NHS Borders staff member nominated for prestigious RCN Award

We are delighted to announce that one of our staff members has been selected as finalist at this year’s Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025.

The RCN awards are designed to recognise, highlight and celebrate the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff across Scotland.

Rhona Morrison, our Quality Improvement Facilitator, has been nominated in the People’s Choice Award category for her outstanding service in both the NHS and mountain rescue.

Prior to taking on her current role as Quality Improvement Facilitator, Rhona was a critical care nurse for much of her 38-year career. Rhona now leads efforts in medication governance and quality improvement for detecting and managing deteriorating patients, including training staff on early warning systems.

In addition to her work with us, Rhona has volunteered for 15 years with the busy Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team, responding to emergencies in challenging conditions. As a key medical officer, she supports both patient care and the wellbeing of her fellow rescuers, having initiated support systems for those affected by traumatic incidents, including fatalities. Her humility, dedication and broad experience - including delivering lambs on a farm and continuing a rescue mission despite a fractured ankle - reflect her exceptional commitment to saving lives.

Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said: “We are thrilled to have a finalist yet again at this year’s Royal College of Nursing Awards. Being nominated for the People’s Choice Award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment Rhona demonstrates both in her role at NHS Borders and in her volunteering work for Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue.

“As an organisation we are incredibly proud of Rhona’s achievement, and I would like to extend my congratulations to her for earning this very well deserved recognition and wish her luck on the night.”

The winners of each category will be unveiled at a grand awards ceremony on 12 June at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The highly coveted overall RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year 2025 will be selected from the registered nurse winners across the eligible categories.