HEALTH professionals from across Ayrshire have been announced as finalists in this year’s Scottish Health Awards, the annual celebration of the hard work and dedication of people working in healthcare from around the country.

To reach this stage, each finalist has already been assessed by a panel of NHSScotland representatives and Scottish Government officials. They will now need to wait until the award ceremony on November 14 where the winner and two runners up will be announced.

Ann Allan from Ayrshire Central Hospital is nominated for the Midwife Award. As a safeguarding midwife, Ann Allan supports vulnerable women in Ayrshire throughout their pregnancies.

The Care at Home Pharmacy Technician Service Team from Eglinton House in Ayr are nominated for the Integrated Care Award. The team is nominated for its work in bringing together community, hospital, and primary care partners.

The Scottish Health Awards, run in partnership with NHSScotland and the Scottish Government, pay tribute to the NHS staff, support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to patients and their families. The 17 diverse categories recognise the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals from around the country.

Jeane Freeman, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, said: “Every year the Scottish Health Awards provide an important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the work of the really dedicated individuals and teams who deliver high quality health and care services to the people of Scotland.

“We continue to make a difference to people’s lives thanks to our dedicated staff, working across the NHS, partners in health and social care, voluntary organisations and more. Each achievement and success wouldn’t have happened without their hard work and commitment and I’d want to thank them for that.”

All finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh on Thursday, November 14.