A receptionist in the outpatient department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, said to be ‘one in a million’ and ‘a ray of sunshine’ has received the Unsung Hero Award in the NHS Forth Valley 2017 Staff Awards. There were 124 nominations in the category with Stephanie Donner a clear winner.
Patients, colleagues and hospital volunteers described Stephanie as a truly dedicated member of staff and a credit to the NHS. They remarked on her continual cheerfulness and welcoming manner. One relative, who had been visiting the department with a family member for the last 18 months, said she felt like buying Stephanie flowers for “being so lovely”. Another patient referred to Stephanie’s ability to reassure, after receiving news of a second cancer.
Another popular choice, this time in the Volunteer Category, was Evelyn Allan, who serves teas and coffees in the RVS cafe at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre. Evelyn began volunteering in 2010 shortly after being widowed and is committed to providing the best service possible. Despite struggling recently with hip and back pain, she has continued to attend every shift and even covers extra shifts if other volunteers are ill.
Accolades were also received for Ward 4 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital which won the Outstanding Care Award from 93 nominations. They were congratulated on their exceptional level of care for people with severe dementia.
There were plaudits too for Tracey Carmichael, senior charge nurse in Ward A32, for her role in making a huge difference to staff and patients. Tracey, who received the Inspiration Award, was recognised for her enthusiasm, developing staff knowledge and skills and boosting morale
NHS Forth Valley Chairman Alex Linkston, who presented the awards, said: “This is the fourth year of the NHS Forth Valley staff award scheme to recognise the hard work, care and commitment of staff and volunteers and how we are demonstrating our values in action. I am delighted to say we received nearly 450 nominations which is a great achievement and offer my warmest congratulations to all winners and finalists.”
Outstanding Care Award
Winner: Ward 4 (Mental Health) Forth Valley Royal Hospital
“Staff made time to discuss our fears and provided clear and honest answers to our questions and concerns”
“Yours is not an easy job but you unfailingly did it with smiling faces and encouragement to us as a family”
“There are challenges but staff are happy to care for their patients”
First Runner Up: District Nursing Team, Graeme Medical Centre
“This team treated my mum as a real human being, not just a name on a ‘to-do’ list”
Second Runner Up: Intensive Care Team, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
“I will never forget the kindness and support I received in ITU and I would like the staff to know how much I owe them”
Innovation Award
Winner: Extended Scope Physiotherapists Bannockburn and Kersiebank Medical Practice
“This team are champions for the physiotherapy profession”
“Among the first physiotherapists in Scotland to work directly with GP services”
“They have made a significant difference to patient care and the patient journey”
First Runner Up: Improving the Patient Journey Dementia Project Team
“The team have demonstrated drive and determination to improve services for patients, families and staff”
Second Runner Up: Community Pharmacy Development Team
“Their innovative approach, enthusiasm and diligence are commendable”
Inspiration Award
Winner: Tracey Carmichael, Senior Charge Nurse, Ward A32
“Tracey is an inspiration. She made my transition from student to qualified nurse easier than I thought possible”
“Tracey is approachable and a wonderful person; she is an inspiration to us all”
“What a difference she has made to the ward, it’s a better place to work”
First Runner Up: Caroline Gill, Senior Nurse, Lochview
“Caroline embraces the organisation values and motivates her team by setting an excellent example”
Second Runner Up: Dr Lesley Dawson, ESP Physiotherapist
“Lesley is focussed, non-judgemental, calm, genuinely interested in others and really supportive”
Top Team Award
Winner: Ward B32, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
“The care and dignity which my wife and I received has been outstanding”
“Very caring and compassionate people with a non-judgemental attitude; excellent team”
“As a student nurse on my management placement I have witnessed some of the best care in this ward”
First Runner Up: Meadowbank Health Visiting Team
“The team work tirelessly with a very heavy workload; the continuity they provide is invaluable for the mums”
Second Runner Up: Cardiology Team, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
“Most amazing, genuine and charismatic people I’ve had the pleasure of being unwell with”
Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Stephanie Donner, Receptionist, Outpatients Department, Forth Valey Royal Hospital
“Stephanie has been a ray of sunshine, always smiling and very complimentary”
“She is the nicest, friendliest and cheeriest receptionist I have ever encountered”
“Stephanie is ALWAYS professional, diligent, caring and ENDLESSLY patient”
First Runner Up: John Watson, Driver
“John is always cheerful with a smile for us all and nothing is too much trouble; all in all an absolute gem”
Second Runner Up: Myra McLay, Receptionist, Camelon Clinic
“Myra is pleasantly helpful and organised and is the backbone of Camelon Clinic”
Volunteer Award
Winner: Evelyn Allan, Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre
“Evelyn is a credit to the voluntary sector and is an absolute treasure to our organisation”
“Her loyalty, integrity, happy personality and willingness to help everyone makes her the light of everyone’s day”
“The running of the cafe would be very difficult without Evelyn”s input”
First Runner Up: Volunteers in Ward B21/22, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
“The volunteers’ activities enhance patient’s experience of hospital, and prevent boredom and frustration”
Second Runner Up: Jim Colley, Jeweller
“It means a great deal for me and my family to have this leaf (Memory Tree) which Mr Colley engraves free of charge, thank you”
Chairman’s Award
Winner: Nurses Choir
“They bring incredible joy, goodwill and national pride to patients and the organisation”
They are deeply caring, passionate and compassionate, giving freely of their time”
“They make a unique and significant impact on patients, families, visitors and staff”
