Celebrating Scotland’s Health and Social Care Heroes

Nominations are now officially open for Scotland’s Health Awards 2025, offering a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high-quality health and social care across Scotland. 

Launched at the NHS Scotland Event in Glasgow by Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, the awards shine a light on the unsung heroes of our health and care services – from frontline staff to those working tirelessly behind the scenes.
 

Mr Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:

“I’m delighted to be announcing the launch of Scotland’s Health Awards 2025. These awards offer the opportunity to not only acknowledge all of our fantastic colleagues who work tirelessly day in, day out across our health and care services, they give us the chance to show what their extraordinary achievements mean to each and every individual in Scotland. 

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible work that goes on across our health and care settings. That’s why I’m so pleased that these awards recognise frontline health and social care workers and also celebrate those who work so hard in support roles to ensure our services achieve the highest quality of care and patient experience.  

“We’re still experiencing a challenging time across our health system, but with a clear focus on reform and renewal, it’s more important than ever to express our appreciation and showcase how amazing our workforce is in continuing to improve people’s lives, often under enormous pressure.  

“Please take the time to nominate and say thank you on behalf of all of us.”
 

This year’s awards include two new categories - Pharmacist and Healthcare Scientist –  bringing the total to 17 award categories, including the popular Reader’s Choice Award for Unsung Hero/Heroes. This special category recognises individuals or teams who make a real difference for people’s lives  but whose work often goes unnoticed.  

Staff and the public are encouraged to nominate those who have made a meaningful impact – whether through exceptional care, innovation, or unwavering dedication. Nominations should highlight: 

  • Who your caring hero or team is  

  • What they did that was so special 

  • What they were trying to achieve 

  • The difference it made to the person being cared for 

Nominations close later this summer, and winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony later this year.

To nominate your health and care hero and to learn more about the award categories, visit the official Scotland’s Health Awards website.

Background  

For further information on this and all the award categories, visit Scotland’s Health Awards website.

Scotland’s Health Awards – 2025 Categories 

  • Support Worker  

  • Innovation  

  • Volunteers  

  • Midwife  

  • Allied Health Professional  

  • Global Citizenship  

  • Care for Mental Health  

  • Integrated Care  

  • Tackling Health Inequalities  

  • Leader of the Year  

  • Nurse  

  • Doctor  

  • Healthcare Scientist 

  • Pharmacist 

  • Young Achiever 

  • Top Team   

  • Reader’s Choice – Unsung Hero/Heroes 

The Reader’s Choice Award will be put to a public vote after nominations close. Once our judging panel have selected the most inspiring nominations, you’ll be able to vote for your winner in this category. 

All winners will be announced on Thursday 6 November 2025 at the awards ceremony. 

Deadline for submitting nominations is Midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.