Young Achiever winner at the Scottish Health Awards

Congratulations to Harve Symonds, Healthcare Support Worker at NHS Orkney who won the Young Achiever Award at last week’s Scottish Health Awards.  Harve was nominated by a patient whom she cared for at The Balfour. 

Harve told us: "To say I was shocked to be nominated in the Young Achiever category would be an understatement, so to win doesn’t feel real and there’s not really been enough time to let it all sink in.  I feel it’s a real achievement considering I only started working for NHS Orkney as a modern apprentice 2 years ago, with no prior healthcare experience.

I would never be where I am today if it was not for my amazing colleagues in Inpatients 1(Acute ward) who have taught me everything I know in regards to nursing care. My thanks and appreciation also goes to my tutors at Orkney college, my mentors in the Day Unit and all the healthcare staff within The Balfour who have continued to encourage and support me throughout my career as a Healthcare Support Worker and now as a Student Nurse.  Without the continued support of my family, close friends and my partner Ryan I would never be in this position today, in a job that I love and hope to continue in for many years.”

Julie Colquhoun, Head of Corporate Services said “We are delighted for Harve and her achievement in the Scottish Health Awards.  Harve came to the organisation as a Modern Apprentice with a clear career pathway in mind.  Her education as a Healthcare Support Worker gave her the foundation needed to take on her Nursing Degree.

Harve is now a Student Nurse with The Open University, supported by NHS Orkney.  Harve’s education pathway is a great example of the benefit of Modern Apprenticeships as an entry route for young people.  Harve should be very proud of her achievements and we look forward to seeing her career develop within our organisation.”