Health heroes in running for awards
Two local health heroes are in the running for prestigious awards thanks to their dedication and hard work.
Gail Topping and Jen Dunne are finalists in the Scottish Health Awards 2018 which pay tribute to healthcare professionals across the country.
Gail, a paramedic at the Scottish Ambulance Station in Livingston, has been shortlisted for the Care for Mental Health while Jen, from Bathgate, is in the running to be named Nurse of the Year.
Run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHSScotland and the Scottish Government, the Scottish Health Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of individuals and teams delivering health care throughout Scotland.
The achievements of those who devote their lives to improving the health and wellbeing of others are recognised through 17 categories.
To reach the finals each nominee has been assessed by a panel of NHSScotland representatives and Scottish Government Officials and will now go on to the award ceremony on November 1.
Gail is in line for the Care for Mental Health Award, sponsored by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which recognises an individual or team who provide NHS mental health care for people in Scotland. Gail was applauded for her hard work and commitment and has been considered the driving force behind the Are You OK? Campaign and the West Lothian Listening and Support Service (WELLS) and her efforts in pushing the initiatives forward.
Meanwhile, nurse Jen was nominated by her grateful patients.
Jen, from Bathgate, is Scotland’s only neuromuscular nurse specialist and works at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow. She previously worked at the children’s ward at St John’s.
She said she was“shocked” when she learned she had been nominated, adding:“I’m quite humbled people have taken the time to fill out a long form. I’m really pleased.
“I’d like to thank all my patients who nominated. These can be hard going conditions and I’m glad to think I’ve made a difference to their lives.”
David Dick, editor in chief of the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, congratulated all the nominees and said:“Our healthcare system is full of unsung heroes who go above and beyond to provide the best possible health and care services to the people of Scotland.
“Each year the Scottish Health Awards provides an important opportunity to celebrate their important work and we congratulate each of the individuals and teams who have been shortlisted.”