There was a double win at the prestigious Scottish Health Awards with a further two contenders from the area close runners up. In the highly contested Integrated Care Award, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Home First triumphed.

Evergreen octogenarian Jimmy Grieve, a gardener at University Hospital Wishaw, won the Volunteer Award.

Meanwhile, Lanarkshire Care Home Wellbeing Group and Carol Rattray were runners up in their respective Care for Mental Health Award and People's Choice Award categories.

Soumen Sengupta, Ross McGuffie, Chief Officers of South and North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships respectively, and Heather Knox, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, praised the achievements in a joint statement.

“Our sincere congratulations to the winners and runners up on what was a fantastic evening for Lanarkshire. “This national recognition for a range of individuals and innovative teams is testament to the drive and commitment to excellence of all concerned. Indeed, that sterling endeavour is evident and representative of our staff and partners across the region.

“Well done to all.”

Winners and finalists: a quick profile

SLHSCP’s Home First programme won the Integrated Care Award. The approach has seen a network of teams, professions and work steams - spanning the health and social care system -drive towards high quality, co-ordinated care that is person-centred, safe and effective. Home First is a key element of our local response to ongoing pressures. The win speaks to the rigour and challenge the HSCP has chosen to bring to addressing the challenge teams and our service users/patients are facing.  

Jimmy Grieve, 86, a gardener at University Hospital Wishaw won the Volunteers Award. He was instrumental in designing and developing the memorial garden and rainbow ‘thank you’ sign at the entrance of Wishaw General, providing a fitting tribute to the incredible dedication of the healthcare team.

Carol Rattray, project coordinator for Lanarkshire’s condom distribution schemes, was a finalist in the People’s Choice category, specially created to recognise the extraordinary work of NHS Scotland staff, social care staff and carers in responding to the pandemic.

The Lanarkshire Care Home Wellbeing Group were also finalists. Recognising the profound challenges this workforce was facing in September 2020, a number of key staff working alongside Lanarkshire’s care homes responded proactively; by forming a wellbeing group. The group was set up to tailor supports that would be effective, targeted and available to all care home staff, regardless or role or employer/owner.