A consultant paediatric cardiac anaesthetist at a Glasgow hospital has been honoured with a prestigious lifetime achievement award.
Dr Alyson Walker, known as "the sleepy doctor" by her young patients, has received the Children's Health Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
Dr Walker, who works at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), is one of only six specialists in Scotland.
She anaesthetises children requiring heart surgery.
She is also passionate about helping children with anxiety and additional needs who require procedures or surgery.
Dr Walker has made it her mission to improve the patient experience at the RHC, asking children, young people, families, and staff about their experiences in theatres, and where improvements could be made.
Her findings led to the creation of the Theatre Improvement Initiative in 2018, which aimed to make the theatre suite a more welcoming, friendly, and relaxing place to visit.
Dr Walker assembled a team of experts, including interior designers, architects, project managers, infection control, and illustrators, to bring her vision to life.
She said: "The meeting of the two worlds: the clinical world and the creative world was a beautiful partnership.
“And it plays into my creative side, which was very much put aside when I started medical school. We wanted to create something special.”
The artwork displayed in the theatres reflects the diverse backgrounds and conditions of the people who come through the doors.
Dr Walker said: "Our main illustrator, Laura Darling, created brilliant and beautiful artwork that entertains all ages and takes the children on a journey.
"I hope that everyone who comes through our doors will see something of themselves in Laura’s artwork."
Despite the technical nature of her job, Dr Walker believes the most important part is the people.
She said: “Not a day goes past when I am not humbled. Some of the children and families I’ve met have made deep impacts on my life and on my perspective on life.
“I couldn’t think of a more fulfilling job. It’s an honour to do it.”
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