A MUSSELBURGH-BASED nurse has been awarded for her “unwavering dedication” to caring for her patients in East Lothian.

Niki Stewart, deputy team manager CTACS, has picked up the Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award at NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards, which took place via a recent virtual ceremony.

The award is named in memory of Lynn Jackson, former chief nurse for Edinburgh Cancer Centre, who passed away following a year-long fight with breast cancer.

This award recognises a nurse who, like Lynn, is “passionate about people and dedicated to providing exceptional patient care”.

An NHS Lothian spokesperson said that, following a stroke at a very young age, Niki, who is based at Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, displayed “remarkable courage, determination, and resilience in her return to the workplace”.

They added: “Niki’s disabilities following her stroke have uniquely positioned her to empathise with and advocate for patients or colleagues facing similar challenges.

“Her personal experience adds depth to her interactions, allowing her to offer expertise but also emotional support and understanding.

“Niki’s presence as deputy team manager is said to have had a profoundly positive effect on her colleagues, with her infectious optimism and unwavering determination helping to foster a supportive and empowering atmosphere.”

'Fantastic to see'

Professor John Connaghan CBE, chair of NHS Lothian Board, added: “The Celebrating Success Awards are an important event in our calendar.

“They are an opportunity to recognise and honour the people working across all areas of our local health service for their tremendous contribution in helping others.

“Our finalists were chosen by their fellow colleagues, or the public, because of the invaluable role they play.

“They have been shortlisted from hundreds of award entries and should be incredibly proud of their amazing achievements.”

The 2024 awards are the first for NHS Lothian chief executive Caroline Hiscox, who said: “The NHS is undoubtedly facing some of its most challenging times; however, it is still incredibly important that we celebrate our collective achievements and honour colleagues for the exceptional things they have done.

“It was fantastic to see so many staff coming together to watch this year’s virtual Celebrating Success Awards ceremony.”