RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year

Our 2025 Scotland Nurse of the Year, Kirsty Cartin, received the award in recognition of her compassion and dedication to excellence in care home nursing.

Described by her colleagues as a champion of the value of care home nursing, Kirsty is celebrated for fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement at Rashielee Care Home in Erskine. Her leadership has transformed the care home into a thriving, inclusive environment where residents, families, and staff feel valued and supported. Her key achievements include supporting staff development by encouraging peer learning, practice supervisor training, and professional growth. With the future in mind, she has also expanded student placements and tailored learning resources to highlight the skills required in care home nursing. Kirsty’s person-centred approach fosters a positive workplace culture, ensures high staff retention, and strengthens the perception of care homes as vital spaces for compassionate, high-quality nursing.

On becoming RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2025, Kirsty said: “I’m shocked and totally humbled. I’m a proud care home nurse and I want to promote nursing to everyone. It’s an excellent career. So many times we hear the bad news but there is so much joy in nursing and I want to share that. Care home nursing often doesn’t get recognised, we are the voice in the shadows and people don’t appreciate what we do because they don’t know but we are an integral part of community care. I want everyone to know what we do so we can all work better, especially given the shift into community care. People think care homes are just for dying and they are not, they are places where people go to thrive and flourish.”

+ 2024 - Lynsey Russell ×

Lynsey Russell - 2024 RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year

Senior Charge Nurse, Borders General Hospital, NHS Borders

Described by her colleagues as committed and passionate about intensive care nursing, she is celebrated by them for creating an environment where nursing is consistently valued, recognised, and supported. A nurse of 27 years, Lynsey took on the role of Senior Charge Nurse within the ICU three years ago and has proven to be a positive role model for person centred care. Her courageous and authentic leadership has resulted in multiple positive impacts for those receiving care, as well as their families, and her colleagues. Driving a programme of quality improvement work, Lynsey has taken a ‘what matters to you’ approach with patients, families and colleagues. She believes that to lead you need to be visible and walk in their shoes, develop shared values, and be a voice for the team. Employing multiple change management techniques, Lynsey’s work to improve ICU nursing care within NHS Borders has already been shared and implemented by other Scottish ICUs and will be presented nationally at the upcoming British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) conference in October 2024. Lynsey’s core values are to be authentic and to excel at what she does. Through leading by example and being a model for others, she hopes to continue to raise nursing standards, raise the nursing voice and show everyone the amazing things nursing is capable of.

+ 2022 - Amy Noble ×

Amy Noble - 2022 RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year

Clinical Nurse Manager, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highland

Described by her colleagues as energetic, inspirational and ‘one of the best nurses I’ve ever worked with’, at the time of nominations, Amy led the respiratory ward at Raigmore Hospital before recently becoming Assistant Divisional Nurse Manager. Amy elevates those around her to do their best and is noted to have been instrumental in the development of the future nursing workforce in NHS Highland. She prides herself on leading by example, setting evidence-based standards to ensure care is driven by what matters to the patient and their families. Amy led the way in developing a partnership with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland which meant that readmissions dropped from 20% to 8% benefitting both patients and the ward. Amy meets the challenge of caring across a wide geography head on, liaising directly with GP’s to ensure equality of access. In her new role, Amy newest challenge was developing an infectious disease specialist team, appointing and nurturing staff to do what’s best for patients. With attracting people to the profession difficult in the current climate, Amy is determined to inspire new students and to encourage people to return to nursing.

Adult Nursing Award

This award aims to recognise those who have succeeded in raising standards of care for their patients and service users and have made an outstanding contribution to the care of adults.

Our 2025 winner is:

Kirstie Law
Ear, Nose, and Throat Emergency Nurse Practitioner, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Described as an exceptional Emergency Nurse Practitioner on Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Ward, 11b at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, Kirstie provides high-quality, patient-centered emergency care. Treating 4,500 patients last year, she significantly reduced the burden on busy Emergency Departments. By managing conditions such as epistaxis and severe tonsillitis, she has enabled many patients to be treated and discharged without hospital admission, improving patient flow and resource efficiency. Beyond patient care, Kirstie is a key figure in training and supporting junior doctors and nurses, consistently praised for her outstanding teaching. She has also contributed to the development of ENT nurse practitioner roles, working with Glasgow Caledonian University to enhance training modules. Highly respected by medical and nursing staff alike, Kirstie delivers compassionate and effective care while playing a crucial role in education and service development.

+ 2024 - John McDonald ×

John McDonald
Senior Addiction Nurse
North East Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service, Glasgow

John, an inspirational figure in addiction services, has significantly contributed to improving and expanding services, particularly in alcohol and opiate replacement treatments. He enthusiastically embraced the introduction of Buvidal, a novel treatment, and played a pivotal role in disseminating information and support to clients, families, and other stakeholders. The number of clients utilising Buvidal has grown substantially under his guidance, with regular clinics now serving over 440 individuals. By advocating for informed decision-making, John has empowered clients to pursue personal growth and development, leading to tangible benefits such as increased employment, education and community integration. Despite initial challenges, interventions like psychosocial support have helped overcome barriers, resulting in clients reporting improvements in various aspects of their lives, including physical and mental health. John's exemplary professionalism and the success of Buvidal has garnered interest from GP surgeries and pharmacies, with potential expansions into shared care services and ongoing pilot programmes.

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Amy Noble
Clinical Nurse Manager, Raigmore Hospital, NHS Highland

Described by her colleagues as energetic, inspirational and ‘one of the best nurses I’ve ever worked with’, at the time of nominations, Amy led the respiratory ward at Raigmore Hospital before recently becoming Assistant Divisional Nurse Manager. Amy elevates those around her to do their best and is noted to have been instrumental in the development of the future nursing workforce in NHS Highland. She prides herself on leading by example, setting evidence-based standards to ensure care is driven by what matters to the patient and their families. Amy led the way in developing a partnership with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland which meant that readmissions dropped from 20% to 8% benefitting both patients and the ward. Amy meets the challenge of caring across a wide geography head on, liaising directly with GP’s to ensure equality of access. In her new role, Amy newest challenge was developing an infectious disease specialist team, appointing and nurturing staff to do what’s best for patients. With attracting people to the profession difficult in the current climate, Amy is determined to inspire new students and to encourage people to return to nursing.

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Runner Up:

2025 – Morna Miller, Delirium Nurse, University Hospital Crosshouse, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Morna has been instrumental in innovating delirium care in Ayrshire & Arran, expanding and tailoring the local dementia service to enhance early recognition and recovery from delirium.

2024 – Margaret Harkin, In-Reach District Nurse, Inverclyde HSCP
Based out of Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Margaret pioneered the In Reach initiative eight years ago, aiming to bridge the gap between primary and secondary care.

2022 – Neil Cree, District Nursing Team Lead, Adult Community Nursing & Treatment Rooms, Greenock Health & Care Centre, Inverclyde HSCP
Neil was nominated for his work in developing health and care services for asylum seekers, ensuring his team and the wider MDT were upskilled to meet the needs of this vulnerable group. Neil’s colleagues commended his leadership and commitment as a true champion of district nursing.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Amanda Manson, Cardiology Specialist Nurse, NHS Orkney
Amanda provides vital care to the rural community of Orkney. Working independently, she takes on an extensive range of responsibilities expanding cardiac services and improving patient outcomes.

2024 – Sharon Sutherland, Parkinson's Nurse Specialist, NHS Highland - North Highland Area
Sharon, the sole Parkinson's Disease Nurse in NHS Highland, provides comprehensive support to over 550 patients across various settings, ensuring patients receive optimal care.

2022 – N/A

Care Home Nursing Award

This award aims to recognise the impact and importance of nursing in social care and those who have made an outstanding contribution to care and quality of life for residents in a care home.

Our 2025 winner is:

Jennifer Carruthers
Deputy Manager, Rashielee Care Home, Erskine

Jennifer is a passionate and dedicated care home nurse. Her nomination demonstrated her person-centered care through integrating emotional intelligence with clinical skills and advocating for care home nursing as a holistic discipline. With experience in both NHS and care homes, Jennifer identified the challenges of transitioning into care homes and has worked to ease the process for residents and families, implementing trust-building measures, such as visiting prospective residents in their current settings, inviting them for informal visits, and encouraging personalised spaces to foster a sense of belonging. Jennifer excels in palliative care, leading future care planning discussions and creating a dignified end-of-life experience. She has also introduced innovative practices, such as Namaste care, Playlist for Life, and intergenerational activities, enriching residents’ lives. Her work sets a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating the profound impact of compassionate leadership in care home nursing.

+ 2024 - Robyn Oliphant ×

Robyn Oliphant
Clinical Lead
Lisden Nursing Home, Balhousie Care Group

Robyn, the Clinical Lead at Lisden Care Home, is nominated for her outstanding dedication and contribution. Robyn's commitment to person-centred care is evident in her empathetic approach and focus on creating a positive environment for residents. She not only excels in clinical care but also demonstrates strong leadership qualities, collaborating with the Balhousie Care Group Operations Team to enhance services and promote staff development. Robyn's positive impact on residents, families and colleagues is recognised, and she maintains a credible evidence base for care provision through continuous improvement and adherence to standards. Additionally, her involvement in local and national policy initiatives showcases her commitment to broader health care strategies. Robyn's contributions are measurable through positive feedback and trust from the community, and her journey from carer to clinical lead serves as an inspiring example for the nursing profession.

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Arlene Fox
Interim Care Home Manager, Nightingale Care Home, Sterling Care Homes Ltd

Described by her colleagues as a care home manager with a passion for improving the care and services offered to the residents of the Nightingale Care Home. These improvements are clearly evidenced in her nominations for her work on food, fluid and nutrition (FFN). Working with NHS dieticians and being open to learning from nutritional audits, Arlene has completely overhauled food provision, developing the whole team to be upskilled in FFN. Her holistic approach has also seen her develop the environments where food is served, creating innovative calming spaces for residents. Arlene also encourages resident to be part of decisions about menus, encouraging resident to join staff on trips to the shops to buy the food that will be served. Other initiatives introduced by Arlene support physical fitness with adapted spin classes, yoga, and themed activities for events such as Wimbledon. Her nominators note that Arlene has turned this care home around despite the challenges of the pandemic and the wider challenges of recruitment and retention of staff. Arlene is keen to note that her staff work with her and not for her, she is always seen in the same uniform as her team and often assists care. Her staff are supported to contribute to the ongoing improvements within the home. Arlene is keen to raise the profile of holistic care home nursing and the positive outcomes it can achieve.

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Runner Up:

2025 – Abbotsford Care Home, Pepperwood Care, Ardrossan, North Ayrshire
The Abbotsford Nursing Home team provides high-quality, compassionate care that has significantly improved the well-being of residents and are nominated for transforming a once-dreaded transition into a positive and reassuring experience.

2024 – Maxine Kinnoch, Home Manager, Boclair Care Home, Care Concern Group
Maxine was tasked with opening Boclair Care Home in 2022 and has since dedicated herself to creating an environment focused on integrated care for the elderly, including those with dementia.

2022 – Laura MacDonald and Kim Barron, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Erskine
Laura and Kim provide a ‘first of its kind’ dedicated advanced nursing practice service for Erskine. Their focus is on early intervention, supporting residents to stay at home, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and the need for GP input. They are keen to promote their model of nursing care, encouraging student placements and sharing their experiences with others.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Benore Care Home Team, Avondale Care, Lochore
The team was nominated for their unwavering commitment to person-centred care, focusing on each resident’s dignity, independence, and preferences.

2024 – Ng Pei Shan, Registered Nurse, Camilla House Care Home, Sanctuary Care
Pei has dedicated her nursing career to providing exceptional care at Camilla House Care Home since April 2021, demonstrating a commitment to developing her knowledge and skills in areas such as skin integrity and early signs of deterioration.

2022 – Kamila Rzepka, Staff Nurse, Culduthel Care Home, Meallmore Ltd
Described by her colleagues as dedicated and compassionate, Kamila has focused on the long term care needs of residents, building positive relationships with local GP services, upskilling colleagues and focusing on continuity of care and improving health outcomes for residents.

Children's Nursing and Midwifery Award

This award aims to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the care of children or young people or the care of mothers-to-be and new parents.

Our 2025 winner is:

School Nursing Service
NHS Tayside

This team has been nominated in recognition of their innovative, high-quality care for school-aged children and young people. With mandatory advanced specialist training, they operate a comprehensive care model, supporting children in ten priority areas, including mental health, child protection, care-experienced youth, homelessness, substance misuse, sexual health, and domestic abuse. Their work is described as going beyond traditional school nursing, ensuring vulnerable children receive the best care, protection, and support. This dedicated, compassionate team works continuously to innovate in their practice, improving young people’s health outcomes. By working holistically, and delivering trauma informed care, they strive to address adverse childhood experiences and ensure children have access to dental care, healthcare support, and family-focused interventions.

+ 2024 - Care Experienced Young People's Service (CEYPS) ×

Care Experienced Young People's Service (CEYPS)
NHS Tayside

The CEYPS team, based in Dundee, aims to provide care, support and advice to care experienced children and young people up to the age of 26. It involves a team of nurses and midwives working closely with social workers, school nurses, doctors and other services to promote the health and wellbeing of these young individuals. The team provides support for young people living in different settings, improving transition for those leaving care, and offering health input for care planning and accommodation matching. Challenges in implementation were faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to adaptations in communication and working methods. Despite challenges, the team strengthened inter-agency links and received recognition for its work. The team has improved the experiences and health outcomes of young people by providing them with support, access to services, and a sense of safety and trust. Feedback from service users has been positive, encouraging continuous improvement of the service. Plans for dissemination include sharing the model of working with other health boards and raising the profile of the team through events and education sessions.

+ 2022 - Children and Young People Community Nursing Service ×

Children and Young People Community Nursing Service
NHS Fife

Described by colleagues as a team which goes above and beyond, the central Fife based Children and Young People’s Community Nursing Service support and care for children, and their families, who are diagnosed with complex and severe health conditions. The team also provide palliative support for patients who are unable to access the specialist services of an urban setting. The team prides itself on being a strong voice for the children and families they serve, advocating to ensure they get the same level of care that a child in a big city would receive. One of their innovations included setting up a multi-disciplinary team approach to supporting enteral feeding at home with a one stop clinic to ensure care is joined up and seamless across the specialities. They also developed a ‘near me’ virtual clinic during the pandemic to support their vulnerable patients who could not attend appointments. The team’s goal is to demonstrate the value of good community children’s nursing and to encourage the nurses of the future to join the service and continue the legacy they have created.

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Runner Up:

2025 – Health for All - Specialist Children's Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Addressing the unmet health needs of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Young People, this team provides vital healthcare access and support, ensuring timely, trauma-informed, and inclusive care.

2024 – West of Scotland Mother and Baby Unit, Leverndale Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
This team provides acute inpatient mental health care for mothers and their babies, offering various therapies to enhance the mother-infant relationship, ensuring mothers feel more included in decision-making and families feel supported.

2022 – Capella Team, Children's Community Nursing Team, NHS Dumfries & Galloway~
In the absence of a specialist palliative care team, the Capella team ensure that children and their families living within a remote and rural area receive the most appropriate and peaceful end of life care. With management support, the team run the service outwith their day jobs at Crichton Royal Hospital.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Best Start Midwifery Leadership Team, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
The team demonstrates a strong commitment to tackling inequalities and ensuring inclusive maternity care. Their innovative projects have improved maternity care for all.

2024 – Elaine Wilson, Deputy Charge Nurse, Midlothian Immunisation Team, NHS Lothian
Elaine innovatively addresses the complex challenges facing declining vaccination rates, organising flexible clinics in unique locations, which not only increases vaccination rates, but also encourages community engagement and supports local facilities such as libraries and leisure centres.

2022 – Brenda Kirk, Clinical Nurse Specialist Team Lead Paediatric Disability, Renfrewshire HSCP (Now working as Child Health Manager for West Argyll)
Described by her colleagues as a shining example of community children's nursing, Brenda has dedicated her career to caring for children with a disability. Brenda leads the small but dynamic team with a can-do attitude, consistently advocating for the children and families in her care.

Clinical Leadership Award

This award aims to recognise an exceptional clinical leader who, by inspiring others, has made a significant difference to service delivery and quality of care.

Our 2025 winner is:

Kirsty Cartin
Care Home Manager, Rashielee Care Home, Erskine

A compassionate and dedicated care home nurse, Kirsty’s leadership is rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and a commitment to justice. She champions the value of care home nursing, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement at Rashielee Care Home. Her leadership has transformed the care home into a thriving, inclusive environment where residents, families, and staff feel valued and supported. Her key achievements include supporting staff development by encouraging peer learning, practice supervisor training, and professional growth. With the future in mind, she has expanded student placements and tailored learning resources to highlight the skills required in care home nursing. Kirsty’s person-centred approach fosters a positive workplace culture, ensures high staff retention, and strengthens the perception of care homes as vital spaces for compassionate, high-quality nursing.

+ 2024 - Lynsey Russell ×

Lynsey Russell
Senior Charge Nurse
Critical Care, NHS Borders

Lynsey is nominated due to her exceptional commitment to improving nursing practice and creating a supportive environment in NHS Borders. With over 26 years of experience, primarily in the intensive care unit (ICU), Lynsey has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and a dedication to patient-centred care. She has significantly contributed to transforming the role and culture of nursing in the ICU and beyond by implementing quality improvement initiatives and fostering innovation. Despite limited resources, Lynsey has spearheaded various projects aimed at enhancing patient care and staff wellbeing. Her key achievements include implementing a nurse-led sedation management protocol, successfully advocating for the establishment of a clinical nurse educator (CNE) position in the ICU to ensure the delivery of high-quality care in line with national standards, and introducing a flexible nursing rostering system to address staff shortages and improve staff morale and patient safety. Evaluation of these initiatives has demonstrated their effectiveness through various metrics, including improved patient outcomes, increased staff competency, reduced costs, and positive feedback from staff surveys. Lynsey's work has also been recognised at national conferences and published in relevant journals.

+ 2022 - Michelle Dalgarno & Derek Barron ×

Clinical Leadership Award:

Michelle Dalgarno
Lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre, East Dunbartonshire HSCP

Described by her colleagues as kind and courageous, with a background in District Nursing, Michelle completed the ANP pathway and was appointed as a District Nurse Advanced Nurse Practitioner in February 2021, the first post of its kind in her NHS board. Michelle’s commitment to research and evidence defines her leadership style, supporting transformation in her team and across the wider health and care locality team. Leading an anticipatory care planning (ACP) work stream she has introduced ACP champions across DN, Community Rehab, ANPs, Social Work, Care at Home, Care Homes and Older Peoples Mental Health services. Michelle acts as a role model, providing assessor and supervisor roles for DNs and student DNs. Michelle also leads a standardised approach to baseline assessment and clinical handovers which supports the early recognition of deterioration and triage. Michelle has implemented a multi-disciplinary team approach to increasing awareness around frailty, establishing and facilitating weekly MDT meetings. Michelle has also had a significant impact on GPs referrals. The unique contribution of her role is in undertaking a holistic nursing assessment alongside complex clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and care planning.

Strategic Leadership Award:

Derek Barron
Director of Care, Erskine

Described by colleagues as an invaluable champion of the role of nursing in care homes, Derek trained as a mental health nurse and worked in various roles across a 39-year career before becoming the Director of Care for Erskine, supporting veterans in Scotland, through three care homes and a Veterans Village. Derek’s passion for transforming nursing care is also evident through his other roles, on advisory and editorial boards and as a trustee for a hospice. Derek defines his leadership style as approachable, not afraid to stand up for what’s right and not afraid of staff who know more than him. Derek’s commitment to ensuring staff within care homes are enabled to develop is demonstrated through his encouragement for, not only his own staff, but also those in other employers, to apply for the Queen's Nurse programme. Within Erskine, he has also enabled the development of Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles – Erskine is the only care home in the UK that directly employs advanced nurse practitioners. Derek’s leadership not only ensures resident’s wellbeing and but also works to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and create a positive working environment for staff.

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Runner Up:

2025 – Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director Acute, NHS Lothian
Described as a transformative leader Gillian is driving a person-centred culture through compassionate leadership which has significantly improved patient care, workforce support, and NHS Lothian’s national influence.

2024 – Shona Malone, Interim Operational Manager - Prison Health Care, HMP Low Moss, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
As the Operational Manager in HMP Low Moss, Shona has displayed outstanding clinical leadership, transforming the nursing team and health care service despite the inherent challenges of a prison environment.

2022 – Linda McAuslan, Lead Nurse Psychological Therapies / APTs Manager, Adult Psychological Therapies Service, NHS Forth Valley
Colleagues describe Linda as an ‘exemplary leader with a positive focus and endless energy’. Overseeing the implementation of the Transforming Psychological Trauma national framework within Forth Valley, she ensures the voices of nursing staff and of her service users are heard loud and clear. Her team commended Linda on her commitment to wellbeing, especially through the pandemic.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Marie Hurson, Cardiac Nurse Specialist, NHS Shetland
Marie dedicated her career to improving cardiovascular care in remote and rural settings, developing and expanding cardiac nursing pathways, ensuring equitable access to high-quality care for Shetland residents.

2024 – Fiona Hunt, Team Manager Organ Perfusion and Preservation, Edinburgh Transplant Centre, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, NHS Lothian
Fiona is dedicated to revolutionising organ transplantation outcomes, aiming to enhance organ preservation techniques, elevate patient care quality, and save more lives through successful transplants.

2022 – N/A

Inspiring Excellence - Nursing Innovation and Research Award

This award aims to recognise those who have influenced change with a measurable impact on outcomes and/or experience.

Our 2025 winner is:

Kath Williamson
CSO Early Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Glasgow
Honorary Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist - Bariatric Care (Community), NHS Lothian

Described as a pioneering nurse and researcher, Kath is dedicated to improving care for people living with severe obesity. She identified a critical gap in healthcare services while working as a District Nurse and pursued a PhD to explore the needs, experiences, and costs associated with this population. Her research has highlighted the fragmented care, stigma, and unmet needs faced by housebound patients with severe obesity. Kath’s groundbreaking research used an innovative mixed-methods study, analysing care costs and identifying gaps in weight management services, particularly for housebound patients. With her CSO Early Postdoctoral Fellowship, she established the NHS Lothian Bariatric Forum, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to improve care coordination and outcomes for this patient group. Despite limited career pathways for clinical academic nurses in Scotland, Kath remains committed to leading research, mentoring others, and advocating for nurses in research roles.

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Joint Winners:

Dr. Debbie Baldie
Lead Nurse
Research and Development, NHS Grampian

Debbie Baldie is nominated due to her exceptional dedication to nursing research and evidence-based practice. In her role as Lead Nurse for Research and Practice Development at NHS Grampian, she has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and passion, setting a high standard for her colleagues. Debbie actively seeks opportunities for continuous learning and improvement, enriching the nursing team and elevating the status of nursing research. She has spearheaded various initiatives to foster a research culture in the organisation, including establishing journal clubs, mentorship programmes, and partnerships with academic institutions. Debbie's leadership has been instrumental in restarting clinical research after the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for a national research strategy in Scotland. Her efforts have led to increased research engagement and tangible improvements in patient care. Dr Baldie's exemplary contributions showcase her as a role model and inspiration for the nursing profession.

Professor Juliet MacArthur
Chief Nurse Research & Development - NHS Lothian
Honorary Professor of Practice, Queen's University Belfast

Juliet, in partnership with colleagues, has been instrumental in advancing clinical academic careers and research partnerships in various health care disciplines across Edinburgh and the Lothians. She has demonstrated leadership in project development, particularly focusing on nursing and midwifery candidates in the Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards scheme. The scheme aims to build research capacity across clinical teams by providing funding for NHS professionals to participate in research development opportunities. Juliet's efforts have resulted in significant achievements, including a paediatric nurse successfully applying for what she described as her dream role of research nurse at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The impact of Juliet's work extends beyond the local level, as demonstrated by the adoption of a similar format by the Chief Scientist Office for the nationwide NHS Researcher Development Fellowships scheme. Her colleagues express their gratitude and admiration for Juliet's vision and dedication to supporting clinical academic research partnerships.

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Digital Safety and Suicidal Ideation Team

Digital Safety Planning for Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Team
Airdrie CMHT, Airdrie Health Centre, NHS Lanarkshire

Lisa’s idea for this new service grew from handing a patient a paper form and being told ‘my life is on my phone, I’ll never remember that’. The Digital Safety Plan (DSP) supports patients to use their own mobile devices to store a DSP that they create. The digital version is designed to be customised and personalised by the patient. Innovative uses of music, sensory aids, symbols, photos and pictures means that this service is fully accessible to people of all literacy levels. The DSP creates a collaborative dialogue between clinicians and patients, being trauma informed and recovery focussed. Working with colleagues across NHS Lanarkshire, Lisa used her personal time to drive this innovation forward to a point where the benefit could be presented to senior management. Lisa is proud to see the innovation delivering on both national digital health strategy outcomes and national suicide prevention strategy outcomes. Lisa would like to use the project to highlight the how mush nurses can achieve when they believe in what they do.

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Runner Up:

2025 – Cozy Cuddle Scrubs, Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, St. John's Hospital, NHS Lothian
Midwives Stacey and Marianne developed an innovative product, Cozy Cuddle Scrubs, to improve skin-to-skin contact for newborns, crucial for newborn health, helping with temperature regulation, heart rate, and bonding.

2024 – N/A

2022 – Hazel Somerville and Jennie Young, Gender Based Violence and Sexual Assault Service Lead (Hazel) / Psychological Therapies Team Lead (Jennie), Adult Psychological Therapy Service, NHS Forth Valley
Equal partners in this nurse lead project, Hazel and Jennie developed a trauma informed cervical screening programme across NHS Forth Valley for women who have experienced sexual trauma. Championing multi-disciplinary working, they developed links between smear takers and specially trained trauma therapists.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialists, Victoria Hospital, NHS Fife
Led by advanced clinical nurse specialists, this service focuses on person-centered care and has revolutionised traditional referral pathways by enabling nurse-led triaging, consultations, and diagnostics.

2024 – N/A

2022 – Vivienne Wilson, Senior Research Nurse, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian
Described by colleagues as a committed and passionate research nurse, Vivienne led a project on the patient trials advocacy service – the first of its kind in the UK. Through her work she has supported and empowered beast cancer patients to discuss the options of clinical trials and identify options that might be appropriate for them. Vivienne’s work is directly supporting a key outcome of the National Cancer Strategy in improving access to clinical trials.

Learning Disability Nursing Award

This award aims to recognise those who have succeeded in raising standards of care for their patients and clients and have made an outstanding contribution to the care of service users.

Our 2025 winner is:

Assertive Outreach Team
Renfrewshire Learning Disability Service, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

The Assertive Outreach Model, part of the Renfrewshire Learning Disability Team, supports individuals with learning disabilities during crises, delayed discharges, and out-of-area placements. The team provides rapid, person-centered interventions, helping to sustain placements in the community, prevent hospital re-admissions, and assist individuals in transitioning back to their home areas. Despite initial challenges in staffing and establishing standard operating procedures, the team has received positive feedback from patients, families, carers, and other professionals for their impact. Their work has significantly alleviated caseload demands for their core nursing team, with notable successes in helping long-term inpatient patients sustain placements in the community. The team focuses on person-centered nursing assessments, creating care plans based on Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) principles, and providing intensive support for care providers.

+ 2024 - Learning Disability Queen's Nurses ×

Learning Disability Queen's Nurses
Queen's Nursing Institute for Scotland (QNIS)

The QNIS Think COULD animation project aims to raise awareness about the need for better support for individuals with learning disabilities in the justice system. Funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing, the project involved eight learning disabilities nurses from Scotland completing the Queen’s Nurse development programme and creating an evidence-based project focused on adults with learning disabilities and the justice system. The key aims of the project were to co-design and produce an outcome to reduce inequalities, develop an accessible resource for practitioners about learning disabilities and reasonable adjustments, and highlight the unique contribution learning disabilities nurses make in reducing inequalities. The project identified gaps in support for people with learning disabilities in justice services and engaged with stakeholders, including those with lived experience of justice services, to address these gaps. The team developed an animation called Think COULD, emphasising Communication, Observe, Understand, and Learning Disability, as an educational tool. The animation was designed to be accessible, educational, and inclusive, with representation from diverse perspectives. It was launched in May 2023 and has had a significant impact, being embedded in Police Scotland training resources, shared with relevant organisations, and informing policy and practice.

+ 2022 - Laura McCann ×

Laura McCann
Community Learning Disability Senior Charge Nurse, Falkirk Learning Disability Team, NHS Forth Valley

Described by her team, in the nicest possible way, as infectious. As soon as Laura joined the Falkirk LD Integrated team she knew this was where she was meant to be. Laura’s nomination centres around a work programme she leads to support people with a learning disability to develop healthy relationships – an ability she says her patients have often been denied. With a strong and confident team behind her, she set about understanding individual needs to tailor the service and ensure it is adaptable to individual needs. She developed an eight-week programme on cyber safety and is currently working with her team and the wider multi-disciplinary team to develop support for those who experience gender based violence – working to embed trauma informed practice and improve the support offered by staff. One of Laura’s key achievements is ensuring that the team can now provide a consistent and equitable service across her locality, which she has achieved by sharing learning, upskilling colleagues and creating avenues for patients to be educated. Laura has ensured all the team’s work is rooted in strong evidence, working with sexual health nursing, local organisations who support gender based violence sufferers, and NHS Scotland to produce guidance for practitioners. Laura is keen to promote LD nursing and is working with universities to support practice placements. Her goal is to eventually go into high schools to promote LD nursing, and nursing in general, as a career choice.

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Runner Up:

2025 – Kerry Anderson and Scott Taylor, Co-Chairs of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurses Group
As Co-Chairs of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, they have significantly advanced the role of learning disability nursing in Scotland, positioning the group to have a lasting impact on both the workforce and the individuals they serve.

2024 – CAMHS Intellectual Disability Outpatient Nursing Team, NHS Tayside

2022 – Learning Disability Intensive Support Service, Murray Royal Hospital, NHS Tayside
Born out of the need to re-prioritise work during the pandemic, the team developed a high-quality therapeutic monitoring system for people with a learning disability. Recognising that the life expectancy for people with a learning disability is shorter than the general population, the team strive to reduce avoidable morbidity by identifying additional health needs and ultimately reduce health inequalities.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Ward 7A Learning Disabilities Assessment and Treatment Team, Woodland View Hospital, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
This team provides in-patient care for individuals with learning disabilities, personifying resilience, passion for improvement, and commitment to patient care in managing the ward’s high-pressure environment and ensuring consistent care.

2024 – Strathaird, William Fraser Centre, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, NHS Lothian

2022 – Alan Lawson and Jacqueline Cowan, Learning Disability Liaison Nurse (Job Share), Borders General Hospital, NHS Borders
Alan and Jacqueline aim to support everyone with a learning disability who enters the hospital. They exemplify person centred care, ensuring the voice of their patients is always at the heart of health and care decisions. They work with a multi-disciplinary team to break down barriers, improving and supporting access to essential clinical procedures and ensuring the specific needs of each individual are addressed.

Learning in Practice Award

This award aims to recognise those who provide effective supervision and assessment, create high-quality learning environments, act as a role model and who build and maintain relationships to enable and support learning and development in the workplace.

Our 2025 winner is:

The Triple Jeopardy Team
The State Hospital Board for Scotland and University West of Scotland

This pioneering dementia care learning programme was developed and delivered within high secure forensic services in Scotland, seeking to address a critical gap in training, aligning with recommendations from the Scottish government's 2021 review of forensic mental health services. Led by Senior Nurse Laura, the team, in collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, created a bespoke programme tailored to the needs of forensic nursing staff, with experiential learning focussing on communication, personhood, and responsive care. Quantitative assessments showed significant improvements in staff attitudes and knowledge regarding dementia, and three years on some follow-up interviews confirmed the lasting positive impact on practice. The initiative is now being explored for wider implementation across Scotland through collaboration with The Forensic Network.

+ 2024 - SANDRA ×

SANDRA - Supporting Practice Nurses in Diabetes, Revalidation & Appraisal
JJR Macleod Centre for Diabetes, David Anderson Building, NHS Grampian

The team aimed to develop an education programme, SANDRA (Supporting prActice Nurses in Diabetes, Revalidation and Appraisal), to train practice nurses in delivering diabetes clinics. This was prompted by the departure of experienced practice nurses, leaving a gap in patient care. The programme, led by Sandra Wilson, involved collaboration with diabetes specialist nurses and other health care professionals. The team overcame major challenges including funding, recruitment, and IT issues. Evaluation showed significant improvements in practice nurse confidence and skills, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced reliance on GP appointments. Plans for dissemination include sharing with colleagues nationally, accrediting the programme, and supporting other health boards. The initiative received commendation at the Quality in Care Diabetes programme.

+ 2022 - Cathy Cook ×

Cathy Cook
Team Leader, Complex Care Team, Community Nursing Adult Services, NHS Tayside

Described by colleagues as inspirational, Cath designed, developed and established a community based service to deliver leg ulcer, wound, and catheter care to the people of Dundee. Starting with a clear plan, she began by networking with local GPs and Practice Managers to identify the best locations for services and the staff who could deliver the service. With the GMS contract as a basis for her work, she developed business plans using her own knowledge and research of the local community and their health needs. With person centred care at its heart, this first of its kind project in Scotland has become a national gold standard and Cath has showcased it to both national and European health improvement conference delegates. She has also inspired and empowered the nursing staff who deliver the service by ensuring protected learning time which assured them their learning was being prioritised and valued. Cath sees her role not only to run the service but also to motivate and inspire the team to do its best and maintain their own wellbeing. With the team behind her, they have increased capacity and ultimately reduced readmission to hospital. With Cath shortly about to retire, her colleagues speak of her service as the positive legacy she will pass on to the future nurses of Dundee.

+ Finalists ×

Runner Up:

2025 – Jill Morrison, Care Home Education Facilitator, NHS Grampian and NHS Education for Scotland (NES)
Jill has transformed student nurse practice learning within NHS Grampian, dramatically increasing both the quantity and quality of care home placements.

2024 – Yasmin Murray, Deputy Charge Nurse, MHDU, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Yasmin created a specialised training programme focusing on common medical high dependency presentations and, with support from her line manager and colleagues, she developed a training package covering topics such as respiratory failure and diabetic ketoacidosis, which included practical sessions and competence assessments.

2022 – Care When It Counts Team (CWIC), Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, NHS Lothian
Described by colleagues as a team that breaks the mould in primary care, the nursing staff in the multi-disciplinary Care When it Counts Team developed a training model which supports nurses to achieve qualifications in clinical decision making, prescribing and advanced nursing practice. Training takes place in a work environment giving team members the ability to develop the skills and knowledge and implement these in a supportive and patient centred environment.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Gwen Gordon, Clinical Educator, NHS Tayside
Nominated for her outstanding mentorship and advocacy for internationally recruited nurses, Gwen provides holistic training that goes beyond clinical skills, incorporating NHS standards, cultural competence, communication, and patient-centered care.

2024 – NHSGGC Practice Education, West Glasgow ACH and West House Gartnavel Royal Hospital
Through building an educational infrastructure and collaborating with various stakeholders, the team focuses on enhancing patient experiences and outcomes by providing education, support and development opportunities for nurses, midwives, and health care support workers.

2022 – Senior Nurses - Mental Health, Cunninghame House, NHS Ayrshire & Arran
By creating positive learning environments, the Senior Nurse team exude enthusiasm for mental health care and empower development to ensure the service is fit for now and the future. Key to this is their commitment to supporting newly qualified nursing staff and ensuring the team take time to reflect on their practice and make improvements.

Mental Health Nursing Award

This award aims to recognise those who have succeeded in raising standards of care for their patients and clients and have made an outstanding contribution to the care of service users.

Our 2025 winner is:

Kenny Davidson
Specialist Nurse for Dementia (Care Homes), Care Home Support Team (Moray), NHS Grampian

Kenny, appointed in 2022 as Moray’s first Specialist Nurse in Dementia for Care Homes, has revolutionised person-centred dementia care in the region. Originally intended for a non-clinical role, Kenny identified urgent needs among residents with distressed behaviours and launched regular clinical clinics in all Moray care homes. His work has significantly improved resident wellbeing and care staff competence. A 2024 evaluation showed that of 148 residents assessed, 98% improved with better pain management and care plans, reducing reliance on antipsychotics. Kenny’s influence extends beyond care homes to hospitals and learning disability services. His model has become a benchmark for excellence, shared widely at professional events, and embodies the principles of Realistic Medicine. Kenny’s innovative and compassionate leadership has had a transformative impact on dementia care across Moray.

+ 2024 - Frances Aitken ×

Frances Aitken
Lead Dementia Nurse for Stress and Distress
St John's Hospital, Livingston, NHS Lothian

Frances works to improve the care experience for patients with cognitive decline in St John’s Hospital's acute setting by reducing stress and distress, emergency psychiatric interventions and over-medication with sedatives. Frances led the implementation of the Stress and Distress programme. Overcoming challenges including staff understanding of cognitive conditions, she ran awareness-raising and training. Evaluation showed positive outcomes, including reduced need for one-to-one nursing, sedation and emergency calls, along with improved pain management and decreased complaints. Frances’ work has enhanced patient experience, increased partnership with families and improved staff knowledge. Frances led workshops and presentations to share the programme’s success, leading to its adoption in other settings.

+ 2022 - Melissa Rowlands ×

Melissa Rowlands
Dementia ANP, Psychiatry of the Older Adult, St Johns Hospital, NHS Lothian

Described by colleagues as a committed advance nurse practitioner (ANP), Melissa developed the role of the ANP in dementia care to enhance patient care and reduce referral to diagnosis. She developed a service which sought to prevent admission and reduce readmission to hospital for people with dementia in care homes. By developing nurse led clinics, Melissa supports West Lothian’s contribution to national HEAT targets by reducing waiting times for diagnosis. She adopts a flexible approach to ensure that the service works across older people’s health services as well as supporting other agencies. Adopting a home first model of care, Melissa strives to deliver as much care at home – providing a complex supported discharge service. Within a year, the waiting times in her area had halved, allowing the post diagnostic support teams to engage faster with patients. Melissa’s approach is already being shared across Scotland and she is now supporting ANPs in other areas to implement her initiative. Melissa is keen to demonstrate to senior management what nursing staff can do when given scope to be innovative in their care delivery.

+ Finalists ×

Runner Up:

2025 – Katie Dickenson, Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 1 IPCU, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
Nominated for her exceptional leadership in transforming culture and staff experience within an Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU), Katie is praised for positively impacting patient care.

2024 – Susan Holland, Nurse Consultant-Dementia, AND Mental Health Services, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
With a diverse background in clinical practice, leadership and education, Susan has notably served as an Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant for the past six years. Recognising the need for family education highlighted in Scottish clinical guidance, Susan co-designed a model with family carers, addressing the gap in provision.

2022 – Natalie McLelland, Link Nurse Therapist, Tier 4 Complex Trauma Pathway, Specialist Children's Services, West Glasgow Ambulatory Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Colleagues describe Natalie as flexible and dynamic. With many of her patients presenting out of hours, Natalie extols the need for detailed and person-centred anticipatory care plans. She shares this passion with out of hours colleagues to ensure that the service works for patients who often struggle with the relational aspect of engagement having suffered complex trauma.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Balcary Ward IPCU, Midpark Hospital, NHS Dumfries and Galloway
Balcary Ward successfully reduced incidents of violence, aggression, and restraint through the implementation of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression tool and targeted clinical interventions.

2024 – Pauline Zvimba, Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Auchinlea CMHT, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Pauline joined the team in her senior advanced practice role to address unsustainable practices and modernise care delivery, the first of its kind in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. In this role, Pauline improves the patient experience, enhances recruitment and retention, and increases the medical workforce capacity by working at an advanced level.

2022 – Linda Doonan, Nurse Team Leader, Primary Care Alcohol Nurse Outreach Service (PCANOS), Glasgow Alcohol & Drug Recovery Service, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
A shining example of mental health nursing, Linda led the Glasgow based Outreach Service before recently retiring after 40 years of service. Linda ensured that the team addressed the gap in patients being able to access specialist services. Her nomination highlighted the challenge of reduced access to patient’s homes during the pandemic and the results the team have achieved with a 79% reduction in GP contact and a 32% reduction in admission to hospital. Even in retirement, Linda continues to train and develop staff.

People's Choice Award

Patients, clients, residents or relatives can nominate a nurse, midwife or nursing support worker who they believe has made a difference and gone that extra mile to ensure the highest standards of care.

Our 2025 winner is:

Rhona Morrison
Quality Improvement Facilitator, NHS Borders, and Volunteer, Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Service

Rhona has been nominated for her outstanding service in both the NHS and mountain rescue. As a critical care nurse with a 38-year career, she leads efforts in medication governance and quality improvement for detecting and managing deteriorating patients, including training staff on early warning systems. In addition to her NHS work, Rhona has volunteered for 15 years with the busy Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team, responding to emergencies in challenging conditions. As a key medical officer, she supports both patient care and the wellbeing of her fellow rescuers, having initiated support systems for those affected by traumatic incidents, including fatalities. Her humility, dedication, and broad experience—including delivering lambs on a farm and continuing a rescue mission despite a fractured ankle—reflect her exceptional commitment to saving lives.

+ 2024 - Denise Harrison ×

Denise Harrison
Practice Nurse
Brechin Health Centre, NHS Tayside

Denise has been nominated for her exceptional dedication during floods in Brechin. Despite her own responsibilities at home, including caring for her three sons after her husband's passing, Denise worked tirelessly to provide medical care to displaced patients, even on her days off. She assisted patients who had to evacuate their homes, provided care in hotels, and organised support services such as laundering clothes and setting up a bereavement cafe for those struggling with loss. Denise's empathy and commitment to her patients have earned her praise from both colleagues and those she cares for, making her a truly remarkable nurse.

+ 2022 - Fiona Bruce ×

Fiona Bruce
Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, NHS Lothian

Edinburgh oncology nurse Fiona Bruce, works at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People while volunteering to give vital care to young cancer patients in Ghana. Along with Edinburgh oncologist Dr Emma Johnson, and other nursing colleagues, they have helped Ghanian child cancer medics set up what has become a leading children’s unit in Africa. The Edinburgh team are part of a global link of child oncology medics who work through UK charity World Child Cancer. Since twinning with Edinburgh’s children’s hospital Ghana now has seven hospitals giving childhood cancer treatment and care and five paediatric oncology doctors for the 1,300 children expected to develop cancer there annually. 11 years ago children’s cancer treatment was being given by a retired nurse in her 80s who drove an old bus a radius of 100 miles around the capital and thanks to Fiona and the rest of the Edinburgh team and their equally dedicated colleagues in Accra, they now have the gold standard child cancer treatment in West Africa and are training colleagues in other African countries.

+ Finalists ×

Runner Up:

2025 – Anne Gregg, Macmillan Specialist Nurse, NHS Orkney
Anne has made a profound impact on patients, families, and colleagues, in particular her support for a young leukaemia patient from Orkney and the lengths she went to ensure person centred and consistent care.

2024 – Jillian Shedden, Macmillan Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist, Oral and Maxillofacial/Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Jillian, a clinical nurse specialist in head and neck cancer, has been nominated for going above and beyond to support patients facing the challenges of head and neck cancer, which can involve face-changing surgery, difficulty in eating, and adjusting to breathing with a tracheostomy.

2022 – Judith Watson, Neonatal Practitioner (Now working as Diana Children’s Nurse, South East of Scotland), Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, NHS Lothian
At the time of nomination, Judith led the Paediatric Critical Care team at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, caring for babies and their families during the most difficult and challenging times. Taking a holistic approach to care, Judith recognised the importance of supporting parents while caring for their children and creating as positive an environment as possible. Nominators praised the emotional support and guidance she provided. Judith is now working as a Diana Children’s Nurse for South East Scotland.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Rachael Nixon, Clinical 24
As a paediatric nurse from Kirkcaldy and being unable to work due to a cancer diagnosis, Rachael has turned her nursing focus towards raising awareness about the urgent need for bone marrow and stem cell donors.

2024 – Joint:

Derek Jolly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
Derek has been instrumental in establishing an advanced nurse practitioner team in children's hospices, providing care for extremely ill children and young people. Derek's role involves working in hospitals, hospice settings and homes, ensuring families can spend quality time with their children facing life-limiting conditions.

Margaret Reeves, Surgical Neonatal Liaison Nurse, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
Margaret (or Maggi to those who know her) is described as a pioneer in early discharge and family-centred care for newborn babies undergoing major surgery. She established a programme at Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, allowing babies to complete their recovery at home with support from parents and community nurses.

2022 – Henrietta Marriott, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, NHS Highland Integrated Staff Bank, BASICS Responder (BSN124)
A life-saver in rural Scotland, Henrietta works at Invergordon Community Hospital at weekends and as a BASICS – British Association for Immediate Care Scotland - Responder. In this role she is one of a network of highly trained professionals who volunteer to attend 999 calls in remote and rural areas. From car and motorbike accidents to rescuing hillwalkers, Henrietta has treated patients with life threating injuries and conditions in a host of challenging circumstances.

Nursing Student of the Year

This award aims to recognise those who have shown exceptional promise during their professional education and/or practice placement. Nominees for this award will deserve recognition for exceptional achievement during their studies.

Our 2025 winner is:

Grant Cooper
Former Student at University of Dundee
(Now working as a newly qualified Community Staff Nurse in Forfar)

Grant, a newly qualified Community Nurse at Academy Medical Centre, Forfar, is celebrated for his extraordinary resilience, compassion, and commitment. He made a bold career change to pursue nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, while caring for his disabled parents. As a student, Grant stood out for his academic excellence, and dedication in clinical placements, leading to him securing a competitive Erasmus+ scholarship to Lithuania. He later supported other students in international exchanges. Despite profound personal losses during his studies, Grant focussed on his education and placements, receiving glowing feedback and completing his degree with merit. Grant also works on the Tayside Nurse Bank, quickly gaining recognition as skilled and compassionate nurse. He teaches wound care and compression to nursing students and has been nominated to the Area Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee. His nominator praises Grant for exemplifying courage, empathy, and excellence.

+ 2024 - Chloe Jackson ×

Chloe Jackson
Former Nursing Student
Robert Gordon University

Throughout her studies, Chole aimed to support her nursing student colleagues and the future nursing workforce through various platforms such as a nursing podcast, a nursing blog, and a new project called SUNN (Support and Understanding for Neurodivergent Nurses). A neurodivergent student nurse herself, Chloe challenged discrimination and misunderstanding faced by neurodivergent nurses in practice, founding SUNN to provide support and understanding for neurodivergent nurses. The initiative aims to improve the nursing profession by creating a more inclusive environment and enhancing patient care. She plans to disseminate her initiative through her podcast and blog, aiming to bring about meaningful change in the nursing profession. Her nominators credit the support she provided in helping them to overcome many challenges with their learning and wellbeing.

+ 2022 - Lois Gaffney ×

Lois Gaffney
Former Student (Now working as Staff Nurse), The Open University

Described by her practice assessor as an inspirational role model, Lois studies nursing on her home island of Shetland through the Open University. She was inspired to become a nurse after working as a health care support worker. Showing initiative from the outset, when her assessor suggested learning atrial fibrillation on her next shift, she turned up having prepared a research piece detailing not only the workings and electrical activity of the heart but how to read an ECG. She was nominated for the Student Leadership Programme run by the Council of Deans, and now regularly supports other students virtually to change mind sets from ‘What if I fall?’ to ‘What if I fly?’. With a keen interest in neurology and recognising the limitations of opportunities on a small island, Lois applied for funding to travel to Glasgow for a placement and has already brought back her learning to her rural setting. Lois joined her NHS board Chief Executive to present a livestream on student nursing in remote and rural areas to encourage others to take up nursing as a career and has been supporting colleagues through her role on the Nurse Workforce Wellbeing Group of NES. Her aim is to connect students and create support hubs which look after both academic and emotional needs. Back on the ward, Lois is championing patient movement to reduce lengthy hospital stays and also recently produced a toolkit on respiratory care which is already being applauded as a valuable teaching resource for the whole team.

+ Finalists ×

Runner Up:

2025 – John Langan, Nursing Student, The Open University
John, a nursing student and Senior Care Assistant has been praised for his exceptional dedication, compassion, and initiative in improving the lives of residents with dementia.

2024 – Kasey Saunders, Nursing Student (Mental Health), The Open University
Kasey struggled with dyslexia and dreamed of becoming a nurse. Embracing the challenges in various placements and projects, she has demonstrated remarkable determination and has been inspiring to her peers. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of self-belief and support in achieving one's dreams.

2022 – Georgie McLachlan, Former Student (Now working as Community Psychiatric Nurse), Stirling University
Georgie studied at Stirling University and is now a Community Psychiatric Nurse. Described by her practice learning supervisor as a dedicated student, Georgie demonstrated the ability to link theory and practice, using her initiative to seek quality improvement opportunities to enhance patient care. Georgie played a part in a pilot for the First Episode Psychosis Pathway, supporting patient journeys and participating in multidisciplinary discussions to develop care plans.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Fionnadh Ratchford, Nursing Student at University West of Scotland
Observing that patients often arrived late, lost, and anxious, Fionnadh created an educational video to guide patients, reduce anxiety, and streamline the care pathway.

2024 – Saving Lives UoE Team, University of Edinburgh
The Saving Lives project, led by nursing students from the university, has trained over 200 university students and staff in CPR since May 2023. The initiative, funded through the Student Experience Grant, aims to increase bystander CPR rates in Edinburgh. Supported by nursing faculties and Save a Life Scotland, the project includes CPR and AED training, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration.

2022 – Samuel Thomas, Former Student (Now working as OOH Community Nurse), University of the Highlands and Islands
Studying nursing at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Samuel excels in theory, research and critical thinking. Having been accepted onto the Research Masters, he secured funding for his project to explore community nurses’ lived experiences and perceptions of preparedness to provide end of live care in rural Scotland. Keen to share his learning, Samuel has already had commentary pieces published in the British Medical Journal. Samuel is now working as an out of hours community nurse.

Nursing Support Worker of the Year

This award aims to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the care of patients or residents in their nursing support worker role.

Our 2025 winner is:

Chelsey Main
Mental Health Support Worker, NHS Highland Forensic Service

Since joining the Highland Forensic Service in May 2023 as the first Support Worker, Chelsey has made a profound impact on the lives of forensic inpatients and community patients through her enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity. Chelsey co-facilitates a weekly social group where patients from different wards can connect, helping to reduce isolation. She initiated a guided relaxation session, which led to the creation of a dedicated relaxation group, praised for helping patients manage stress and find inner calm. She also offers tailored 1:1 activity, supporting patients with practical life skills to foster independence, confidence, and help patients re-engage with the community, encouraging transitions to more independent living. Chelsey is praised for her trustworthiness, consistency, and joyful approach. Chelsey’s vital contributions are celebrated for helping some of society’s most vulnerable and stigmatised individuals feel supported, connected, and optimistic about recovery.

+ 2024 - Angela Brown ×

Angela Brown
Care Assistant
Braemount Nursing Care Home, Paisley, Advinia Health Care

Angela is a highly dedicated and hardworking care support worker with 28 years of experience. Known for her kindness, enthusiasm and commitment, Angela consistently advocates for the individual needs of the residents in her care. She is well-liked and respected by both residents and peers for her compassionate approach. Angela demonstrates adaptability, efficiency, and thoroughness in her work, completing tasks with excellence and on schedule. She is currently leading a successful project called ‘Strength and Balance’ aimed at improving residents' health in care homes, showing remarkable dedication by working extra hours and adjusting her schedule. Despite challenges, Angela's unwavering commitment has ensured the project's continuation and positive outcomes, earning praise from residents and families. Additionally, Angela is recognised for her efforts in fundraising and enhancing residents' quality of life through various initiatives, including personalised Christmas decorations and encouragement for the team. Overall, Angela is highly recommended for her inspirational leadership, drive, and active involvement in her work.

+ 2022 - Janet WIlson ×

Janet Wilson
Nursing Assistant, Lochview Hospital, NHS Forth Valley

Described by colleagues as a dedicated and professional nursing support worker, for 20 years Janet has worked in the learning disability service of Loch View Hospital, and her senior charge nurse says she is an integral part of the service – leading the way with care and compassion. Always advocating for those under her care, Janet strives to ensure they are recognised as people and not medical or physical conditions. She has played an important part in developing a bespoke approach to care for an individual with autism who requires seclusion due to challenging behaviour. She has developed and incorporated daily contact for him, a long process due to the individual's diagnosis and his challenges to engage with others. Janet is also described as a supportive presence on site, not only for her patients but also for family carers and her colleagues. As well as her support for direct patient care, Janet has played an integral role in maintaining a safe environment in line with local and national policy. Janet is a champion of the control book, completing environmental audits, risk assessments and infection control audits such as hand hygiene. She consistently supports and encourages staff to take an active role in these important tasks to maintain safety for both patients, visitors and her colleagues.

+ Finalists ×

Runner Up:

2025 – Joint Runners Up:
Catherine (Irene) Third, Health Care Support Worker, Loch Leven Health Centre, NHS Tayside
Catherine, or Irene to those who know her, leads with compassion, empathy, and commitment. She is known amongst colleagues and patients for her genuine, person-centered care, going above and beyond for patients.

Julie Ferguson, Associate Practitioner, Royal Hospital for Children, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Specialising in gastrostomy, stoma, and rectal irrigation management, Julie offers comprehensive care and training patients and carers.

2024 – David Mclaughlin, HCSW Education and Development Lead, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
To ensure HCSWs have the necessary skills, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde appointed David McLaughlin as an education and development lead. David, with a background as an HCSW himself, focuses on empowering Health Care Support Workers and fostering patient-centred care. He collaborates with various teams and professional bodies to enhance education opportunities for HCSWs.

2022 – Stuart Wilson, Care Home Collaborative Support Worker, Care Home Collaborative, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Stuart brings passion and innovation to the Care Home Collaborative, grasping with both hands the opportunity to shape the role and his contribution in the newly formed team. His work on mealtime experience led him to create a suite of education materials, he has also played a pivotal role in establishing peer to peer support for nursing support workers. Stuart approaches all his work with enthusiasm and a commitment to make a difference for care home residents.

Highly Commended:

2025 – N/A

2024 – Gemma Walker, HCSW Associate Practice Educator, Practice Development Team, NHS Tayside
Gemma’s role at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee is aimed at supporting health care support workers through education and skills development, providing training across various areas. Gemma emphasises person-centeredness and kindness in her work, ensuring her values are evident in everything she does, being recognised as a skilled communicator and facilitator of learning.

2022 – Alison O'Neill, iCAMHS Healthcare Support Worker / Nursing Assistant, Stirling Community Hospital, NHS Forth Valley
According to her colleagues Alison is a bright spark, full of passion, patience and knowledge. She has worked with the team to overhaul their treatment areas improving the facilities for patients and enhancing the interface between her team and paediatric and mental health staff. She is often seen single handily providing meal support and parent education. The first Nursing Support Worker to work with the iCAMHS team Alison has been an invaluable addition, developing the role and playing an essential part in the success of the team.

Nursing Team of the Year

This award aims to recognise that great nursing is often delivered in teams and in close partnership with multidisciplinary colleagues – or even patients or stakeholders.

Our 2025 winner is:

Angus Urgent Care ANP Team
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Tayside

The Angus Urgent Care ANP Team, is a vital part of urgent care across Angus, serving over 10,000 patients annually. Providing timely, high-quality urgent care, the team is fully integrated into primary care, collaborating with GPs, practice staff, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care. Starting as a pilot in a single GP practice, the team expanded rapidly across the region, driven by evidence-based practices and continuous data analysis to refine their services. Their approach has been instrumental in reducing waiting times, improving patient satisfaction, and reducing GP workloads. The team’s success is evident in fewer hospital admissions and improved continuity of care. Despite initial scepticism around nurse-led urgent care, the team used effective communication, strong clinical performance, and strategic planning to ensure their work contributes to local healthcare strategies.

+ 2024 - NHSGGC Police Custody Healthcare Team ×

Police Custody Healthcare Team
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Based at Govan Police Station

Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership - Adult Services - Police Custody Health Care
The team works as part of a collaborative effort between Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Police Scotland to provide trauma-informed, person-centred health care for individuals brought to police custody. The team’s primary focus is identifying individuals in mental health distress, diverting them from the criminal justice system into mental health settings, reducing health inequalities, and promoting health improvement. The team aims to achieve these goals by supporting a trauma-informed approach, listening to patients' needs and facilitating referrals to relevant services. The pathway is nurse-led and involves collaboration with various stakeholders including Police Scotland, higher education establishments and criminal justice colleagues. Recent developments include the implementation of quality assurance measures, support for student nurses and ongoing review of roles and responsibilities in the team. Nursing staff are supported in building knowledge of relevant policies and procedures and are encouraged to engage in supervision and professional development activities.

+ 2022 - ADRS Crisis Outreach Service ×

ADRS Crisis Outreach Service
Glasgow City, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Established in 2021, the ADRS Crisis Outreach Service in Glasgow City aims to reduce the increasing number of nonfatal overdoses and drug related deaths. With 12 nursing staff from across Addiction, Mental Health and Acute Adult nursing the team delivers a committed and understanding service for its patients. Tackling health inequalities, financial deprivation and stigmatisation, the team has developed a creative approach to engage this vulnerable and high-risk population through a focussed outreach approach across Glasgow city centre and its localities. In addition to supporting patients the team have provided practical and educational input with families, carers and a wide variety of support service staff to raise awareness and highlight the impact of alcohol and substance use on a person’s physical health, mental health and wider social networks. These interventions include training on recognising and managing a drug overdose, provision of naloxone including training on its use, access to recovery or support services across the city. The team’s inclusive approach has opened up opportunities to link in with a range of services to engage persons known and unknown to treatment services who have been identified as high risk or in alcohol or substance use crisis.

+ Finalists ×

Runner Up:

2025 – South East Forensic Healthcare, Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services, NHS Lothian
The South East Forensic Healthcare Team provides specialised healthcare to marginalised individuals in contact with the justice system, focusing on trauma-informed, person-centered care.

2024 – Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service, Golden Jubilee University National Hospital
This unique team is nominated for their exceptional dedication and teamwork in providing outstanding care to cardiac congenital patients. They demonstrate excellence through seamless coordination, patient-centred care, and continuous improvement efforts, fostering strong relationships with hospitals, charities and other stakeholders to enhance support for patients.

2022 – Unit 5, Falkirk Community Hospital, NHS Forth Valley
The pressures of COVID shifted the Unit’s focus and patient numbers increased. Staff recognised that they were struggling to give more than a basic service for their patients with dementia and prolonged delirium. They secured funding for a dedicated activity co-ordinator to work with the team and developed personalised action plans that could be incorporated into patients’ planned care.

Highly Commended:

2025 – Acute Medical Unit Nursing Team, Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside
This team is described as a model of exceptional teamwork and dedication, excelling in providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a high-pressure environment.

2024 – Ward 4 (Specialist Dementia Unit) Nursing Team, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
When innovative change in practice was required during COVID to ensure safe and effective management of key public protection roles and functions were in place, the Public Protection Service stepped into a coordinator role. The team adapted processes to ensure inter-agency referral discussions could be carried out remotely, this included for children considered to be at risk of harm. A new and innovative way of practicing for the nurse advisors ensured continued high level of service delivery and has had a positive impact for children and families.

2022 – Joint:

Intensive and Unscheduled Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Team, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
This unique nursing led team aims to reduce hospital admissions for young people experiencing a mental health crisis. Delivering nursing care 24/7 the service provides intensive support to young people already supported by CAMHS and responds to unscheduled care presentations of young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The team is constantly striving to enhance its service for children and young people.

Public Protection Service, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
When innovative change in practice was required during COVID to ensure safe and effective management of key public protection roles and functions were in place, the Public Protection Service stepped into a coordinator role. The team adapted processes to ensure inter-agency referral discussions could be carried out remotely, this included for children considered to be at risk of harm. A new and innovative way of practicing for the nurse advisors ensured continued high level of service delivery and has had a positive impact for children and families.

Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland Award for Excellence

This award celebrates a significant contribution to the development of nursing as a profession that is valued by society.

Our 2025 winner is:

Ann Gow
Recently retired from her post as Nurse Director and now Deputy Chief Executive, Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Ann Gow is a distinguished registered nurse whose career exemplifies excellence in nursing leadership, policy, and practice. Her contribution has been seen at local, national, and UK levels.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role at the NHS Louisa Jordan, overseeing the delivery of nursing services. Her innovative approach to workforce planning and workforce readiness led to the delivery of care to over 18,000 patients and the vaccination of nearly 10,000 NHS staff.

As the first Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at Healthcare Improvement Scotland she has played a key role in supporting the implementation of Scotland’s safe staffing legislation and the Scottish Quality Management System for Nursing and Midwifery. Her earlier appointment as Scotland’s first Nurse Consultant in Public Health marked her as a trailblazer.

From 2021–2023, Ann chaired the NHS Scotland Executive Nurse Directors, mentoring senior leaders and supporting the profession’s recovery post-pandemic. She continues to mentor UK-wide through key roles in the RCN Foundation, Florence Nightingale Foundation, and Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland.

Ann's strategic and policy influence is extensive, including advisory roles in Scottish Government and national healthcare governance. Her recent work on the Perinatal Quality Management Systems reflects her passion for child health and tackling inequalities, with global recognition of her impact.

+ 2024 - Lis Neubeck ×

Outstanding Achievement Award

Professor Lis Neubeck
Head of the Centre for Cardiovascular Health
Edinburgh Napier University

Working as Head of the Centre for Cardiovascular Health at Edinburgh Napier University, Professor Lis Neubeck's tireless dedication and passion for nursing innovation and research have revolutionised health care delivery, particularly in the realm of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in Scotland. Through her innovative strategies and commitment to person-centred care, she has significantly improved patient experiences and outcomes. Professor Neubeck's work began with identifying challenges in accessing specialist care for SCAD patients, leading to her research and eventual establishment of a SCAD clinic in Scotland. Her collaboration with colleagues and outreach to specialists in different fields, like menopause specialists, showcases her holistic approach to health care. Furthermore, her rigorous research methods have not only advanced the understanding of SCAD but also informed policy development, shaping the future of health care in Scotland. Through all of this, Professor Neubeck continues to inspire her colleagues and positively impact health care policies and practices.

Our award ceremonies

Our 2024 and 2022 awards ceremonies both took place in the the breath-taking Grand Gallery in the National Museum of Scotland—Edinburgh’s landmark museum that tells our nation’s history from earliest time to present day.

With its soaring pillars and high windows, the light-filled atrium of the Grand Gallery is one of Scotland’s most beautiful spaces.

Watch our highlights reels from both events below.

麻豆视频

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Nominations for our 2026 awards season opens in autumn 2025.聽