Elgin paediatrician reflects on winning Healthcare Hero of the Year Award
AN ELGIN paediatrician who was named Moray and Banffshire's Healthcare Hero of the Year has reflected on her honour six months on.
Dr Shelagh Parkinson, who works at Dr Gray's Hospital, said she was "on cloud nine" for a week after winning the award at Brodie Countryfare in April.
Winning showed Shelagh that she was doing things the right way, and making a mark on the people she works with and for.
She was nominated by scores of patients – and was delighted to scoop the prize and enjoy the festivities on the night.
"It was really a great experience," she said. "It meant a lot to me that patients of mine voted for me. Quite a lot told me that – most people coming in, in fact.
"I was really on cloud nine for a week or so. My colleagues were chuffed for me and it was all just such a big boost."
Shelagh's award has taken pride of place on her dressing table, where she regularly sees it and is reminded of a great night.
She recommended getting involved with the awards – whether that's by nominating a hard-working colleague or sponsoring a category.
She said: "It's a great, heart-warming idea. I really enjoyed it and we were really well looked after.
"It was great to see so many businesses supporting the event. We had funeral directors at our table, for example. It's just fabulous how people support it.
"I'm going to try to nominate someone this year. I'd never heard of the event before but it was just a fabulous idea so thanks very much to the newspaper and the group for organising it."
The evening's compere, broadcaster Nicky Marr, said: “It’s often said that no one is irreplaceable. Well, Dr Parkinson’s colleagues at Dr Gray’s would disagree. She really is irreplaceable.”
Nominations have now opened for 2024's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.
Send your nominations in at www.hnmedia.co.uk/morayheroes.
