Heroes in healthcare recognised at NHS Borders Celebrating Excellence Awards

Almost 400 members of staff and other guests gathered at Springwood Park in Kelso on Friday 19 April for the NHS Borders Celebrating Excellence Awards.

The event, which was held again for the first time since the pandemic, was kicked off with a performance from our 'Health in Harmony' Choir followed by dinner from NHS Borders Catering Team, live music from James Knox and a presentation of the Unsung Heroes Project.

There were eight awards up for grabs on the night – each representing the different values of our organisation, as well as the ‘Chair’s Award’ selected by NHS Borders Chair, Karen Hamilton.

Reflecting on the awards ceremony, NHS Borders Chair, Karen Hamilton, said: “Our Celebrating Excellence Awards demonstrate our values in action: dignity and respect; quality and team work; openness, honesty and respect; care and compassion.

“Every award winner reflected on how much their success was due to teamwork and the mutual support and compassion for each other shone through. Congratulations to all nominees, winners and Unsung Heroes.

“I would like to thank our charity ‘the difference’ for funding the event and everyone who made the night possible.

“Thank you also to all of our staff who do such a fantastic job every day to care for the people of the Borders.”

And the award winners are…

Health & Wellbeing Award | WINNER – Jan Moffat, Team Manager, Rehabilitation Team
This award recognises the work of individuals or teams who have helped improve the health and wellbeing of local patients and communities or staff within the workplace, this could include through prevention or self-care.

Service Improvement and Innovation Award | WINNER – Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service
This award is for individuals or teams who have helped to improve the quality, safety and/or effectiveness of local care and services.

Working Together Award | WINNER – Frederick Tanner and the Audiology Team
This award is for an individual or team who has greatly improved the patient experience or team-working environment across NHS Borders and between our partners.

Inspiration Award | WINNER – Lynsey Russell, Senior Charge Nurse, ITU
This award is to recognise individuals who are an inspiration to others. They are outstanding in their role and consistently deliver work/care of the highest standard.

Person-Centred Care Award | WINNER – Darren Kerr, Staff Nurse, Ward 6
An individual or team who deliver high quality care while being responsive to individual needs and preferences. They are open and honest with service users and treat everyone with care, compassion, dignity and respect.

Hidden Hero Award | WINNER – Chloe Horne, Ward Secretary, Knoll Hospital
An individual or team who may work behind the scenes but who provide invaluable support to frontline services or colleagues in other teams.

Better Workplace Award | WINNER – Gillian Myatt, Senior Charge Nurse, East Brig
This award is for an individual who makes work a better place. This is the person who brightens up your day, who demonstrates compassionate leadership, is always there to listen or lend a hand and makes you feel better no matter what challenges you face. This individual is the glue that keeps your team together.

Top Team Award | WINNER - Intensive Care Unit Team
This award recognises a team which delivers an excellent service by encouraging, motivating and supporting staff, who harness individuals' strengths to work together efficiently in pursuit of a common goal.

Chair’s Award | WINNER – Patient Experience Team
This award seeks to reward an individual or team who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The winner is selected by NHS Borders Chair, Karen Hamilton.