TWO top national awards have been collected by NHS Forth Valley staff last month for pioneering work in dermatology and cancer care.

The accolades were scooped by Dr Colin Morton, who was part of a team who were rewarded for a digital dermatology breakthrough, and Macmillan nurse consultant Sandra Campbell who received a lifetime achievement award.

Dedicated nurse Sandra, who has just retired from her post at the end of November, received the President of the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) Lifetime Achievement Award for dedication to cancer and palliative care nursing which was presented at a virtual conference.

She said: "I was on the UKONS Board for six years from 2014 and stepped down only last year so was very surprised by this award.

"I was honoured and very proud to be a board member representing Scotland and also to receive the president's award."

Sandra, who has taken home many awards over the years, added: "I have had a fantastic nursing career, mostly spent in NHS Forth Valley, and I have worked with so many amazing people but this last year has been the saddest for me with the impact of Covid-19.

"I am in awe of the human spirit but this pandemic has been a tragedy for many beyond belief."

While Sandra has retired from her post, she will continue to support bereavement work in the area.

Meanwhile, Dr Morton and colleagues won the Health Service Journal Digitising Patient Services Initiative Award.

They developed a smartphone application which allows patients to send images of moles and other skin concerns which are then reviewed by a clinician who can arrange for further tests or treatment, if required, and arrange a follow up virtual appointment.

Using the app is often more convenient for patients, removing the need to travel for appointments.

An initial assessment of the app involved more than 50 patients over a three month period and this increased tenfold at the beginning of the pandemic.

Dr Morton said: "This award should be widely shared given the many individuals who have contributed to the development of the app.

"It is evidence of what can be achieved working together, with strong management support, to deliver innovative practice for our patients."

The award is shared between NHS FV, Greater Glasgow and Clyde as well as Grampian health boards along with Storm ID, Modernising Patient Pathways Programme, NHS National Services Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland.

Elsewhere and in addition to the national awards, NHS FV community learning disability charge nurse Craig Bell has celebrated becoming a Queen's Nurse after completing a nine month development programme.

He was one of 29 community nurses from across Scotland who were nominated for the programme, having demonstrated high quality and compassionate care.