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.

Healthcare Heroes honoured at annual Celebrating Success Awards

Healthcare workers, support staff and volunteers who have gone the ‘extra mile’ have been recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.

Hundreds of nominations were received over 12 categories, with the winners announced at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday evening (26 September).

The Emergency Department Frailty Service picked up the Team of the Year award, recognising their collaborative efforts in supporting frail older people who attend the Emergency Department.

The multidisciplinary team was established in February 2023 and works to deliver safe alternatives to hospital admission and care closer to home.

Dr Amy Armstrong, Consultant, ED Frailty Team, NHS Lothian said: “We are absolutely delighted to win the Team of the Year award. It’s really nice recognition of everyone’s hard work.

“We are lucky to meet lovely patients who are often very grateful for our input on the day, but it’s nice to have that recognised at an organisational level.”

The Staff Member of the Year award was scooped up by Kate Farquharson, Unit Co-ordinator, Anaesthetic Department, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.

Kate has been in her role for 30 years and coordinates over 120 anaesthetists who work across the department, ensuring safe cover to multiple clinical areas across three different hospital sites. She was commended by her colleagues for ensuring the smooth running of an incredibly complex ship with warmth, kindness and fun.

Kate said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win Staff Member of the Year. I was really emotional and overwhelmed; it was really lovely. I’m nearing the end of my NHS career and I’m so proud and privileged to have been part of it all.”

Competition for the prestigious Health Hero award, nominated by the public, was tough with three outstanding candidates. The winner was Susanne Crichton, Team Lead Occupational Therapist & Disability Case Manager.

Susanne was nominated by Marika Komori, who she has been supporting for over two years.

Marika said: “Susanne has been instrumental in supporting me and helping me to manage my condition within the workplace. Susanne has gone above and beyond her role to give me the support, the expertise, and the advice I have needed.

“I can honestly say she has saved my life. She’s absolutely my Health Hero.”

Susanne said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and a little embarrassed. It’s so lovely that someone, who was dealing with their own challenges, has taken the time to make this nomination.

“To have the opportunity to share the impact that vocational rehabilitation can have on someone’s life is brilliant. I love my job and winning this award is the icing on the cake, but I was already truly flattered and proud just to have been nominated.”

Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board explained: “The Celebrating Success Awards are an important event in our calendar. They are an opportunity to recognise and honour the people working across all areas of our local health service for their tremendous contribution in helping others.

“Our finalists were chosen by their fellow colleagues, or the public, because of the invaluable role they play. They have been shortlisted from hundreds of award entries and should be incredibly proud of their amazing achievements.”

The 2024 Awards are the first for NHS Lothian Chief Executive Caroline Hiscox, who said: “The NHS is undoubtedly facing some of its most challenging times, however it is still incredibly important that we celebrate our collective achievements and honour colleagues for the exceptional things they have done.

“It was fantastic to see so many staff coming together to watch this year’s virtual Celebrating Success Awards ceremony. Thank you for making the night so special for all those who were nominated.”

For the full list of NHS Lothian’s award winners please visit: 

https://news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists/