Local healthcare heroes fighting for every heartbeat

Yvonne Millerick, Lead Nurse Lecturer for the Caring Together programme, has scooped the British Heart Foundation’s prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award for her vital work supporting people with debilitating heart conditions in Glasgow and the surrounding area.

The Caring Together programme is a partnership between Marie Curie Cancer Care, BHF Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Caring Together aims to improve the quality of, and access to, palliative care for patients in the advanced stages of heart failure. Yvonne was presented with the award at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester. Six awards were presented at a joint BHF and BCS awards dinner that recognised the staff and organisations (funded or supported by the BHF) that have shown particular excellence in cardiovascular care over the past year.

The award categories show how the winners go above and beyond and further the BHF’s mission to beat heart disease:

• Leadership and Engagement
• Team of the Year
• Co-ordinated/Integrated Care
• Rising Star
• BHF Ambassador
• Outstanding Contribution

The awards this year coincide with the launch of the BHF Alliance membership programme which aims to raise the standard of care for the seven million people in the UK affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Alliance brings together more than 1,250 members to share best practice and develop their skills to give the best possible care to cardiovascular patients and people at high risk of cardiovascular disease across the UK.

Yvonne, who’s been working in the heart failure field for over 14 years, said: “My colleagues nominated me and it was a shock to receive the award which was a complete surprise. I count myself very lucky to be doing something I really enjoy and to have the opportunity to work in partnership with so many different people, but specifically patients and families that I come into contact with every single day.”

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the BHF said: "The efforts that our healthcare professionals make for their patients are truly inspirational, and this BHF award recognises Yvonne as a shining example of professional leadership and care.

“The BHF wants to develop its support for the thousands of practitioners caring for the seven million people in the UK who are experiencing the misery and pain of cardiovascular disease. Joining the new BHF Alliance is the perfect way for healthcare practitioners to network, and develop their skills and knowledge for the continuing benefit of those affected by cardiovascular disease."

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