Join us for the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People’s Memorial Service.
Families, friends and all who wish to remember and celebrate the lives of children who have died are warmly invited to attend our annual Memorial Service.
Sunday 29 November 2026
Doors open: 2.00pm
Service begins: 2.30pm
Refreshments available
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR
This special service provides an opportunity to come together in remembrance, reflection and support.
Are you currently studying for a career in healthcare? Want to make a difference to the patient experience?
Apply to become a Bridge Builder Volunteer today!
Bridge Builders support patients to attend and engage with their outpatient appointments, providing practical and emotional support throughout their healthcare journey.
The local Western General Hospital recently welcomed healthcare professionals, support staff, volunteers and teams who go above and beyond to make a difference at NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards 2026.
On Friday 2 October, the Paderewski Lecture Theatre at the hospital was transformed into a stunning venue to honour the health heroes at the annual event.
Among the winners were a midwife supporting international colleagues, a dedicated hospital porter, a caring champion and an inspirational learning disability nurse.
Proudly sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity, the awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals and teams working to improve care and support across Lothian.
Hannah Reid, Registered Midwife at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, was named Staff Member of the Year for her outstanding contribution to maternity services and unwavering support for colleagues.
Hannah played a vital role in helping international midwives transition to UK practice, providing mentoring and support to build confidence and a sense of belonging.
Commenting on her nomination, Hannah said: “When somebody recognises that hard work, it’s good, it’s important. It keeps up your morale, and it keeps you coming back in the next day. To win it would be the icing on the cake.”
The Tom Waterson Support Staff Award recognises non-clinical staff who make an exceptional contribution to patient care and staff support.
This year, the prestigious accolade was scooped by George Vint, Head Porter at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, whose remarkable contribution to the service spans almost five decades with NHS Lothian.
His nominator said: “George’s contribution over almost 50 years has made a lasting and positive impact on countless patients, staff members and the wider organisation.”
His dedication, positive attitude and service have made him a valued member of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital team and a worthy winner of this year’s award.
Dr Andrew Williams, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Endoscopy, NHS Lothian, was named Caring Champion of the Year.
The judges were flooded with nominations for Andrew, with colleagues describing him as the very definition of a caring champion. Over almost 40 years with NHS Lothian, he has become known not just for his clinical expertise but also his kindness, compassion and unwavering support for patients, families and colleagues.
Chris Suttie, Project Manager within NHS Lothian’s Estates and Facilities team, was named Young Achiever of the Year.
Early in his career, Chris has already demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership and commitment to improving services for patients and staff.
The Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award recognises exceptional nurses who go above and beyond in delivering outstanding care, compassion and support.
This year, Leanne Warren, Senior Charge Nurse within the Learning Disability Inpatient Service at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, took home the award for consistently putting patients at the centre of everything she does.
One of her team members said: “Leanne is a key source of advice and support, and her presence is a reassuring constant within the unit.”
In addition to her role as Senior Charge Nurse, Leanne supports colleagues across NHS Lothian as a Safe Management of Violence and Aggression trainer, helping build confidence in managing complex situations.
Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “The Celebrating Success Awards give us a chance to pause and recognise the individuals and teams who go above and beyond every day, often without seeking recognition.
“Our winners demonstrate the values that underpin NHS Lothian and have made a lasting impact on the patients, families and colleagues they support. We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and thank them for their outstanding contribution.”
Teams across NHS Lothian are preparing for the annual influx of visitors during Edinburgh’s world-famous Festivals.
The city’s population doubles to around a million throughout August as people from across the world enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and more.
NHS Lothian has a number of arrangements in place to make sure visitors can access healthcare if they need it, while continuing to provide routine and planned care for local residents.
Visitors are being urged to take the same route as locals and call 111 if they have an urgent injury or illness.
Experienced NHS 24 advisors will direct them to the most appropriate service to make sure they get the right care in the right place. NHS 24 also has an interpretation service for those whose first language is not English.
Depending on a patient’s circumstances, they may be given an appointment for a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), be asked to attend a local pharmacy, or be given an appointment at a GP Practice which provides care and treatment for visitors who are not registered with a GP in the city.
Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We want everyone visiting Edinburgh during the Festivals to enjoy their time here, but if they become unwell or suffer an urgent injury, the best thing to do is call NHS 24 on 111. They should not turn up at a hospital.
“It’s important to stress that there is no walk-in service for visitors, but by calling 111 they will be able to access necessary healthcare 24/7.
“They will also be seen sooner than walking into a busy hospital A&E department that will prioritise patients and work in order of clinical urgency.
“The message is the same for visitors and local residents alike. If you need urgent healthcare, call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.”
Patients having blood samples taken at NHS Lothian’s two Emergency Departments (A&Es) are likely to be tested for blood-borne viruses as part of a national initiative to save lives by diagnosing and treating infections earlier.
The testing – which is safe, confidential and optional – will be provided to Emergency Department patients aged 16 and over who are assessed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from 4 August, and at St Johns Hospital in Livingston from 1 September.
People may have no symptoms and be unaware they are living with an infection. Of the three viruses that will be tested for, hepatitis C can be cured, and hepatitis B and HIV can be managed with effective treatment so that people can lead long and healthy lives. But if left untreated, these can result in serious illnesses and, in some cases, death.
With around half of Emergency Department patients having blood samples taken as part of their care, the additional tests will enable early detection. If a test is positive, the patient will receive a telephone call within 2 weeks to discuss highly effective treatment options.
Any patient who does not wish to be tested can opt out by letting a member of staff know. This decision will not affect the care they receive.
The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government, follows an NHS Lothian trial. In testing elsewhere in the UK, 1 in 180 patients tested positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV and received specialist follow-up care.
Susan Webb, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “This testing is a positive step for public health in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“It will ensure patients are diagnosed and treated far sooner than they otherwise would have been.
“Early diagnosis improves the clinical outcomes for these patients, and reduces ongoing transmission across our communities. This ties in with the Scottish Government’s drive to eliminate hepatitis C, end new transmissions of HIV and treat people living with hepatitis B – continuing the progress that has already been made.
“The tests are safe, confidential and optional, with the initiative designed to protect and improve health.”
The tests are only for adults attending NHS Lothian’s Emergency Departments because they need emergency care.
Posters about this initiative will be displayed throughout the Emergency Departments, with further information about blood-borne viruses and testing available on the NHS Inform website. All this reminds patients that if they wish to opt out, they should tell a staff member.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to a blood-borne virus should seek advice and testing as soon as possible from their GP practice, or from sexual health services at the Chalmers Centre or its local clinics.
Sunday 29 November 2026
Doors open: 2.00pm
Service begins: 2.30pm
Refreshments available
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, 138/140 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9RR
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£16,224 per annum
Closing date: 31 August 2026, 12 noon
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