BWoSCC finalist in the Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards

March 02, 2026 11:49 AM

Colleagues and teams from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been recognised in a national award for their dedication, innovation and contribution to nursing.

These awards recognise nursing practice across health and social care, from hospitals to care homes, prisons, community settings and the military, and honour registered nurses, nursing support workers, students and nursing teams who embody the 'very best' of nursing.

Tracy Downey who is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, is one of these nurses who has been recognised for her leadership through the Inspiring Excellence, Nursing Innovation and Research Award.

She is being recognised for her work, being a central figure in establishing the Cancer Older People’s Service (COPS) which is Scotland’s first occupational therapy-led frailty service within oncology. Her work has meant that patients are able to have more independence, reduced hospital admissions and the service has received 100% positive feedback from patients and families.

Tracy is also committed to the development of others by mentoring junior staff and promoting frailty awareness across multidisciplinary teams.

Tracy has helped integrate frailty‑focused, person‑centred care into cancer pathways. Her work addresses functional decline, cognitive impairment, psychosocial distress, falls risk and rehabilitation needs, which allows patients to stay safely at home, participate in treatment, and maintain quality of life.