13 November 2024
Borderer Gemma Burdett, our Senior Addiction Nurse who is from Galashiels, received the Readers’ Choice Outstanding Contribution to the NHS Award at the Scotland’s Health Awards ceremony which was held at Edinburgh’s O2 Academy on Thursday.
The glittering ceremony was drawn to a close with the final award of the night which aimed to celebrate an individual who is worthy of special recognition for working tirelessly to provide the very best care.
More than 4,000 Scotsman readers voted for who they wanted to win the honour. That very deserving recipient was Gemma from Borders Addiction Service, who has been nursing for 15 years.
In her nomination, Gemma was praised for having a positive impact on the lives of those affected by substance use, often going above and beyond. In one instance, she administered life-saving Naloxone to someone who was unresponsive following an opiate overdose.
Speaking about winning the award, Gemma said: “The award means so much to me and the amazing team I’m part of. We work flexibly to engage those who for various reasons are unable to access the support and treatment they need. We go that extra mile to make sure those affected by substance use are as safe as they can be. I love my job and I’ll never stop doing it to the best of my abilities.”
Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, added: “We are so proud at NHS Borders to have had not just one, but two incredible staff members nominated for the Readers’ Choice Outstanding Contribution to the NHS Award through Scotland’s Health Awards. Both Gemma Burdett, our Senior Addiction Nurse, and Joan Rutherford, our Community Clinical Nurse Manager, make such a difference to the lives of Borderers on a daily basis.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the public vote resulted in one of our very dedicated and knowledgeable staff members receiving the Readers’ Choice Outstanding Contribution to the NHS Award. I would like to take this opportunity to personally congratulate Gemma and thank her for all the work that she does for the people of the Borders.”
