Awards for retiring NHS staff scrapped

AN awards scheme which gives retiring NHS workers vouchers worth up to £400 has been scrapped.

The country's charity watchdog forced NHS Lothian to abandon the initiative, which was seen as a way of thanking long-serving staff members.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator said health chiefs weren't allowed to use the organisation's Endowment Fund to reward employees.

Sources said there was much anger at the axing of the system.

Director of finance Susan Goldsmith said: ""We are now looking at options to put in place an alternative arrangement to recognise retirement and convey to NHS Lothian retirees our appreciation."