Two NHS Forth Valley healthcare workers scooped top awards at the Scottish Health Awards 2014 in recognition of their invaluable contribution to Scottish healthcare.

Babs McCool (3rd Right), Charitable Arts and Wellbeing Coordinator, was awarded the Support Worker Award for her work at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Babs has managed to secure significant external funding and the services of internationally renowned artists from as far afield as the USA.  Her innovative ideas include installing wall panels in the labour suites to make women more relaxed during labour and a complete makeover for the children’s ward.

Catherine Mondoa (2nd Right), Consultant Nurse at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, was awarded the Healthier Lifestyle Award for her work as part of the Cardiac Rehabilitation team and for her voluntary role as President of the Healthy Hearts Club.

The overarching aim of the Cardiac Rehabilitation team and the Healthy Hearts Club is to enable people with heart disease to maintain a healthy lifestyle and achieve their health goals.

Working across both teams, Catherine sees patients from the crucial early days after heart attack through to rehabilitation and the first steps back to normality.  When formal cardiac rehabilitation is complete, the Healthy Hearts Club acts as a support network for patients and their families, providing education and mutual support.

Alex Linkston, Chairman of NHS Forth Valley, said: “I am delighted to congratulate Babs and Catherine on winning Scottish Health Awards.  It’s fantastic that their dedication and commitment to enhancing our services has been recognised in this way.  They are both perfect examples of the good work carried out everyday by all NHS staff.”

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.

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