Joan Pons Laplana is a multi-award-winning nurse, campaigner, and healthcare leader whose career spans over 25 years of transformative work across the NHS. Originally from Spain and now one of the UK’s most recognisable nursing voices, Joan is known for his dynamic leadership, frontline advocacy, and unwavering commitment to patient-centred care and workforce empowerment.

An autistic nurse and proud neurodiversity advocate, Joan has become a leading voice in driving inclusion across the NHS. His work with national bodies – including NHS England, the Nursing & Midwifery Council, NHS Employers, and the Royal College of Nursing – has helped shape policy and practice around neurodivergent workforce support, visibility, and data. His openness and authenticity have sparked national conversations on how healthcare systems can better embrace and enable diverse talent.

Joan’s impact extends globally through his leadership of innovative campaigns that blend compassion with digital creativity. His l “Kissing Goodbye to Sepsis” initiative raised awareness and improved clinical response across NHS trusts, while the Flu Bee Game –  a digital tool to boost staff vaccination uptake – demonstrated his flair for engaging healthcare professionals in meaningful change. These efforts earned him prestigious accolades, including the British Journal of Nursing’s “ Nurse of the Year” (2018), HSJ Award for Improving Patient Safety (2017), HSJ Value Awards for IT & Innovation Award (2020), the Cavell Star for his services in Nursing and in 2024 because of his work during COVID, Joan was awarded the BBC Sheffield Make a Difference Carer Award.

Known as “The Roaring Nurse,” Joan’s storytelling and social media presence have united thousands of healthcare professionals, amplifying voices and building communities of support and innovation. He regularlyserves as a judge for national healthcare and innovation awards, championing excellence, compassion, and inclusive leadership.

In his current role as Area Manager for Choices College at NHS England, Joan leads programmes that create inclusive learning pathways for individuals entering or re-engaging with healthcare careers. His work is rooted in the belief that everyone — regardless of background,ability, or circumstance — deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to care.

A two-time Guinness World Record holder, passionate campaigner, and champion of compassionate leadership, Joan Pons Laplana continues to inspire healthcare professionals across the world to lead purpose, pride, and courage.