Fife’s Healthcare Heroes Recognised at Annual Awards Ceremony

More than 120 staff gathered at Fife College's new Dunfermline City Campus for the NHS Fife Staff Awards 2026

The dedication, compassion and professionalism of NHS Fife staff have been celebrated at the organisation's annual Staff Awards ceremony.

More than 120 staff gathered at Fife College's new Dunfermline City Campus on Friday 25 September for the NHS Fife Staff Awards 2026, an evening dedicated to recognising the outstanding contribution made by individuals and teams across health and care services in Fife.

The awards recognise excellence across a range of areas, from clinical care and leadership to innovation, wellbeing and community health. Finalists were nominated by their colleagues, with winners selected following a rigorous judging process involving representatives from across the organisation.

The Inspiration Award was chosen through a staff vote, while the Chair's Award was selected by NHS Fife Board Chair, Professor Patricia Kilpatrick.

Among those recognised on the night were Wesley Unokan was named Rising Star, recognising his contribution as Energy Manager, while the Family Nurse Partnership received the Community Health Champion Award. The HEPMA Project Team was recognised as Support and Professional Services Team of the Year for their efforts to roll out the new electronic prescribing system across Fife's hospitals, and Aileen Lawrie, Director of Midwifery, received the Leadership Award.

Webmaster, Graham Thomson, received the Service Improvement and Innovation Award for his work managing NHS Fife’s website, and consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Sharon Doherty, who was named winner of the Staff Health and Wellbeing Award. The

Urology Cancer Nurse Specialist Team was recognised as Clinical Team of the Year, while team member, Audrey Duncan, received the Unsung Hero Award.

Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Mark Francis, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award, while Consultant Surgeon, Mr Gregory Ekatah, received the Inspiration Award following a vote by NHS Fife staff.

The Chair's Award was presented to Frances Gallo, Senior Charge Nurse, in recognition of her exceptional contribution. Special recognition was also given to Frank McGuire, a Healthcare Support Worker based at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline.

NHS Fife Chief Executive, William Edwards, said: "The NHS Fife Staff Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, compassion and professionalism that our colleagues demonstrate every day. Behind every nomination is a story of individuals and teams making a real difference to the lives of patients, families and communities across Fife.

"This year's nominations have once again highlighted the remarkable commitment, innovation and teamwork that exists right across our organisation. Whether delivering care on the frontline, supporting services behind the scenes, driving improvement, or helping colleagues to thrive, our staff continue to go above and beyond in service of others.

"I would like to congratulate all of our finalists and winners and thank every member of staff for the contribution they make each day. I am incredibly proud of our workforce and privileged to work alongside colleagues who continually go above and beyond to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Fife."