Sam answers call for the health service

Nov 19 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

A HARD working employee has been officially recognised for her dedication and commitment to the NHS.

NHS 24 call handler Sam Lomas was presented with an annual achievement award at a special ceremony after being nominated by her colleagues.

Sam, from East Calder, who has worked for the service for three years, won the Your Contribution Matters award.

This award recognises staff who understand the focus of NHS 24 through active learning, involvement in working groups and supporting colleagues.

Sam received praise from her colleagues for being “reliable and responsible in meeting the needs of the services” and for her "calm and empathetic" manner in dealing with patients.

And she said she had been “overwhelmed” by the award.

She added: “There are no words to describe how happy I felt that my colleagues had taken the time to nominate me and I just wish I could thank them all personally.”

The awards were presented by NHS 24's medical director, Dr George Crooks.

He said: “NHS 24's annual achievement awards recognise the positive difference that individuals within the organisation make towards providing an excellent service to patients and the public.

“Whilst we would like to thank all of our staff for their efforts in providing an important and integral service to the public we want to take this opportunity to recognise individuals at our South Queensferry Contact Centre who were felt, by their own colleagues, to go the extra mile to provide a service for colleagues and the public who use the service.”