TIME TO CELEBRATE PANDEMIC HEROES

THE pandemic restrictions have lifted for most of us, but the selfless heroes working in our health and social care services are working as hard as ever.

Their everyday acts of caring and healing have saved countless lives and helped ease the pain and suffering and meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us.

When the pandemic struck, the NHS was put on an emergency footing, maintaining urgent care while meeting unprecedented demands and developing innovative ways of working.

Those working in health and social care have shown incredible resolve and flexibility – and the Scottish Health Awards recognise these admirable and altruistic qualities. Doctors, nurses, support staff and carers continue to give their utmost, and many go above and beyond to help and care for others.

If ever there was a time to celebrate the NHS and the achievements of the unsung heroes working in health and social care, it’s now.

Patients, colleagues and family and friends can show their appreciation by nominating their healing heroes for the 2022 Scottish Health Awards.

The annual event – now in its 21st year – is run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHS Scotland to

celebrate and recognise the work of some of the most dedicated staff in the country.

During the last two challenging years, our health and care services have never faltered in their commitment to those in their care as they carried us through Covid-19.

Nominations are now open across 16 awards categories, and the trophies will be handed out at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh in November. Please nominate a hero or heroes to thank them for their compassion, expertise, skill and dedication.

The People’s Choice Award recognises individuals and teams who have responded so magnificently to the challenge of caring for people during the pandemic, while maintaining essential services and care. The People’s Choice Award will be put to a public vote after nominations close on August 21. Once our judging panel have selected the most inspiring nominees, Record readers will be able to vote for their winner in this category.

Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “The Scottish Health Awards provide an opportunity to show our appreciation for the dedicated individuals and teams delivering high quality health and care.

“I regularly witness the commitment and hard work shown by colleagues working in our NHS Scotland and across our partners – even more so over the past two years during such a difficult time – and we are still seeing staff rising to the challenges of dealing with the pandemic as we face the road to recovery.

“These awards recognise the contribution of frontline health and social care workers but also celebrate those who work so hard behind the scenes in support roles to ensure we have the kind of health and care services that are so crucial to achieving the highest quality of care.

“I hope patients, the public and staff will take the opportunity to nominate the people who deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the delivery of consistent, reliable and responsive health and care services in Scotland.”

We’ll reveal the finalists in October, and winners will be announced in November at the awards ceremony at the O2 Academy, Edinburgh.