Voting is now open.
This award is for those involved in providing excellent NHS non-clinical support services. Any member of staff who delivers hands on care or works behind the scenes to improve patient care. This could be an ancillary assistant, a domestic assistant, a catering assistant, a porter or many more. An individual or team without whom something couldn’t happen, yet who may not be visible or recognised in the work. Examples of what they do, the difference they make and the impact it has.
Finalists:
- Lynn Montgomery Pharmacy Support Worker High Level
- University Hospital Crosshouse Gardens and Grounds Team (Jonathan Wood, Owen Ramsay and Thomas Kerr)
- Shirley Beckett, Nursing Assistant
Read their amazing nominations below and vote for your winner!
Lynn Montgomery Pharmacy Support Worker High Level
Lynn has shown exceptional dedication and professionalism in her development within the Aseptic Unit, taking on additional SVQ qualifications to expand her skills while continuing to deliver high‑quality work across Aseptic Services and Quality Assurance. Her advancement has enabled her to competently support the manufacture of chemotherapy products – a responsibility usually carried out by registered Pharmacy Technicians – creating valuable additional capacity within the team. This redistribution of specialist skills has helped improve workflow, supported the progression of Pharmacy Technicians, and contributed directly to the safe, efficient preparation of chemotherapy treatments for patients. Alongside her technical progression, Lynn has remained a supportive and influential member of the wider Pharmacy Support Worker team. She consistently demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership, and a genuine commitment to patient safety. Her willingness to mentor colleagues, embrace new challenges, and champion the development of the support workforce makes her an invaluable asset to the department. Lynn’s drive, professionalism and positive impact embody exactly what this award seeks to recognise.
University Hospital Crosshouse Gardens and Grounds Team
Jonathan Wood, Owen Ramsay and Thomas Kerr
The small team of three gardeners working across the East Sector – covering University Hospital Crosshouse and all associated health centres – provide an exceptional, often unseen service that keeps vast outdoor areas safe, welcoming and well‑maintained. Alongside their daily grounds maintenance, they support staff groups in creating meaningful memorial spaces for former colleagues, offering expert advice on planting, sourcing materials and providing ongoing care for these areas. Their work ensures that outdoor environments remain safe and uplifting for staff, patients and visitors alike. From November to March, the team delivers a 24‑hour winter gritting service across all UHC paths and entrances, often arriving on site hours before others to respond to rapidly changing weather and ensure the grounds remain accessible. Their specialist knowledge and dedication were publicly recognised during an HSE site visit in mid‑2025, where their contribution was highly commended. As a hardworking, behind‑the‑scenes team who play a vital role in safety and patient experience, they are truly deserving of this nomination and of wider recognition within the Directorate.
Shirley Beckett, Nursing Assistant
Shirley is an exceptionally dedicated nursing assistant at Girvan Community Hospital, having served the hospital and its community for over 42 years with unwavering commitment and compassion. As a long‑standing resident of the town, she brings a calming, professional presence that is valued by colleagues, students, patients and families alike. Her natural warmth, empathy and person‑centred approach make her a reassuring figure for those who may feel nervous or distressed, and she is widely regarded as the consistent, welcoming face of the hospital. A true team player, Shirley is deeply respected across the nursing team for her reliability, humility and willingness to quietly go above and beyond – never seeking recognition, simply getting on with the work and supporting others. Through countless service changes and periods of staffing pressure, she has remained a steady, positive influence and a trusted support to management. Feedback about her is consistently glowing, reflecting her dignity, respect and unwavering commitment to delivering high‑quality care. Shirley embodies the very best of compassionate healthcare and is truly deserving of recognition.