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.
Today, we are celebrating the Oral and Maxillofacial Service Clinical and Admin Team, which has delivered remarkable improvements during an exceptionally difficult year.
Following the loss of one of only two consultant colleagues, the service faced severe clinical and surgical capacity pressures. At the same time, the team helped establish new regional arrangements for emergency care.
Throughout these challenges, colleagues responded with collaboration, resilience and a relentless focus on patients.
Administrative and clerical staff worked closely with clinicians, managers and neighbouring health boards to validate waiting lists, coordinate complex pathways and ensure no available appointment was wasted.
Team members routinely worked through cancellation lists and contacted patients at very short notice to fill available clinic and treatment slots.
Their combined efforts produced significant results. The new outpatient waiting list fell from more than 2,300 patients to fewer than 700, with no patients waiting longer than 52 weeks. The number of patients experiencing long waits for surgery was also reduced from 468 to zero.
The team has been shortlisted in recognition of the way colleagues responded to sustained pressure and personal loss by working as one, finding solutions and helping hundreds of patients receive care sooner.
The NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
