MONDAY, 5 OCTOBER, 2026

For immediate release. photo attached: Staff and volunteers help launch NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2026-27

Nominations now open for NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2026-27

NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2026-27 was launched today with the help of previous winners, staff and volunteers.

Nominations are now open for the ninth NHS Tayside STAR Awards (2026-27), giving patients, members of the public and staff the opportunity to recognise the individuals, teams and volunteers who go above and beyond every day.

The STAR Awards celebrate the extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism shown by staff and volunteers across NHS Tayside. From frontline clinical teams and community services to support staff working behind the scenes, the awards recognise the vital contribution every role makes to delivering high-quality care and improving the health and wellbeing of people across Tayside.

Joining staff and previous STAR Award winners at the launch event were NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor, Employee Director Jenny Alexander and non-executive Board member Coleen Carlton.

Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, "I am delighted to launch the NHS Tayside STAR Awards 2026-27. Every year, these awards shine a light on the exceptional people and teams who make a real difference to the lives of patients, families and colleagues across Tayside.

"Last year, we received more than 1300 nominations, each telling a powerful story of compassion, dedication and excellence. It was inspiring to see so many examples of staff and volunteers going above and beyond in their roles.

"The STAR Awards are a chance to say thank you. Whether someone has provided outstanding care, supported you during a difficult time, or simply made a positive difference to your day, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate them. Recognition means so much, and your nomination could help celebrate the incredible work taking place across NHS Tayside every day."

Every day, NHS Tayside staff and volunteers provide expert care, support and kindness in hospitals, health centres, community settings and people's homes. Whether delivering direct patient care, supporting services behind the scenes or helping patients and visitors as volunteers, their contribution is essential to ensuring people receive the care they need.

Employee Director Jenny Alexander said, “The STAR Awards are one of the highlights of the year because they give us the opportunity to recognise the people and teams whose hard work, dedication and compassion make such a difference across our organisation.

"What makes these awards extra special is that the nominations come from colleagues, patients, service users and members of the public. Every nomination tells a story and reminds us of the positive impact NHS staff and volunteers have on people's lives every single day.

"Being nominated can mean a great deal to individuals and teams. I would encourage anyone who has experienced exceptional care, support or service to take the opportunity to submit a nomination and help us celebrate the people who make NHS Tayside such a special place to work and receive care."

Any NHS Tayside or health and social care partnership staff member can be nominated, including medical and nursing staff, allied health professionals, community staff, support services staff, social care staff and those working in departments that may not have direct day-to-day contact with patients. Volunteers recruited through NHS Tayside's Volunteer Service are also eligible for the Volunteer Award, including drivers, welcome guides, gardeners, listening volunteers and ward volunteers.

Submitting a nomination is quick and easy, and you can nominate more than one individual or team across the award categories.

To submit a nomination, visit www.starawardstayside.scot.nhs.uk.

The closing date for nominations is 1 November 2026 at 5pm.

Members of the public can nominate their NHS Tayside STARs in eight categories:

• Clinical Staff Award

• Support Staff Award

• Clinical Team Award

• Support Team Award

• Young Achiever Award

• Unsung Hero Award

• Volunteer Award

• Social Impact and Global Citizenship Award

There are also three more specialist categories which are open to nominations from NHS Tayside staff and health and social care staff. These are:

• Innovation and Improvement Award

• Tayside Together Award

• Inspiring Educator/Trainer Award

The award categories open to nominations from members of the public are:

• Clinical Staff Award
A doctor, nurse, healthcare assistant, consultant, surgeon, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychiatrist etc who goes the extra mile for their patients or colleagues/NHS Tayside

• Support Staff Award
A domestic assistant, porter, receptionist, healthcare scientist, service manager, estates or catering staff etc who goes the extra mile within their job role helping colleagues/NHS Tayside or patients and visitors

• Clinical Team Award
Podiatrists, physiotherapists, public health, healthcare assistants, nurses, doctors, a whole ward team of all job families that strives to deliver the best possible quality of health and care for people in Tayside

• Support Team Award
A service delivery team, laboratory team, administration team, support services team e.g. domestic, porter or catering team that, although not directly providing clinical services, goes above and beyond to provide outstanding support to help ensure NHS Tayside services run effectively

• Young Achiever Award

Employees, students, apprentices or trainees aged 30 years or younger on 28 February 2027 who have made an exceptional contribution in the early stages of their career

• Unsung Hero Award

An individual who, in the course of doing their job, makes a real difference for people in Tayside, but whose work often goes unseen

• Volunteer Award
An individual volunteer, group or team of volunteers who make an outstanding contribution to healthcare services in Tayside

• Social Impact and Global Citizenship Award

An individual, group or team dedicated to making positive change towards a smarter, safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment for people and the planet.

Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday, 1 November, 2026.

The glittering awards ceremony where the winners will be announced is being held in the Apex Hotel, Dundee on Friday 19 March 2027.

The STAR Awards are supported by the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, a Registered Scottish Charity supporting NHS Tayside hospitals and services. 

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138