Leaders in community nursing honoured at William Rathbone X Award 2026
The William Rathbone X Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony was held in central London in May.
The prestigious event was attended by national and regional nursing leaders and figures from across health and social care.
Professor John Unsworth OBE, Chair of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN), and Steph Lawrence MBE, QICN Chief Executive, welcomed Professor Kristina Mikkonen, Professor of Nursing Science at the University of Oulu, Finland.
She delivered the lecture, ‘Humanising Digital Healthcare: What the NHS Digital Shift Means for Nursing Practice’.
An internationally recognised expert in healthcare education and digital practice, Professor Mikkonen explored the NHS shift from analogue to digital care, drawing on her research into digitally enabled learning, workforce development and system change, and offering insights for nursing and wider health and care services.
View photos of the event here.
The William Rathbone X Annual Award for Excellence in the Executive Nurse Leadership of Community Nursing Services is one of QICN’s most prestigious honours, recognising the impact of strategic nursing leadership on staff support and patient outcomes.
This year’s award was presented to Lorraine Galligan, Chief of Nursing and Therapies at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, by Lucy Rathbone, daughter of the late William Rathbone.
Lorraine was recognised for her compassionate, inclusive and strategic leadership, driving measurable improvements in patient care and staff experience. She has embedded the Essential Care Framework, improving safety outcomes including reductions in pressure ulcers, falls and infections, and introduced a Clinical Excellence programme to strengthen professional practice in increasingly complex community settings.
She has also played a key role in safeguarding across Birmingham, championed culturally competent end-of-life care, and led system-wide innovations such as urgent community response and integrated neighbourhood teams.
Her commitment to workforce development has expanded career pathways and strengthened support for nursing staff.
Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive of the QICN, said: “The William Rathbone X Award celebrates outstanding leadership in community nursing.
“Lorraine’s achievement reflects not only her personal commitment, but the scale, complexity and importance of community nursing leadership across today’s health and care system. My congratulations to her on this well-deserved recognition.”
Professor David Sallah, Chair, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and one Lorraine's nominators, said: “Lorraine is an exceptional leader whose commitment to compassionate, high-quality care is evident in every aspect of her work.
“She empowers teams, drives innovation and ensures patients remain at the heart of everything we do.”
The Gold Badge of the Institute, the QICN’s highest honour, was awarded to Professor Alison Leary MBE in recognition of her outstanding contribution as Director of the International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO), a role she has held since its inception in 2019 before stepping down in March 2026.
During her tenure, Professor Leary led the development of 11 influential reports, including the 2025 Trap Door report on career regression in nursing.
Her final report, to be published later this year, will examine the current state of General Practice Nursing.
Professor Alison Leary MBE said: “Over the past six years, it has been a privilege to work with the QICN to highlight the vital, and often unseen, work of community nursing.
“I believe we have helped to build a strong foundation of evidence to support greater understanding and future policy development for these essential services. I am delighted to receive the Gold Badge, particularly given the distinction of those who have received it before me.”
Dr Angela Ridley, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at London South Bank University (LSBU), said: “Professor Alison Leary has made a significant and lasting contribution to community nursing, particularly through her work in developing the evidence and insight needed to inform policy and practice. The award of the Gold Badge is a fitting recognition of her impact.
Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive, The QICN, said: “Alison’s contribution to the QICN and to community nursing more widely has been exceptional.
“Her work has strengthened the evidence base, influenced national thinking and ensured that community nursing remains visible, valued and understood, and we are deeply grateful for her dedication and expertise.”