AWARD 1 | IMPROVING LIFE EXPERIENCES AWARD
NHS Fife Specialist Palliative Care win Improving Life Experiences Award
The Improving Life Experiences Award recognises the commitment and expertise of those who have made a significant difference to improving life experiences of a child or young person. The judges of the Scottish Children’s Health Awards were looking for nominees who have made a difference to the confidence and resilience of a child or young person, to help them deal with difficulties. And they found that the NHS Fife Specialist Palliative Care (Children and Families Service) team did just that. On selecting their winner, the judges said they admired the way the team had pushed the boundaries of their roles to help a family deal with the death of their husband and father from COVID-19, which was not previously within their remit. The judges said: “This award is a reminder of the importance of mental health and to hear about the difference the team has made to this family is a great example of the importance of this type of work.” Congratulations to NHS Fife Specialist Palliative Care (Children and Families Service) team on winning the Improving Life Experiences Award. Thank you for making a difference.
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AWARD 2 | HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD
Play therapist Lynn McSkimming wins Health and Wellbeing Award
Children are precious and so is their health and wellbeing. Lynn McSkimming is a play therapist working within the Paediatric Psychology and Liaison Service (PPALS) in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. A paediatric nurse for 11 years, she decided to re-train in 2009. She works alongside the Haematology/Oncology service and receives referrals for children who require support following a cancer diagnosis. On selecting their winner, the judges were struck by Lynn’s outstanding work and the benefit of play therapy to both child and parents. The judges said: “The description of the change in Harry, both before the chemotherapy and at home in general is a great tribute to Lynn in particular, and to play therapy in general. We agree with Brooke that she is an amazing person and a worthy winner of the Health and Wellbeing Award.” Congratulations Lynn on winning the Health and Wellbeing Award.
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AWARD 3 | HEALTHCARE RIGHTS AWARD
Laura Stewart wins Healthcare Rights Award
Laura Stewart is a Children’s Rights Officer for Aberdeenshire Council and works with care experienced children and young people. She often says that she has the best job in the world. “I love it. We are a small team who work alongside children and young people ensuring they know about their rights and that adults uphold these rights.” On choosing their winner, the judges commented that: “We believe it is rare for a Council to fund such a job position as a Children’s Rights Officer, so a big well done to Aberdeenshire Council. However, having the position is one thing, having the right person is something completely different. Laura seems to be exactly that! Her flexible style comes through as she adapts to reach every child, and we are hugely impressed with her work.” Congratulations Laura on winning the Healthcare Rights Award.
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AWARD 4 | HEALTH-RELATED PLAY AWARD
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Play Team win Health-Related Play Award
Health-related play is more than just a chance to have fun; it’s an essential part of treatment that can help to speed up recovery – either in hospital or at home. Theresa Wright is a Health Play Specialist and Wendy McKechnie is a Play Assistant in Glasgow Children’s Hospital Play Team. Neither of them knew they’d been nominated for the award, but both were equally delighted to have won. On choosing their winner the judges said: “Prior to COVID-19 we would have acknowledged the amazing work of the team in terms of how they help children and parents through play. However, the way the team has found new ways of delivering play during difficult times is amazing and an acknowledgement to how all people in the sector have had to adapt. We are proud to present this award to a team in recognition of all those in the sector who have found new ways to operate in these trying times, always keeping the child and their family at the heart of everything they do.” Congratulations to Theresa Wright and Wendy McKechnie of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Play Team on winning the Health-Related Play Award. Thank you for making a difference.
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AWARD 5 | CHILDREN’S CHOICE AWARD
Dennis Hopkins, Headteacher at St Bridget’s Primary School wins Children’s Choice Award
The Children’s Choice Award gives the opportunity for a young person to say “thank you” to someone special in their life; someone who has made a difference to their world. Dennis Hopkins, Headteacher at St Bridget’s Primary School in Kilbirnie, is this year’s winner after a pupil, undergoing cancer treatment, nominated him. The judges of the Scottish Children’s Health Awards were impressed by the Head Teacher’s actions. With so many other pupils to care for, making such an effort to help and include this little boy led to them picking Mr Hopkins for the award. He is, however, adamant that it’s not an individual award and is keen to stress he’s receiving it on behalf of the whole school; for all his team. “I believe this is a whole school award – we’re all doing our best to support this little one while he’s going through treatment. I want it to be for the whole team. I feel as though what we did here was hopefully what every school would do.
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AWARD 6 | YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Eve Mclaren wins a Young Achiever Award
Eve Mclaren has just started college, studying Animal Care. It’s a massive achievement, but has also been a huge step for her, having been diagnosed with autism and also dyslexia and dyspraxia. On choosing their Young Achiever, the judges of the Scottish Children’s Health Awards said that it is always one of the most difficult categories to consider. “We were blown away with the entries this year and in choosing Eve we recognised an extraordinary individual. The things she has done to be a role model to others whilst dealing with her own diagnosis are remarkable and she will also hopefully make life easier for those diagnosed with autism in the future.” Congratulations Eve and winning the Young Achiever Award.
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AWARD 7 | LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dr Iain Horrocks wins Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award isn’t open to public nominations; it’s presented to a health professional who, in the opinions of the judges of the Scottish Children’s Health Awards, has made outstanding contributions to the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Hearing about Iain and his team and everything they do in their job, let alone everything they do beyond that to support and improve the lives of children, greatly impressed the judges. They said: “We are in awe of Iain and his team and the work he leads in Scotland. He gives hope to so many people through his clinical trials to find ground-breaking treatments. His gene therapy for patients with spinal muscular atrophy is just one example and we are honoured to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Iain and his team. Congratulations to Iain Horrocks and the team on the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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