Glasgow Caledonian “honoured” to be part of Scottish Health Awards
Glasgow Caledonian University was "honoured" to be a double sponsor of this year's Scottish Health Awards celebrating the dedication of the selfless heroes in the health and social care services.
The Scottish Health Awards are the most prestigious and recognised awards run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government.
The School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS) sponsored the Paramedic Award, which was won by Lynn Henderson, from the Scottish Ambulance Service, and the School's Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) sponsored the Leader of the Year Award, won by Derek Kennedy, from the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
SHLS Dean Professor Anita Simmers said: "The School of Health and Life Sciences was delighted to sponsor two awards at the Scottish Health Awards this year.
“In the 75th Anniversary of the NHS, it was a privilege to celebrate these outstanding individuals, teams and organisations who all demonstrate unwavering dedication and selflessness to their patients as well as their unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.
"As the first university in Scotland to launch a full-time Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)-approved BSc Paramedic Science undergraduate degree in Scotland, I was exceptionally proud to present the Paramedic Award in recognition of the growing and integral importance of paramedics to Scottish healthcare."
Paramedic Lynn, who was unable to attend the ceremony to receive her award in person, was awarded for her dedication to providing emergency care and going beyond the call of duty when she recently saved a boy's life while on holiday abroad.
Professor Sharron Dolan, SHLS Associate Dean Research, added: "It was such an honour to attend the Scottish Health Awards, to help celebrate the outstanding achievements of our NHS colleagues. It was a truly humbling experience to hear their incredible stories and unwavering commitment to ensure healthcare excellence for the people of Scotland."
ReaCH Co-Director Professor Carol Emslie said: "It was wonderful to present the Leader of the Year Award on behalf of the Research Centre for Health. Our aim is to improve health and wellbeing for all, and this goal was shared by all 500 participants at the Scottish Health Awards.
“It was an inspiring evening which showcased the amazing work of our NHS in Scotland and GCU ReaCH was proud to be part of it."
Derek, who is Team Leader for the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service, has been the focal point for the development and continued growth of CIRCLE Recovery Hub, a unique mental health and addiction service.
Janice McClymont, who is a School of Health and Life Sciences Honorary Fellow and Head of Profession in the Occupational Therapy Services at the University's partner health board NHS Lanarkshire, was a finalist in the Leader of the Year Award and the People's Choice Award.
Although she didn't win this time around, Professor of Occupational Therapy Katrina Bannigan said she was a winner in the eyes of the University.
She said: "Countless people have had their lives changed for the better thanks to the hard work and skill of occupational therapists, led by Janice.
"For us, in occupational therapy and the School, Janice McClymont was an absolute winner. It was an incredible achievement to be the only person shortlisted for two awards. It's a mark of her leadership that those two awards were Leader of the Year and People's Choice. We are very proud her."
Photos show Professor Anita Simmers holding the Paramedic Award with Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, and host Fred MacAulay. Professor Carol Emslie is pictured with Michael Matheson and the Leader of the Year Award winner Derek Kennedy.