A CROSSHOUSE doctor has been rewarded for exceptional contribution to sick children with a national award.

Dr Sarah Coy has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2019 WellChild Awards and collected her prize on October 15 – also meeting the charity’s patron HRH the Duke of Sussex and the Duchess of Sussex.

Dr Coy, who lives in Stewarton, is clinical lead for children’s palliative care at Crosshouse.

She was picked from hundreds across the UK to win Best Doctor in the Awards, which honour the dedication of professionals who go the extra mile to help sick children and their families.

The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.

Having taken time away from paediatrics to work as a GP, Dr Coy returned to paediatrics and developed an interest in palliative care. She has recently taken up a joint post with the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and paediatric services in Ayrshire and Arran.

She offers the children and families the opportunity to have more of their care at home and regularly visits the families at home preventing hospital trips and admissions. This often happens out with normal working hours. When an admission to hospital is unavoidable Dr Coy ensures that the medical staff are fully updated in the child’s condition and plans their care helping to make their time in hospital a little less stressful.

WellChild Nurse Aileen Crichton, who nominated Dr Coy, said: “Sarah is an inspirational doctor who I am privileged to work with. What makes Sarah stand out from others is her caring and compassionate nature and her absolute commitment to the children and families she cares for.

“She makes herself available to staff and families without restriction to offer support and advice when required. Sarah has brought high quality palliative care to our area and despite how difficult this has been to get recognised and established she has never given up.”

The Duke said: “The stories that we’ve all just heard - of resilience, strength of spirit, and the power of working together –were without doubt, incredibly moving and motivating. They really sum up what WellChild is all about – giving families the best chance to care for their children at home, and supporting them through the reality of all that that entails.

“I would like to thank all the families here this evening. The mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, and many other family members who are devoted to their children and giving them the best care possible. You are such fierce advocates for your children and doing everything in your power to give your family the best chance at a happy life. It is quite simply amazing.”