Aaron Whitworth-Foster has been nominated in the nursing category in Scotland’s Health Award 2026
Mental health nurse Aaron Whitworth-Foster had a tough start to his new life in Scotland after relocating from the north of England to Dunoon in Argyll and Bute. Just five days into his new job at Cowal Community Hospital, he caught Covid and spent the next six months seriously unwell, with periods in ICU. Some days and nights, it was very much touch and go.
Despite the difficult start to his time in Scotland, Mr Whitworth-Foster swiftly made an impact on his colleagues as he secured back into his work following a long recovery.
Now nominated in the Nurse category at Scotland’s Health Awards 2026, the nurse’s achievements, skills and innate compassion for his patients are being brought to the attention of a wider audience.
Mr Whitworth-Foster now specialises in the care of those with dementia and it is a role that takes him hundreds of miles across his patch, from the Isle of Bute to Lochgoilhead and Tighnabruaich.
With a high proportion of elderly residents living across a rural landscape, he can sometimes find residents isolated, alone and unaware of the seriousness of their living conditions. Often, a lack of transport has become the obstacle to treatment, with Aaron pulling together multiple challenges to get the right care in the right place for his patients.
In his nomination in the nursing category, Mr Whitworth-Foster was praised for his knowledge of dementia care.
“What he doesn’t know about dementia, older people, ageing physical health and medication isn’t worth knowing,” the nomination statement said.
It added: “Throughout all his career he has strived to better his knowledge of his patient demographic, taking on further responsibilities and care above and beyond that which is his job role.
“Aaron is tirelessly always trying to implement positive change. He is the most incredible advocate for his patients and their families even if it means it is to his own detriment.
“This nurse is selfless. He is one of a kind.”
At home, Mr Whitworth-Foster is husband to Caroline and a father to three children, all who have additional needs. While the nurse is looking after everyone else, his wife is looking out for him.
“Aaron works tirelessly at his job and then he is also a carer to his children. When he comes home, due to the nature of his work, he can be a bit sad. Sometimes, he will have an epiphany in the middle of the night about work, concerning a patient, and he’ll get up and write it down.” she remarked. said.
While dementia nursing has become his speciality, Mr Whitworth-Foster also led the development of a treatment programme for former veterans. After enlisting with the The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) as a teenager, his service included a tour of Kosovo, with his insight and direct experience of service personnel helping to shape how they are treated by NHS Highland. His work in this field has been supported by Poppy Scotland.
His nomination added:”“Aaron has worked tirelessly in numerous roles within mental health. Within leadership and management, in community and ward settings, within research and education providing a unique insight and training on veteran mental health to all health, allied health and social care professionals from GP’s to occupational therapists to social workers and support workers.”
Nominations for Scotland’s Health Awards 2026 are now open and can be made at
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in Edinburgh in November.
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