Healthcare staff from across Lanarkshire were recognised for the inspirational work that they do in the second annual staff awards ceremony.

The ceremony, which was held on 17 May, was opened by writer, broadcaster and stand-up comedian Susan Morrison.

It saw staff being rewarded under nine separate award categories.

The award categories were: Outstanding Individual in a Clinical Role, Outstanding Individual in a Non Clinical Role, Outstanding Team, Outstanding Care, Outstanding Volunteer, Innovation in Practice, Service Improvement, Chair Award and the William Cullen Prize.

The awards were sponsored by Healthy Working Lives, Let’s Connect, NHS Staff Benefits, Unison and the Royal College of Nursing.

NHS Lanarkshire chief executive Calum Campbell, said: “It’s fantastic that we are now in our second year of the Staff Awards, building upon the success of last year, to celebrate and recognise the achievements and excellent work of our staff and volunteers.

“A total of 386 nominations were received – these came in from patients, relatives, friends, colleagues and managers.

“It was so uplifting and inspiring to read the amazing stories, examples, appreciation and respect that came through in the nominations received.

“I would like to express my appreciation for the work of all of our staff and volunteers for their outstanding work.

“I would also like to thank the sponsors who have kindly supported our event today and I would like to thank them on behalf of the board and staff of NHS Lanarkshire for their support.”

The winner of the ‘Outstanding Individual in a Clinical Role’ award was Eileen Mulholland. Eileen is a health visitor, who is based at the Houldsworth Centre in Wishaw. The award was sponsored by the Royal College of Nursing.

The two runners up for this award were Dr Maximillian Peluso (Monklands Hospital) and Richard MacPhee (Physiotherapy, Wishaw General Hospital).

The winner of the ‘Outstanding Individual in a Non Clinical Role’ award was Fiona Russell. Fiona is a secretary in the Psychological Therapies Team at Carluke Health Centre. The award was sponsored by Unison.

The two runners up for this award were Billy Robertson (Salus Occupational Health, Beckford Street) and Lorraine Scott (Human Resources, Law House).

The winner of the ‘Outstanding Team’ award was the Learning Disability Physiotherapy Team at Kirklands Hospital. The award was sponsored by Unison.

The two runners up for this award were the Medical Day Unit (Wishaw General) and Anna McKinnon and Leah Greenwood (ISS Domestic and Hostess, Hairmyres).

The winner of the ‘Outstanding Care’ award was Annette Beat. Annette works in Speech and Language Therapy at Carluke Health Centre. The award was sponsored by Healthy Working Lives.

The two runners up for this award were Ward 16 at Hairmyres Hospital and Dr Gerard Picozzi (ENT, Monklands Hospital).

The winner of the ‘Outstanding Volunteer’ award was James Brennan. James volunteers with the Forensic Mental Health Team.

The two runners up for this award were Jonathon Simmons (Ward 10, Wishaw General) and Sam Clarke (Emergency Department, Monklands Hospital).

The winner of the ‘Innovation in Practice’ award was the Health Records departments across Hairmyres, Monklands and Wishaw General Hospitals. The award was sponsored by Let’s Connect.

The two runners up for this award were Brenda Moran and Glen Youngman (Diabetes Team, Hunter Health Centre) and the Community Health Visiting Team (Condorrat and Muirhead).#

The winner of the ‘Service Improvement’ award was Gillian Smith. Gillian works in the bowel screening service at Wishaw General. The award was sponsored by NHS Staff Benefits.

The two runners up for this award were Lynsey Drysdale (Occupational Therapy, Airdrie) and Elaine Rogerson (Health Centre, HMP Shotts).

The ‘William Cullen Prize’ was jointly won by Dr Sue Arnott and Professor Robin Taylor, who were both recognised by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for excellence in service innovation.

Iain Wallace, medical director for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Both of these clinicians are deserving winners of this award and I am delighted to see them recognised for the work that they do to improve patient experience and care.

“Dr Arnott is an excellent role model who always keeps her patients at the centre of everything that she does. Her colleagues recognise her for the breadth of her knowledge and her enthusiasm to test new ways of working. “

“Professor Taylor is known throughout the organisation for his drive and determination. He selflessly gives his own time to spread the message about caring for patients at the end of their life. The dedication he shows to his patients is an inspiration to others.”

The ‘Chair Award’ was jointly won by Suzanne Shields (Occupational Therapist Team Leader for Children and Young People, based in Douglas Street, Hamilton) and the Wishaw Radiology Volunteer Service.

Neena Mahal, chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Through the Chair Award it is a great privilege to recognise and celebrate outstanding contribution made to the work, services and people of Lanarkshire.

“Suzanne demonstrates excellent qualities of care and goes above and beyond to support children and their families in difficult situations. She puts herself in the shoes of the families she works with to provide truly person centred care and is held in high regard by all who know her.

“The 47 ladies of The Wishaw Radiology Volunteer Service have provided their service since the hospital opened, supporting at least 100 patients through the X-ray department every day making sure they get to the right place. With over 400 years of combined service to Wishaw General and Law Hospital, this remarkable team of volunteers go the extra mile and we couldn’t do without them – they are just fantastic!

“I would like to pay tribute to all of our staff and volunteers for their hard work, commitment and dedication.”

Donald Wilson and the ICT Department were also commended for their sterling work during the ransomware cyber virus. The in-house IT professionals worked round the clock to restore vital systems.