Stirling professor of nursing recognised for a career of nursing excellence

This prestigious award, sponsored by the Scottish Government, recognises a truly exceptional registered nurse who has made a career-long contribution to nursing practice, resulting in a legacy of sustainably improved outcomes for individuals, communities, and the wider population.

Anne has over 40 years’ experience working in the health service, social services and higher education. She first qualified in learning disabilities nursing in Australia in 1983, then mental health nursing in Scotland in 1988, before undertaking further qualifications in alcohol and drug studies, community care, psychology and psychotherapy. In 2004, Anne was seconded from NHS Lothian Substance Misuse Directorate to the Scottish NMAHP Research Training Scheme, an initiative designed to launch clinical academic careers for NMAHPs. In 2008, Anne completed her PhD at the University of Dundee which examined the treatment and care of fathers with an opioid use disorder.

For the past 15 years, Professor Whittaker has led a programme of interdisciplinary health and social care research, primarily related to the care of adults, children and families affected by substance use. With around £6 million in research grant income from funders such as the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Chief Scientist Office (CSO), Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), her research has focused on improving health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities and promoting health justice.

Anne has many accolades in her career, including being a founder member of the Drugs Research Network for Scotland, leading the families research theme. A champion of citizen science, Professor Whittaker has involved highly stigmatised and marginalised research populations in the projects she has worked on to ensure their voices are heard.

Throughout her career, Anne has also applied her skills and knowledge to serving on numerous committees such as the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office’s Health Improvement, Protection and Services (HIPS) Grant Review Committee which funds research aimed at improving population health and enhancing the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare.

Not content with furthering her own research, Anne has supervised and examined PhD and Clinical Doctorate students, and provided consultancy, training and clinical practice guidance on the care of pregnant women and children and families affected by parental drug and alcohol use.

Professor Aisha Holloway, Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland, said: 

“Nursing is a wide and varied profession with many different specialties but no matter the field, practice is always informed by excellent research and evidence. As a clinical academic, Professor Whittaker has been at the forefront of applied health and social care substance use research for almost two decades, with the aim of advancing policy and practice for the improvement of care and outcomes of people and families, not only in Scotland but internationally too. She truly deserves to be recognised for her commitment, leadership, mentorship and lifetime contribution, and I am honoured to present her with this award tonight.”

Congratulating Anne on her win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: 

“Anne has made a significant contribution to the development of nursing in the field of substance use, earning recognition and respect of her peers. She is acknowledged as a pioneer in nursing research, with a career marked by innovation, leadership, and an enduring commitment to excellence in nursing, making her a worthy candidate for this award for excellence.”

On winning the award, Anne said:

“It is an honour to receive such praise and recognition for my contribution to the nursing profession and my field of practice. I believe this distinguished award from the Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland is a strong endorsement for the value of clinical academic careers for nurses and continued efforts to embed nurse research leaders in the NHS where they can maximise impact. 

Over the past 45 years or so, I have been lucky enough to work with a whole host of wonderful people who have inspired me, mentored and supported me, encouraged me, challenged me and collaborated with me throughout my career.  It has been a truly collective effort to achieve this award for excellence. Thank you.”