This year’s Children’s Choice Award is being presented to two outstanding nurses whose dedication, compassion and commitment have made a remarkable difference to the life of one young boy and his family.
Caitlin Patterson and Susan Campbell, who work as part of the Children’s Community Nursing Team at University Hospital Wishaw, NHS Lanarkshire, were nominated by Jennifer Cunningham in recognition of the exceptional care they have provided to her son over a number of years. Their support, patience and kindness have helped him overcome challenges associated with his complex medical needs while allowing him to grow in confidence and independence.
Jennifer’s son has a processing issue and can become extremely anxious during medical procedures. However, through their calm approach and understanding manner, Caitlin and Susan have transformed what were once difficult and distressing experiences into something far more manageable.
In her nomination, Jennifer highlighted the positive impact the nurses have had on her son’s wellbeing and confidence. She said:
These nurses include him in his care and encourage him to be independent where appropriate. This gives him a sense of responsibility and makes him feel good. It also helps change his focus from his fears and he no longer needs restrained to complete his medical procedures or maintain his stoma site.
The Children’s Community Nursing Team provides care for children and young people from birth up to the age of 16 in their homes, schools, clinics and other community settings. Their work includes wound care, medication administration, enteral feeding support and providing training and guidance to families and educational staff. The aim is to empower children and young people to be as independent as possible while preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.
For Caitlin and Susan, receiving this award is particularly meaningful because it comes directly from a family they have supported.
Caitlin said: “We feel honoured and incredibly proud to have won this award. It feels special to be recognised by children and their families and inspires me to continue to keep doing my best to provide support and a positive difference in their lives.”
Susan agreed: “Winning this award feels particularly special as it is based on the gratitude of the young person and family who have received care from us and is a reflection on the quality of care and support that we provided.”
The pair are passionate about supporting children and families through some of the most challenging times of their lives and say helping young people gain confidence and independence is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.
Caitlin explained:
Being a children’s community nurse is incredibly rewarding. We feel privileged to support children and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Seeing a child gain confidence, become more independent, or simply feel happier and more comfortable makes all the hard work worthwhile. Building trusting relationships with families and knowing I have made a positive difference, however small, is what makes this role so special to us.
Susan echoed those sentiments, saying:
The job of a community children’s nurse is a really rewarding one as you get to see the direct impact of your care and the difference that it can make. We often get to develop relationships with the young person and their families too and can become a trusted source of support for them. We are privileged enough to be welcomed into the homes of these children and trusted to support them in some of the most challenging times of their lives which we don’t take for granted and this is incredibly rewarding.
Over the years, both nurses have developed a close relationship with Jennifer and her son, sharing in many of the milestones he has reached along the way.
Caitlin said: “I have built up a strong relationship with Jennifer and her son since joining the team and have supported him in nursery and then going to school. It has been incredibly rewarding watching him grow and become more independent over the years. Being such a huge part of his journey and knowing the positive impact this has been on him is very special.”
For Susan, watching him grow has been equally rewarding. “Having cared for Jennifer’s son since he was a baby and been able to watch him grow into a six-year-old has been one of the most rewarding parts of the job. We have been part of his journey from such a young age and have seen him grow through many milestones and develop his own personality and interests.”
The judging panel was particularly impressed by the exceptional care, patience and time shown by Caitlin and Susan. The panel recognised their focus on helping children become more independent and involved in their own care, noting the significant reduction in the need for restraint during procedures and the positive impact this had on both the child and his family. The judges felt their nomination demonstrated exactly what the Children’s Choice Award was created to recognise.
Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland, said:
Caitlin and Susan demonstrate the very best of children’s healthcare. Through patience, kindness and a commitment to helping children feel included and empowered, they have made a real difference to one young boy’s life and his family’s experience of care. Their nomination is a powerful reminder of how important relationships are in helping children feel safe, confident and supported.
The nurses say receiving the Children’s Choice Award is a moment they will always treasure. They said:
Winning this award is definitely a stand-out moment for us. We feel incredibly grateful that Jennifer and her son felt strongly enough about the care and experience they have received from us to nominate us. The award ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate alongside so many other people who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of children and young people.
Their compassion, professionalism and unwavering commitment to supporting children and families make Caitlin Patterson and Susan Campbell truly deserving winners of this year’s Children’s Choice Award.
The Children’s Choice Award is particularly special because it comes directly from a child or family who wants to say “thank you” to someone who has made a difference during their healthcare journey. Through their care, kindness and encouragement, Caitlin and Susan have helped one young boy overcome his fears, build confidence and become more involved in his own care, leaving a lasting impact on both him and his family.
Join Us for Scottish Children’s Health Week
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards are part of Scottish Children’s Health Week, a national celebration of children and young people’s health, wellbeing and rights.
From inspiring award winner stories to activities, resources and opportunities to get involved, Scottish Children’s Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring every child understands their rights and has the support they need to thrive.
Whether you’re a child, young person, parent, carer, professional or supporter, we’d love you to join the conversation. Share your messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2026, explore this year’s activities, and help us create a Scotland where every child is #HealthRightsAware.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week 2026.
Want to Nominate for 2027?
Do you know someone who has made a real difference to a child or young person during treatment, whether in hospital, at home or in the community?
The Children’s Choice Award gives children and young people the opportunity to say “thank you” to someone whose care, kindness and support stood out when they needed it most.
Nominations for the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2027 are now open.
To nominate for the Children’s Choice Award, visit:
https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/awards/childrens-choice-award/
