The winners of NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success staff awards, nominated by staff, patients, and their families, have been announced at the first in-person ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year welcomed a new award category to celebrate support services staff including those working in portering, catering, domestic services, laundry, estates, facilities and more.
It is dedicated in memory of Tom Waterson, who sadly passed away last year following a short illness. He started his career as a porter at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and worked his way up to Employee Director, also becoming UNISON’s first Branch Chair at NHS Lothian along the way.
The first to win the Support Services Award is Santosh Rauniyar, Porter/Security at Pennywell All Care Centre, for delivering a high-quality service and going above and beyond expectations to support colleagues and patients. He also played an integral part in the delivery of vaccination clinics.
Santosh was one of thirteen winners announced in a range of categories representing the breadth of care and work that goes on across NHS Lothian.
Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board said, “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.”
The Chair’s award was given to Rakiya Suleiman who champions equality and diversity across NHS Lothian. She said: “Regardless of who you are, this is a place for everybody. Our organisation is listening, and we’re making changes. Whether you look like me, or you’re different, NHS is representing the people we have in the community. I can feel it.”
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “It is fantastic seeing staff being able to come together and celebrate in person again after such challenging times.”
“Even though we still face significant pressures across NHS Lothian, I continue to take pride in the work that our staff do day in and day out. I want to extend my warm congratulations to all our finalists for their achievements.”
Catherine Scott, Personal Assistant (PA) at the Emergency Department of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh won Staff Member of the Year. The department praise Catherine’s unwavering support for helping them get through recent challenging times, and supporting not just the Clinical Director, but also many more consultants and care providers.
Catherine said: “I’m so surprised and delighted to win this award. I don’t think I have won anything in my life before so it’s quite humbling to be recognised. I’m just doing my job and helping others in the team do theirs.”
The prestigious Health Hero award is chosen by members of the public, and sponsored by the Edinburgh Evening News. It was won by the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) Team in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for their outstanding care to patients and their families during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During uncertain times, staff kept in constant contact with families updating them on their loved ones and giving gold standard care.
Annemarie Docherty, Consultant, ITU, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh said: “To have won an award which is decided by the public makes it that bit more special and is amazing recognition for everything that we’ve done.”
Gregor McNeill, Consultant in ITU team added: “People think Intensive Care is all about the machines, like ventilators, pumps, but it’s actually about the people, all of us, particularly our nurses who have gone above and beyond in the last few years. I’m so proud to be one big team.”
The Celebrating Success Awards are made possible by the NHS Lothian Charity and took place in the Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh.
The full list of winners can be viewed here: news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-winners
