More than 80 members of NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff, volunteers and members of the public gathered to support the 19 finalists for this year’s Ayrshire Achieves awards.

Through the awards on on Thursday, June 6, local people and other NHS staff had the chance to recognise the contribution of health workers and volunteers who have gone the extra mile.

The winners, announced on the night, were:

Chairperson’s award: The Adult Community Mental Health Service in North Ayrshire is a multi-disciplinary service, providing care and treatment of adults experiencing mental health illness.

Behind the scenes, sponsored by Unison: George Higgins, porter in University Hospital Crosshouse, was nominated for his kindness to colleagues, and his charity work supporting children in hospital.

Care and compassion, sponsored by Unite: Isabel Wilson, staff nurse in University Hospital Crosshouse, was nominated for her caring and compassionate nature towards patients and colleagues alike.

Collaboration and working together, sponsored by NHS Credit Union: The Community Mental Health Pharmacy Team was nominated for their work in developing pharmacy services for patients with mental health conditions in primary care.

Shining star, sponsored by Unite: Julie Barrie, Nurse Consultant, was nominated for her work in transforming the model of care from medical to ANP led.

Thinking Outside the Box, sponsored by Unison: The Resuscitation Team was nominated for their work to support their local community by providing CPR training.

Making a difference with digital, sponsored by NHS Credit Union: Melissa Milliken was nominated for her work to improve the health and wellbeing of all families in Ayrshire through digital means.

Claire Burden, NHS Ayrshire and Arran's chief executive, said: “I would like to thank all those who were able to join us on the evening to support their friends and colleagues.

“It is an evening we look forward to every year and we value this time to celebrate the outstanding work of the staff and volunteers who have been nominated by colleagues and members of the public.

"The stories are often emotional, but this evening gives us the opportunity to hear about how the staff and volunteers of NHS Ayrshire and Arran make the NHS extraordinary to those in our care.

“We live-streamed the event on YouTube, so if you were unable to attend the event, you can still catch the highlights on our YouTube channel.

“Our amazing catering team prepared and served a delicious celebratory dinner, and our raffle also raised £545 for Crosshouse Children’s Fund. Thank you.”