NHS Borders celebrates double finalist nomination at RCN Scotland Awards

We are delighted to announce that two NHS Borders staff members have been selected as finalists at this year’s Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2026.

The RCN Awards celebrate the very best in Scottish nursing, shining a spotlight on excellence and honouring the unwavering dedication and outstanding care delivered by Scotland’s nursing professionals.

Karen Bacon, ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit) Clinical Nurse Educator, has been nominated for the Learning in Practice Award, while Michelle Brownlee, Healthcare Support Worker, has been nominated for the Nursing Support Worker of the Year Award.

Karen has over 20 years of experience at NHS Borders and established the ITU Clinical Nurse Educator role. She has developed a strong education programme that supports learning, staff wellbeing and high-quality person-centred care. Her leadership has helped increase the number of appropriately trained ITU nurses, strengthened recruitment and retention and improved staff confidence.

Michelle is an exceptional Healthcare Support Worker who also works in our ITU. Throughout her 19 years of experience, she has built extensive skills, supported colleagues and helped to improve care for patients with complex needs. As a Wound Care Champion and through developing a structured induction for new staff, she has contributed to better outcomes for patients and her colleagues and stronger teamwork and greater recognition of Nursing Support Workers.

Sarah Horan, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said: “We are thrilled to have two finalists at this year’s Royal College of Nursing Awards. Being nominated for these national awards is a real testament to the dedication, expertise and exceptional contribution that both Karen and Michelle make to patient care every day.

“As an organisation we are incredibly proud of Karen and Michelle’s achievements, and I would like to extend my congratulations to them both for earning this very well deserved recognition. We are all wishing them the very best of luck and are keeping our fingers crossed for another successful night at these awards for NHS Borders staff.”

The winners of each category will be announced at a ceremony on 30 April at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The overall RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2026 will then be selected from the registered nurse category winners.