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Highland Heroes 2025: Health hero shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!





VOTE for your health heroes by midnight on Monday, February 10!

Dr Stuart Henderson

Highland Heroes 2025 health hero nominee Dr Stuart Henderson.
Highland Heroes 2025 health hero nominee Dr Stuart Henderson.

Unwavering dedication and his profound impact on the lives of patients and colleagues has led to Dr Stuart Henderson being shortlisted for healthcare hero of the year.

The paediatrician, who has a special interest in endocrinology, is described as compassionate, understanding and selfless.

Dr Henderson’s nomination said: “He genuinely cares about his patients. When my daughter was admitted to hospital, he was the first person at her bedside. He gained her trust and made a horrific experience as enjoyable as it could be. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”

Having previously worked in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and East Africa, Dr Henderson has been based in Inverness since 2018.

He said: “It’s so kind and flattering to hear this. I genuinely enjoy my job, I like my patients and it’s a privilege to support them.

Growing up there were some doctors and nurses who had a big impact on me; my personal family circumstances meant that I saw what good doctors in paediatrics could do, so when I was offered a place at medical school it all fell into place.”

He concluded: “We have a department of very dedicated people here; it’s very much a team effort and we’re all working to care for children in the Highlands.”

Dawn Mohun

Highland Heroes 2025 health hero nominee Dawn Mohun.
Highland Heroes 2025 health hero nominee Dawn Mohun.

Occupational therapist, Dawn Mohun, has been praised for her tireless efforts in supporting her patients, going above and beyond for them and also their families.

Dawn is an advanced practice occupational therapist in the North of Scotland Major Trauma Team at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.

After qualifying in 1987, she has worked across different health services largely in physical rehabilitation but also in mental health, and around the world including Australia and Canada. She has also worked for 14 years at Migdale Hospital, Sutherland.

A nomination said: “Dawn tirelessly supported me toward independence, she believed in my recovery and gave me the confidence to try and achieve. She met my 'down' days with understanding, humour and honesty. I owe the independence I have now to her tireless efforts. I have no doubt she is a hero to many.”

Dawn explained that one of the most rewarding aspects of her profession is helping people get back to what is important in their lives.

“It’s a very mixed job as we work both in hospital and the community, and we really get to know the patient and their relatives. We’re enabling people to get back to doing what is important in their life.

“For some people that might be getting dressed in the morning, for others it’s back to playing golf. It’s very individual. You’re guided by the patient and what’s important to them, that’s what makes the job very interesting.”

Surprised to have been nominated, Dawn added: “I was a bit overwhelmed to be honest! I’m very surprised and pleasantly very pleased. It was very unexpected.”

Mid Ross Rehabilitation Team, based at the Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall

Highland Heroes 2025 health hero nominee Mid Ross Rehabilitation Team, based at the Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall.
Highland Heroes 2025 health hero nominee Mid Ross Rehabilitation Team, based at the Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall.

Recovering from illness or injury can be frightening for all of us.

But the dedicated rehabilitation team at Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall has been described as a ‘beacon of hope’.

Karen Crawford, integrated team manager, said: “As a team we work in a really integrated way. It’s very much shared care across community physiotherapists, occupational therapists and their integrated team colleagues. Our rehabilitation-focused Care at Home team which includes a discharge to assess service are another essential component of the team.”

A nomination said: “They shine as a beacon of hope and compassion, going beyond their professional duties to make an indelible impact on the lives of patients. These are not just healthcare workers, they are lifelines. They offer more than rehabilitation; they offer a second chance at life.”

Mid Ross district manager, Kenny Rodgers, said: “Karen is a physiotherapist to trade and rehabilitation is her passion, and with that she developed the model of care that is a rehab-first approach and maximising people’s independence at home. That has been a trailblazer in Highland.”

Karen added: “It’s really nice to be recognised for the pioneering work we’ve done. It’s unique to Mid Ross. It’s lovely for us to see that people who are being supported feel it's beneficial and our vision is being fulfilled.”

Physiotherapist, Neil Hastie, added: “This recognition is amazing, not just because of the work we do, but because of the incredible team that makes it all possible. It wouldn't be about any one person, it's a testament to the collective effort, care, and dedication that everyone brings day after day.”

Fraser Elite is sponsoring the health hero award.

Fraser Elite owner, Julie Fraser, said: “We’re delighted to give our support to Highland Heroes 2025. Healthcare is our business but it was established through our own personal experience of requiring care at home. We provide domiciliary care, so we know the value and importance of those who work in healthcare. “We would encourage everyone to vote for their healthcare heroes and show them how much you value them too.”


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