Health and social care heroes recognised by West Dunbartonshire Council in awards ceremony

Health and social care staff who have gone the extra mile have been recognised by West Dunbartonshire Council.Dedicated health and social care professionals were honoured at the annual West Dunbartonshire HSCP staff awards ceremony.Colleagues from across the partnership gathered in the Civic Space in Church Street for an inspirational presentation that recognised the outstanding contribution of those who go above and beyond to help the most vulnerable people in our community.Four awards were presented by HSCP chair Michelle McGinty and HSCP board member Michelle Wailes before the event concluded with guests treated to afternoon tea.Innovation of the year was awarded to Elaine Allan.As a senior paediatric occupational therapist, Elaine forged strong links with Kilpatrick Primary School and Kilpatrick Early Years’ Service.She recognised that young and vulnerable children with significant additional support needs had not been able to prepare for the transition from early years to primary school due to the pandemic.Elaine secured one of only 14 places on the National Allied Health Professional Fellowship Programme, and was awarded 10 months of additional funding to develop resources to support the children, to help develop their self-care skills and to create a passport style document to share the information with their new schools.Positive feedback from all those involved demonstrated the value of this initiative, not only to the children, but their families, as well as education professionals.The tools and resources developed by Elaine can be used year after year to ensure a more streamlined and effective transition from nursery to primary school for children with additional support needs.Leader of the year went to Alexis