A TRAINEE scientist at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been recognised early in her career after scooping a prestigious national award.

Laura Green, a trainee biomedical scientist, has received the Rising Start Award in the Chief Scientific Officer National Awards 2024, recognising her initiative, skill and commitment.

Working in NHS Forth Valley's Pathology Department, Laura started off as a medical laboratory assistant before progressing to becoming an associate practitioner and later a trainee biomedical scientist in 2023.

She completed two degrees during this time – one in material science and another in biomedical science, which she achieved with first-class honours.

Laura also undertook top up modules to enable her to become a HCPC registered biomedical scientist, all whilst working full time in the pathology department.

Colleagues have praised her dedication and skills, highlighting how well she has been performing in her new role.

Leigh Ritchie, manager of the pathology department, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Laura has won this prestigious national award and has been recognised for all her hard work and commitment.

“Her dedication to pathology services, her colleagues and local patients makes her a really worthy winner.”

Laura's dedication shone through recently when she e identified that a cancer specimen would not be processed in time for a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Bringing this to the attention of a senior member of staff, she stayed late with another biomedical scientist to ensure that the specimen was ready for reporting and the patient’s results were available for the meeting.

Elsewhere in the pathology department, the Mohs Team, were also shortlisted for the Excellence in Workforce Collaborative Award.

Feraz Ahmed, deputy head for Paediatric Audiology Services in NHS Forth Valley was also shortlisted for the Inspiring the Future Workforce Award and Bryan Hynd, head of Medical Physics for NHS Forth Valley & NHS Lanarkshire was shortlisted for the Transforming Service Delivery Award.

Prof Catherine Ross, Scotland's chief scientific officer, added: “I am privileged to be able to recognise and celebrate the unique expertise and knowledge of the scientific workforce in Scotland.

“Each one of our winners should be exceptionally proud of the contribution that they make to the delivery of high-quality patient services.”