A number of staff have been selected as finalists at the Scottish Health Awards, chosen from hundreds of nominees in a rigorous shortlisting process. 

Among them are three nominees from the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership (SLHSCP), making the final cut in recognition of their expertise, benefiting people across communities. Also in the running for an award is a retired nurse from University Hospital Hairmyres.

Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, and Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, praised the outstanding commitment that has once again put Lanarkshire in the national spotlight.

“The resilience and professionalism of our colleagues across our health and care services continues to shine – and shine brightly,” said Professor Gardner. 

“Doing the best we can by local people and communities relies on our staff collaborating, innovating, and having immense drive. We see that very commitment each day, and the fact that several of our colleagues are contenders for such accolades comes as no great surprise. Very well done, Team Lanarkshire. ”

Professor Sengupta added: “Our finalists continue the exceptionally strong Lanarkshire representation that’s been present at these awards in recent years. Each and every one personifies the outstanding dedication which spans our diverse services. 

“We wish all of our finalists every success for the night.”

•    This year’s People’s Choice Award specifically recognises amazing people who have dedicated much of their working lives and have made – and continue to make – a significant contribution to their field. Among the contenders is SLHSCP’s Janice McClymont, Head of Profession, Occupational Therapy Services. Janice creates a supportive culture for all those she works with and has been described as ‘an inspiration to all’.
•    Janice is also a finalist in the Leader of the Year category.
•    Jacqueline McKechnie, a retired nurse who worked at University Hospital Hairmyres, has also been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award. Over the course of a 40-year career, Jackie made innumerable kind gestures for patients, such as knitting teddy bears with NHS badges and offering them in exchange for donations. Despite suffering from two heart attacks, she completed a charity walk and donated money for supplies for patients, including tights, sanitary items, and toiletries.
•    SLHSCP Community Nurses (End of Life Care) are finalists in the Integration Award. This team is highly knowledgeable in recognising when someone is approaching the end of their life, at ease in talking to them and their families about what is important to them, and how to raise questions around what they want to happen. They make a huge difference at a time of great need.
•    Physiotherapist Paulina Ranizsewska’s compassion, expertise, and foresight have brought hope and relief to many people in the wake of the often-forgotten toll of the pandemic; Long Covid. She’s a finalist in the Allied Health Professional category and has been described as a 'one-woman powerhouse.' As Paulina’s contribution to the field of Long Covid for SLHSCP has been scaled up nationally, she remains humble, grounded, and laser-focused on those at the centre of care.