Michelle completed the Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) pathway and was appointed as a District Nurse ANP in February 2021, the first post of its kind within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Michelle has been recognised for her commitment to research and evidence that defines her leadership style, supporting transformation in her team and across the wider health and care locality team within East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care partnership. Leading an anticipatory care planning (ACP) work stream she has introduced ACP champions across district nursing, community rehab, social work, care at home, care homes and older people’s mental health services.
Michelle acts as a role model, providing assessor and supervisor roles for District Nurses (DN) and student DNs. She has implemented a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach to increasing awareness around frailty, establishing and facilitating weekly MDT meetings. Michelle’s work has also had a significant impact in reducing GPs referrals.
Alongside Michelle, Derek Barron, Director of Care at Erskine, was announced as the winner of the strategic leadership award. Described by colleagues as an invaluable champion of the role of nursing in care homes, Derek trained as a mental health nurse and worked in various roles across a 39-year career before becoming the Director of Care for Erskine, supporting veterans in Scotland, through three care homes and a Veterans Village.
Derek’s passion for transforming nursing care is also evident through his other roles, on advisory and editorial boards and as a trustee for a hospice. Derek defines his leadership style as approachable, not afraid to stand up for what’s right and not afraid of staff who know more than him. His leadership not only ensures resident’s wellbeing and but also works to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and create a positive working environment for staff.
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director said: “Nursing leaders inspire and motivate, whether at a national level or in our wards, community teams and care homes. Michelle and Derek have both shown a passion for advocating for nursing and for high-quality, person-centred care. Their tenacity to challenge the status quo and speak up for nursing makes them exceptional leaders and I congratulate them on their success”.
Congratulations also go to runner up Linda McAuslan, Lead Nurse Psychological Therapies, from NHS Forth Valley.
Thanks to our sponsors of this award, Anderson Strathern. With their support, we were able to go all out and truly celebrate all of our finalists and their contribution to the health and care of the people of Scotland.
