SPRINGWOOD Park was the venue for the first ever NHS Borders staff awards event last Friday night, April 4th 2014.

Fittingly entitled ‘Celebrating Excellence’, the evening, which was hosted by local businessman and Chairman of ‘the difference’ charity Mr James Marjoribanks, was a celebration of dedication, clinical excellence and person-centred care.

The proud winners were announced as follows -: Chairman’s Award: ‘Michael’s Eye Operation Team (Dr. Nigel Leary, Dr. Imogen Hayward, Dr. Robert Murray, Alison Todd, Sister Betty Wiliamson).

Student of the Year: Kirsty Baxter; Person-centred Care: Special Care Baby Unit Nursing Team; Working in Partnership: Jenny Baird, IM&T Project Manager; Improving Health:Alison Quinn and Kerrie Blake, Maternity Care Assistants.

Volunteer of the Year: The Borders General Hospital Participation Group, chaired by Mrs Ann Purvis.

Innovation and Improvement: Gill Lunn, Midwife; Clinical Excellence: Melburn Lodge; Leading by Example: Rachael Marples, Baby Friendly Initiative Lead; Behind the Scenes: Cameron Miles and the Bedbusters Team, Discharge Liaison Service.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Chairman of NHS Borders, John Raine said: “Friday night was a very special night for NHS Borders, our staff, partners, volunteers and invited guests. All of the finalists and winners were so very proud and indeed humbled to have been nominated and recognised for what they consider to be simply doing their job.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who nominated and contributed to making the evening such a success. Celebrating Excellence is now firmly embedded in NHS Borders annual calendar of events, and I am already looking forward to next year.”