Two teams from NHS Forth Valley have been unveiled as finalists in the 2026 RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards.

NHS Forth Valley’s three Prison Health Care Teams and staff working in the Specialist Rehabilitation Unit at Stirling Health and Care Village have both been shortlisted in the ‘Nursing Team of the Year’ category. This award aims to recognise that great nursing is often delivered in teams which are committed to delivering person-centred, innovative and high-quality services that make a positive impact to service users, families and colleagues.

NHS Forth Valley’s Prison Healthcare Teams provide a wide range of healthcare services and support in HMP & YOI Stirling, HMP Glenochil and HMP &YOI Polmont and were nominated for consistently delivering person-centred, safe, and effective care in complex prison environments. The team’s efforts have had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals in custody, improving continuity of care, therapeutic relationships and trust between patients and healthcare staff.

The Specialist Rehabilitation Unit, based at the Bellfield Centre at Stirling Health and Care Village, provides nurse and AHP led rehabilitation services and support aimed at maximising recovery, improving outcomes, supporting safe community transition and reducing hospital length of stay. Patient feedback continues to highlight the compassionate, personalised care and positive impact the team has had on recovery. The team is widely known for its innovative use of resources, including a dedicated website and patient information to enhance care planning, engagement and outcomes.

Commenting on the announcement of the finalists, NHS Forth Valley’s Executive Nurse Director, Prof Karen Goudie, said: “Being named finalists for the RCN Scotland Nursing Team of the Year award is a tremendous honour for our teams. It reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism demonstrated every day in delivering high-quality care for the people of Forth Valley. I am incredibly proud of the commitment shown by colleagues across the service, whose hard work and collaborative approach continue to make a real difference to patients and their families.”

The 2026 RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards, now in their fourth year, 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. The categories reflect the breadth of nursing practice, recognising the vital contribution of nursing staff and the teams they work in. They also highlight innovation, leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning across the nursing community.

The winners will be unveiled at an award ceremony on 30 April 2026 hosted at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.