TWO workers at NHS Borders have been selected as finalists at next month’s Royal College of Nursing Awards.

The event is designed to recognise, highlight and celebrate the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff across Scotland.

Lynsey Russell, senior charge nurse in NHS Borders’ intensive therapy unit, has been nominated in the Clinical Leadership Award category. 

Rachel Gardiner has been selected in the Learning Disability Nursing Award category as part of a team of Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) nurses.

Sarah Horan, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at NHS Borders, said: “We are thrilled to have two finalists at this year’s Royal College of Nursing Awards. Being nominated for these awards is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment Lynsey and Rachel demonstrate in their roles every day.

“As an organisation we are hugely proud of their achievements, and I would like to extend my congratulations to them both for earning this very well deserved recognition and wish them good luck on the night.”

The health boards said Lynsey had been nominated for her exceptional commitment to improving nursing practice and creating a supportive environment within NHS Borders. 

A spokesperson said: “Much of Lynsey’s work focuses on enhancing patient care and staff wellbeing, and her success has been evidenced through better patient outcomes, increased staff competency and positive feedback from staff surveys.”

Meanwhile, on the team which Rachel is part of, the spokesperson added: “The group have been nominated for the QNIS Think COULD animation project, which aims to raise awareness about the need for better support for individuals with learning disabilities in the justice system.”