Six healthcare professionals and teams from NHS Forth Valley have been announced as finalists at the Scottish Health Awards 2014.

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

So Precious, a charity which was set up by local mums to raise money for the neonatal unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, has been shortlisted for the Volunteers Award.  Since its inception in 2011 this small charity has raised more than £170,000 which has been used to purchase medical equipment and resources for babies.  The charitable purpose of So Precious has now been extended to include providing support and fundraising for the Paediatric Ward at NHS Forth Valley too.

Babs McCool, a Charitable Arts and Wellbeing Coordinator from Forth Valley Royal Hospital, is also one of this year’s finalists in the Support Workers Award category.  She is committed to transforming the hospital into an environment that enriches the lives of patients, visitors and staff through art displays, film and therapy. Her work has helped to portray NHS Forth Valley as a forward thinking, creative organisation while helping patients on the road to recovery.

The full list of finalists from NHS Forth Valley includes:

• Therapist Award: Pamela McIntosh, Learning Disabilities Team, NHS Forth Valley
• Support Worker Award: Babs McCool, Charitable Arts and Wellbeing Coordinator, NHS Forth Valley
• Healthier Lifestyle Award: Catherine Mondoa, Consultant Nurse, Healthy Hearts Club and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
• Top Team Award: Anne Cairns and the Domestic Services Team, Falkirk Community Hospital, NHS Forth Valley
• Quality Champion of the Year Award: Catherine Labinjoh, Consultant Cardiologist, NHS Forth Valley
• Volunteer Award: So Precious – Alison Kilgour and Lorna Blue, Women and Children’s Unit, Forth Valley Royal Hospital

Jane Grant, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, said:  “I am delighted that six finalists from NHS Forth Valley have made it through to the last stage of the Scottish Health Awards. This is testament to the dedication and commitment they have shown over the last year in delivering outstanding services to patients and families across Forth Valley.

“It is great to see the hard work and efforts of our staff and volunteers being recognised in this way and I wish them all the very best of luck at the final award ceremony.”

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.

The winners of the Scottish Health Awards 2014 will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on 6 November 2014 at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.

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