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NHS24’s pioneering learning disability senior nurse scoops national award
NHS 24’s first Senior Nurse for Learning Disabilities, Nicola Braid, was announced as the winner of the Learning Disability Nursing Award at the glittering RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards ceremony tonight (30 April 2026).
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This award, sponsored by The Open University, 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.
Nicola’s nominator described her as an exceptional leader whose role as NHS 24’s first Senior Nurse for Learning Disabilities has transformed unscheduled care for people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers. Through evidence-based, person-centred leadership and meaningful co-production, she has reduced health inequalities and ensured services are shaped by lived experience. She pioneered the proactive identification of additional care needs and has significantly improved workforce confidence through education and training. Her national influence, collaboration, and advocacy have driven lasting cultural and systemic change across NHS 24 and NHS Scotland.
The judges praised Nicola for her clear commitment to the ethos of bringing learning disability nursing into her leadership role – nothing about me without me. Head Judge, Eileen McKenna, said “We were particularly impressed by her programme of work with staff in NHS 24, which has been spread across the organisation, incorporating the experience of people with learning disabilities to ensure the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
Praising Nicola on her win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: "People with learning disabilities have the equal right to be supported to maintain their health and wellbeing, and Nicola clearly strives every day to ensure this need is met. Her work to highlight the importance of staff responsibilities under the Equalities Act is commendable and is rightly celebrated tonight.”
Congratulations also go to runner up Susan Craig, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Respiratory and Learning Disability with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and our highly commended finalist Hannah Clark, Staff Nurse at The State Hospital.
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