The Emergency Department Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ED ANP) Team at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been named Judges’ Choice Top Team in Scotland at the Advancing Care, Advancing Practice (ACAP) annual conference – a national network for advanced practice teams.
The team – made up of Lorna Bishop, Mags Bowie, Billy Traynor, Audrey Freeland and Leanne Kirkwood (not pictured) – took home the award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to patient care, professional development, and service innovation.
Formed in April 2022, the ED ANP team has consistently delivered safe, effective and timely care across a wide scope of practice including urgent care, minor injuries, paediatrics, mental health and acutely unwell adults. All team members are educated to MSc level and practise autonomously, supporting the Emergency Department in meeting the national 4-hour access standard.
The team has also introduced a number of service improvements, including:
- A redesigned shift pattern to improve staff wellbeing while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- An 80/20 clinical/non-clinical model to support teaching, training, research and leadership.
- Ongoing contributions to service development, quality improvement and interdepartmental collaboration.
Their resilience and teamwork have been widely praised, with consistently positive feedback received from patients and colleagues.
The team continues to grow, with five ANPs now fully qualified, two nearing sign-off, and recruitment underway for a sixth practitioner.
Speaking after the award win, one colleague said: “The ED ANP Team at FVRH is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, teamwork and a relentless focus on quality care. They are truly deserving of recognition as Scotland’s Top Team.”
