A LONG-SERVING Lochaber paramedic was among ambulance staff in the north of Scotland recognised for their exceptional achievements in a special awards ceremony in Inverness Town House last week.
David Doogan, from Glencoe, was presented with the Chief Executive’s Special Award during the second annual Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) Recognition Awards, which are sponsored by Scotmid.
Mr Doogan joined the service in 1986 as a trainee ambulanceman and has gone on to become a leading ambulance paramedic, not just in his own South Lochaber patch but also further afield.
He was nominated for the special accolade by Alan Knox, SAS area manager for Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh.
An SAS spokesman said: “David has a prominent role in communities around the Highlands where he has been instrumental in supporting and training First Responder schemes. He is held in high regard by his colleagues and is always prepared to offer support and assistance to the team.”
Mr Doogan, who was presented with his award by SAS chief executive Pauline Howie, told the Lochaber News: “I’m very pleased to be recognised but also surprised and slightly embarrassed by it.
“I’ve been with the service now for 26 years, always based here in Glencoe, and really enjoy my work.
“I also received my long service medal at the ceremony, which was very pleasing too.
“It was a great night in a lovely venue and it was nice to see and meet up with colleagues from across the north of Scotland.”
Aberdeen-based ambulance technician Donald Montgomery won the Staff Member of the Year award.
Staff who run the Patient Transport Service (PTS) in the north of Scotland were named Team of the Year after successfully implementing a new direct booking system for patients with a roll-out of secure mobile data technology on all PTS vehicles.
The professionalism and partnership working of a team that responded to a tragic road accident on the A9 between a bus and a car on June 8 was recognised in the Working Together for Better Patient Care award.
The Scottish Ambulance Service Values Award was won by Malcolm MacLeod, a paramedic and area service manager based in Stornoway.
Ms Howie said: “Entrants are nominated by their peers and it is always humbling to see so many stories about staff who are totally dedicated to delivering the best possible care for patients in communities across the north of Scotland, often in their own spare time.
“They should all be proud of their achievements and are a credit to the Service.”
