The cheerfulness and kindness she has shown to patients in the intensive care unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has earned housekeeper Nadine Sinclair the Unsung Hero Award in the NHS Forth Valley 2016 Staff Awards.

A total of 35 nominations from patients and colleagues described how Nadine is always a ray of sunshine in the mornings and remembers patient preferences for meals and the amount of sugar they like in their teas and coffees, all of which adds a personal touch.

Colleagues referred to her as “the glue that binds the ward” and an “integral part of the team” noting that she is always prepared to go the extra mile for everybody, providing cuppas without being asked to relatives who are grieving or distraught or making sure that visitors find their way around the department.

Another colleague wrote: “Nadine is a consistent and excellent hard worker. This has a noticeable effect upon all in the department from helping patients to smile and allowing staff to be assured that no jugs of water are ever empty at the bedside. She really does help make a busy, and at times stressful, department flow efficiently and effectively – an unsung asset in our Intensive Care Unit.’

Forty four nominations were submitted for Ward A31 at Forth Valley Royal, which received the Top Team Award.  Patients spoke of how staff made them laugh when they felt like crying and gave hugs when people were down. One referred to them as “amazing people who deserve every bit of praise they get” and dubbed them “Angels!”

Consultant Paediatrician Dr Una MacFadyen, who has cared for thousands of children over the years received the Inspiration Award. Dr MacFadyen was recognised for

maintaining an unequalled level of dedication and enthusiasm towards the care of sick children.

Her work with children suffering from life-limiting respiratory disorders was described as ‘exemplary.’

 Alex Linkston, Chair of NHS Forth Valley, said: “The response to this year’s awards has been fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to put forward nominations.

These local awards are really important as they help demonstrate how much the efforts of our staff are really appreciated by colleagues and patients alike.”

Other awards were:

Outstanding Care – Camelon Medical Practice District Nursing Team, Falkirk

“a shining example of what community nursing is about”

“a highly effective compassionate and professional team who excel in palliative and end of life care, pulling out all the stops to make sure patients and loved ones are cared  for with love and compassion”

 Innovation Award – ALFY

“the team offer a telephone support service for people 65 and over and are continuously building a bank of knowledge and services that are available locally to support individuals to stay at home wherever possible and avoid unnecessary admission to hospital”

Volunteer Award – NHS Forth Valley Mental Health Volunteers

“They ensure that the physical activity groups they help facilitate reflect the needs of the patients attending and regularly attend meeting and  focus groups and feedback suggestions for service improvement”

Chairman’s Award – Karen Kane, Personal Assistant

“having achieved an amazing weight loss Karen has made us all more aware of our health and wellbeing and has even inspired other girls in the office to take up running.”