In the lead-up to the NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards 2026, we are shining a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and teams shortlisted for this year’s awards.
The seventh finalist in our spotlight series is Nicola O’Hare, an Emergency Department secretary described by colleagues as the heartbeat of University Hospital Monklands.
Working in one of the hospital’s busiest and most pressured environments, Nicola keeps the department’s administration running smoothly. She anticipates problems, manages paperwork and meetings, and coordinates complex medical rotas.
Nicola will often work beyond her hours to help secure safe staffing, while her calm and organised approach enables clinical colleagues to remain focused on caring for patients.
Her role also places her alongside families during some of their most difficult moments. Following a death – Nicola guides relatives through complex paperwork with patience, dignity and compassion.
She also manages sensitive contact with Police Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal, ensuring legal requirements are met without losing sight of the people who are grieving.
Alongside this vital support, Nicola brings warmth and light to the department by marking colleagues’ birthdays, weddings, maternity leave and farewells, often using her own time and money.
Nicola has been shortlisted in recognition of the way she holds the practical and emotional life of the Emergency Department together, caring for patients, families and colleagues with equal dedication.
The NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
Look out for our next finalist spotlight as we continue the countdown to the ceremony.
