Amy Armstrong, Consultant, ED Frailty Team, NHS Lothian said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the Team of the Year award. It’s really nice recognition of everyone’s hard work. We are lucky to meet lovely patients who are often very grateful for our input on the day, but it’s nice to have that recognised at an organisational level.”
The competitive Staff Member of the Year award was scooped up by Kate Farquharson, Unit Co-ordinator, Anaesthetic Department, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. Kate has been in her role for 30 years and coordinates over 120 anaesthetists who work across the department, ensuring safe cover to multiple clinical areas across three different hospital sites. She was commended by her colleagues for ensuring the smooth running of an incredibly complex ship with warmth, kindness and fun.
Kate said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win Staff Member of the Year. I was really emotional and overwhelmed; it was really lovely. I’m nearing the end of my NHS career and I’m so proud and privileged to have been part of it all.”
Competition for the prestigious Health Hero award, nominated by the public, was tough with three outstanding candidates. The winner was Susanne Crichton, Team Lead Occupational Therapist & Disability Case Manager.
Susanne was nominated by Marika Komori, who she has been supporting for over two years.
Marika said: “Susanne has been instrumental in supporting me and helping me to manage my condition within the workplace. Susanne has gone above and beyond her role to give me the support, the expertise, and the advice I have needed. I can honestly say she has saved my life. She’s absolutely my Health Hero.”
Susanne said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and a little embarrassed. It’s so lovely that someone, who was dealing with their own challenges, has taken the time to make this nomination. To have the opportunity to share the impact that vocational rehabilitation can have on someone’s life is brilliant. I love my job and winning this award is the icing on the cake, but I was already truly flattered and proud just to have been nominated.”
Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board explained, “The Celebrating Success Awards are an important event in our calendar. They are an opportunity to recognise and honour the people working across all areas of our local health service for their tremendous contribution in helping others.
“Our finalists were chosen by their fellow colleagues, or the public, because of the invaluable role they play. They have been shortlisted from hundreds of award entries and should be incredibly proud of their amazing achievements.”
The 2024 Awards are the first for NHS Lothian Chief Executive Caroline Hiscox who explained that “The NHS is undoubtedly facing some of its most challenging times, however it is still incredibly important that we celebrate our collective achievements and honour colleagues for the exceptional things they have done.
“It was fantastic to see so many staff coming together to watch this year’s virtual Celebrating Success Awards ceremony. Thank you for making the night so special for all those who were nominated.”
For the full list of NHS Lothian’s award winners please visit https://news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists/
