Luminary

Impact Awards 

The annual RCN Foundation Impact Awards recognise excellence in nursing and midwifery throughout the UK. They are a celebration of the exceptional work undertaken by nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers that takes place every day.  

Impact Award Winners 2026 

Our eight inspirational award winners for 2026 were selected from nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers whose RCN Foundation education grants have supported them in enhancing their practice and creating an outstanding contribution to patient care throughout the UK.  

For each award winner, 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. 

Adedayo Lawal  

Meet Adedayo, winner of the RCN Foundation Into Nursing Impact Award for outstanding achievement in pre‑registration mental health nursing education.  

Adedayo, received a grant to support him undertake an MSc in Mental Health Nursing (Pre‑Registration). Through diverse clinical placements, Adedayo developed a strong, holistic understanding of mental health care alongside the confidence to advocate for patients and challenge practice to ensure the highest standards. Now working in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, he delivers compassionate, skilled care to individuals in crisis. Adedayo stands out for his ambition not only to provide exceptional care, but to influence the wider systems that shape patient experience and outcomes.  

Elizabeth Rooney  

Meet Liz, winner of the RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme Impact Award for outstanding achievement in advanced nursing scholarship, leadership and research.  

Liz, a lecturer and clinical leader at the University of the West of Scotland, has made a significant contribution to nursing research and practice through her work in HIV prevention. Supported by the RCN Foundation, she completed a Professional Doctorate addressing critical gaps in understanding patient experiences of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). Her research has informed tangible improvements in clinical services – from communication and confidentiality to accessibility and adherence. Now a lecturer and clinical leader, she continues to shape practice and inspire the next generation of nurses.    

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.  

Philip has demonstrated exceptional dedication to patient care and professional development. Supported by the RCN Foundation, he completed the Community Health Assistant Practitioner programme, significantly expanding his clinical skills and responsibilities.  

His enhanced capabilities have improved care quality within his workplace and strengthened support for both patients and colleagues. By sharing his knowledge, he has extended the impact of his learning across his team. Philip’s ambition and commitment highlight the vital role of healthcare support workers in the future of healthcare.  

Lisa Jane Connell  

Meet Lisa, winner of the RCN Foundation DKMS Impact Award for outstanding commitment to improving care for people with blood cancers.  

Lisa, a Research Nurse at Swansea Bay University Health Board, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving care for people living with blood cancers. With support from the RCN Foundation and DKMS (an international charity dedicated to eliminating blood cancer and blood disorders), she advanced her expertise in haemato-oncology, strengthening her ability to guide patients through complex treatment journeys. Her enhanced knowledge has improved her communication, enabling her to explain diagnoses and care pathways with clarity and compassion. She is also a strong advocate for early palliative care integration, ensuring holistic support for patients and families.  

Lisa now leads prostate cancer research within her Health Board, continuing to drive improvements in care and patient outcomes. 

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.  

Ayisatu, a nurse, has transformed lived experience into meaningful, system-wide change. As co-chair of the Anti-Racism Shared Decision-Making Council at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW), she has led the development of impactful educational resources that are reshaping workplace culture.  

Through RCN Foundation funding, Ayisatu spearheaded the creation of anti-racism training resources embedded into Trust-wide learning. Grounded in real staff experiences, these materials empower colleagues to recognise, challenge and report discrimination with confidence. Her leadership has strengthened inclusion, improved staff wellbeing, and contributed to a safer and more supportive environment, ultimately enhancing patient care. 

Wofai Ofem  

Meet Wofai, winner of the RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme Impact Award for outstanding achievement in professional development in nursing practice.  

Wofai, Diabetes Specialist Nurse at Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has shown exceptional commitment to professional development and patient care. Supported by the RCN Foundation, she completed her BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies, strengthening her clinical expertise, leadership and confidence.  

Her learning has translated directly into improved patient care, enabling her to manage complex conditions and support colleagues through mentorship and leadership. Now a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Wofai is committed to reducing health inequalities and advancing care for people living with long-term conditions. 

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.  

Vanessa, Practice Development and Preceptorship Lead at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT), has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting internationally educated nurses through an innovative wellbeing programme. Recognising the challenges of transition into UK practice, she led the delivery of wellbeing workshops funded by the RCN Foundation. The programme has had a measurable impact, improving confidence, wellbeing and integration. Now embedded within the Trust, her work has strengthened organisational culture and created lasting support systems for international staff. 

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.  

Maddie, Lead Neonatal Nurse for Bereavement at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol, has made an extraordinary impact in neonatal palliative and bereavement care, supporting families with compassion, dignity and expertise. She has been instrumental in developing an integrated perinatal bereavement service, ensuring seamless, person-centred care across multiple services. Her postgraduate study, supported by the RCN Foundation, has further strengthened her advanced clinical and communication skills. Maddie’s work exemplifies excellence in compassionate care, ensuring every family feels supported during the most difficult of times.