National awards for teachers

TWO Dundee t eachers have received national recognition for their work with technology i n the classroom.

Kelly MacDonald from Harris Academy won the secondary teacher of the year category at the S c o t t i s h Wo m e n in Technology awards.

Meanwhile, Jill Sim from Rosebank Primary was rewarded with a special commendation in the primary teacher of the year category.

Gregor Murray, the city council’s children and families service convener, said: “This is a fantastic result for both these teachers and for schools i n Dundee.

“I would like to congratulate them on their achievements.

“Their successes highlight the quality of technology and digital education that i s ongoing i n our classrooms.

“Enthusiastic teachers are helping our children and young people to learn important digital skills that will help them to play a par t i n t he exciting opportunities t hat are developing in Dundee.”

Shannon Mills, 21, of Inveresk Gardens in Whitfield, admitted three charges of theft from elderly patients in June and September last year and July this year.

She stole amounts of £5, £95 and £50 on separate occasions while employed as a healthcare assistant, Dundee Sheriff Court heard.

Her pleas of not guilty to five other charges of theft from patients in the same ward were accepted by the Crown.

Mills admitted that on June 6 2016, at Ward five, Ninewells Hospital, she stole £5 in cash from a purse.

She also admitted that between September 12 and September 15 2016, at the same ward in Ninewells, she stole £95 in cash from a purse, and on July 4 2017, again at the same ward, she stole £50 from a patient’s wallet.

At a previous appearance in court, Mills was granted bail with the special condition that she stay away from Ninewells, which her solicitor had pointed out was her place of work.

Sheriff James McDonald deferred sentence for reports along with a restriction of liberty order assessment. Sentence was deferred until November 22 and Mills was ordained to appear.

Today, a spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said that Mills no longer worked for the health board.

Patients in Ward five are normally male and are treated for ilnesses including Parkinson’s, dementia, delirium, alcohol dependency, epilepsy and infections such as pneumonia.

AN NHS worker preyed on vulnerable patients who were being treated at Ninewells Hospital — stealing money from purses and a wallet while she worked there.