Former Montfield worker nominated by her colleagues for top Scottish health award

A senior healthcare assistant from NHS Shetland has reached the final stages of the Scottish Health Awards for her commitment to caring for elderly patients.

Brenda Walterson was nominated for the Older People Care Award by her colleagues at the health board, who wished to acknowledge her long-standing dedication to patients and their families.

Ms Walterson worked at Montfield Hospital in Lerwick for 27 years where she provided care to elderly dementia and stroke patients and a young disabled group.

Her work in the field of nutrition was well known and she was judged to have set the standard for delivering care to the elderly in all hospitals and care home settings in her area. Ms Walterson continues to provide important care in her new position on Ward One at the Gilbert Bain Hospital.

She fought off stiff competition from around the country to secure a place at the award ceremony in Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on Thursday 11th November.

Scottish health minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Everyone who works in the NHS already makes a huge contribution to our communities, whether that’s in hospitals or health centres, frontline care or support. But, as the Scottish Health Awards recognises, there are some people who go the extra mile.

“I congratulate each and every one of the finalists being honoured and I thank them for everything they do for our health service. The Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward the commitment and hard work of those who work in, and with, NHS Scotland to provide an outstanding level of care to the public.”