Local Healthcare Heroes Honoured at Celebrating Success Awards

Healthcare professionals, support staff, and teams at the Western General Hospital who have made an exceptional impact were recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.

Lucy Lockhart, Clinical Support Worker at the Western General Hospital scooped the Young Achiever Award.

She joined the surgical High Dependency Unit as an apprentice aged 16 years old. Patients love her warmth, and her colleagues say she’s an absolute joy to work with.  Lucy’s nominators said: “She never fails to make us smile with her kind, compassionate and polite nature.”

The Uro-Oncology Prostate Postal Service team at the hospital took home the Best Example of Quality, Innovation and Productivity Award.

Serving over 2,000 patients, the team have streamlined vital blood test monitoring for cancer patients. Their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new ideas have helped to save time, money, and improve patient care.

The Caring Champion of the Year Award went to Alison Rogers, Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Lead at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

She works tirelessly to support patients, staff or anyone who needs a kind word or a calming presence. From making the centre feel like a cosy haven to sprucing up the garden, she goes above and beyond every single day. Her nominator said Alison doesn’t just support people—she becomes a true friend.

Kelly Moffat, Lead Nurse – Acute Palliative Care for Lothian was awarded for her Leadership Excellence.

Described by her nominator as a true inspiration, Kelly is commended for raising the profile of palliative care across Lothian and uniting teams across the Western General, the Royal Infirmary, and St John’s Hospital.

Her nominator said: “Kelly is professional in all aspects of her work always encompassing the core values of NHS Lothian and delivering outstanding patient centred care.”

Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board, said: “It’s always inspiring to hear the incredible stories of care happening every day across Lothian. These awards give us a chance to pause and celebrate the amazing work being done, and it was fantastic to do that in person again this year.

“Our finalists were nominated by colleagues and members of the public for the vital roles they play. They should feel incredibly proud of their achievements for being chosen out of hundreds of entries.”

Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, added: “It’s a real privilege to celebrate the incredible work of our colleagues across NHS Lothian. Many feel they’re simply doing their job and don’t seek recognition, but that’s exactly why Celebrating Success is so important.

“These awards allow us to shine a light on those who go above and beyond, and who truly embody NHS Lothian’s values. I want to thank all our finalists for their resilience, professionalism, and hard work, and offer my warmest congratulations on their well-deserved achievements.”

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. It demonstrates great leadership to recognise and celebrate the contributions of colleagues.”

Proudly sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity, the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams working tirelessly to improve care and support across the region.

Visit news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists/ for the full list of winners and finalists.

OOR BILLY

BILLY FITZPATRICK HAS DIED AFTER A PERIOD OF ILL HEALTH

Billy’s family posted this very sad news on Facebook yesterday:

This morning he passed away at the Western General surrounded by loves ones.

He asked that friends, family, acquaintances, people from his beloved North Edinburgh, and old comrades were given the news when the time came, and in his own words he had a good kick at the baw.

When funeral arrangements are made we’ll update again, thanks x

A proud trade unionist and a popular local councillor who fought for his community, Billy went on to share his negotiating skills and vast experience when he retired from front-line party politics.

Billy supported a number of important community projects, including Granton Information Centre, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (he chaired both of these long-established community organisations) and North Edinburgh Arts.

Proud ‘Roystoner’ Billy featured in the recent ‘Quiet Heroes‘ exhibition at Madelvic House granton:hub.

Billy wasn’t always so quiet – it’s fair to say that oor Billy could be passionate, fiery even, and he had his fair share of brushes with the Labour Party hierarchy! – but Royston’s very own Quiet Hero fought North Edinburgh’s corner loyally for over forty years.

A genuine working class community stalwart, they just don’t make politicians like Billy Fitzpatrick any more. And our communities, our cities and our country are all the poorer for that.

Farewell, Billy, my dear old Comrade. We shared many good times together, and some dreadful ones too. Throughout all that time, you never changed: loyal, steadfast and honest to the very end.

How we will miss you.