NHS Forth Valley and the University of Stirling scooped two awards at the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards – confirming the success of our long-standing partnership in teaching and educating the next generation of nurses.
The awards recognised NHS Forth Valley’s Forensic Community Mental Health Team as Student Placement of the Year (Community) and fourth year University of Stirling student Catherine Watson as Student Nurse of the Year (Mental Health).
The Forensic Community Mental Health Service Team received its award for the supportive, safe, and nurturing learning experience it offers students. Students described the learning environment as being inclusive and student-centred, providing them with the inspiration and motivation to practice nursing care that is compassionate and sensitive to the needs of the individual.
Katie Wilson, Team Leader of the Forensic Community Mental Health Service Team, NHS Forth Valley, said: “We are absolutely over the moon and still sitting on cloud nine. On behalf of the entire team, I would just like to say a massive thank to everyone who has supported us, and we are overjoyed to have brought home this award.
Meanwhile Undergraduate Catherine, inspired by her mother who was a nurse for more than 30 years, has undertaken placements throughout the area, including at Falkirk Community Hospital, Bellsdyke Hospital and Forth Valley Royal Hospital. During her course, she has given public talks, attended events, and participated in a televised interview with presenter Gail Porter, as part of the Scottish Association for Mental Health’s (SAMH) See Me campaign.
The award recognises that Catherine demonstrates several important qualities, including acting as a role model for student nurses; interpersonal and communication skills with service users and their families; promoting and enabling social inclusion; and working with compassion and empathy.
Reflecting on her award, Catherine said: “From the moment they called my name, I have been up on a cloud of immense joy, disbelief, and gratitude. I am so incredibly thankful to all the people I’ve had the honour of working with.”
