NHS Forth Valley staff nominated for Scotland's Health Awards

Four local NHS Forth Valley staff and teams have been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Scotland’s Health Awards.The awards, running for the 23rd year, in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, recognise the contribution made by health and social care workers across the country.Six finalists have been selected in each of 16 separate categories, with the NHS Forth Valley finalists being nominated in the following categories: Allied Health Professional Award - Susan Bannatyne, Speech and Language TherapistSusan was nominated for her support of learners with language and communication differences.

She is said to work closely with schools to audit collective practice and identifies areas where she can add value. She understands the potential barriers to engagement faced by families and seeks creative ways to overcome them to ensure the children in her care get the right support at the right time. Care for Mental Health Award - Ward 5 Nursing Team, Mental Health Unit, Forth Valley Royal HospitalThis nomination recognises a team that embodies NHS values, serving the most vulnerable in the community.

The Ward 5 team is said to navigate vast complexity and skilfully manages complex physical and mental health conditions simultaneously.

The nurses work tirelessly to ensure patients are able to maintain their dignity, quality of life and independence as much as possible and have been described as a “truly remarkable team”. Unsung Hero Award, Linda Smullen, Breast Clinic CoordinatorLinda is said to have been nominated for her dedication, compassion and excellence in her role.