David McLaughlin: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Support in Glasgow
In the heart of Scotland’s largest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, one name is becoming increasingly recognised for his contribution to healthcare support and education: David McLaughlin. From his early beginnings on the Isle of Bute to his current role as Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Education and Development Lead, his career reflects dedication, resilience, and a commitment to improving the healthcare workforce. This article explores his journey, achievements, and the wider impact of his work on healthcare delivery in Scotland.
Early Life and Education
David McLaughlin grew up in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, where he attended Rothesay Academy from 2007 to 2013. It was here that he began to develop a passion for supporting others, though formal education was not always straightforward. His experiences as a student with dyslexia gave him first-hand insight into the challenges faced by learners who do not thrive in traditional academic environments. Rather than discouraging him, these challenges motivated him to advocate for accessible learning opportunities later in life.
The Foundations of a Caring Career
Early Roles in Social Care
Before entering the NHS, David worked as a Support Worker with Careplus Bute Ltd between 2015 and 2017. In this role, he gained in-depth experience in social care and mental health support. His time here allowed him to understand the importance of holistic care, community support systems, and the value of compassion in working with vulnerable groups.
Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament
Between 2013 and 2015, David served as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP). This role enabled him to work with national organisations such as Young Scot, COSLA, and the Scottish Government. He contributed to youth-focused projects, including the Aye, Naw, Mibbe voter engagement campaign and the We-CTV initiative on interpersonal violence. His involvement at both local and national levels demonstrated his leadership potential and ability to influence policy discussions even at a young age.
Entering the NHS
Healthcare Support Worker
In 2017, David joined NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as a Healthcare Support Worker. Over four years, he developed clinical knowledge and practical skills while working directly with patients. This experience on the frontline not only shaped his understanding of the healthcare system but also gave him a deep appreciation of the vital role that support workers play in patient care.
From Practice to Leadership
By August 2021, David had transitioned into a leadership position as HCSW Education and Development Lead. His move into this role marked a shift from hands-on patient care to shaping the professional development of healthcare staff. Drawing on his personal journey, he focused on building accessible training pathways and creating opportunities for support workers to progress in their careers.
Leadership and Achievements
Driving Education and Development
As HCSW Education and Development Lead, David McLaughlin has been instrumental in creating frameworks that support the continuous development of healthcare support workers. His work emphasises the recognition of prior learning, work-based learning, and alternative routes to professional qualifications. These approaches ensure that staff who may have struggled academically in the past are not excluded from advancing in their careers.
Advocacy for Inclusion
David’s leadership is characterised by inclusivity. He advocates strongly for equitable access to education, particularly for those with additional learning needs or non-traditional educational backgrounds. His own experiences give him the authenticity needed to inspire others and challenge institutional barriers.
Gender-Based Violence Training
One notable project under his leadership was the delivery of specialised training for healthcare support workers on gender-based violence awareness and response. This initiative provided staff with the knowledge and confidence to support patients who disclosed abuse, ensuring sensitive and effective responses within healthcare settings.
Wider Community Contributions
Volunteering with Bute Youth Services
David has long been involved in voluntary work, most notably with Bute Youth Services, where he served as a youth worker for nearly five years. His role included mentoring, organising youth programmes, and supporting the personal development of young people in his local community.
Glasgow Alphas RUFC Development Officer
In addition to his healthcare commitments, David also contributed to sport and inclusivity through his role as Development Officer for Glasgow Alphas RUFC between 2019 and 2020. The club, known for its inclusive ethos, benefitted from his organisational and leadership skills.
Recognition and Awards
David McLaughlin’s impact has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognised at national level, most notably as a finalist in the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2024 in the Nursing Support Worker of the Year category. This nomination reflects his commitment to elevating the role of support workers and improving the quality of patient care across Scotland.
Personal Philosophy and Motivation
Lessons from Lived Experience
David’s journey has been shaped by lived experiences—whether overcoming educational barriers, supporting family members through illness, or working on the frontline of healthcare. These experiences underpin his philosophy that education should be inclusive, practical, and accessible to all.
Building Pathways for Others
At the core of his leadership lies a belief in creating opportunities for others. By championing flexible learning and development routes, he is ensuring that healthcare support workers feel valued, recognised, and able to progress in their careers. His work is not just about professional development—it is about empowering people to believe in their potential.
Impact on Healthcare in Scotland
David McLaughlin’s contributions extend beyond his immediate role. By transforming the way HCSWs are trained and supported, he is influencing the wider healthcare system. His efforts ensure that patients receive care from well-trained, confident, and motivated staff. Moreover, his advocacy for inclusive education is helping to create a more diverse and resilient workforce for the future.
Conclusion
From his beginnings on the Isle of Bute to his current position within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, David McLaughlin has built a career defined by care, advocacy, and leadership. His work as HCSW Education and Development Lead demonstrates a commitment to empowering healthcare support workers, improving patient care, and driving positive change within the NHS.
David’s story is one of resilience, community, and passion. It reflects the power of lived experience in shaping leadership and highlights how one individual can make a profound difference in the lives of both patients and healthcare staff. As he continues to develop educational pathways and champion inclusion, his impact will resonate across the Scottish healthcare system for years to come.
