Blantyre LIFE, South Lanarkshire’s innovative intermediate care service, has won the prestigious Integrated Care Award at Scotland’s Health Awards 2025, recognising its transformative impact on recovery, independence and dignity.
Blantyre LIFE delivers a person-centred approach that combines clinical excellence with community-based support, enabling people to safely transition from hospital to home. Developed through close collaboration between South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), South Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire, the service provides a compassionate and realistic pathway for those medically fit to leave hospital but not yet ready to return home.
In its first full year, Blantyre LIFE supported over 200 people through intermediate care and reablement, reducing average stays from 44 to just 27 days.
Marie, aged 89, is one of many people whose lives have been changed by the service. After a health setback, she came to Blantyre LIFE determined to return to the home she had lived in since childhood. Just weeks later, Marie regained full independence and returned home with confidence and pride. Her story is echoed by many others who might otherwise have faced long hospital stays or a move to residential care.
Marjie McBride, Unit Manager at Blantyre LIFE, said: “Every day, we see people arrive uncertain and leave with renewed confidence and independence. It is a privilege to support that journey and this recognition means so much to our team and the community we serve.”
Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board, commented: “Blantyre LIFE shows what can be achieved when compassion, innovation and collaboration come together. It is a shining example of how we are delivering on our commitment to shift the balance of care in practice. This award is a well-earned recognition of the team’s dedication to supporting people with dignity and purpose.”
Lesley McDonald, Vice-Chair of the Integration Joint Board and Non-Executive Director at NHS Lanarkshire, added: “We are incredibly proud of the team at Blantyre LIFE and indeed all of our Lanarkshire finalists. Their passion and professionalism are helping people access the right care in the right place, when they need it most. It is a tremendous honour to see their efforts recognised.”
Blantyre LIFE has also been praised for its leadership in digital health innovation, embedding technology to enhance safety, independence and continuity of care. This includes recently adopting the Smart TV technology developments championed by the team at the HSCP’s David Walker Gardens Care Home who were themselves recognised as a finalist at this year’s awards.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, said: “Whenever I visit Blantyre LIFE and speak with service users, I am deeply moved by their heartfelt words of appreciation for the difference each and every member of the team is making to their lives. Seeing the confidence and independence they regain reminds me why this work matters so much.
“I am grateful for the team’s commitment in turning our vision for Blantyre LIFE into reality for the benefit of local people. It is also important to recognise the contribution of all other colleagues who worked tirelessly over months and years to bring that vision – this service and the support it provides – to life.
“Finally, I want to thank the local community for standing with us and our staff, as this achievement shows what is possible when we embrace innovation and transformation together.”
NHS Lanarkshire is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all our exceptional finalists at Scotland’s Health Awards 2025.
The Lanarkshire finalists were:
Integrated Care Award – Blantyre LIFE
Care for Mental Health Award – David Walker Gardens Care Home
Nurse Awards – Lauren Kerr
All the winners can be found here.
