TWO Borderers have been nominated for an award at the Scotland Health Awards.

NHS Borders workers Joan Rutherford, community clinical nurse manager and Gemma Burdett, senior addiction nurse are both up for the Reader’s Choice Award.

The accolade celebrates health workers who have made “an outstanding contribution towards caring for the people of Scotland”.

Nominations for the award have been made by members of the community and even patients of the health workers.  

Joan Rutherford was nominated for her “deep empathy” and for going out of her way to support patients.

She said: “I’m really honoured and humbled by this nomination.

"It’s been over 44 years since I started my nursing journey, and it has been an absolute privilege to have supported and cared for so many individuals and families during sickness, health, joy, sadness and, at times, unbelievable tragedy.”

Gemma Burdett was nominated for her “compassionate, non-judgmental care to vulnerable individuals”.

She said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be nominated as a finalist for the Reader’s Choice Award. 

"I love my job, and I am proud of the innovative work we routinely deliver as a team. 

“During my 15 years working as a nurse, I have always been extremely passionate about ensuring that those affected by substance use have the same access and rights to healthcare as anybody else.

“We do still sometimes come across perceived barriers and reluctance to access support, which as a team we are trying to address as much as possible.”

Joan and Gemma are two of the ten finalists up for the award, the winner will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday November 7.

The Scotland Health Awards seeks to recognise the best in Scotland's healthcare across sixteen categories.

Voting for the award is already open, votes can be placed via the Scotland's Health Awards website.

Voting for the award closes on Friday, October 25.