BORDERS nurse Sandra Robertson is a finalist in prestigious national health awards, writes Sally Gillespie.
The diabetes-specialist nurse is one of three in the nurses’ category of the Scottish Health Awards for people working in the NHS.
Cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing, Alex Neil, said: “Our ambition is to deliver the highest quality of healthcare to the people of Scotland, and these awards give us the opportunity to recognise those individuals and teams who are making an outstanding contribution to that ambition. All those nominated have gone that extra mile to deliver consistent, reliable and responsive healthcare for everyone.”
Ms Robertson was nominated by a grateful mum for the care the dedicated nurse gave her son and other local families.
The Borders General Hospital nurse helps more than 65 children with Type 1 diabetes in the region and works closely with school nurses, teachers and families.
The middle son of the woman who nominated Ms Robertson was diagnosed with the condition in August 2011
A spokesperson for the awards said: “Sandra proved to be an invaluable source of support during this time. She has also helped the family to set up a support network with help from Juvenile Diabetes Research Scotland.”
In February this year the nurse met with the charity, the parent and another mum to set up a support and fundraising group. Since then, events have been held at Selkirk and Kelso rugby clubs for children with Type 1 diabetes and their families.
The spokesperson continued: “Sandra has helped to take this idea forward and to make the events a success by prompting the families in her care to attend the family days. From this opportunity, a small support group has been formed in the Borders, making a big difference to local families coping with diabetes.”
More than 250 nominations were received across the 16 award categories.
The awards ceremony for all the finalists is in Edinburgh next Thursday (November 8).