Several local nurses from the Western Health & Social Care Trust have won awards at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards 2026 held at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood last Thursday (June 5).
Paying tribute to the nursing profession the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Many congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and winners and thank you, thank you to every one of you, for everything you do. To your families and colleagues, I extend our deepest appreciation for your steadfast support.
“I’m out and about in health and social care settings every week, meeting nurses, marvelling at your brilliant combination of professionalism, based on your training and experience and your compassion, based on your humanity and ability to empathise. Your dedication and care to those who are in need is unwavering and untiring and for that we salute you.
“Events like this matter. Not because of the awards themselves, important as they are, but because they give us a moment to pause, to reflect, and to say publicly and without reservation: thank you. Thank you for the skill you bring, the compassion you show, and the quiet leadership you demonstrate every single day, often far from the spotlight.”
1. Pictured (L-R) are: Angela Ballantine, Balmoral Healthcare, Caroline McIvor, runner-up in the Independent Sector Nursing Award and Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director. Caroline McIvor, a Community Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care at Foyle Hospice, was awarded runner-up in the Independent Sector Nursing Award, sponsored by Balmoral Health Care. She was recognised for her impactful work in enhancing palliative care within the community, particularly through the use of her prescribing qualification. Caroline played a key role in a pathfinder project enabling hospice nurses to issue prescriptions directly, reducing delays and improving timely access to essential medicines for patients at home. Her efforts have significantly improved patient experience, shortened waiting times and alleviated pressure on families during end-of-life care. Following its success, this approach has been adopted across hospice services in Northern Ireland, highlighting her important contribution to advancing care delivery.
RCN
2. Pictured is Charlene Miller, runner-up in the Health Care Support Worker Award sponsored by Healthcare Ireland. Charlene Miller, a Healthcare Assistant in the ophthalmology team at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, was named runner-up in the Health Care Support Worker Award, sponsored by Healthcare Ireland. She was recognised for her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to both patients and colleagues. Known for consistently going above and beyond, Charlene brings a calm and reassuring presence, using her attention to detail to support patients who may feel anxious or vulnerable about their vision or treatment. She plays a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care and supporting team efficiency. Her nominator highlighted her holistic approach, praising her commitment to promoting patients’ independence, confidence, and quality of life, as well as the strong and trusting relationships she builds with those in her care.
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3. Pictured (L-R) are Claire Kerr, runner-up in the Directors of Nursing Award and Donna Keenan, Director of Nursing, Western HSC Trust. Claire Kerr, from Derry, was named runner-up in the Directors of Nursing Award, sponsored by the five Health and Social Care Trusts. Lead nurse Claire, was recognised for her significant contribution to enhancing mental health services across the Western Trust, including establishing a senior nurse forum to strengthen learning, collaboration, and patient outcomes. Claire also led the development of Rathview House Assessment Unit, supporting patients in crisis to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions while enabling timely discharge to community-based care. Her leadership has strengthened workforce capacity and multidisciplinary working, alongside improving support for newly qualified nurses. Her impact was further acknowledged through a positive RQIA review, which highlighted her strong leadership and visible influence across services.
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4. Pictured (L-R) are: Diane Graham, The Ulster Independent Clinic, Laura Gormley McLaughlin, runner-up in the Leadership Award and Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director. Laura Gormley-McLaughlin, Mental Health Liaison Service Manager at the Western Trust, was named runner-up in the Leadership Award, sponsored by the Ulster Independent Clinic. She was recognised for leading the successful implementation of the liaison service across the Trust, managing a multidisciplinary team that connects acute hospitals, mental health services, and community partners. Known for her innovative approach, Laura has contributed to award-winning projects and continues to advance her expertise through PhD research. A strong advocate for staff development, co-production, and lifelong learning, her nominator highlighted that she “prioritises nurturing and developing staff,” while the judging panel described her as a strategic nurse leader, commending her innovation and ability to inspire others.
RCN