Yvonne Leavy (55), Advanced Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NHS Lothian, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding contributions to epilepsy care.
The mother-of-three is among 110 recipients in Scotland to be recognised with this prestigious accolade, with a particular focus on those who have dedicated their time to public service.
Nursing has been a lifelong passion for Yvonne, who began her career at the age of 18 in Dundee. After qualifying, she gained valuable experience working in Oxford and London, where she earned her MSc in Epileptology. In 2003, she returned to Scotland to take up her role as an Epilepsy Specialist Nurse at the former DCN at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.
Yvonne expressed her joy upon receiving the honour: “It was all so exciting and a bit overwhelming. I didn’t even tell my family at first as I was unsure it would actually happen.”
Yvonne remains an integral part of the small and highly specialised team at NHS Lothian. She credits the experience and training she received at renowned epilepsy centres for igniting and nurturing her interest in epilepsy. Her passion for epilepsy education led her to collaborate with Napier University to develop an online training course for professionals working in epilepsy. She also contributed to the creation of the nursing chapter of The International League of Epilepsy, which supports nurses providing epilepsy care globally.
Yvonne added, “This award acknowledges the importance of nursing and epilepsy specialist nursing in particular. People with epilepsy face significant challenges and yet they also show incredible dignity and resilience. It is an honour to be involved in helping them to live their lives to the fullest. I hope the future brings improved funding for this common condition and I am ready to drive this forward alongside my incredible colleagues here in Edinburgh.”
Alison MacDonald, Executive Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Yvonne Leavy recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
“This is a well-deserved acknowledgement of her outstanding contributions to epilepsy care.
“Yvonne’s dedication, expertise and compassion have made a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many patients and families. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of the NHS Lothian team.”
Yvonne is one of 1,214 remarkable individuals to be honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list.
