6 days ago
NHS staff honoured at British Dietetic Association Awards
The ceremony was held during Dietitians Week, recognising the outstanding commitment and contributions to the profession both locally and across Scotland.
For the third consecutive year, the West of Scotland Branch was named BDA Branch of the Year, underlining its consistent excellence and far-reaching support for members across all levels of dietetic practice—from academic to clinical.
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(Image: Supplied) The branch was praised for its strong collaboration with the Scotland Board, as well as its delivery of awards, webinars, and student engagement initiatives.
Two NHSGGC individuals also received prestigious accolades. Michelle Wardrop, Community Manager of Dietetics, was awarded the Edith Elliot Honour, becoming the first recipient in the UK to receive this distinguished recognition.
Reflecting on the achievement, Michelle said: "There are a range of words that describe how I feel, including overjoyed, humbled, delighted, elated and thrilled - the list goes on.
"I love being a dietitian, and it is a joy to have received this award for doing a job I love."
Michelle shared that her journey into dietetics stemmed from a long-standing passion for healthcare and nutrition: "I had a real desire to work in the health care environment.
"I chose to become a dietitian as I was fascinated by how nutrition impacts people's health and wellbeing, across all ages.
"I loved the fact that there are so many different specialities that a dietitian can work in, and I have been fortunate to work in many different roles."
She also highlighted the sources of her inspiration, citing both culinary icons and fellow professionals: "Probably like many dietitians, my love of food means I enjoy cookery programmes.
"I particularly enjoy watching chefs such as Mary Berry, Michel Roux Jr., and Raymond Blanc.
"I have also worked with many different dietitians during my career. So many of them have influenced and shaped the dietitian I am today."
(Image: Supplied)
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Meanwhile, Abigail Dean, Advanced Practice Dietitian in Haemato-Oncology, received the Mary Turner Award for Trade Union Representative of the Year.
The award celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence, empathy, and commitment in their advocacy for colleagues.
She said: "I am thrilled to have received this award.
"It's an honour to receive this in recognition of my work over the last year.
"I want to thank all my colleagues and hope I can continue to represent them in the best possible way in my role as Trade Union Representative."
The BDA commended Abigail as 'a shining example of what a local union rep should be—approachable, knowledgeable, and able to listen,' describing her as 'a worthy recipient of the Mary Turner Award this year.'
Celebrating the West of Scotland Branch's third straight win, Clare McKenzie, Chair of the Branch, said: "We are delighted that we won Branch of the Year. This is now our sixth overall win and the second since I've been in this role.
"I'd like to thank all my West of Scotland Branch colleagues, particularly Nikola Mazur, Events Officer, and Amy Cowan, Treasurer.
"They both joined the committee last summer and deserve considerable credit for our continued success."
She also encouraged wider participation from members across Scotland, noting current opportunities to get involved with the committee.
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(Image: Supplied) Neil McCallum, North Sector Director for NHSGGC, offered his congratulations, stating: 'Congratulations to Michelle, Abigail, and the West of Scotland branch for their success.
"Having so many award winners demonstrates the skill, dedication, and contribution within the West of Scotland, and this is being recognised at the national level."
These awards reflect not only the achievements of individuals but also the strength of NHSGGC's wider dietetic community, whose work continues to elevate the profession across Scotland and beyond.
