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Nursing support workers are essential and valued members of the nursing team. They work in all health and care settings, in hospitals, care homes, communities and the independent sector, under the guidance and supervision of registered nurses. Nursing support workers job titles and roles vary depending on the area in which they are working, but they share the same values.

Open to all nursing support workers including nursing assistants, health care support workers, carers and senior carers who work as part of the nursing team, this award aims to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the care of patients or residents in their nursing support worker role. 

Who could be nominated?

A nursing support worker who is delegated work by a registered nurse who is working in health and social care.

What was the criteria for consideration?

Each finalist must clearly demonstrate:

• a commitment to person-centred care, innovation and delivering high quality services that make a difference to the people receiving care
• the benefits their work has had for patients, clients, families and colleagues
• 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

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The nominations process closed on 14 November 2025 and following our judging process, three finalists have been selected:

• Don Meegoda, Holy Rosary Care Home, Greenock
• Lynn Melville, Airdrie Health Centre, NHS Lanarkshire
• Michelle Brownlee, Critical Care, Borders General Hospital

You can read more below about why our judges feel these finalists represent the #BestOfNursing in Scotland.

The winners will be announced at our glittering awards ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on 30 April.

Health Care Support Worker
Holy Rosary Care Home, Greenock

Don is described as an exceptional support worker at Holy Rosary Care Home whose compassion, creativity, and leadership have transformed residents’ lives by improving mobility, confidence, and wellbeing through the evidence-based Strength and Balance Project. Working collaboratively with care staff, physiotherapists, families, and the Care Home Collaborative, Don has embedded person-centred, flexible exercise sessions into daily routines, fostering social connection, motivation, and inclusion while reducing falls and enhancing independence. His approach combines innovation, empathy, and teamwork, overcoming initial scepticism and integrating meaningful movement and engagement into everyday care, which has strengthened staff morale and built a sense of community. Don’s work has had measurable, lasting impact, inspiring other care homes, influencing best practice, and demonstrating the power of collaborative, outcomes-focused, person-centred care.

Health Care Support Worker
Airdrie Health Centre, NHS Lanarkshire

Lynn is described as an outstanding Health Care Support Worker whose compassion, dedication, and innovation have profoundly transformed the lives of vulnerable families and strengthened the health visiting service over more than a decade. She has developed a reputation for going above and beyond, building strong partnerships with local charities to ensure that basic needs are met and reducing health inequalities. One of Lynn’s signature areas of impact has been as the team’s “Sleep Guru,” where she completed additional Sleep Action training and provides expert guidance and practical strategies that help families improve children’s sleep, reduce parental stress, and enhance overall family wellbeing. Beyond sleep support, Lynn has expanded her reach through Bookbug training, bringing early learning, singing, and play directly into homes for families who may struggle to attend group sessions, fostering bonding, communication, and positive parent-child relationships. Lynn also mentors staff, shares knowledge, and provides guidance that enhances team confidence, cohesion, and capability across the Health Visiting service. Through her innovation, dedication, and tireless advocacy, Lynn has become a central, transformative figure in the health visiting team.

Health Care Support Worker
Critical Care, Borders General Hospital, NHS Borders

Michelle is described as an exceptional Health Care Support Worker at NHS Borders ITU whose 19 years of dedication, expertise, and compassion have transformed patient care and strengthened her team. She has achieved HNC Levels 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care, completed national critical care competencies, and serves as the unit’s Wound Care Champion, improving outcomes for complex wounds through evidence-based practice and collaboration with nurses, specialists, and suppliers. Michelle also developed a structured induction programme for new staff, enhancing confidence, retention, and team cohesion, while her mentorship and advocacy have elevated the profile of Nursing Support Workers nationally, including representing NHS Scotland in RCN’s Nursing Support Worker Day celebrations. Her innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment have measurably improved patient care, supported workforce development, and inspired colleagues, embodying excellence in critical care and professional practice.

Whilst our 2026 finalists await to find out the results at our award ceremony on 30 April 2026, read about our previous winners of this category and what made them stand out as the #BestOfNursing amongst Scotland's nursing support workers.