Ayrshire Achieves awards celebrate outstanding contributions
More than 80 members of NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff, volunteers, and members of the public gathered to celebrate the 19 finalists of this year’s Ayrshire Achieves awards. The event provided an opportunity for local people and NHS staff to recognise the exceptional contributions of health workers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their roles.
Claire Burden, Chief Executive of NHS Ayrshire & Arran, expressed her gratitude: “I would like to thank all those who joined us to support their friends and colleagues. This evening is a highlight of our year, allowing us to celebrate the outstanding work of our staff and volunteers. The stories shared are often emotional, showcasing how our team makes the NHS extraordinary for those in our care.”
The event was live-streamed on YouTube, ensuring those unable to attend could still enjoy the highlights. The evening featured a celebratory dinner prepared by the catering team of University Hospital Ayr, and a raffle that raised £640 for Crosshouse Children’s Fund.
The winners, announced on the night, were:
Chairperson’s award:
- The Clinical Development Fellows Programme offers clinicians the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in a specialty before making long-term career decisions.
Behind the scenes, sponsored by NHS Credit Union:
- Zoe Fance and the Procurement Team were nominated for their work in achieving the best possible value in sourcing and negotiating procurement deals.
Care and compassion, sponsored by Unite:
- Margaret McLean, Suicide Prevention Lead for East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, was nominated for her work to support families and individuals impacted by mental health issues, connected to addiction and homelessness.
Collaboration and working together, sponsored by NHS Credit Union:
- The Focus on frailty team in South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership was recognised as a shining example of positive collaborative working. This team is making a real difference to the lives of older people in South Ayrshire.
Shining star, sponsored by Unite:
- Gaynor Campbell, Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner Cardiology – Acute Care Unit/ Cardiac Day Unit, was nominated for her influential and innovative involvement in heart failure care, both locally and nationally.
Thinking outside the box, sponsored by NHS Credit Union:
- East Ayrshire Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy Team was honoured for their work in reducing waiting times for local families, and re-designing a more person-centred service.
Making a difference with digital, sponsored by NHS Credit Union:
- The Urology Oncology Team in University Hospital Ayr was recognised for their work to reduce waiting times for routine results, after developing a new digital pathway for patients.
Claire Burden added, “I would like to thank all our finalists and winners, as well as everyone who entered or nominated someone for this year’s Ayrshire Achieves. This event embodies our ambitions and values for NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
“Every nominee has contributed to improving the life and healthcare outcomes for the citizens of Ayrshire and Arran. Congratulations to all, and best wishes for the future.”
Ayrshire Achieves is funded by NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Charity Fund and is supported by NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Area Partnership Forum. Special thanks to our sponsors: NHS Staff Benefits, NHS Credit Union, Royal College of Nursing and Unite.