We are delighted to share that Leah Kirkwood and Florence Jack-Petter from Leamington Primary Care Network (PCN) have been named winners of the Student Innovation in Practice Award at the 2026 Student Nursing Times Awards.
Leah and Florence were recognised for their contribution to developing and delivering an innovative, nurse-led outreach service aimed at improving access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.
Working as part of Leamington PCN and in partnership with local organisations including Helping Hands Community Project, they helped to establish a twice-monthly community clinic designed to reach individuals who may otherwise struggle to engage with traditional primary care services.
The clinic provides a safe, accessible environment where patients can receive health checks, support for long-term conditions, mental health support and onward referrals. Student nursing associates played a central role in delivering the service, helping to build trust with patients and provide personalised, compassionate care.
The development of the outreach clinics was supported by Dr Maud, whose clinical expertise and ongoing encouragement helped to shape the service and ensure it met patient needs effectively.
The impact of this work has been significant, with over 200 consultations delivered to 75 patients. The service has supported earlier identification and management of conditions such as hypertension, while also helping to reduce pressure on other parts of the health system by providing care in the community.
Judges praised the project as “an innovative, nurse-led and responsive service with a clear human touch and a patient-centred approach”, highlighting Leah and Florence’s leadership and the measurable impact of their work.
This success is a testament to the Leamington PCN, whose support for this initiative reflects a long-term investment in the Nursing Associate Programme and the continued development of nursing across its practices.
This national recognition reflects both Leah and Florence’s dedication and the wider work of Leamington PCN in delivering inclusive, patient-focused care and tackling health inequalities.
We are incredibly proud to see their work recognised on a national stage and extend our congratulations to both on this well-deserved success.
You can view the full list of winners on the Student Nursing Times Awards website: Student Nursing Times Awards 2026
Leah and Florence are part of SWGP’s Additional Roles (ARRS) team, working exclusively for Leamington PCN. We employ additional roles staff on behalf of our member practices and PCNs to build a strong and resilient workforce across primary care in South Warwickshire.
Leah Kirkwood and Florence Jack-Petter, Leamington PCN