Catrine NHS worker made BEM in King's birthday honours list

Susan Robertson was given the accolade for her bereavement and spiritual support to NHS staff, patients and their families.

Part of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's spiritual care team, and a volunteer trustee and community administrator for Catrine Games Hall, the 58-year-old's front line contribution goes beyond what is required of her role.

The nomination came as a complete shock for Susan, who was kept in the dark by her bosses and line manager Andy and Colin, who suggested she be considered for an honour.

She told the Chronicle: "It was a complete surprise. I knew nothing about it at all until I got the letter through my front door.

"I thought it was a hoax at first and I immediately phoned my boss to ask him about it.

"It is a lovely gesture for them to put me forward for it. It still is a total shock that I had even been considered for it.

"It really doesn't feel real. I think there a lot more people out there who deserve it more than I do."

Susan dedicates her personal time as a trustee and community administrator to support the Catrine Games Hall.

The community sports centre on Station Road is solely dependent on volunteers.

Catrine's hall was earmarked for demolition at a time when a number of leisure centres were being demolished in East Ayrshire, including the one just along the road in Mauchline.

She also co-facilitates bereavement groups for NHS staff members - something which has proved to be extremely valuable post-Covid.

Talking about the sports centre, she added: "There is a lot of volunteers that do a lot more work than I do.

"The games hall has been going from strength to strength since the volunteers took it on. For the work they have done I am so proud of them.

"It is well used by the public and it is a great thing they have achieved, since there is nothing else like this in the area.

"When I could help out, it was wonderful to know all of the people in the community who used the service.

"I am based at Crosshouse Hospital and the chaplain there decided to start a group after the success of the Ayr Hospital one.

"We are now on our seventh group for staff and we have had great feedback.

"We have now done a podcast called NHS Education for Scotland, and since then we have had other four health boards looking for the resources that we use, to start up their own bereavement group."

Susan wanted to add a special message to her colleagues and the Catrine community too.

"It's not just me, this is a team effort," she explained.

"If it wasn't for the team that I worked with, then there is no way I would have been nominated. There is a bigger picture involved and I am taking it for the team.

"I also want to give a big thank you to my bosses, Andy and Colin, for considering me."

Other Ayrshire honours recipients in the list are as follows.

Dr Ann Wilson Moulds, founder, trustee and lately chief executive officer, Action Against Stalking, or services to Victims of Stalking. (CBE)

Robert Stanley Lawrence Woodward, of Maybole, chair of the board at the Met Office, for services to public sector development. (CBE)

Lesslie Anne Young, of Mauchline, chief executive of Epilepsy Scotland, for services to people with epilepsy in Scotland. (OBE)

John Ernest Hutcheson Kitson, of Kilmarnock, member of the National Inclusion Team, for services to Scouting. (MBE)

Craig Smart, from Irvine, chair of the Freckfest charity, for services to the community in Irvine and Ayrshire. (BEM)

Jean Rodger, for services to the community in Dalry. (BEM)