Nursing team of the year with a primary focus on advancing nursing practice

This award, sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, aims to recognise that great nursing is often delivered in teams and in close partnership with multidisciplinary colleagues – or even patients or stakeholders.

The team is a vital part of urgent care across Angus, serving over 10,000 patients annually. Providing timely, high-quality urgent care, the team is fully integrated into primary care, collaborating with GPs, practice staff, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care. Starting as a pilot in a single GP practice, the team expanded rapidly across the region, driven by evidence-based practices and continuous data analysis to refine their services. Their approach has been instrumental in reducing waiting times, improving patient satisfaction, and reducing GP workloads. The team’s success is evident through fewer hospital admissions and improved continuity of care. Despite initial scepticism around nurse-led urgent care, the team used effective communication, strong clinical performance, and strategic planning to ensure their work contributes to local healthcare strategies.

The judges praised the team for their clear adaptability and their willingness to learn, ensuring the service has a positive impact and remains patient focussed. Head Judge, Eileen McKenna, said: “We were particularly impressed with how the team is showcasing the value of an advanced nurse practitioner team in primary care, breaking down barriers and challenging pre-conceived ideas of what nursing in primary care is. Through building relationships, they have been able to reduce GP workload and work with practice nurses to improve the management of long-term conditions.”

Congratulating the team on their win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: “Across Scotland’s health and social care, nursing teams are working collaboratively to deliver innovation, service improvements and high-quality care. The Angus Urgent Care ANPs are at the forefront of demonstrating the positive impact that advanced nursing practice can have on patient care pathways and waiting times in primary care. The team deserve this honour and I look forward to hearing about their work as its impact continues to grow.”

Congratulations also go to our runner up, the South East Forensic Healthcare Team from NHS Lothian, and our highly commended Acute Medical Unit Nursing Team from Ninewells Hospital in NHS Tayside.

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