Colleagues describe Janet Wilson, Nursing Assistant at Lochview Hospital, as a dedicated and professional nursing support worker. For 20 years Janet has worked in the learning disability service, and her senior charge nurse says she is an integral part of the service – leading the way with care and compassion.
Always advocating for those under her care, Janet strives to ensure individuals are recognised as people and not medical or physical conditions. She has played an important part in developing a bespoke approach to care for an individual with autism who requires seclusion due to challenging behaviour. She has developed and incorporated daily contact, a long process due to the individual's diagnosis and challenges in engaging with others.
Janet provides a supportive presence on site, not only for her patients but also for family carers and her colleagues. As well as her support for direct patient care, Janet has played an integral role in maintaining a safe environment in line with local and national policy. A champion of the control book, completing environmental audits, risk assessments and infection control audits, she consistently supports and encourages staff to take an active role in these important tasks to maintain safety for both patients, visitors and her colleagues.
Congratulating Janet on her Award win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director said: “Nursing support worker job titles and roles may vary, depending on the area in which they are working, but they share the same values. Janet has shown just how integral and valuable nursing support workers are to the nursing team. I applaud her passion and outstanding contribution to the care of her patients, their families and her colleagues”.
Congratulations to runner up, Stuart Wilson, Care Home Collaborative Support Worker in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and our highly commended finalist Alison O’Neill, iCAMHS Healthcare Support Worker and Nursing Assistant at Stirling Community Hospital in NHS Forth Valley.
Thanks to our sponsors of this award, LV=. With their support, we were able to go all out and truly celebrate all of our finalists and their contribution to the health and care of the people of Scotland.