London | April 2026
Andrew Barton, from the National Infusion and Vascular Access Society Services (NIVAS), has been named Nurse of the Year at the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) Awards 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to patient care, clinical leadership, and innovation in intravenous therapy services.
The award celebrates Andrew’s commitment to improving safety, quality, and outcomes for patients requiring complex IV therapies. Judges praised his consistent leadership within NIVAS, his dedication to evidence‑based practice, and his role in supporting and developing colleagues across multidisciplinary teams.
Andrew has been instrumental in advancing best practice in IV services, championing high standards of training, governance, and patient-centred care. His work has had a significant impact not only within NIVAS, but nationally, contributing to safer and more effective use of intravenous therapies across healthcare settings.
Speaking following the announcement, Andrew said he was “honoured and humbled” to receive the award, adding that it reflected the collective effort of the wider NIVAS team:
Andrew currently works at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, where he holds a senior clinical leadership role in intravenous therapy and vascular access. He is a Nurse Consultant / Clinical Nurse Specialist in Vascular Access and IV Therapy and is corporately responsible for IV therapy and vascular access services across the trust.
Alongide his substantive NHS role, Andrew also serves nationally as the Chair of the National Infusion and Vascular Access Society (NIVAS).
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It has been a privilege to work alongside Andrew through his leadership on the NIVAS Board. Andrew’s dedication to advancing infusion and vascular access practice is evident in everything he does. He brings an unwavering commitment to excellence, underpinned by his clinical expertise, a clear patient‑safety focus, and a genuine desire to raise standards nationally for the benefit of both patients and professionals.
As a Board member and Chair, Andrew leads with integrity, clarity, and purpose. He consistently champions evidence‑based practice, supports constructive challenge, and ensures that NIVAS remains a credible, authoritative voice within UK healthcare. His ability to balance leadership with practical clinical insight has been instrumental in shaping national guidance, supporting innovation, and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration across the sector.
Andrew’s leadership is also marked by generosity and professionalism. He actively supports and mentors others, values diverse perspectives, and fosters a culture of openness and continuous improvement within the Board. His contribution to NIVAS goes far beyond his role description, and his commitment, energy, and vision continue to have a lasting and positive impact on his employer, NIVAS and the wider clinical community.
Paul Lee
Consultant Clinical Scientist, Board Member, NIVAS
New Guidance Published: Vascular Access Device Flushing and Locking for Paediatric Patients
We are pleased to announce the release of new national guidance on Vascular Access Device Flushing and Locking for Paediatric Patients, now available on the NIVAS website. This guidance has been developed collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including pharmacists, nurses, and paediatric medication safety officers and NIVAS, to address safety risks and variations in practice. It aims to standardise care and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Key highlights of the guidance include:
This document is intended to be a resource for healthcare professionals working with paediatric patients and aligns with national safety priorities to ensure the highest standards of care.
For further information or feedback, please contact Ashifa Trivedi (Editor) at ashifa.trivedi@nhs.net or Andrew Barton (Sub-Editor/Contributor) at andrew.barton@nhs.net.
