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.”
5. Pictured (L-R) are: Emily Roberts, Public Health Agency, Roisin Curry and Victoria Page, runners-up in the Public Health Award and Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director. Roisin Curry, Consultant Nurse, and Victoria Page, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at the Western Trust, were named runners-up in the Public Health Award, sponsored by the Public Health Agency. They were recognised for developing a nurse-led assessment service for individuals seeking international protection, ensuring early health assessment, care, and referral while responding to growing demand. Working in partnership with a range of agencies and community organisations, they have promoted integration, inclusion, and wellbeing, with a particular focus on women’s health. Their compassionate and collaborative approach has been widely praised, with service users highlighting the kindness and support they consistently provide.
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6. Pictured (L-R) are: Ashling Green, Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Carolann McLaughlin, winner of the Patient’s Choice Award and Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director. Carolann McLaughlin, a Breast Care Nurse based at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, won the Patient’s Choice Award sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital. Carolann was nominated by a patient diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, who described her as a constant source of reassurance and support. From the outset, Carolann guided her through a complex care journey involving surgery, chemotherapy, maternity care and genetic counselling. Carolann was recognised for her compassionate, women-centred approach, consistently providing reassurance and high-quality care to both patients and their families.
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7. Pictured (L-R) are: Professor Kenda Crozier, Queen’s University, Belfast, Michaela Devine, winner of the Student Award and Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director. Michaela Devine, from Derry, has been named the winner of the Student Award, sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to person-centred care. This has been demonstrated through both her academic excellence and her leadership within the community. As the founder of a cross-community and cross-border initiative for young women promoting inclusion, confidence, and mutual understanding, Michaela has consistently championed equality and advocacy. Her achievements have been recognised with a number of accolades, including Young Woman of the Year from Derry City Council, the Dean’s List for two consecutive years, and the Agnes Jones Gift of Nursing Award at Ulster University. Her nominator described her as “dedicated to supporting individuals holistically and delivering care with integrity and compassion.”
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8. Pictured (L-R) are: Mandy Mitchell, Healthcare Ireland, Micky Glenn, winner of the Health Care Support Worker Award and Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director. Micky Glenn, Healthcare Assistant in the Western Trust, won the Health Care Support Worker Award sponsored by Healthcare Ireland. He was recognised for his exceptional standard of care and unwavering commitment to patient dignity, comfort, and wellbeing. Described as a genuine advocate for those in his care, Micky was commended for his ability to quickly identify signs of distress and ensure concerns are acted upon, while consistently offering reassurance and support to patients and their families. In addition to his compassionate approach, he plays a key role within his team, fostering a positive working environment and contributing to service improvement initiatives, including the implementation of the Encompass system. His nominator highlighted his compassion, leadership, and dedication, noting the lasting and meaningful impact he has on both patients and colleagues.
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