A Scottish mum and business owner has been hailed as the country’s “best boss” after surprising her staff with £13,500 worth of cosmetic surgery as festive gifts in the run-up to Christmas.
Gill Baird, 42, founder of Cosmedicare — Scotland’s leading private hospital group — has been spreading Christmas cheer at St Ellen’s Hospital in Livingston by funding life-changing procedures for several long-serving employees.
The mum-of-one treated patient care co-ordinator Catherine Toal to a complimentary upper blepharoplasty, a cosmetic procedure to correct drooping eyelids, to mark her 50th birthday. The surgery, which typically costs around £3,500, was provided free of charge.
Elsewhere, Gill stepped in to help lead hospital cleaner Justyna, who had been waiting on the NHS list for carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. Unwilling to see her colleague continue to struggle, Gill paid for the £3,500 procedure to be carried out privately at her own hospital.
And when it came to choosing a Secret Santa gift for clinical lead Jade Notman, Gill opted for something unforgettable — funding the £6,500 breast augmentation Jade had wanted for nearly two decades.
The procedures were made possible after consultant plastic and aesthetic surgeons Mr Hilal Bahia and Mr Bernie Robertson, along with consultant anaesthetist Dr Dominic Starchan, waived their professional fees. Gill covered the remaining costs personally.
“These women have worked here for a long time, so as much as it’s a staff bonus, it’s very well earned,” Gill said. “We’ve had a very good year, and I can have a guilt-free splurge this Christmas because I’ve given them what they want as well.”
Despite widespread praise, Gill modestly brushed off claims she is Scotland’s best boss, joking: “All I’m going to say is, for that one day they need to tolerate me for the rest of the year — so I don’t know whether it’s worth it.”
However, she revealed the generosity doesn’t stop there. Rather than traditional bonuses, Gill plans to continue funding staff members’ dream procedures throughout the coming year.
“The rest of the team are now saying, ‘I’d like this, I’d like that,’ and do you know what — instead of bonuses, I’d rather do this,” she said. “They don’t know yet, but I’m going to keep it going all next year. I’ve got lots of Post-it notes on my desk with what everyone wants.”
Gill explained that Jade’s surgery came about after a patient cancelled their operation on December 23, creating the perfect opportunity for the surprise. Jade’s husband was also involved, ensuring she could enjoy a restful Christmas Day while recovering.
Speaking just hours before her procedure, Jade, 35, said she was overwhelmed by the gesture. “I’m absolutely buzzing — this feels like Christmas Eve for me,” she said. “I am so excited.”
The Livingston mum-of-two revealed she had considered the surgery years earlier but decided against it due to the cost and feelings of guilt. “Gill is amazing — I can’t even put it into words,” she said. “She knows I would never spend that kind of money on myself. I always put everyone else first.”
Jade added that after having children, she had lost confidence in her appearance. “I just want to feel confident again — wearing a T-shirt, having a bit of cleavage, or feeling good in a bikini on holiday.”
Since sharing a video of the Secret Santa reveal online, Gill has been flooded with praise — and even job inquiries. Comments ranged from “the boss of all bosses” to “the best Secret Santa I’ve ever heard of.”
As one admirer summed it up: “What an amazing, appreciative boss — you’ve got a big heart, Gill.”
