6 May 2026
We are delighted to announce that two of our staff members were recognised at the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2026 last week:
- Michelle Brownlee, Healthcare Support Worker in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), was named runner‑up in the Nursing Support Worker of the Year Award category.
- Karen Bacon, ITU Clinical Nurse Educator, was recognised as Highly Commended in the Learning in Practice Award category.
The awards ceremony took place on 30 April at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, recognising excellence in nursing and celebrating the impact of nursing staff across Scotland’s health and care services.
Michelle has 19 years’ experience as a Healthcare Support Worker within ITU. She is recognised for her contribution to patient care and team working, particularly for patients with complex needs. As a Wound Care Champion and through developing a structured induction programme for new staff, she has helped improve patient outcomes, support colleagues and strengthen recognition of the Healthcare Support Worker role.
Karen has worked at NHS Borders for over 20 years and established the ITU Clinical Nurse Educator role. She has developed a comprehensive education programme that supports learning, staff wellbeing and high‑quality person‑centred care. Her leadership has helped increase the number of trained ITU nurses, strengthened recruitment and retention and improved staff confidence.
Sarah Horan, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said: “Karen and Michelle’s recognition at the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards reflects their commitment, professionalism and the difference they make to their colleagues and patients in the Borders every day.
“National recognition of this kind is a significant achievement, and I am delighted to congratulate them both on their well‑deserved success.”