Six NHS Lanarkshire finalists are in the running for honours across five categories at Scotland’s Health Awards 2026, recognising exceptional contributions to patient care, innovation, teamwork and compassion.
The finalists include two services developing new approaches to delivering care, alongside nurses, volunteers and staff whose dedication has made a lasting difference to patients, families and colleagues.
The winners will be announced at tonight’s ceremony, Thursday 12 November, celebrating outstanding individuals and teams working across Scotland’s health and social care services.
Louise Long, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “It is wonderful to see six NHS Lanarkshire finalists recognised at a national level, and I want to congratulate each of them on this achievement.
“What makes these nominations particularly special is the breadth of work they represent, from innovative services developing new approaches to care to individuals, families and volunteers whose kindness, compassion and dedication make an extraordinary difference.
“Behind every nomination are people who care deeply about what they do and the communities they serve. We are incredibly proud of all our finalists and wish them every success at tonight’s awards.”
Katharina Kasper, Chair of NHS Lanarkshire, added: “These nominations are a reminder of the remarkable people who contribute to health and care across Lanarkshire every day.
“Whether through clinical expertise, a willingness to support others or the determination to make things better for patients and families, each of our finalists demonstrates the values that matter most in our NHS.
“Reaching the national finals is a tremendous achievement, and I hope everyone involved takes great pride in this recognition.”
Meet our finalists
NHS Lanarkshire’s Flow Navigation Centre Plus (FNC Plus) has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award.
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, FNC Plus brings together nurses, Scottish Ambulance Service paramedics, GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals to support clinical decision-making and coordinate urgent care.
The service manages more than 7,000 clinical contacts every month across more than 30 integrated pathways, helping clinicians identify appropriate treatment and support options, including care delivered in people’s homes and communities.
The Community Respiratory Service is a finalist in the Integrated Care Award, recognising its work to provide specialist respiratory treatment and support in patients’ own homes.
Initially developed in Clydesdale and now being extended to other parts of Lanarkshire, the service supports people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), providing rapid assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and advice to help them manage their condition.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, the team managed 264 patients through its admission avoidance pathway, with 232 not requiring hospital admission within 28 days — an 88% admission avoidance rate.
Two NHS Lanarkshire nurses have also been recognised in the Nurse Award category.
Joanne Thomson, a staff nurse in Ward 6 at University Hospital Wishaw, was nominated following the exceptional compassion and care she provided to a patient during an eight-month admission for a life-threatening condition.
Her nomination highlights how she went beyond her clinical duties, spending eight hours reassuring the patient during a particularly critical period, ensuring they never felt alone. Her kindness and support for the patient’s partner made a lasting difference during an extremely difficult time.
Fellow Nurse Award finalist Victoria McPhee, a registered nurse in Ward 8 at University Hospital Hairmyres, has been recognised for her outstanding patient care and commitment to supporting students and newly qualified nurses.
Her nomination highlights her dedication to mentoring colleagues and helping them develop confidence in their roles. It also describes an extraordinary act of compassion when she returned to hospital on her day off to comfort a patient receiving end-of-life care, ensuring they did not die alone.
Karen Spillane, Lead Medical Secretary with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at Coathill Hospital, has been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero/Heroes – Reader’s Choice Award.
For more than 20 years, Karen has provided invaluable support to patients, families and colleagues. Her nomination describes her as the backbone of the service, recognising her compassion, leadership and dedication, alongside her role as a trusted mentor and constant source of reassurance.
Completing NHS Lanarkshire’s finalists is Rita’s Legacy of Hope, shortlisted for the Volunteers Award.
Established by Rita’s parents in memory of their daughter, Rita’s Legacy of Hope has raised more than £45,000 to improve care for babies with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Through fundraising and awareness-raising activities, the initiative has helped fund dedicated bereavement facilities, specialist incubators and cuddle cots, supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Scotland’s Health Awards recognise individuals and teams whose dedication, compassion and innovation are making a positive difference to patients, families and communities across Scotland.
Further information about the awards and finalists is available at https://www.nationalworldevents.com/sha-2026/finalists/
