NHS Ayrshire & Arran celebrated its volunteers, and those who work to support them at their annual Compassion to Action volunteer award ceremony held at Fullerton Connexions in Irvine on 26 February 2026.
Organised by the Patient Experience Team, the event recognised the amazing achievements and contributions that NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s volunteers make across the organisation.
Jennifer Wilson, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: “The Compassion to Action 2026 volunteer awards ceremony is a special way of recognising the invaluable service our volunteers provide for patients, visitors and staff.
“Our volunteers are often the first people those visiting our premises meet, and it is a credit to them that the first impression is truly welcoming. They are happy to give their time and energy to provide an important service for patients, visitors and staff.
“It was fantastic to see so many being recognised for their commitment and hard work. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The volunteers dedicate their time to supporting patients, families and staff and the Compassion to Action Volunteer Awards celebrated the extraordinary impact volunteers make across local healthcare services.
The categories and the winners from the evening included:
- Raising the profile of volunteering – breaking down barriers – Heather Thomson, Ward Volunteer – East Ayrshire Community Hospital, Marchburn Ward
- Outstanding staff champion for volunteers – Jennifer Hazely, Advanced Respiratory Physiotherapist
- Quality Improvement Lead Award – Improving patient experience – Wilma Paton, Volunteer Welcomer – Woodland View
- Behind the scenes – improving the volunteer experience – University Hospital Crosshouse Clinical Nurse Managers – Nancy Wallace, Vicki Morrison, Stephanie Yarou MacKay, Marsha Maurri and Claire Ferrier
- Volunteer Manager of the Year – David McCrone – Site Coordinator – University Hospital Crosshouse
- Volunteer Team of the Year – Green Gym Volunteers
- Volunteer of the Year – Jean Thomson, Ward Volunteer – Station 4
- Youth Volunteer of the Year – Eilidh Laurenson, Ward Volunteer – Ward 3E – Crosshouse & Keian Dempsey, Ayrshire College
- Nurse Director Award – Recognition for outstanding contribution to volunteering in NHS Ayrshire & Arran – John and Sheena Thomson, Cardiac Rehabilitation Friends
- Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board Chair Award – Excellence in NHS Volunteer Service Partnerships – Ayrshire College – Health and Social Care Team
- Volunteering Legacy Award – Ian Mair, Ward volunteer, Ward 3E – Crosshouse Hospital