NHS Ayrshire & Arran celebrated its volunteers, and those who work to support them at the annual Compassion to Action Volunteer award ceremony held at Fullarton ConneXions in Irvine on Wednesday 8 November 2023.
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 60 guests from a range of volunteering roles attended the ceremony, as well as more than 40 representatives from the services they support. Guests were also treated to entertainment from musical theatre group, Take a bow from Kilmarnock, and semi-finalist from The Voice UK 2021, Jeremy Levif who performed on the night.
Jennifer Wilson, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: “The Compassion to Action 2023 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.
Winner: Victoria Buckell, Ward Volunteer
- 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.
Winners: Elizabeth Griffin, Senior Charge Nurse and William Keenan, Discharge Lounge Co-ordinator
- 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.
Winner: Acorn Furniture Workshops and Gardens
- Behind the scenes – Improving the volunteer experience
This award goes to an individual/group who is instrumental in providing outstanding administrative support to volunteers, managers and the wider volunteering service.
Winner: The Volunteer Administration Team
- Volunteer manager of the year
This award recognises the commitment and dedication of an outstanding member of staff who manages volunteers.
Winner: Christine Somerville, Senior Charge Nurse
- Volunteer team of the year
This award recognises excellent teamwork and the combined contribution of two or more volunteers working together.
Winners: Woodland View Welcomers and Woodland View Shop
- 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. We have chosen winners from three volunteering categories:
- Volunteers placed in wards or peer support roles
- Gardening and activity based roles
- Administration roles including welcomers and those conducting patient experience questionnaires
Winners: Gemma Gibb, Volunteer Administrator/Patient Experience; Roddy Campbell, Activity Volunteer; and Gavin Devine, Ward Volunteer
- Nurse Director award – Recognition for outstanding contribution to volunteering in NHS Ayrshire & Arran
This award is in recognition of a volunteer group who have contributed to the wider quality improvement agenda.
Winner: HARP and Cardiac Rehab Activity Volunteers
- Chairperson 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.
Winners: Pamela Gibson, Patient Experience Facilitator and Anne Law, Volunteer Administrator
- 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 volunteers who demonstrate innovation and challenge the historical norms surrounding volunteering.
Winners: William Dickie and Jack Thomson, Acorn Furniture Workshops and Gardens Volunteers