NHS Borders finalists announced for Scottish Health Awards 2014

The Multi-Disciplinary team at Huntlyburn Ward and NHS Borders’ Chief Operating Officer have been announced as finalists in this years’ Scottish Health Awards.

Every year, the Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward the dedicated NHS staff, support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go the extra mile to provide outstanding patient care.

With the NHS in Scotland helping more than 150,000 Scots every day, nominations were sought from across the country from those who want to acknowledge the quality of treatment they have received, either for themselves or a loved one.

The NHS Borders finalists fought off stiff competition from across Scotland to secure their place at this year’s prestigious award ceremony in November.

Huntlyburn Ward is the only adult acute mental health inpatient ward in the Scottish Borders and provides care for patients with a wide range of mental health difficulties. The Multi-disciplinary Team at Huntlyburn Ward has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Care for Mental Health’ award category in recognition of their tireless work in implementing the ‘Star Wards’ programme.

‘Star Wards’ is a nationwide initiative, created by a mental health patient, which acts as a catalyst to change through inspiring, collecting and disseminating best practice in mental health inpatient care. Implementing ‘Star Wards’ within Huntlyburn is resulting in improved patient experiences, excellent partnership working between ward staff and patients and overall patient and team satisfaction.

Jane Davidson, Chief Operating Officer of NHS Borders has led and encouraged teams to embrace an improvement approach that makes it easier to give better care to patients and to work alongside patients and carers.

Her mission to deliver quality treatment has focused on patient safety and improvement science, increasing the areas and departments that “take small steps” to better care. Jane’s nomination in the ‘Leading and Managing for Quality’ category reflects all the positive work that happens throughout NHS Borders by so many staff on a daily basis.

John Raine, Chairman of NHS Borders said: “I am delighted to congratulate our finalists on reaching the last stage of the Scottish Health Awards. Their hard work and dedication in enhancing patient care sets an example to all our staff who are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients.

“I wish them the best of luck at the awards ceremony.”

For further information on the Scottish Health Awards please visit www.scottishhealthawards.com.