Three NHS Forth Valley workers and a local healthcare team have been selected as finalists at the Scottish Health Awards 2015.

Liz MacMillan of Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been shortlisted for the Nurse Award. Liz was the hospital’s first ever Macmillan nurse and has worked in NHS Forth Valley’s Oncology Unit for many years. She is currently undertaking a national secondment with Macmillan Cancer Support and has been praised for her work ethic and enthusiasm as well as being an inspiration to other oncology nurses across the country.

Isabel Reed, Integrated Mental Health Manager at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, has been named as a finalist in the Care for Mental Health Award category. Isabel leads a team of mental health practitioners who provide services to adults with mental health needs across Alloa and Stirling.

Isabel was nominated for her excellent knowledge of care services and her innovative approach to mental healthcare.

In addition, Natalie Kerr, Biomedical Scientist at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, has been shortlisted for the Support Worker Award and the NHS Forth Valley Eating Disorder Service has been named as a finalist in the Care for Mental Health Award category.

All nominees fought off stiff competition from across the country to secure their place at this year’s glittering award ceremony in November.

NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive, Jane Grant, said: “We are immensely proud to hear that staff from NHS Forth Valley are amongst the finalists. These awards are a superb way of saying thank you to those who are always prepared to go the extra mile to help others and are a wonderful opportunity for good work to be recognised and rewarded.

I congratulate all those who have been nominated and wish them every success in their chosen category.”

Every year, the Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward the dedicated NHS staff, support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go the extra mile to provide outstanding patient care.

There are 16 award categories in total, including the Nurse Award, the Volunteers Award, and the coveted Doctor Award, and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on 4 November 2015 at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.

To view the full list of finalists, or for more information, please visit www.scottishhealthawards.com