A trainee Biomedical Scientist at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been awarded the Rising Star Award in the Chief Scientific Officer National Awards 2024.

The Rising Star Award aims to recognise individuals who are in their early career and who have shown initiative, skill and commitment.

Laura Green works in NHS Forth Valley’s Pathology Department, where she was initially employed as a Medical Laboratory Assistant before progressing to an Associate Practitioner and then to a Trainee Biomedical Scientist in 2023.

During this time, she completed two degrees, one in Material Science and then another in Biomedical Science in which she achieved first-class honours. Laura also undertook top up modules to enable her to become a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist, all whilst working full time in the pathology department.

Colleagues have praised Laura’s dedication and skills and highlighted how well she is performing in her new role.  This was highlighted recently when she identified that a cancer specimen would not be processed in time for a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting. She brought this to the attention of a senior member of staff and, along with another trained Biomedical Scientist, stayed late to ensure that the specimen was ready for reporting and the patient’s results were available for the meeting.

Leigh Ritchie, Pathology Department Manager, NHS Forth Valley, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Laura has won this prestigious national award and has been recognised for all her hard work and commitment. Her dedication to pathology services, her colleagues and local patients makes her a really worthy winner.”

Prof Catherine Ross, Scotland’s Chief Scientific Officer, said: “I am privileged to be able to recognise and celebrate the unique expertise and knowledge of the scientific workforce in Scotland.

“Each one of our winners should be exceptionally proud of the contribution that they make to the delivery of high-quality patient services.”

Another team within the Pathology Department, the Mohs Team, were also shortlisted for the Excellence in Workforce Collaborative Award, Feraz Ahmed, Deputy Head for Paediatric Audiology Services in NHS Forth Valley was shortlisted for the Inspiring the Future Workforce Award and Bryan Hynd, Head of Medical Physics for NHS Forth Valley & NHS Lanarkshire was shortlisted for the Transforming Service Delivery Award.