In the past year, Lyndsay McDonald and James Robertson from NHS Lanarkshire’s Tackling Poverty Team have made a remarkable impact, supporting staff, patients, and communities with critical financial guidance. This unique collaboration, driven by Lyndsay as the Health Improvement Senior for Tackling Poverty and James as a Welfare Rights Officer with South Lanarkshire Council’s Money Matters Advice Service, has been a lifeline for many, addressing financial concerns that directly affect health and wellbeing.
Together, Lyndsay and James have created a network of support that spans various settings, offering financial guidance, resources, and 1-2-1 assistance. From attending events to supporting individuals in need, they’ve been there to provide tailored advice on debt reduction and income maximisation—essential support during challenging times.
One of their standout contributions has been developing a range of training and awareness raising sessions for NHSL teams. Sessions are always tailored, to ensure they provide the most relevant and applicable information to each staff team. This can range from a brief input at a morning huddle, to a longer half day session either online or face to face. This training equips staff with essential skills to discuss financial matters confidently with patients and make referrals to local financial support services. This approach empowers healthcare staff, giving them the tools to address the vital connections between poverty, financial stress, and health.
In addition to their training efforts, James’s role as a welfare rights officer allows him to provide direct 1-2-1 support to both patients and staff. Working closely with the Health Promoting Health Service in our acute sites in particular, James has helped many increase their income through benefit entitlement or reduce financial burdens by tackling debts. This personalised assistance has been invaluable, offering peace of mind and real financial relief to those who need it most.
Jo Duffy, Senior Health Improvement Officer for the Tackling Poverty Team added “Lyndsay and James have demonstrated incredible dedication and compassion, working tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives and this recognition has really touched them both and is so well deserved. Their commitment to tackling poverty and promoting financial wellbeing truly embodies the NHS’s mission of holistic, patient-centred care and many of the actions within the NHSL Strategic Anchor Plan.”
A big shout out to Lyndsay McDonald and James Robertson for their outstanding commitment to improving financial health and supporting our staff, patients and communities with care and expertise.
