Pat Gibson has been recognised as one of the leading care home employees in Scotland at a prestigious evening awards ceremony celebrating the best of the independent care home sector in Scotland.
88% of all care home support in Scotland is delivered by the independent sector, with these services caring for over 33,000 older individuals and employing nearly 46,000 people.
Pat, a Senior Carer at Braeside House in Liberton, won her award in the Positive Impact category at the Scottish Care Awards 2019. This award recognises people who have made significant and sustained contribution to the care home sector.
Pat received her award, which was sponsored by Compass Associates Ltd., at an Awards Ceremony on 15 November at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. The Awards Ceremony were hosted by Michelle McManus, with nearly 700 people attending.
Pat was delighted to have been recognised and said: “I am very surprised but thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a winner in these prestigious awards.”
Morag Francis, the Head of Care for Older People at Royal Blind, who nominated Pat, said: “Pat has been a vital part of the Braeside team for over 30 years. The majority of this time has been on nightshift where she is a hidden gem. She works tirelessly for the residents and they are always front and centre of everything she does.
“Pat provides fantastic support to the nurses, stepping up and supporting them constantly. Her charge nurse said ‘She works tirelessly on nightshift to ensure high standards of care. She has fully embraced new technology, changes to her role and responsibility and additional training needed. Pat maintains a positive team player attitude and promotes this among the team.”
The care awards followed a full day conference for the care home sector with speakers including Professor George Crooks, CEO of the Digital Health and Care Institute and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Ms Jeane Freeman MSP.
The Scottish Care National Care Home Conference & Exhibition, which is now in its 20th year and was sponsored by the Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank, has incorporated an awards ceremony for the last 15 years.
The conference focus this year was on the essential role of care homes in supporting individuals within a demographic reality of an ageing population and more complex care needs.
It also highlighted their importance within communities and the criticality of care homes in delivering positive outcomes and relieving pressure on other health and care services including hospitals. The conference explored topics as diverse as the role of technology, design approaches to future care, LGBTI recognition, intergenerational support, dentistry and workforce.
The conference, exhibition and care awards are the largest of their kind for the care home sector in Scotland.
