National award for Kirkcaldy therapist
Kirkcaldy relaxation therapist Denise James with her award
A KIRKCALDY NHS Fife health professional has taken home a national accolade from the Scottish Health Awards.
Denise James, a relaxation therapist with Fife Palliative Care Team, was selected by the judges as a worthy winner.
She picked up the Therapists Award at the prestigious ceremony held in Edinburgh on November 8, after she was nominated by her colleagues at Victoria Hospice in Kirkcaldy.
Originally a volunteer, Denise proved to be extremely devoted and committed to enhancing the quality of life for patients and is now an employed sessional worker.
Through this role, she offers support and therapy to patients at Victoria Hospice and Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline.
Denise, who has her own private therapy studio in Kirkcaldy, has adapted therapies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients and has also produced a relaxation CD that people can take home with them after treatments.
She has won the respect and admiration of colleagues, patients and families with her caring and professional approach.
Denise said: “I am truly delighted to receive such a prestigious award. I never thought I would hear my name announced as the other nominees were so deserving.
“The recognition has inspired me to record another relaxation CD and write a book which aims to share some creative thoughts and techniques to ease anxiety, insomnia and discomfort.
“Many thanks to NAPP Pharmaceuticals, Teri Perri, Dr. Clive Preston, Anne Cargill, Rhona Kerr, the team at Victoria and Queen Margaret Hospice and all the patients as this is for them. The response from family, friends and patients has been overwhelming, thank you.”
Meanwhile, Carol Prattis, an occupational therapy support worker at Queen Margaret Hospital, accepted the Support Workers Award at the same ceremony.
The judges were impressed by Carol’s work in assisting elderly patients with dementia to recall special events and memories, providing cognitive stimulation to patients helping them to share experiences with their families.
John Wilson, NHS Fife Chief Executive said; “Congratulations to our winners and well done to all those from NHS Fife who were nominated and short-listed.
“I am very proud of our staff and I am delighted they have received this much deserved recognition.”
The Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward the commitment and hard work of those who work in and with NHS Scotland to provide an outstanding level of care to the public.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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