Readers of the Reporter are being urged to nominate their local health heroes for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Chairman’s Awards - after a West Dunbartonshire team scooped one of the top prizes in 2018.

The Absence Management Team swept the board to be presented with the Gold Award in the Using Better Resources category.

They came up with the idea of a sickness absence clinic in West Dunbartonshire where staff could be fast-tracked into a clinic for immediate support, and also initiate planning for their return to work by supporting them with packages to aid them back into the workplace quickly.

Chairman John Brown said: “This was an innovative and creative piece of work that has without a doubt changed the culture and ethos of absence management across West Dunbartonshire mental health services.

“It was a first of its kind across the NHS and is a positive piece of work that has numerous benefits in terms of staff learning, workforce improvement.

“People in West Dunbartonshire have a great track record in nominating their local health heroes and we want this to continue this year with lots of new nominations.

“It might be the nurse who cared for your elderly mum while she was seriously ill, or the doctor who went the extra mile to get you the latest treatment, or even the midwife who gave you the strength to go on after 24 hours in labour.

“They are all special and the Chairman’s Awards are designed to recognise this.

“The NHS is yours and the staff throughout GGC are there to serve you.”

"Our awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on these people and help us celebrate the people who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide exceptional care and support.”

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Henry Ainslie, group editor of the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter and its sister titles, said: “Once again, the Reporter is delighted to be calling on readers to nominate their health heroes.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the special people who work within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to be given due recognition for their dedication and skills.”

“I encourage readers to nominate someone who they think is deserving of such an honour.”

For the first time, voting in all seven categories is open to the public.

The seven categories are nursing, global citizenship, volunteering, better care, better health, better value and better workplace – the last a new award for 2019.

To find out more, and nominate your local health hero, visit nhsggc.org.uk/chairmansawards.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 31.