Dr Vicky Payne receives Outstanding Contribution Award from the Neonatal Nursing Association

Congratulations to Dr Vicky Payne in Health Sciences, who has received an Outstanding Contribution to Neonatal Nursing Award from the Neonatal Nurses’ Association (NNA).

The award recognises Vicky’s work across research, education and knowledge exchange in neonatal nursing.

It is the first time that the NNA has introduced the Outstanding Contribution category to its annual award ceremony – making Vicky the first neonatal nurse in the UK to receive the award.

Vicky, a Principal Teaching Fellow and lead for the Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Pathway , said: “I was really delighted to be nominated and then incredibly honoured to have received such a significant award.

“I feel fortunate to have had mentors and colleagues who have supported and encouraged me, enabling me to take on the next challenge”

Sharing best practice with colleagues across the globe

Vicky was nominated for the award by a specialist paediatrician in Sweden who she works with as part of the not-for-profit 99 NICU initiative – a platform for neonatal healthcare professional across the world to connect, exchange experiences, and share best practice.

She is part of a small team who coordinate the network, organising events and conferences and collaborating with advocacy groups.

“My work with the 99 NICU is a really good opportunity to network with healthcare professionals who work in different ways across global boundaries, deliver educational content that is free and accessible, collaborate with advocacy and charitable organisations, and promote the latest evidence-based practices” said Vicky.

Inspiring the next generation of neonatal nurses

Vicky trained as a paediatric nurse before specialising in neonatal care. She went on to complete her advanced neonatal nurse practitioner training before undertaking a PhD while based at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton on the implementation of complex interventions to reduce neonatal bloodstream infections.

Following her PhD, she has undertaken national-level consultancy projects focusing on neonatal care quality, before joining the University full time to lead the MSc Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner pathway.

“Neonatal nursing has always been my passion,” said Vicky.

“I think there is something uniquely special about neonatal nursing; being able to advocate and care for babies and their families at a time that, generally speaking, no one ever anticipates being in; nobody really knows about a neonatal unit until you're in it.”

She added: “I’m really grateful to both the University of Southampton and University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust for supporting my professional development, including supporting me to undertake my PhD.

“Few neonatal nurses in the UK, currently, have opportunities to undertake doctoral study or work in clinical-academic roles, and I think to develop roles that span traditional boundaries, where you’re able to lead research, develop clinical expertise, and deliver high-quality education, is important for the future of neonatal nursing.

“I would like to be able to support others who are taking their next steps in their neonatal nursing careers, and, hopefully, inspire other neonatal nurses to think outside the box around what their career could look like and how they can make a difference.”

Vicky received the award at the NNA’s annual conference in October 2025. The NNA represents neonatal nurses across the UK to enhance standards, influence policy, and promote wellbeing for both nurses and the babies and families they care for.

Katie Gallagher, Chair of the Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA), said: “We are honoured to present the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Neonatal Nursing Award to a truly exceptional individual whose lifelong dedication and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for babies and families has set a gold standard in our field.

This award stands as a testament to the profound and lasting impact of Vicky's work.”