30 June 2026
The search has begun to find Scotland’s healthcare heroes as nominations open for Scotland’s Health Awards 2026.
The awards celebrate individuals and teams working across NHS Scotland and its partners who deliver high-quality, compassionate care and make a meaningful difference to patients, families and communities.
We are encouraging staff, patients and members of the public to nominate those who go the extra mile to provide outstanding care.
Last year, we celebrated national success when Psychiatric Liaison Nurse Neil Jackson won the Care for Mental Health Award. This showcased the exceptional talent and commitment of staff across the Borders.
Fiona Sandford, Chair of NHS Borders said: “We are incredibly proud of the dedication and compassion shown by our staff, volunteers and partners every day in their work. Scotland’s Health Awards provide a valuable opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond to deliver high-quality care, often in challenging circumstances.
"I warmly encourage anyone who has been touched by our services - whether as a colleague, patient, family member or member of the community - to nominate someone whose kindness, dedication or teamwork has made a real difference to you or your community.”
There are 17 award categories this year:
- Support Worker
- Innovation
- Volunteers
- Midwife
- Allied Health Professional
- Global Citizenship
- Care for Mental Health
- Integrated Care
- Tackling Health Inequalities
- Leader of the Year
- Nurse
- Doctor
- Healthcare Scientist
- Pharmacist
- Young Achiever
- Top Team
- Readers Choice - Unsung Hero/Heroes
The Reader’s Choice - Unsung Hero/Heroes award will be decided by public vote following the close of nominations.
Submit your nominations on the Scotland’s Health Awards 2026 website before midnight on Sunday 23 August 2026.
Winners will be announced on Thursday 12 November 2026 at a national awards ceremony in Edinburgh's Corn Exchange.