NHS 60th Anniversary awards presented to Isles Children

Six primary school children have been awarded special prizes by NHS Western Isles, after being selected as winners of a 60th Anniversary painting competition.

Stephen Drummond, Laxdale School (overall winner); Abigail MacDonald, Laxdale School;
Duncan Shirkie, Shawbost School; Gemma MacDonald, Laxdale School; Chelsea Campbell, Laxdale School; and Katie Gillies, Shawbost School were all selected as prize-winners for their creative and artistic paintings on the theme of 'Good Health Services'. They all received 'goodie bags' and gift vouchers.

NHS Western Isles received 84 paintings in total from pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 7. In the end, three first prize winners and three runners-up were selected - each receiving prizes supplied by Woolworths, Lewis Sports Centre and NHS Western Isles.

NHS Western Isles Chair John Angus MacKay stated: "We were delighted with both the quality and quantity of paintings that we received from local school children for this competition. It is evident that the children put a lot of effort into their paintings, and it was interesting to see all the different aspects that constitute 'Good Health Services' in their eyes.

"The children's contribution to the celebrations for the 60th Anniversary of the National Health Service is very much valued. The 60th Anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate improvements in local services over the past six decades - but also to look forward to the next 60 years to further develop services for future generations in the Western Isles."

The children's paintings will be on display as part of the 60th Anniversary event in An Lanntair on October 30, and there will also be the opportunity for them to be viewed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon when she visits the Western Isles next month for the Annual Review.