A HOSPITAL worker from the Borders has been shortlisted for a national healthcare award.

Support worker Leanne Johnston has reached the final of the Scottish Health Awards for her work in the stroke unit at Borders General Hospital.

The awards, run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHSScotland and the Scottish Government, pay tribute to the work of healthcare professionals across the country with winners across 17 categories.

Leanne is in the running for the Support Worker Award, sponsored by Unison Scotland, which recognises an individual involved in providing excellent NHS non-clinical support services for people in Scotland.

Leanne was applauded for her hard work and commitment with one nomination form stating: “Leanne’s love for her job shows through and through on a daily basis and it is so very evident that she has her patients interests at heart.

“Leanne made it very clear that it was just as important to care for families as it was to care for her patients. From the minute mum was admitted on to the ward, to the minute she sadly passed, the stroke unit was our second home.

“We all felt so comforted, and touched at the care we all received. Through such a heart-breaking time, Leanne and her colleagues made it so much more easier.”

To reach this stage, Leanne has been assessed by a panel of NHSScotland representatives and Scottish Government Officials and will now go to the award ceremony in November where the winner will be announced.

David Dick, Editor in Chief of Daily Record and Sunday Mail, 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 for an award across these 17 diverse categories.”

The awards ceremony will be held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Thursday November 1.