An inscribed plaque depicting the George Cross, given for gallantry to the whole NHS in 2022, was offered in gratitude for the efforts of local volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs).
The public acknowledgement by NHS Western Isles was made at a ceremony attended by Murdo Macaulay, HM Coastguard Coastal Operations Area Commander for the Outer Hebrides and Skye.
He was joined by representatives from Coastguard Rescue Teams, Full Time Coastal Duty Officers and Operations Room staff based in the Western Isles.
Murdo accepted the plaque, on behalf of HM Coastguard, from Frances Robertson, NHS Western Isles Nurse and Allied Health Professionals Director/Chief Operating Officer, at Stornoway Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 3 September.
We all worked together for the greater benefit of all in the Western Isles
The award is a lasting recognition of the skills and dedication of CROs who joined the multi-agency response to support the NHS to deliver lifesaving services to the community of local islands.
HM Coastguard helped with Covid vaccination clinics, patient transport and hospital transfers, and delivery of essential supplies and sample testing
Ambulance crews were assisted by providing trained drivers, and there was support to the military aid logistics group, plus other contingency planning and preparation.
Murdo said: “It is a great honour for our team to be presented with this plaque by NHS Western Isles.
“The Covid-19 pandemic brought great challenges to all of us, and the geography and position of the Western Isles accentuated some of these.
“We remember with great pride the one-team ethos that has always been a part of emergency response in the Islands, which was exemplified and strengthened during this time.
“We all worked together for the greater benefit of all in the Western Isles. I would like to thank NHS Western Isles both personally and on behalf of HM Coastguard for recognising this today with this presentation.”
We are so grateful for the strong partnership held between the NHS and HM Coastguard
Frances said: “This presentation is an opportunity for NHS Western Isles to say a big thank you to so many individuals and organisations who supported the response to the Covid-19 Pandemic across the Western Isles.
“We are so proud to acknowledge and show our thanks to the invaluable contribution made by HM Coastguard by presenting them with a plaque to display with pride.
"The first case of Covid-19 occurred on 8 December 2019; the virus rapidly spread across the world, reaching the UK on 29 January 2020 with the NHS mobilising its response in February 2020.
“The ask of staff was huge, they turned up every day to continue to maintain our essential services, and for some they adapted and rapidly moved into new roles such as test and protect to support NHS Western Isles' response to the pandemic.
"The game changer occurred with the development of Covid vaccinations. On 10 December 2020, the first Covid-19 vaccination was given in the Western Isles.
“NHS Western Isles was the first Health Board in Scotland to complete Wave 1 of the vaccination programme and this was achieved through the efforts and dedication of so many organisations and individuals who worked tirelessly to support their communities including HM Coastguard – who worked so hard and tirelessly in partnership with us, behind the scenes.
“The partnership working during the vaccination campaign, and as part of the wider response to the pandemic, was invaluable and we are so grateful for the strong partnership held between the NHS and HM Coastguard in the Western Isles.”
The George Cross depicted on the HM Coastguard plaque is the premier award given for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy.
Main picture: Coastal Operations Area Commander Murdo Macaulay and NHS Western Isles Chief Operating Officer Frances Robertson with HM Coastguard officers at Stornoway Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
