Scotland’s Health Awards 2026: Pharmacists making life-saving care happen

It might seem part of the job to many pharmacists, but even the smallest effort can make a big difference to reducing harm from drugs in the community.

The annual Scottish Health Awards take place in November, and are a chance for the best and brightest in Scotland’s NHS to be recognised for their outstanding work.

As well as recognising the contributions of frontline health and social care workers, they also celebrate those who work hard behind the scenes in support roles to make sure Scots up and down the country get the highest quality of care.

Amongst the accolades that will be given out this year is the pharmacist award, recognising those providing excellent NHS care and support for people in Scotland.

Those who have been nominated for this prestigious award include hospital pharmacists, GP practice-based pharmacists and community pharmacists who have provided outstanding quality of NHS care across the country.

One of those who has been nominated is Ross Murdoch from South Ayrshire, who focuses on recovery care for people affected by substance misuse through “expert prescribing, strong multidisciplinary working and a clear commitment to reducing harm”.

Those who have nominated Mr Murdoch for this top award say they are an “exceptional pharmacist” who is “playing a key role in reducing drug-related deaths”.

Those backing Mr Murdoch’s bid say his “compassionate, person-centred approach and clinical expertise” means patients are seeing “significant” improvements to their health.

Although he works in a high-risk clinical environment, it has not stopped him from delivering safe, effective and recovery-focused care.

Ross have been nominated for this top award by Peter Simpson, who said: “Ross’s role goes far beyond traditional prescribing, encompassing holistic assessment, risk management and collaborative care planning.

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“Through his work, Ross ensures that individuals receive timely support.

“At the heart of Ross’s practice is a strong emphasis on dignity, respect and therapeutic engagement.”

While also doing the day-to-day job, Ross has taken time to build trusting relationships with individuals who are often anxious or who have previously not wanted to engage with the health service.

“By adopting a non-judgemental and trauma-informed approach, Ross enables individuals to feel heard, valued and supported, an essential foundation for engagement and recovery,” Mr Simpson said.

“Ross is highly regarded for his collaborative approach to multidisciplinary working.

“This collaborative leadership helps to ensure that individuals receive coordinated and holistic support that addresses mental health, physical health and social needs.

“The impact is clearly demonstrated through improved patient outcomes. In many cases, their prescribing expertise has supported individuals through complex transitions, such as initiation of treatment following relapse, transfer between services, or re-engagement after a period of disengagement.

“These interventions significantly reduce risk and support recovery progression.”

Mr Simpson added: “Ross is an outstanding pharmacist who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care.

“His contribution has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use.”

Nominations for Scotland’s Health Awards 2026, in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, are now closed, and hundreds of shortlisted nominees are expected to attend a glittering awards ceremony in Edinburgh on November 12.