A GROUNDBREAKING initiative at HMP Glenochil has been recognised at the Scottish Health Awards.

The primary care team at the prison won the integrated care for older people award as a result of their the partnership between the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and NHS Forth Valley.

Accepting the award from health secretary Shona Robison, governor Nigel Ironside said: “This, for me, really highlights just what collaborative working and and partnership really means.

"It shows what it can do when the budget is really wee and you've got to find other ways of doing things to make the lives of prisoners and patients in our care that much better.”

As the prison population gets older there was a need to change the service so people could receive end of life care in the prison, which many serving lengthy sentences consider home, instead of having to go to hospital.

Some cells have been redesigned to accommodate hoists, wheelchairs and hospital beds.

The team provide excellent care in a busy, complex and challenging environment. Not many people know that prisons have their own health centres so it is important that the hard work and commitment of a team that works there is recognised.

As well as working closely with the SPS, the team also partner with Macmillan Cancer Support who offer assistance and training.

This initiative ensures that prisoners have the same dignity and access to healthcare as the general population.

Meanwhile, there was more success for NHS Forth Valley with Sharon Coggins winning the midwife of the year award.

She supports families with a range of social, medical and mental health problems and often goes above and beyond the call of duty.

The mental health team at Kersiebank and Bannockburn health centres received the care for mental health awards for its work with parents with learning difficulties.

Recently graduated nurse Charlotte Rittson, who studied at Stirling University, has already made waves in her chosen career having won the young achievers award.