Elgin Care Home Honours Staff And Remembers Much-Loved Colleague At Special Awards Night

Spynie Care Home in Elgin has held an awards evening to celebrate the dedication of its staff team and to remember the late Shona Donaldson, former deputy manager, colleague and friend, who sadly died of cancer earlier this year.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Shona Donaldson Award, the most prestigious accolade of the night, created in her memory to recognise the member of staff who has gone above and beyond. The award was presented by Shona’s sister, Val McLean, to Maggie Scott, home manager at Spynie Care Home, in recognition of her tireless support for Shona and her unwavering commitment to the whole team.

Maggie said: “I would do this for every member of staff as support is what we’re about. I really don’t think I am deserving of it as we all do such a good job. All the team are superstars – well done to every single one of the winners.”

Shona worked at Spynie on a number of occasions, her last period of service being from December 2019 until April 2024. Even during her illness at Shona’s insistence, she continued to support the home, with Maggie often visiting her with a laptop so she could contribute from her bed. Known for her positivity and resilience, Shona refused to be defeatist in the face of her diagnosis.

Maggie added: “Shona had such a positive outlook and gave her illness one hell of a run for its money. She always put the residents first and appreciated the preciousness of life. She believed there was no point dwelling on things you cannot change, and even when faced with the inevitability of death her focus remained on contributing to the wellbeing of others. That is a truly admirable legacy.”

Alongside the Shona Donaldson Award, a mix of heartfelt and light-hearted awards were presented to staff, reflecting both the professionalism and camaraderie that make Spynie such a special place.

The full list of winners:

• Social Care Nurse Award – Soumya Varghese, for putting residents and the provision of the best care possible at the heart of everything she does.
• High Flyer Award – Jasmine Roberts and Michelle Jack, recognised as likely future nurses having achieved the level of Social Care Associate Practitioner (SCAP).
• Dignity in Care Award – Lisa Smith, for ensuring residents feel safe and cared for with dignity at the centre of her practice. Presented by Ed Paton, a relative who recently lost his wife and asked to make the presentation.
• End of Life Nurse Award – Lorraine Watson, for her belief that everyone deserves a “good death” and her dedication to making that happen.
• Newcomer Award – Madison Wetherell, for her commitment to providing the best care possible and making a difference to residents’ lives.
• Ancillary Worker Award – Marion Laing, for her positivity and uplifting impact on both staff morale and residents.
• Dementia Carer Award – Laura Paterson, for recognising that every person with dementia is unique and striving to make life better for them.
• Staying the Distance Award – Michelle Dobbs, for always returning to Spynie, no matter the circumstances – a true trooper.
• Best Operations Manager Award – Steve Massey, described as “an amazing, trusted, supportive, handsome, debonair chap and a true gentleman”. Presented by Deputy Manager Liz Jamieson.
• Nurse Most Likely to Sleep in for a Nightshift Award – Lexi Peach, recognised with good humour by her colleagues.
• Hall Monitor Award – Rebekka McLaren and Kirsty Melville, for their dedication to keeping a close eye on the hallways.
• Scarlet Pimpernel Award – Jim McLaren, for being the most elusive member of the team.
• Shona Donaldson Award – Maggie Scott, for going the extra mile and her dedication to staff and residents alike.