The annual 'NHS Lothian Celebrating Success Awards' recognises staff who embrace the organisation’s core values of care and compassion, dignity and respect, quality, teamwork and openness, honesty and responsibility.

When we spoke with Zak (2023) to congratulate him on his success, he had this to say: 

“I was very honoured to be shortlisted for an NHS ‘Celebrating Success Award’ for my work as a volunteer at the Western General Hospital.  

Nominations for Celebrating Success Awards can be made by colleagues and by the general public. I was nominated for the award by my volunteer manager and then made it onto the shortlist of three who were invited to attend the award ceremony. Much to my surprise, I won the award! The award ceremony felt really special. Undoubtedly working in the NHS is challenging as well as rewarding, so recognising effort in this way really makes people feel valued. To be recognised in this way as a volunteer while still at school was really special. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer as a ward helper at the Western General Hospital. I have learned so much from the fantastic people who work there, and I had amazing support from my volunteer manager. The skills I learned through volunteering really helped to build my confidence and made me certain that I wanted to pursue a career in the NHS. I found this volunteering opportunity on this website: https://search.volunteerscotland.net/ and would encourage others to try it too.”