NHS Ayrshire & Arran celebrated its volunteers at an award ceremony held at Fullarton Connexions on Wednesday 27 November 2024.
The Compassion to Action 2024 Volunteer awards is an annual celebration of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s volunteers and those who work to support them.
Organised by the Patient Experience Team, the event recognised the amazing achievements and contributions that NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s volunteers make across the organisation. More than 100 guests from a range of volunteering roles attended the ceremony, as well as representatives from the services they support. Guests were also treated to entertainment from Jeremy Levif (The Voice UK) and Emma Savory (Centrestage) who performed on the night.
Jennifer Wilson, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire & Arran said,
“The annual Compassion to Action Volunteer awards ceremony is a special way of recognising the invaluable service our volunteers provide for patients, visitors and staff.
“Our volunteers are often the first people those visiting our premises meet, and it is a credit to them that the first impression is truly welcoming. They are happy to give their time and energy to provide an important service for patients, visitors and staff.
“It was fantastic to see so many being recognised for their commitment and hard work. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The awards covered a broad range of categories, with each winner nominated by staff and members of the public.
The categories and the winners from the evening included:
Raising the profile of volunteering – breaking down barriers
This award recognises individuals who challenge historical approaches to volunteering.
The winner, Linda Hughes, volunteers with the Patient Experience Team.
Outstanding staff champion for volunteers
This award goes to a supportive member of the organisation (outside of volunteer management) who has championed and embraced volunteers, and gone the extra mile to recognise the positive impact volunteers can make.
The winner was Kevin Johnstone, Nursing Assistant.
Quality improvement lead award – Improving patient experience
This award recognises individuals who champion the Patient Experience agenda by taking a proactive approach in identifying new and innovative ways to improve service delivery.
The winners were Martyn Byres and Joyce Wilson, Welcomers at Woodland View.
Behind the scenes – Improving the volunteer experience
This award goes to an individual who is instrumental in providing outstanding administrative support to volunteers, managers and the wider volunteering service.
The winner was Katie Gilmour, Business Administrator.
Volunteer manager of the year
This award recognises the commitment and dedication of an outstanding member of staff who manages volunteers. We want to see examples of leaders who have improved the way volunteers support staff, patients and the volunteers themselves using innovation and bringing about innovation.
The winner was Alexis Patten, Senior Charge Nurse.
Volunteer team of the year
This award recognises excellent teamwork and the combined contribution of two or more volunteers working together. The group will have achieved significant success as a team, whether working on an event, project or service.
The winners were The Core Volunteer Peers: Yvonne Anderson, Ian Robertson, Marion Hunter, Mags Campbell, Bethan Hendry and Nicola Murray.
Volunteer of the year
This award celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond expectations in their volunteering role during the year, and made a noticeable impact on the experience of staff and patients.
The winner was Cath Taysum, Volunteer Gardener.
Therapy Pet Award
This award recognises the positive impact our therapy pets have, not just on patients, but staff too.
The winners were Shirley and Meala.
Nurse Director award – Recognition for outstanding contribution to volunteering in NHS Ayrshire & Arran
This award is in recognition of two individuals who have contributed to the wider quality improvement agenda.
The winners were Colin Scott, Spiritual Care Lead and Suzanne Algeo, Chaplain.
Chair Award – Excellence in NHS Volunteer Service Partnerships
This recognises individuals, groups or services who demonstrated exceptional collaboration and teamwork to support the growth of our Volunteering Service.
The winners were Steven Jess, Duncan Dunlop and Austin Hepburn, Peer Volunteers with Acorn Furniture Workshops and Gardens.
Volunteering legacy award
This award is in recognition for bringing transformational change to the volunteering service. This award will be presented on an annual basis to someone who demonstrates innovation and challenges the historical norms surrounding volunteering.
The winner was Sheila Todd, Welcomer at University Hospital Crosshouse.