Thursday May 7th 2026
The two Borders' nurses. Michelle Brownlee on the left and Karon Bacon on the right.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Two staff members at NHS Borders received deserved recognition at the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards.
The awards celebrate the very best in Scottish nursing, shining a spotlight on excellence and honouring the unwavering dedication and outstanding care delivered by nursing professionals.
Michelle Brownlee was runner-up in the Nursing Support Worker of the Year Award, while Karen Bacon, ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit) Clinical Nurse Educator, was ‘highly commended’ in the Learning in Practice Award category.
The awards ceremony took place on April 30 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, recognising excellence in nursing and celebrating the impact of nursing staff across Scotland’s health and care services.
Michelle has 19 years experience as a Healthcare Support Worker within ITU. She is recognised for her contribution to patient care and team working, particularly for patients with complex needs.
As a Wound Care Champion and through developing a structured induction programme for new staff, she has helped improve patient outcomes, supported colleagues and strengthened recognition of the Healthcare Support Worker role.
Karen has worked at NHS Borders for over 20 years and established the ITU Clinical Nurse Educator role.
She has developed a comprehensive education programme that supports learning, staff well-being and high‑quality person‑centred care.
Her leadership has helped increase the number of trained ITU nurses, strengthened recruitment and retention and improved staff confidence.
Sarah Horan, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said: “Karen and Michelle’s recognition at the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards reflects their commitment, professionalism and the difference they make to their colleagues and patients in the Borders every day.
“National recognition of this kind is a significant achievement, and I am delighted to congratulate them both on their well‑deserved success.”
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