Remote island nurse is the people’s winner at national nursing awards

The award, sponsored by The Sunday Post, is the public’s chance to acknowledge a member of nursing staff who they believe has made a difference and gone that extra mile to ensure the highest standards of care.

Emma-Jane was nominated for dedicating her career to transforming healthcare across Scotland’s remote islands. Arriving in 2007 as the sole resuscitation officer and building lifesaving capability where resources were scarce, she has led complex emergencies, from neonatal and paediatric crises to severe trauma and cardiac events, while training local teams, coordinating evacuations, and establishing intensive care during COVID-19. Now a Cardiology Nurse Consultant and part of the Scottish Ambulance Service, she continues to save lives, strengthen health systems, and set the standard for remote and specialist nursing.

The judges praised Emma-Jane’s education sessions, which include scenario-based learning, evidencing the importance of reflective practice and having a collaborative approach to learning. Head judge, Margaux Lobban, said: “We were particularly impressed with how she uses digital working where possible, allowing for colleagues to be trained to promote self-management and smart working in remote and rural areas.”

Congratulating Emma-Jane on her win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: “Nursing is the public’s most trusted profession, and it’s clear from her nomination that, in the hands of nurses like Emma-Jane, the public are right. She clearly demonstrates that with the skill set and knowledge that nurses possess, the public can access the care they need regardless of how far they are from an urban hospital. Well done.”

Congratulations also go to our runner up Daniel Doyle, Staff Nurse with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Volunteer Registered Nurse with Glasgow Street Aid, and our joint highly commended finalists Jean Cairns, a Practice Nurse at the Arrochar Surgery in Argyll and Bute, and Margaret McLean, a Community Staff Nurse at the Airdrie Community Health Centre in  NHS Lanarkshire.

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