Wins for Public Health Scotland staff at Scottish Health Awards

It was a double win for Public Health Scotland (PHS) staff at last night’s Scottish Health Awards 2022, as the Covid and Flu National Vaccination Programme Team received the Top Team Award and Ewan Pow, non-executive Director of the PHS Board, was named Young Achiever.

The Scottish Health Awards – which are run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHSScotland and the Scottish Government – are the most prestigious and recognised awards for health and social care workers in Scotland.

PHS have played a central role in implementing the national Covid and Flu Programme, a partnership with Scottish Government and NHS Boards. The Top Team Award, presented by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Humza Yousaf, was for delivering more than 15 million vaccines since the programme started in 2020 and helping to preserve the health and life of people in Scotland.

PHS Consultant in Health Protection Dr Claire Cameron said:

"The pandemic has been such a difficult time for so many. We are proud to be part of the team with Scottish Government and NHS Boards to provide protection and save lives through immunisation."

Our Chief Executive Angela Leitch said:

"This is great news and well deserved recognition for the tremendous work PHS staff and the National Vaccination Team have done, and are still engaged in. I thank you for it. What an achievement!"

Congratulations also goes to member of the PHS Board Mr Ewan Pow, who is the youngest person to be appointed to a health board in Scotland.

He is currently studying medicine at the University of Aberdeen and has been a member of the Young Scot Health Panel since 2021, representing and advocating for young people's needs in healthcare.

These professional highlights add to his achievements at NHS Lothian over the COVID-19 pandemic as a clinical support worker and vaccinator, leading to his nomination. In these roles he helped many patients and staff at the accident and emergency department in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and was involved in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to those aged 16-25 by contributing to the dissemination of important information about vaccination for young people.

Angiolina Foster, Chair of PHS, said:

"Ewan was appointed to the Board of PHS earlier this year, having “blown away” the Public Appointments panel with his insights, maturity and unswerving focus on making a difference.

"Ewan is already delivering huge value to PHS, bringing fresh perspectives and lots of energy to his role as a Non-Executive Director. He has enthusiastically taken on the task of championing Sustainability and Climate Change, drinking in all there is to learn about this vast topic. The whole Board is delighted at his award and warmly congratulate him on this success."

Young Achiever 2022 Ewan had this to say:

"I'm hugely proud to have won such a prestigious award, but would firstly like to recognise my other finalists, Thomas Valentine (Scottish Ambulance Service) and Craig McGregor (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde). I am in a fortunate position in PHS to see the importance of their contribution to a healthier Scotland, and their achievements this year have been truly exceptional. 

"A number of professional experiences at national organisations have led me to this point, and I recognise the importance of good leaders who are willing to create opportunities for all."