Cabinet Secretary praises staff who went the extra mile

THE SCOTTISH Health Awards are an opportunity to publicly recognise the people working in our health and social care system who demonstrate extraordinary commitment in delivering high quality services to the people of Scotland.

This has been especially the case during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, when staff across health and social care have been rising to the many challenges and dealing with very difficult circumstances both personally and professionally. Their response and their dedication have been simply phenomenal.

This year is very special as the Scottish

Health Awards are now in their 20th year. They continue to go from strength to strength, paying tribute to those individuals and teams who go that extra mile to deliver compassionate and responsive care.

They also allow us to celebrate the contribution of those who work behind the scenes in support roles and who all too often go unrecognised.

With more than 500 nominations received across the 16 award categories, many of which come from patients and the public, it is clear the people of Scotland have great affection for those striving to deliver the best possible health and care services to our nation.

Sitting behind the nominations are powerful stories and incredible examples of how individuals, teams and local health and social care systems are working together with patients, families and carers to deliver high quality, innovative and responsive services.

My congratulations go to all the finalists and winners in recognition of the fantastic work they do and for the vital contribution they continue to make to improve people’s lives. • Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care