Isles Macmillan nurses win Team of Year

They were the only team from Scotland to be shortlisted in the Quality in Care Oncology Awards and were put forward by their manager, Gill Chadwick, who is delighted their hard work and dedication has been recognised.

Gill, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse, said: “I keep on repeating myself but I will say it again – I am truly humbled by the work of the Macmillan Nurses in the Western Isles. They provide so much support for people affected by cancer here: the patient and their families wherever they may be.

“Previous team members cannot and mustn’t be forgotten as they have helped shape the service that is available today. The team thoroughly deserve this UK-wide recognition of the tremendous work they do. They received congratulations at the awards ceremony from some of the UK’s top cancer specialists who unanimously said how impressed they were.”

Gordon Jamieson, NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, said: “What a fantastic and very well deserved success – a tribute to, and recognition of, the quality, dedication and commitment of the team. Congratulations and well done.”

The awards recognise the best practice in oncology prevention, diagnosis and testing, treatment pathways and patient care throughout the UK.

Gill was accompanied to the ceremony in St Thomas’ Hospital in London by two team members: Chris Ann Maclean and Kathryn Macsween. The others are Fiona Creighton, Donna Parkes, Hazel Hebditch, Mairi Smith and Mary Buchanan.

The Western Isles Macmillan Nurses are based in Stornoway and Benbecula but deliver their patient-focused care throughout the island chain, down to Barra.

The judges said of them: “This is nursing at its best – working in a challenging environment and truly making a difference to people. The logistics of providing the care they do across this diverse geographical location is amazing.

“They are clearly a hard working, dedicated team who go beyond their remit to help their patients.”

Pictured are Gill Chadwick, Kathryn Macsween and Chris Anne Maclean in London the day after picking up the award at the ceremony at St Thomas’ Hospital.