NHS staff honoured at British Dietetic Association Awards
The ceremony was held during Dietitians Week, recognising the outstanding commitment and contributions to the profession both locally and across Scotland.
For the third consecutive year, the West of Scotland Branch was named BDA Branch of the Year, underlining its consistent excellence and far-reaching support for members across all levels of dietetic practice—from academic to clinical.
READ MORE: UK government makes major driveway law change set to affect millions of homes
(Image: Supplied) The branch was praised for its strong collaboration with the Scotland Board, as well as its delivery of awards, webinars, and student engagement initiatives.
Two NHSGGC individuals also received prestigious accolades. Michelle Wardrop, Community Manager of Dietetics, was awarded the Edith Elliot Honour, becoming the first recipient in the UK to receive this distinguished recognition.
Reflecting on the achievement, Michelle said: "There are a range of words that describe how I feel, including overjoyed, humbled, delighted, elated and thrilled - the list goes on.
"I love being a dietitian, and it is a joy to have received this award for doing a job I love."
Michelle shared that her journey into dietetics stemmed from a long-standing passion for healthcare and nutrition: "I had a real desire to work in the health care environment.
"I chose to become a dietitian as I was fascinated by how nutrition impacts people's health and wellbeing, across all ages.
"I loved the fact that there are so many different specialities that a dietitian can work in, and I have been fortunate to work in many different roles."
She also highlighted the sources of her inspiration, citing both culinary icons and fellow professionals: "Probably like many dietitians, my love of food means I enjoy cookery programmes.
"I particularly enjoy watching chefs such as Mary Berry, Michel Roux Jr., and Raymond Blanc.
"I have also worked with many different dietitians during my career. So many of them have influenced and shaped the dietitian I am today."
(Image: Supplied)
READ MORE: Over £25K raised to bring Greg Monks home after Portugal tragedy
Meanwhile, Abigail Dean, Advanced Practice Dietitian in Haemato-Oncology, received the Mary Turner Award for Trade Union Representative of the Year.
The award celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence, empathy, and commitment in their advocacy for colleagues.
She said: "I am thrilled to have received this award.
"It's an honour to receive this in recognition of my work over the last year.
"I want to thank all my colleagues and hope I can continue to represent them in the best possible way in my role as Trade Union Representative."
The BDA commended Abigail as 'a shining example of what a local union rep should be—approachable, knowledgeable, and able to listen,' describing her as 'a worthy recipient of the Mary Turner Award this year.'
Celebrating the West of Scotland Branch's third straight win, Clare McKenzie, Chair of the Branch, said: "We are delighted that we won Branch of the Year. This is now our sixth overall win and the second since I've been in this role.
"I'd like to thank all my West of Scotland Branch colleagues, particularly Nikola Mazur, Events Officer, and Amy Cowan, Treasurer.
"They both joined the committee last summer and deserve considerable credit for our continued success."
She also encouraged wider participation from members across Scotland, noting current opportunities to get involved with the committee.
READ MORE: Thousands of pensioners to get DWP letters worth thousands
(Image: Supplied) Neil McCallum, North Sector Director for NHSGGC, offered his congratulations, stating: 'Congratulations to Michelle, Abigail, and the West of Scotland branch for their success.
"Having so many award winners demonstrates the skill, dedication, and contribution within the West of Scotland, and this is being recognised at the national level."
These awards reflect not only the achievements of individuals but also the strength of NHSGGC's wider dietetic community, whose work continues to elevate the profession across Scotland and beyond.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Drop-in adult vaccination clinics launched across Glasgow
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has introduced the 'first-ever' sessions to give people the opportunity to speak directly with immunisation nurses about their eligibility and any medical concerns they may have. The clinics are designed to offer a safe, supportive environment where adults can ask questions and get personalised advice. Read more: Lanarkshire health professional awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours List Urgent warning to concertgoers ahead Chris Brown's gig A consultant for public health medicine at NHSGGC said: "We've always encouraged people to ask questions at their appointments, and we're proud to now offer a dedicated space for those conversations. "These sessions are about creating a safe, supportive environment where people can get the information they need to feel confident about their vaccinations." The adult vaccination programme covers immunisations for Covid-19, flu, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and RSV. Eligible individuals will continue to receive appointment invitations by letter, email, or text for one of 18 community clinics across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The new drop-in sessions will run throughout July and August at several locations, including The Piazza in Paisley, Whiteinch Community Centre in Glasgow, and the Stobhill Adult Vaccination Clinic. These sessions will run alongside shingles and pneumococcal drop-in clinics, meaning eligible adults may also receive their vaccine during their visit. No appointment is necessary. The shingles vaccine is available to adults aged 71 to 79 as of September 1, 2023, those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system or starting immunosuppressive therapy, and anyone aged 18 and over who has had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy in the past two years. The vaccine is given in two doses. The pneumococcal vaccine is available to all adults aged 65 and over, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems or who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Pneumococcal disease can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia. Eligible adults will be contacted directly with appointment details, but can also attend the following drop-in sessions. Full information on NHSGGC's adult vaccination programme is available at Upcoming drop-in clinics include July 18, July 25, and August 15 at The Piazza in Paisley, and August 12 and August 19 at Whiteinch Community Centre in Glasgow. Additional sessions will take place on August 25 at both Stobhill Adult Vaccination Clinic and GESH Community Centre in Glasgow.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Special thank you for Birmingham man after 200 plasma donations
A man who was making his 200th donation of blood plasma has been surprised with a special thank Cadman, a former firefighter from Birmingham, first gave blood almost four decades ago and said his job inspired him to donate plasma after he witnessed its "immediate benefits" to patients at the scenes of fires. People like Michelle from Coventry, who received life-saving plasma after she was diagnosed with a rare condition a couple of years ago, are among the many he has pair met at the Birmingham donor centre on Tuesday where she expressed her gratitude to Mr Cadman. "Over the course of a week I had 150 units of plasma so without people like you I wouldn't be here today," Michelle said. She was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare disease related to blood clotting, and needed a donation at very short notice to keep her Cadman said he was among thousands of "dedicated donors" who supported those in need."You do come into the centre and see regular faces so it's a little bit of community." The former firefighter added that it was his father's commitment to blood donation that had originally led to his generosity and recalled him proudly wearing a blood donation badge. "Dad used to give blood regularly, I think he did it for about 50 years and you tend to follow in your father's footsteps."Also there's a bit of civic pride, this is what we do in Birmingham, we give back," Mr Cadman added. He said it only took about 45 minutes to make a donation and encouraged more people to head to a donor centre."You walk out and think we've done something pretty good, we've made a difference and literally saved people's lives. "What a great satisfaction to have," Mr Cadman added. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow community centre named as UK's best new build
Parkhead Hub was given the title of Project of the Year – New Build UK at the 2025 Design in Mental Health Awards. The event recognises innovative design in the mental health sector and outstanding contribution to community mental health care. The hub was praised for its unique approach and commitment to improving mental health services. Read more: Free networking event coming to North Lanarkshire this week Cyriel Dessers Rangers to AEK Athens transfer exit latest How fly-tipping is leading invasive plant to 'colonise and damage' new UK areas Parkhead Hub is a multifunctional space offering support, resources, and care for individuals seeking mental health services. It features bright, open areas, natural light, and calming aesthetics that promote healing and connection. The hub is also an important community resource, hosting workshops, events, and support groups, and housing the relocated Parkhead Library and a café. Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Public Finance, said: "Parkhead Hub's award for innovative design is hugely welcome and recognises the positive impact that design of public services can have on the health and wellbeing of people and communities. "Good design is key to supporting preventative, joint-up and efficient services in line with our public service reform strategy. "In collaboration with Architecture & Design Scotland and partners, we're committed to reforming Scotland's public services and the design of high-quality buildings that support our communities is central to that." Professor Jann Gardner, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: "We're absolutely thrilled that Parkhead Hub has received this prestigious design award. "The project exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can support integrated care and new ways of working. 'This recognition is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, from design and commissioning to construction, and especially the patients and staff who contributed through our engagement groups. "As NHSGGC embarks on its bold next chapter of transformation, I'm excited to see this facility evolve and play a pivotal role in delivering modern, high-quality healthcare to our community."
