Celebrating excellence in nursing and midwifery
The annual RCN Foundation Impact Awards recognise excellence in nursing and midwifery and honour the passion, resilience and dedication that define these professions. They are a celebration of the outstanding work of nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers that takes place every day across the UK.
Through our education grants, the RCN Foundation is proud to support dedicated individuals to develop their skills, expand their knowledge and strengthen their ability to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care. The impact of this support extends far beyond individual achievement, reaching patients, families, communities and the wider health and care system.
Thank you
A special thank you to LV= for being the headline sponsors of the afternoon and as always, for their continued support and being champions of nursing and midwifery.
We’d also like to thank television presenter, journalist and newsreader Sameena Ali-Khan, who was the compère for the afternoon.
Deepa Korea MBE, Director of the RCN Foundation, said: “The Impact Awards are not just about recognition; they are about inspiration. Each story shared here reminds us of what is possible when commitment meets opportunity. This year’s eight awardees represent the very best of our professions – the life-changing interventions, the breakthroughs, the quiet acts of kindness and the everyday excellence that so often goes unseen. Congratulations to each of you.”
Impact Award Winners 2026
We’re spotlighting our eight exceptional awardees whose dedication and innovation have made a profound difference in healthcare. Their achievements demonstrate the powerful difference that opportunity, determination and support can make – not only to their own careers, but to the lives of those they care for.
For each award recipient, there are many thousands of nursing and midwifery staff who continue to provide exceptional care, day in and day out, in different settings. These awards are also a reflection on the extraordinary contribution that nursing, and midwifery makes to our nation’s health and wellbeing.
We’ve profiled each award winner in eight short films and are delighted to showcase some of the best and brightest that the professions have to offer:
Adedayo Lawal
Meet Adedayo, winner of the RCN Foundation Into Nursing Impact Award for outstanding achievement in pre‑registration mental health nursing education.
Elizabeth Rooney
Meet Liz, winner of the RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme Impact Award for outstanding achievement in advanced nursing scholarship, leadership and research.
Philip Kamanga
Meet Philip, winner of the RCN Foundation LV= Impact Award for outstanding contribution to health and social care by a healthcare support worker.
Lisa Jane Connell
Meet Lisa, winner of the RCN Foundation DKMS Impact Award for outstanding commitment to improving care for people with blood cancers.
Ayisatu Alagbala‑Jarrett
Meet Ayisatu, winner of the RCN Foundation Michelle Cox Anti‑Racism Impact Award for outstanding contribution to anti‑racism initiatives through innovative learning resources.
Wofai Ofem
Meet Wofai, winner of the RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme Impact Award for outstanding achievement in professional development in nursing practice.
Vanessa Loftus
Meet Vanessa, winner of the RCN Foundation Amin Abdullah Impact Award for outstanding leadership in supporting internationally educated nurses through inclusive wellbeing initiatives.
Madeleine Holland
Meet Maddie, winner of the RCN Foundation Trevor Clay Impact Award for outstanding achievement in advancing compassionate palliative and end‑of‑life care.
