THE one thing even more reliable than Christmas coming round once a year is the dedicated men and women keeping the community running.

Festive workers from the emergency services and care sector were at the forefront of the annual dedication to looking after others.

Inspector Allan Dickson, of Clydebank community police, thanked his colleagues out and about in the town on Christmas and for Hogmanay.

He told the Post: “I would personally like to pay tribute to all those out in the local community and beyond who work over the festive period, particularly on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

“Many of whom will be giving up time with their families so that the rest of us can enjoy Christmas with ours.

“To all the nurses, doctors, paramedics, the fire service, police officers, partner agencies, volunteers and everyone else who gave up their time this Christmas for the benefit of others, I say a big thank you.

“Also, just as importantly a massive thank you to the partners and families of everyone I’ve just mentioned, whose unconditional support we just simply couldn’t do without.”

At the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, there were many staff putting in long hours to look after patients. Some of them shared their thoughts ahead of the big day.

Hany Eteiba, consultant cardiologist and associate medical director for regional and national medicine, said: “NHS Golden Jubilee provides round-the-clock services for patients who need emergency treatment for heart attacks.

“I’ll be performing emergency procedures for any patients brought in as an emergency from Christmas Eve and into the early hours of Christmas Day when I will hand over to my colleague, Professor Keith Oldroyd.

“Acute heart attack can be very worrying for patients and their families, but our staff will continue to provide the same expert service we would on any other day of the year.”

Amelia Clifford, an occupational therapist at the Dalmuir centre, added: “This is my first Christmas working here so I’m looking forward to it. It’s all about the people, we’ve got a good team so it’ll be a nice atmosphere.”

Ross Marscheider, a physiotherapist, said: “Everyone is in good spirits and it’s always a lovely atmosphere. Patients get their Christmas dinner here which is lovely, that always brings a bit of festive cheer.”

Receptionist Ahmad Sawalhi added: “I don’t celebrate Christmas but I’m happy for those that do to have time with their families.”