Real Lives: Committed carer makes industry award shortlist

Lorraine Smith, who works for Care UK in Edinburgh, has been shortlisted for the Care Services Co-Ordinator of the Year Award.

The 53-year-old was nominated by colleagues, who described her as “a friendly and approachable professional”.

The awards ceremony is set to take place in Glasgow tomorrow night, with Lorraine hoping to take the honour home from the event which will be held at the city’s Marriott Hotel.

She has worked in the care industry for more than five years, and has been praised by her bosses for her compassion and commitment to the job.

They said Lorraine had built lasting relationships with her fellow staff members and customers of Care UK.

For Lorraine, going to work is a pleasure, but she said hearing that she had been nominated for the award was completely unexpected.

She said: “It’s a great surprise to have made it to the final stage of such a fanatastic award ceremony.

“I’ve worked in the care industry for five-and-a-half years now and I am delighted to be part of such a fantastic service.

“I am looking forward to the award ceremony.”

The Scottish Care – Care at Home and Housing Support Awards are now in their sixth year and are highly sought-after in the industry.

The presentation ceremony is seen as the curtain closer at the conference where Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address delegates.

Lorraine and the other nominees will be judged by Maddy Halliday, director of the Stroke Association, Edith MacIntosh, rehabilitation consultant with the Care Inspectorate, Margot White from the joint improvement team, and Allan Hosie, who will represent the main sponsor of the event OKD Insurance Brokers Ltd in his role as managing director with the firm.

Lorraine’s nomination came from her branch manager at Care UK, Alfie Rawson, who said she was a model employee and a highly valued member of staff.

He enthused: “I am thrilled that Lorraine has been shortlisted.

“I nominated Lorraine for the level of commitment she has shown on a daily basis towards customers and staff alike.

“Lorraine is focused, professional and has great relationships with both customers and staff which are built on trust.

“She is friendly, approachable and always takes responsibility for her actions.

“She is a joy to have in the office.”