Health – WEST | Alumni Blog

Dad’s Dementia Journey Inspires Alzheimer Scholarship Student Graduating

15Jul

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Alumni Stories, Featured

Dad’s Dementia Journey Inspires Alzheimer Scholarship Student Graduating

A student inspired to pursue a dementia research scholarship after his father's diagnosis has graduated at Paisley Abbey. Connor McDonald is the first recipient of the Dr Wendy Baxter Legacy Scholarship and has graduated from University of the West of Scotland after completing his pioneering PhD research to improve the experiences of families visiting loved ones with dementia in care homes. Connor was driven to undertake the scholarship after caring for his father, Danny, who lives with early onset vascular dementia. His PhD explored how family members can be better supported to spend meaningful time with relatives living with advanced dementia. Connor said his own family's experience inspired him to pursue the research: "This is an area very close to my heart as I am currently a...

Graduate Has Falkirk Landmarks Lit Up in Honour of Scottish Charity

30Jun

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Graduate Has Falkirk Landmarks Lit Up in Honour of Scottish Charity

Campaigner and University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate Kerry Reid has helped to shine a light on the impact of drugs and alcohol on communities and their families, by having the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel illuminated. Kerry who graduated from UWS in 2022 arranged for iconic landmarks in Falkirk to be lit up on Monday 22nd June 2026 in honour of Charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs and the families they support. Aligning with Scottish Families Week, the light was a message of hope for families seen and unseen. Kerry commented: “My degree in Community Education at UWS helped shape my passion for supporting people, communities and creating positive change, and through my own experience, I have seen the importance of the support that Scottish Families...

Business Geared Towards Improving Mental Health Launched by Graduate

21May

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Business Geared Towards Improving Mental Health Launched by Graduate

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) nursing graduate is focusing on supporting wellbeing with the launch of a business that uses an immersive sound experience to put clients into a calm and meditative state. Jade Swan, who graduated from UWS Ayr Campus with a BSc in Mental Health Nursing, is offering sound frequency therapy or soundbaths to offer the brain time to rest. “Having busy lives we’re often in our fight or flight response in a high state of alert,” said Jade. “Many people struggle with busy brains and struggle to sleep, soundbath allows the brain to shift into a meditative state which many people struggle to do.” A soundbath is an immersive sound experience that uses different vibrations and frequencies via crystal sound bowls and other instruments to allow clien...

30Apr

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Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: Melanie Smyth

In this alumni interview we speak with Melanie Smyth, a proud adult nursing graduate from UWS Ayr Campus, who has built an impressive career beyond traditional clinical practice. Now serving as Senior Director of Clinical Operations at hVIVO in London, Melanie reflects on her journey from the wards to senior leadership. Melanie Smyth BSc Adult Nursing 2008 Looking back, what originally inspired you to study nursing and why did you choose UWS? I've always seen nursing as more than just a ‘job’ - it's something in you, I genuinely believe it’s something you’re born with. I carry my nursing values with me everywhere, not just at work but also in my personal life. I chose UWS mainly because it had a great reputation and was close to my parents’ house, which made things easier while I ...

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

25Mar

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Alumni Stories, Featured

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

NHS Fife has announced the appointment of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate William Edwards as its new Chief Executive. William Edwards, BA Business and Management 1999 William joins NHS Fife from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where he has served as Deputy Chief Executive since May 2025, having previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer. William said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of NHS Fife. It is a privilege to lead an organisation with such a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred care. “I look forward to working closely with staff, partners and local communities to build on existing strengths, embrace innovation and ensure our services are sustainable for the future. Together, we will focus on delivering safe, effect...

Royal College of Midwives Announces Retired Member of Staff as an Honorary Fellow

16Mar

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News

Royal College of Midwives Announces Retired Member of Staff as an Honorary Fellow

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has recognised a retired member of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) staff for their exceptional contributions to midwifery, maternity care and the wider profession. Professor Jean Rankin Professor Jean Rankin was one of three new honorary fellows of the RCM announced in March 2026, each recognised for their significant influence on maternity care, education and professional leadership. Jean, who started at the then University of Paisley in 1996, received the honour in recognition of her contribution to midwifery over a career spanning more than 40 years. As an academic midwife, researcher and educator, Jean has supported and mentored hundreds of student midwives and registered midwives retiring from UWS in 2022. Her work has influe...

Dedicated Midwife Recognised with Prestigious Award

11Mar

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Dedicated Midwife Recognised with Prestigious Award

A dedicated and inspiring University of the West of Scotland (UWS) recent graduate has been named Student Midwife of the Year at the 2026 Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Awards. Photo: Mira Waligora Mira Waligora, who studied Midwifery at UWS, was recognised for her impressive initiative, leadership, and contribution, not only to the women and families she works with, but also in her role as Vice-President of the UWS Midwifery Society. The RCM Awards celebrate, reward and share outstanding achievements in the midwifery profession across the UK. Graduating from UWS in 2025, Mira was active in student leadership, establishing the UWS Midwifery Society podcast and developing initiatives for working with interpreters in maternity services. She has led workshops on language, cu...

Recognition for UWS Graduate at the Study UK Alumni Awards

18Feb

By uwsalumni2 Comments

Alumni Stories, Featured

Recognition for UWS Graduate at the Study UK Alumni Awards

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been recognised at the Study UK Alumni Awards in Pakistan. Shaheena Salman Alwani, who studied Maternal and Child Health at UWS, was a finalist in the Science and Sustainability category of the Awards that celebrate the outstanding achievements of international UK alumni worldwide. Shaheena said: "I was delighted to be a finalist in the Alumni Awards and to be recognised for my work in healthcare was particularly pleasing." A senior nursing leader with over two decades of experience in education reform, research, and community health in Pakistan. Shaheena champions evidence-informed practice across maternal and child health, mental health, geriatrics, and primary care, with internationally recognised research and WHO...

2Dec

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News

UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...

Inspirational Students Celebrated at Dumfries Graduation

23Oct

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News

Inspirational Students Celebrated at Dumfries Graduation

Two outstanding students have been awarded for their academic achievements at University of the West of Scotland’s Dumfries graduation ceremony on Wednesday 22 October 2025. At the first of the University’s winter graduations, Anna McKenna and Charlie McClure-Towers were recognised for their significant commitment and contribution during their studies at UWS. Anna McKenna Anna graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing and was awarded the Evelyn Hastings Prize which is managed by The Crichton Foundation. Anna has demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication throughout her nursing degree, managing her studies while navigating a deeply challenging personal situation at home, when during her training, a close relative became seriously ill and passed away. Despite this, Anna re...