The category winner, Nicola Braid, who went on to be named the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2026 proves that passion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to improving lives are qualities that define exceptional nursing leadership. As NHS 24's first Senior Nurse for Learning Disabilities, Nicola has played a transformative role in enhancing the unscheduled care journey for people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers, helping to create services that are more inclusive, accessible, and person-centred.

Nicola has been instrumental in shaping strategic and clinical improvements across NHS 24, driven by a clear vision: ensuring that people with learning disabilities receive safe, effective, and equitable care whenever they need it. 

Recognising that meaningful change begins with understanding lived experience, she led focus groups involving people with learning disabilities and their families. By placing people's voices at the centre of decision-making, Nicola has ensured that service developments reflect genuine needs rather than assumptions.

One of Nicola's most significant innovations has been the development of processes that proactively identify individuals with additional care needs during unscheduled care contacts. Understanding that communication barriers can often prevent people with learning disabilities from receiving appropriate support, she introduced measures that enable clinical teams to recognise needs early and make reasonable adjustments. 

Nicola has also made a lasting impact on digital healthcare accessibility. Working closely with Scottish Government policy leads and key stakeholders, she played a leading role in enhancing NHS Inform resources to ensure they are accessible, user-friendly, and relevant for people with learning disabilities. 

Beyond service improvement, Nicola is a passionate educator and advocate. She has developed a comprehensive learning and development framework for NHS 24 staff, equipping colleagues with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide inclusive care. 

As Co-chair of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Nursing Network, her leadership ensures that the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities inform policy, practice, and workforce development across Scotland.

At the heart of everything Nicola does is a deep sense of purpose and privilege in serving people with learning disabilities. Her work demonstrates the powerful impact of person-centred leadership and serves as an inspiring example of excellence in learning disability nursing.

Find out more about Scottish Learning Disability Week at www.ScotLDWeek.com

#WeAreHere #IAmHereScotland #ScotLDWeek26 #InclusionMatters