Clinical Leadership Award

Nursing leaders inspire and motivate. They advocate for nursing and for high-quality person-centred care and are prepared to challenge and speak up for nursing.

Open to all registered nurses and midwives working in a clinical leadership role in the health, social care or the higher/further education sector. This award aims to recognise an exceptional leader who, by inspiring others, has made a significant difference to service delivery and quality of care. 

Registered nurses and midwives who are in a clinical leadership role within health and care in Scotland.

The nominee should clearly demonstrate:

• effective leadership in creating an environment where nursing is valued, recognised and supported
• a commitment to person-centred care, innovation and delivering high-quality services that make a difference to the people receiving care
• the positive impact of their leadership for service users, families and colleagues
• the use of a credible evidencebase and/or developing an evidence base to underpin the work for which they are being nominated
• how their work contributes to the delivery of local and national policy and strategy within health and social care.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the awards, please get in touch by emailing scotlandnurseawards@rcn.org.uk

Return to the homepage

Team Manager Organ Perfusion and Preservation
Edinburgh Transplant Centre, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, NHS Lothian

Fiona is the Team Lead for Organ Perfusion and Preservation at the Edinburgh Transplant Centre. She is dedicated to revolutionising organ transplantation outcomes, aiming to enhance organ preservation techniques, elevate patient care quality, and save more lives through successful transplants. Fiona collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and innovation. Despite challenges such as logistical issues and technological advancements, Fiona's adept management skills and leadership have led to remarkable improvements in transplant outcomes, evidenced by increased liver transplant graft survival rates and reduced complications. She collaborates with colleagues nationally and internationally, contributing to the development of innovative transplantation protocols and technologies, and actively engages in data-driven practices and participates in conferences. She also plays a key role in education and research, directing masterclasses and actively participating in clinical studies. Fiona's commitment to patient care is evident through her involvement in patient education initiatives, contributing to improved adherence to post-transplant care regimens.

Senior Charge Nurse
Critical Care, NHS Borders

Lynsey is nominated due to her exceptional commitment to improving nursing practice and creating a supportive environment in NHS Borders. With over 26 years of experience, primarily in the intensive care unit (ICU), Lynsey has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and a dedication to patient-centred care. She has significantly contributed to transforming the role and culture of nursing in the ICU and beyond by implementing quality improvement initiatives and fostering innovation. Despite limited resources, Lynsey has spearheaded various projects aimed at enhancing patient care and staff wellbeing. Her key achievements include implementing a nurse-led sedation management protocol, successfully advocating for the establishment of a clinical nurse educator (CNE) position in the ICU to ensure the delivery of high-quality care in line with national standards, and introducing a flexible nursing rostering system to address staff shortages and improve staff morale and patient safety. Evaluation of these initiatives has demonstrated their effectiveness through various metrics, including improved patient outcomes, increased staff competency, reduced costs, and positive feedback from staff surveys. Lynsey's work has also been recognised at national conferences and published in relevant journals.

Interim Operational Manager - Prison Health Care
HMP Low Moss, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Shona, as the Operational Manager in HMP Low Moss, has displayed outstanding clinical leadership, transforming the nursing team and health care service despite the inherent challenges of a prison environment. When she began her role, the team faced significant issues, including low morale, staffing shortages and limited professional development opportunities. Under Shona's leadership, however, the team has undergone a remarkable transformation. Morale is high, staff feel valued and motivated, and professional development opportunities have expanded. Shona's commitment to person-centred care and quality improvement initiatives has led to improved care delivery and patient outcomes. Her leadership has also positively impacted staff retention, evidenced by reduced absenteeism. Shona's influence extends beyond her immediate team, as she collaborates with national work streams and influences practice in other establishments. Her exemplary leadership is reflected in various successes, including improved inspection reports, enhanced professional relationships, and advancements in clinical practices such as mental health risk assessment frameworks. Overall, Shona's leadership has been instrumental in creating a positive and effective health care environment in the prison setting.

Lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre, East Dunbartonshire HSCP

Described by her colleagues as kind and courageous, with a background in District Nursing, Michelle completed the ANP pathway and was appointed as a District Nurse Advanced Nurse Practitioner in February 2021, the first post of its kind in her NHS board. Michelle’s commitment to research and evidence defines her leadership style, supporting transformation in her team and across the wider health and care locality team. Leading an anticipatory care planning (ACP) work stream she has introduced ACP champions across DN, Community Rehab, ANPs, Social Work, Care at Home, Care Homes and Older Peoples Mental Health services. Michelle acts as a role model, providing assessor and supervisor roles for DNs and student DNs. Michelle also leads a standardised approach to baseline assessment and clinical handovers which supports the early recognition of deterioration and triage. Michelle has implemented a multi-disciplinary team approach to increasing awareness around frailty, establishing and facilitating weekly MDT meetings. Michelle has also had a significant impact on GPs referrals. The unique contribution of her role is in undertaking a holistic nursing assessment alongside complex clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and care planning.