News

NHS Western Isles was well represented at this year's recent 75th Anniversary Parliamentary Reception

The event on June 20 included a number of presentations from key individuals and the focus of the evening was based around:

• celebrating and demonstrating 75 years of achievement and how it has made a difference to people’s lives;
• recognising the contribution of staff – across NHS, partners in care, voluntary organisations, and volunteers – thanking them for their hard work and commitment, demonstrating their achievement and successes, whilst acknowledging the challenges they face;
• confirming the ongoing commitment to the founding principles of the NHS;
• looking forward and building confidence amongst staff about the future of the NHS, recognising that the way care is delivered will continue to change, with a particular focus on innovation and technology.

Nominated to attend by NHS Western Isles for their long service were Medical Secretary, Agnes Hodgart, and Painter, Alasdair Mackenzie. Agnes has worked for the NHS for an incredible 50 years and Alasdair is not far behind her, with nearly 46 years under his belt. Agnes and Alasdair are two of our longest serving members of staff. Interestingly, both Agnes and Alasdair have been in the same roles for the entire time they have worked for the NHS, with Agnes having been a Medical Secretary for five decades and Alasdair having been an NHS painter since 1977.

The highlight of Alasdair's career, in his own words, has been ‘keeping the place nice and fresh for everyone, making it look nice and working with good guys’. Agnes described her highlight as follows: ‘I guess it’s just knowing that you’re helping the patient, that’s what you’re doing the work for – to help them’. There were too many special memories over his career for Alasdair to pinpoint just one; whereas Agnes described her most special memories as: “Seeing King Charles when he opened the hospital and seeing Princess Anne as well when she visited the hospital.”

On being nominated to attend the 75th anniversary celebrations, Agnes said: “It feels good to get recognition for long service.” Alasdair added: “It was very good to be asked to attend. I’ve always wanted to see the parliament building.”

A heartfelt thank you to Alasdair and Agnes for their long service, and for the exceptional contribution that have made to the NHS over the years. Attending the event after being nominated on behalf of the Western Isles Integrated Joint Board were Michelle Taylor, Family Health Services Manager and Mike Hutchison, Associate Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.