Mary Lou shortlisted for national award!

Huge congratulations to NHS Western Isles Paediatric Physiotherapist, Mary Lou Stilwell, who was recently named as one of only six NHS staff in Scotland to have been shortlisted for this year’s Allied Health Professional Scottish Health Award.

Whilst Mary Lou didn’t get selected as one of the three finalists in her category, NHS Western Isles would like to highlight the incredible achievement of having been shortlisted out of more than 900 entries this year! Mary Lou’s nomination clearly demonstrates the dedication, commitment and care she has for her patients.

Mary Lou was nominated by a member of the public for going ‘above and beyond her remit to ensure the children she has as patients have all the help and encouragement they need’.

The parent that nominated Mary Lou stated: “In my own experience she helped my son to be included in sports at school when I had been battling for years to get him swimming which he could do. She has also kept in touch and kept him on track with his exercises and gym work and encouraged him to just try any sports when he would not listen to his parents. This is also true for other children in her care…thus making the treatments fun and achievable and reinforcing the ‘can-do’ attitude of no such word as ‘can't’.

“Our son has moved onto adult services and still values her opinions and input and knows that she is on his side.”

The nomination goes on to explain how Mary Lou was instrumental in getting a group of disabled children in the area swimming lessons, which has helped them with their fitness and overall wellbeing. Mary Lou also ensured that the children were able to attend the gym as teenagers, as part of their physical education, and get dedicated trainers – setting them up for a life-long love of sports and exercise. The participation in sport has helped to regulate behaviour and eating and improved sleep so all of the children have benefited in multiple ways and have continued with exercise into adulthood.

Mary Lou commented: “To have been nominated was such a surprise and I felt honoured and humbled for a local family to have taken the time to do this. I am grateful for the kind words and am delighted to have been able to support my patients to be able to participate and enjoy exercise.

“I wish all the finalists the very best of luck at the awards ceremony in November.”