The outstanding achievements of health and social care staff and services across NHS Lanarkshire have been recognised nationally, with finalists named in this year’s Scotland’s Health Awards
These prestigious awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of healthcare professionals across Scotland, recognising their dedication to delivering compassionate, innovative and high-quality care to patients and communities.
Lauren Kerr (formerly Magunnigal before her recent wedding) is a community mental health charge nurse for older adults in North Lanarkshire and has been nominated for the Nurse Award. As one of only 21 nurses in Scotland to be named a Queen’s Nurse this year, Lauren is recognised for her outstanding clinical excellence, compassion and commitment to making care accessible for all.
Lauren’s innovative outreach at a local foodbank has reduced mental health service referrals by 15%, ensuring people get support before reaching crisis point. She has modernised appointment systems, championed early intervention in schools and is praised for her leadership and person-centred approach which are making a measurable difference to patients, carers and the wider community.
Blantyre LIFE, shortlisted for the Integrated Care Award, is transforming how integrated care is delivered in South Lanarkshire. This pioneering housing and care campus combines clinical expertise with community-based support to help people recover and regain independence after a health crisis. In its first full year, the service supported more than 200 individuals through intermediate care and reablement, reducing average stays from 44 to just 27 days.
By easing pressure on hospitals while restoring confidence and dignity, Blantyre LIFE provides a compassionate pathway from hospital to home. This integrated model is the result of close collaboration between South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, South Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire.
Also recognised is David Walker Gardens Care Home in Rutherglen, shortlisted for the Care for Mental Health Award. The team has introduced an innovative communication system using familiar television technology to enable simple, one-touch video calls, photo sharing and messaging.
This approach has supported almost 500 video calls, reducing loneliness, easing anxiety and helping residents maintain meaningful connections with loved ones across the globe.
Louise Long, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “I am incredibly proud of all our finalists who truly embody the values that guide NHS Lanarkshire – Care and Compassion, Dignity and Respect, Openness, Honesty and Responsibility, and Quality and Teamwork. These principles underpin everything we do and are evident in the remarkable achievements being recognised nationally.
“Being shortlisted for these awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our teams. Their commitment to delivering exceptional care is making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives every day.”
Martin Hill, NHS Lanarkshire Chair, added: “I am delighted that our services and staff have been acknowledged at a national level. This recognition, following on from our own recent Lanarkshire Staff Awards, is a clear testament to the professionalism and dedication of staff who consistently provide outstanding care to our communities.”
The Scotland’s Health Awards will take place in Edinburgh this Thursday (6 November). For full details on all the finalists visit Scotland’s Health Awards website here.
