Huge congratulations to our incredible staff who have been recognised at this year’s RCN Nursing Awards!
NHS Lothian staff were recognised at this years RCN awards for their pioneering innovations, dedication and exceptional care.
Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, picked up the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award at the ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Described as a pioneering nurse and researcher, Kath is dedicated to improving care for people living with severe obesity.
While working as a District Nurse, she identified a critical gap in services for housebound patients and went on to pursue a PhD to better understand their needs, experiences, and the associated costs of care. Her mixed-methods research has revealed fragmented services, widespread stigma, and significant unmet needs among this vulnerable group.
With the support of her CSO Fellowship, Kath established the NHS Lothian Bariatric Forum, a multidisciplinary group working to improve care coordination and outcomes for patients with complex obesity. Despite the limited clinical academic pathways for nurses in Scotland, Kath continues to lead innovative research, mentor others, and advocate for greater nurse involvement in academic work.
In a close second, Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife at St. John’s Hospital, were recognised as runners-up for their innovative scrubs, made from recycled NHS fleeces, that enable partners to provide vital skin-to-skin contact with their newborns after a caesarean section.
The special theatre scrubs allow newborns to nestle inside, regulating their heart rate and breathing, as well as assisting with immediate bonding, while the surgical team focus on the mum and the completion of the procedure.
Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director Acute, NHS Lothian, was named runner-up for the Clinical Leadership Award. Gillian was recognised for leading the development of a five year Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan, driving key initiatives like care assurance systems, digital care planning, and a BME career programme.
Through innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership, she’s strengthened patient care and staff support.
Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, was also a runner up for the Learning Disability Nursing Award. Along with Kerry Anderson, Scott has played a key role in advancing learning disability nursing across Scotland.
Through strategic leadership and national engagement, he’s helped raise the profile of the profession, tackled health inequalities, and ensured the needs of people with learning disabilities are reflected in national policy.
The South East Forensic Healthcare Team at the Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services, also came second for the nursing team of the year award.
The Team delivers trauma-informed, person-centred care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system. Their work spans forensic examinations, mental health support, and harm reduction services like naloxone distribution.
Partnering with agencies like Police Scotland, they tackle health inequalities and prevent drug-related deaths.
Alison MacDonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all our staff who have been recognised at this year’s RCN Awards.
“Congratulations to Kath on her outstanding achievement and to all our runners-up, whose dedication, innovation and compassion continue to raise the bar for nursing excellence.
“These accolades are a testament to the remarkable talent we have across NHS Lothian.”
For more information on the RCN awards check:
https://www.rcn.org.uk/scotland/Get-involved/ScotlandNurseOfTheYear2025
