The dedication of two inspiring care workers reflects the high standards delivered every day by staff across health and social care in South Lanarkshire.
Lynn McGeachie (pictured left) and Isabel McMillan (right) demonstrate the skill, compassion and commitment seen across South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care services – standards recognised by multiple glowing inspection reports from the Care Inspectorate.
Lynn, a care and support worker in Hamilton and Blantyre, draws on her own personal experiences to deliver truly person-centred care. After caring for her mum through illness and recovery, Lynn now supports five individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs, helping them live as independently as possible.
“Every person we support is different, so we really take time to understand what matters to them,” said Lynn. “It could be helping with everyday tasks like meals and medication or building confidence to get out and about – whether that’s a trip to the shops, a walk or the gym. The aim is always to help people do as much for themselves as they can and be part of their community.
“Caring for my mum taught me how important it is not to take over, but to encourage independence. That mindset shapes everything I do now. It’s about helping people live life to the fullest, on their own terms.
“You build such strong relationships with the people you support – they become like family. Some of my colleagues have supported the same person for twenty years. It’s more than a job. You’re part of someone’s life and that’s a real privilege.”
Isabel McMillan, from the Hamilton Care at Home team, brings specialist communication skills to her role through her training in British Sign Language. Having supported both children and adults who are deaf, Isabel is currently the main carer for a gentleman she visits four times a day – using sign language to ensure he receives care in a way that’s meaningful and dignified.
“I was doing a first aid course many years ago and saw a poster to learn sign language and thought I’d give it a go,” said Isabel.
“Learning sign language opened up a whole new way for me to connect with the people I support. Being able to communicate properly and speak someone’s language makes such a difference. It means they are not just being cared for, they are being heard and understood.
“Last year I got permission to take the man I’m looking after out to the Remembrance Sunday service in Larkhall which was extremely special for him as the army is one of his passions.
“I was able to sign what was being said throughout the service, let him know when it was time for prayer, when the bagpipes were playing, or when the wreath was being laid. It meant he could be part of something that really mattered to him.
“It’s great I’ve been able to sign for different people across my roles. You really need to commit to it and I’ve loved learning the language. I’m proud to be able to offer that kind of support and I feel lucky to do a job that still inspires me every day.
“I’m also studying for a degree in Health and Social Care and I want my kids to see that it’s never too late to follow your passion. I managed to get a distinction after my first year. It’s been a lot of work but so rewarding.”
Their contributions reflect the commitment and quality that underpin South Lanarkshire’s wider social care services – recognised in several glowing reports from the Care Inspectorate.
The Care and Support service was awarded ‘very good’ grades across the board and praised the service’s compassionate, skilled workforce and the strong relationships built between staff and the people they support.
Inspectors noted that staff “demonstrated genuine empathy and compassion” with relatives describing the care as “excellent” and saying they would “give them all a medal”. The report also highlighted the team’s proactive approach to promoting health and wellbeing, and the value placed on personal independence and community inclusion.
This follows on from a series of excellent Care Inspectorate reports across Care at Home, Home Assessment Teams and Home Care teams in South Lanarkshire, including the Hamilton Care at Home Team that Isabel is part of.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Whenever I listen to and speak with staff across our services I am always struck by their dedication, professionalism and genuine compassion.
“These Care Inspectorate reports are a welcome and well-deserved recognition of the outstanding work being done right across our social care services by colleagues such as Lynn and Isabel. They highlight both the high standards that we strive for and the quality of the relationships that our teams build with the people they support.
“My thanks to our all of our staff for their unwavering commitment – they are the beating heart of our services – and our local communities for recognising the vital contribution that those staff make to improving the lives of thousands of people each and every day.”
