One of NHS Renfrewshire HSCP’s healthcare heroes was celebrated at this year’s Scottish Health Awards 2023, scooping the Leader of the Year Award.
Derek Kennedy was named the winner of the Leader of the Year Award in recognition for the huge impact he’s had on those around him, including transforming perceptions in Renfrewshire.
Having been the line manager to eleven recovery workers, Derek has been the focal point for the development and continued growth of CIRCLE Recovery Hub which now has over 220 service users. Individuals employed by the service often have different support needs to other healthcare staff and Derek has continued to go above and beyond to assist and develop them.
Derek is not only incredibly well thought of by those he manages but is readily approachable for the service users, giving them equal support.
Run by the Daily Record and in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, the annual awards celebrate the NHS staff, support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to patients and their families.
Patients, families, work colleagues and members of the public were invited to nominate a local hero across one of the sixteen award categories with over 900 nominations and 51 finalists named.
David Dick, editor in chief of Daily Record and Sunday Mail, said: “Congratulations to Derek for winning the Leader of the Year Award. With over 900 nominations, the judging panel had a difficult task in picking the winner for each category this year. Every winner should be extremely proud of their hard work and dedication in making a difference to their patients, families and communities. It’s with their support that we are able to celebrate 75 years of our National Health Service as a country and it is an honour for us to continue running these awards.”
Winners were named at an awards ceremony at the O2 Academy, Edinburgh on 2 November.
For more information visit https://scottishhealthawards.com.
Headline photo: Leader of the Year Award Derek Kennedy, Renfrewshire HSCP
Photo Credit: Scottish Health Awards