THEY often go the extra mile.

And many of them have been given recognition they deserve.

The inaugural NHS Borders staff awards, Celebrating Excellence, were staged at Springwood Park in Kelso.

A total of ten awards were presented during the evening, which was hosted by James Marjoribanks.

NHS Borders described the event as a celebration of dedication, clinical excellence and person-centred care - and it certainly lived up to its billing.

Chairman of NHS Borders, John Raine said: “Friday night was a very special night for NHS Borders, our staff, partners, volunteers and invited guests. All of the finalists and winners were so very proud and indeed humbled to have been nominated and recognised for what they consider to be simply doing their job.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who nominated and contributed to making the evening such a success.

“Celebrating Excellence is now firmly embedded in NHS Borders annual calendar of events, and I am already looking forward to next year.” The Chairman’s own award went to Michael’s Team in recognition of the skill and care they showed in restoring a patient’s vision - a procedure which carried many risks due to Michael’s complex health issues.

The Student of the Year Award was won by Hawick’s Kirsty Baxter.

NHS Borders workforce director June Smyth, who presented the award, said: “Kirsty is a very deserving student who has shown excellence in the Planning and Performance team since beginning a ten week work placement from Borders College.

“From day one she has proven herself to be enthusiastic and willing to take on any task given to her.

“Her IT skills have been particularly sought after by the department and she has helped the web team in designing and creating NHS Borders’ new website which will be launched in May this year.” The Person Centred Care Award recognises an individual or team who deliver high quality care while being responsive to individual needs and preferences. And the popular winners were the Special Care Baby Unit Nursing Team.

A spokeswoman for the awards told us: “The winning Special Care Baby Unit Nursing Team actively encourage families to have hands on involvement with their baby, even when physical contact may not be possible to ensure that bonds are formed between mum and baby.

“The patience and understanding of the team provides vital support to both parents and babies in the Borders.” The Working in Partnership Award was won by Jenny Baird from the IM&T team for demonstrating a strong commitment to partnership working in her day to day role for NHS Borders.

The Improving Health Award was won by Alison Quinn and Kerrie Blake, who are maternity assistants in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology team.

They have shown excellence in care by providing targeted one to one and group support for women including teenage parents, women with a learning disability or difficulty and substance abuse issues.

The Volunteer of the Year award was lifted by the BGH Participation Group, which is made up of 12 volunteers, and have showed an exceptional commitment to work with the BGH staff to improve patient care.

A special thanks was given to Ann Purvis who Chairs the group.

Gill Lunn scooped the Innovation and Improvement Award for her work primarily as a midwife, and also since being seconded as the Scottish Patient Safety champion for NHS Borders. The Clinical Excellence Award was won by Melburn Lodge Team, who work in partnership with NHS Borders Falls Prevention Team to introduce new technology and practice in preventing, reducing risk and management of falls.

A 50 per cent reduction in the number of falls was recorded in first six months and an overall reduction of 75 per cent in the year.

The Leading by Example Award was won by Rachael Marples for her role as Baby Friendly Initiative Lead, which has led NHS Borders to achieve UNICEF Baby Friendly status quicker than any other health board in Scotland. The Behind the Scenes Award was won by Cameron Miles along with his colleagues in the Bedbusters Team, which transfers patients throughout the hospital. An awards spokeswoman added: “They walk miles every day, ensuring slick patient movement and an efficient patient flow. “Cameron has driven and implemented improvements in Bedbusters and is cheery, friendly and consistently goes the extra mile to support staff on the BGH wards.” Chairman’s Award - ‘Michael’s Eye Operation Team (Dr. Nigel Leary, Dr. Imogen Hayward, Dr. Robert Murray, Alison Todd, Sister Betty Wiliamson) Student of the Year - Kirsty Baxter Person-centred Care - Special Care Baby Unit Nursing Team Working in Partnership - Jenny Baird, IM&T Project Manager Improving Health - Alison Quinn and Kerrie Blake, Maternity Care Assistants Volunteer of the Year - The Borders General Hospital Participation Group, chaired by Mrs Ann Purvis Innovation and Improvement - Gill Lunn, Midwife Clinical Excellence - Melburn Lodge Leading by Example - Rachael Marples, Baby Friendly Initiative Lead Behind the Scenes - Cameron Miles and the Bedbusters Team, Discharge Liaison Service