This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to someone whose career has been defined by compassion, innovation, and tireless advocacy for children and families. Dr Una MacFadyen has spent decades improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people across Scotland and beyond – and her impact is nothing short of extraordinary.
A Career That Began with Play
Una’s journey into paediatrics began during her final year of medical school, when a placement at the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children felt more like a holiday than a rotation.
“Every morning the ‘Play Lady’ arrived, announced she was putting on her playing shoes, and led a trail of children to the playroom like the Pied Piper,” Una recalls. “None of the patients complained unless for good reason – like blood tests or physiotherapy that hurt.”
Inspired by the joy and resilience of her young patients, and encouraged by mentors like Professor Forrester Cockburn, Una set her sights on paediatrics – and never looked back.
Learning from the Best
With no formal training programmes in the UK at the time, Una travelled to Toronto to train as a Paediatric Resident. There, she discovered neonatal medicine and was captivated by the advances that allowed premature and seriously ill babies to survive and thrive.
“I never lost my commitment to our smallest, sickest patients,” she says.
Her early experiences taught her the importance of learning from nurses, nannies, and families – and laid the foundation for her lifelong belief in partnership with parents.
Research, Advocacy and Real Change
Una’s career has spanned clinical care, research, and advocacy. From studying infant breathing patterns to campaigning for better hospital experiences for children and parents, she has always put families at the heart of her work.
She helped fund emergency kits for parents admitted with their children, secured free bus travel for hospital visits, and championed play specialists in A&E to reduce the need for sedation.
“Children need parents, especially when they are sick,” she says. “It just seemed so obvious.”
Her work with Action for Sick Children Scotland (now Children’s Health Scotland) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health helped embed the voices of children, young people, and families into national policy and practice.
Compassion in Every Corner
Una’s commitment to compassionate care extended to bereavement support, home oxygen therapy, and even accompanying families on water flumes – oxygen cylinder in hand – to ensure children could enjoy everyday experiences.
“We co-wrote a handbook for parents based on real experiences – perhaps less risk-averse than a professional version might have been,” she laughs.
She was ahead of her time in promoting genuine partnership with families, long before it became a formal strategy.
Still Leading, Still Learning
Even in retirement, Una continues to lead. As clinical lead for the Children with Exceptional Healthcare Needs (CEN) network, she’s helped develop eLearning modules on compassion, communication, and coordination – all based on priorities set by parents.
She also supports peer groups for children with rare conditions like Trisomy 13 and 18, and TOFS, helping young adults transition into adult services with dignity and understanding.
A Humble Reflection
Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award left Una feeling “unworthy” – but her humility only highlights the depth of her dedication.
“All I can claim is a lifetime curiosity to learn about the individuals I’ve met through their own or their child’s health condition,” she says. “They’ve been my teachers and partners in trying to make things better.”
From babies born with no signs of life who cried their way into the world, to teenagers with cerebral palsy who told jokes at every clinic visit, Una remembers them all – and honours their courage.
A Legacy That Lives On
The judging panel summed it up best:
“Una has consistently improved life experiences for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children. Whether through clinical leadership, research, or advocacy, her contributions have been outstanding.”
Congratulations, Dr Una Macfadyen, on your Lifetime Achievement Award. Your legacy is woven into the lives of countless children, families, and professionals – and your story continues to inspire us all.
About the Scottish Children’s Health Awards
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards celebrate the people and projects making a real difference in the lives of children and young people living with health conditions. Each award winner is announced during Scottish Children’s Health Week (1–7 September)—a week dedicated to raising awareness of children’s health rights, sharing inspiring stories, and promoting self-management, play, and wellbeing.
Join Us
Be part of the movement to defend children’s health rights. Explore the week’s activities, read more award stories, and share your own messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2025. Whether you’re a parent, professional, young person, or supporter—your voice matters.
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.
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