11 March 2019
A 'thoughtful and caring' mortuary worker has won a national honour to recognise her contribution to the National Health Service.
Karen Shields, who works for NHS Borders, was named as the winner in the Everyday Hero (Ancillary) category at the Unsung Hero Awards.
She received the accolade at a glitzy gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester, and was the only Scottish finalist.
The awards honour non-clinical NHS staff and volunteers and winners were selected following an intensive judging process.
NHS leaders, experts and influential figures from the Health Service were among those on a panel which assessed hundreds of nominations from across the country.
Unsung Hero Awards founder Don Tomlinson said: "Our fifth annual event was our biggest and best yet and we were able to honour some brilliant, inspiring members of NHS staff and volunteers for the amazing work they have done.
"Everyone who won an award - and all those shortlisted - show each and every day the qualities and excellence which make our Health Service the best in the world.
"It has been an honour to be able to shine some light on the great contributions they have made."
John Raine, Chairman at NHS Borders said: “This well-deserved national recognition highlights the important and sensitive work that Karen does in our Mortuary.”
Speaking about winning the award Karen said: “I have worked at NHS Borders for over 14 years and take great pride in the work I do here. Being nominated and shortlisted for this award really gave me a boost; to have won is incredible, it’s lovely to be recognised.”
