Twenty-five health professionals and teams from Ayrshire and Arran have reached the final stages of the first event Ayrshire Achieves Awards.

Through the award, local people - and other NHS staff - have had the chance to recognise the contribution of health workers and volunteers who have gone the extra mile.

Ayrshire Achieves applauds excellence and innovation, demonstrates continuous improvement in the quality of care and celebrates exceptional achievements during the year.

Dr Wai-yin Hatton, Chief Executive - NHS Ayrshire & Arran, explains: "The 25 finalists come from a wide range of disciplines - from domestic staff to doctors and nurses to voluntary groups.

"The awards give these people recognition for their hard work and dedication in providing high quality care." There are six award categories: Building relationships Isabel Finlayson, District Nursing Sister - Ballochmyle Medical Group Elspeth Jaap, Elspeth Mair and Hazel Wardrope and the staff from Hillside School Mari Jackson and Copeline team Ashley Strannigan and the Clinical Decisions Unit team, Crosshouse Hospital Caring for people Janice Geddes and Angus Dick, Crosshouse Hospital Ayrshire Crisis and Home Treatment team Sister Agnes Kelly and Drummond Ward staff, Biggart Hospital Jeanette Henderson and Ballantrae Ward staff, Ailsa Hospital Light bulb moments - Creativity and innovation Irene Sinclair and Jackie Reid, Street nurses in North Ayrshire Joyce Mitchell and team of four community pharmacists and Community Care Manager from East Ayrshire Council Fiona McCabe, Ear, Nose and Throat Advanced Nurse Practitioner Diabetes team, Ayr Hospital Champion of the year Paula Rae, Ward Manager, Croy House, Ailsa Hospital Kirsty Milligan, Podiatry Assistant in Miller Road Clinic, Ayr Margaret McGregor, Domestic, Crosshouse Hospital Sandra McRobert, Domestic, Ayr Hospital Volunteer of the year Linda Sharp, Ayr Stroke Club and South Ayrshire Public Partnership Forum Janet Gray, MEND programme in East Ayrshire Donald McIntosh, Co-creating health initiative (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Laryngectomy volunteers Trainee of the year Gillian Dick: Community Food Worker Sujoy Ghosh: Clinical Teaching and Research Fellow, Ayr Hospital Jeanette McInally: Occupational Therapist, Crosshouse Hospital Edward Clifton: Health Economist Jacqueline McLean: Nurse, Davidson Cottage Hospital, Girvan John Callaghan, Employee Director - Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, says: "We know that our dedicated staff already go the extra mile. They don't do this in anticipation of awards, but because they are committed to providing safe, high quality care." Dr Hatton adds: "I wish to congratulate everyone who has been shortlisted for the Ayrshire Achieves Awards. These people have helped to the improve healthcare in Ayrshire. On behalf of the organisation, I would like to wish them the best of luck." The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 25 November.