Tag: RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

NHS Lothian Staff Recognised as Finalists in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

Four NHS Lothian nurses and a nursing team have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and dedication in nursing across Scotland.

Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director – Acute Services, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award for her person-centred approach and leadership of key initiatives such as the 5-year Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and inclusive career programmes.

Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, are finalists for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award for their innovative Cozy Cuddle Scrubs—designed to support skin-to-skin contact between birth partners and newborns.

Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, is also a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award and has been recognised for her pioneering research to improve care for people with severe obesity, including those who are housebound.

The South East Forensic Healthcare Team have been shortlisted for the Nursing Team of the Year Award for delivering trauma-informed care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including public health, addiction, and mental health support.

Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, has also been recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing learning disability nursing in Scotland.

Alongside Kerry Anderson, he has championed improved clinical practice, influenced national policy, and raised awareness of the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities—leaving a lasting impact on both the workforce and patient care.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all our staff who have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being named as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the outstanding care, compassion, and dedication our nurses bring to their patients every single day.

“I’m incredibly proud of them all and wish each of them the very best of luck.”

Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 12 June 2025.

Find out more at: rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards

NHS Lothian nurses recognised in RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

Four NHS Lothian nurses, along with a Lothian nursing team, have been announced as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2024.

The awards showcase the very best of nursing across Scotland, highlighting, and celebrating the unwavering commitment and remarkable professional care provided by nursing staff.

Elaine Wilson, Community Staff Nurse, has been shortlisted for the Children’s Nursing & Midwifery Award for her exceptional leadership and dedication in delivering high-quality vaccination services in Midlothian.

In her job, Elaine has innovatively addressed the challenges faced by vaccination teams, including declining vaccination rates, often thinking creatively. She has organised flexible clinics in unique locations, increasing vaccination rates.

She has also overcome barriers to reach underserved communities, like the travelling community. Additionally, she has also secured funding for child-friendly resources to improve the vaccination experience for children and their families.

Fiona Hunt, Team Lead for Organ Perfusion and Preservation, has been named as one of the finalists for the Clinical Leadership Award.

Fiona’s leadership has led to remarkable improvements in transplant outcomes, evidenced by increased liver transplant graft survival rates and reduced complications.

Fiona also contributes to the development of innovative transplantation protocols and technologies and plays a key role in education and research, directing masterclasses and actively participating in clinical studies.

Professor Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse Research and Development, has made the shortlist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing innovation and Research Award.

In partnership with colleagues, Juliet has been nominated for being instrumental in advancing clinical academic careers and research partnerships in various health care disciplines across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

One of Juliet’s projects focuses 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.

Frances Aitken, Dementia Nurse Specialist, has been named as a finalist for the Mental Health Nursing Award.

Frances was nominated for her work to improve the care experience for patients with cognitive decline in St John’s Hospital. Frances has led the implementation of the Stress and Distress programme and run’s training for staff which has helped reduce the need for one-to-one nursing, sedation, emergency calls, and has improved pain management for patients.

NHS Lothian’s Strathaird team are shortlisted for the Learning Disability Nursing Award.

The team have been nominated for their exceptional dedication, courage, and compassion in their work for patients in a challenging behaviour unit.

The team managed to successfully transition a complex patient journey to a personalised, nurturing environment, improving both patient and staff safety.

The teams innovative approaches and commitment to positive interaction with patients has garnered impressive results, including increased patient trust and engagement.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I would like to congratulate to all our staff that have been shortlisted for an award.

“Being a finalist is a huge achievement and it really highlights the high quality care and compassion our nurses are giving to patients day in, day out.

“I would like to wish them all good luck.”