The outstanding level of compassion shown by an Angus senior care worker has won her a top national award.
Sheila Whyte, 68, has worked in the care profession for 27 years, the last six at Braehill Lodge Care Home in Carnoustie.
She was nominated for the Scottish Care Award for palliative and end of life care and was delighted to receive The Colin McNab Award at a ceremony in the Grosvenor Hotel in Glasgow.
Her award was the second in two years to recognise the dedicated care provided by a Braehill Lodge member of staff after Natalie Driscoll was named ‘Scottish carer of the year’ in 2018.
Sheila, from Arbroath, explained palliative care had always been a passion of hers.
She originally worked as a carer with Angus Council before working at Antiquary House in Arbroath, working her way up to senior carer.
She said: “I had worked as a playgroup supervisor and was given the opportunity to work as a carer with Angus Council.
“I just love it.
“I enjoy the palliative care side of work, caring for somebody at the end of their life and working closely with their family.
“It is a very rewarding job.
“Staff were asked to nominate anyone in their team and I was touched someone nominated me.
“Because it’s a little home with 24 beds, you have that little bit extra with the residents.”
Care home manager Lyn Roche described Sheila’s award as “quite an accolade” and a fitting recognition of the dedicated service she gives to patients and their families.
She said: “She is a valued member of the team with years of experience in care.
“She is a very tactile person to family members at the time when their loved ones are going through end of life.
“As well as being nominated by a colleague she had to submit a written article on her work and how she delivers palliative care.
“This is the second year in a row we have had a staff member pick up a national award.
“I am delighted Sheila won this prize, just as we were for Natalie last year.”
