Staff and volunteers working in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Clyde sector have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and dedication.
This year’s Clyde Sector awards, held at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley, saw a total of 35 individuals and teams nominated – more than in any previous year.
The Team of the Year Prize went to the Same Day Admission Unit at the RAH for their collaborative work to ensure the best care for patients, avoid delays for theatres and the support they’ve provided to other services.
Throughout January, the unit accommodated eight patients each night which eased pressure on wards by allowing flow through the hospital and surgeries to continue going ahead despite winter challenges.
Dr Gautam Ray, a Consultant Physician in Acute Medicine at the same hospital, was named Leader of the Year. He was instrumental in setting up a Quality Improvement Den which has now been adopted across the sector.
The Den provides support and guidance for colleagues to pursue quality improvement projects across our services, resulting in a skilled workforce and improvements to patient care.
At Inverclyde Royal Hospital, The Apple Clinic – which provides prehabilitation and rehabilitation for cancer and surgical patients to get them as fit as possible – was awarded the Innovation of the Year prize.
Led by physiotherapists Mhairi Burke and Elaine Crookston, the clinic has supported between 50 and 60 patients and their families.
It has been transforming the surgical department by engaging nurses and Allied Health Professionals trained in exercise, health advice and cognitive behavioural therapy, all of which has reduced complications, shortened hospital stays and improved post surgical recovery for patients.
David Roy was given the Volunteer of the Year award for the support he has given as a Rehabilitation Support Volunteer on the stroke ward at the Larkfield Unit, a role he has held for two years.
David attends the ward every Tuesday morning and provides unwavering support to patients to enhance their mobility and recovery, while also providing companionship to aid their mental health and wellbeing. He is also a volunteer member of the Unit’s Rainbow Garden, where he works to keep the therapeutic outdoor space tidy with fellow volunteers.
This year’s Employee of the Year was Megan Shand, an Assistant Management Accountant based at Dykebar Hospital, who was nominated by the Clinical service managers and lead nurses for the award for the huge support she has provided.
Clyde Sector Director Melanie McColgan, who presented the awards, described the annual ceremony as the “highlight of the calendar”.
She said: “I was blown away by the number of nominations we had for this year’s Clyde Sector staff awards.
“There were more nominations than we’ve ever seen in any other year and they were all outstanding.
“These awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate the great work everyone in the Clyde Sector is delivering across all of our services.
“I’d like to congratulate all our winners and the nominees who were also highly commended.”
