THURSDAY, 13 NOVEMBER, 2025

Photos attached: 1 – Head of Audiology Laura Turton, 2 – Laura Turton with Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General of Health and Social Care Caroline Lamb and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray

NHS Tayside audiologist honoured at national awards ceremony

An NHS Tayside audiologist has been recognised with a national award at the Scotland’s Health Awards 2025 ceremony in Edinburgh.

Head of audiology Laura Turton was joint winner of the Leader of the Year category at the event held at Edinburgh Corn Exchange last week. This award recognises outstanding leadership to drive positive change, improve services, and put quality at the heart of care.

Laura’s vision, creativity and unwavering commitment has not only transformed the audiology service in NHS Tayside but also redefined audiology care across Scotland. Her leadership has empowered staff, inspired innovation and improved outcomes for patients. 

Under Laura’s leadership, the audiology service has become a national benchmark of excellence, supporting nearly 4,000 patients each month and with waiting times reduced from over a year to 16 weeks. Her initiatives include group fittings to enhance patient experience, open-access repair clinics for greater flexibility, and ground-breaking accreditation that sets new standards in care.

Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, “We are proud to see the spotlight being shone on Laura for her remarkable contributions to the audiology service in Tayside.

“Laura has brought a wealth of knowledge, compassion and innovation to her role with over 25 years of experience in the NHS. Her dedication embodies NHS Tayside’s commitment to delivering person centred, high-quality and life-improving care to patients across Tayside.

“On behalf of everyone in Team Tayside I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Laura and her team. I’d also like congratulate all of our other finalists as it’s a fantastic achievement even to be shortlisted for these national awards.”

Laura Turton said, “I am thankful that this award has brought audiology to the forefront of NHS Tayside services.”

NHS Tayside’s audiology service is a vital branch of healthcare focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing hearing and balance disorders. The audiologists work with all individuals from newborns to older adults to shape a better future for patients and families.

NHS Tayside was well represented at the prestigious awards with five other teams and individuals recognised as finalists across three categories, highlighting NHS Tayside’s ongoing commitment to compassionate, inclusive care.

The finalists were:

Care for Mental Health Award

• Intensive psychiatric care unit, Carseview Centre

• School nursing service

Global Citizenship

• Marianne White, infant feeding advisor, Ninewells Hospital

Young Achiever Award

• Cairistiona Grieve, midwife, Ninewells Hospital

• Megan Weir, staff nurse, orthopaedics, Ninewells Hospital

Contact:

Nisha Pawar

NHS Tayside Communications

07483 354741