Altnagelvin's Paediatric Cardiology team honoured at Western Trust staff recognition awards

At the Western Health and Social Care Trust's (Western Trust) 2025 Staff Recognition Awards, the Altnagelvin Hospital-based Paediatric Cardiology Team was honored with the Improvement, Innovation, and Involvement Award.

Led by Dr. Steven Karayiannis, a pediatrician with expertise in cardiology, the team was recognised for its efforts in transforming care for children with heart disease. The annual ceremony, which celebrates leadership and clinical excellence across 12 main categories, took place recently at the Everglades Hotel in Derry.

The annual Staff Recognition Awards are the highlight of the Western Trust’s year, celebrating the outstanding contribution of staff. There are twelve main award categories and nine professional awards, each designed to acknowledge individual staff and teams and celebrate leadership, compassion, innovation, patient care and working together. 

A number of Altnagelvin Hospital and Derry community based staff and teams were recognised at the awards and joined the Paediatric Cardiology Team in picking up an award. Palliative Care Consultant, Dr Damien McMullan was honoured for the exceptional, compassionate care he shows to people at the end of life. Niall Doody, Therapeutic Assistant was praised for his commitment to supporting people with mental health challenges and people with dementia. 

Principal Social Worker, Seamus Brolly, was recognised for developing a service to support young homeless and separated, asylum seeking children. Breast Screening Unit Manager, Marietta Connor was acknowledged for her exemplary leadership, patient-centred and staff focused approach to leading the Trust’s Breast Screening Service. The International Medical Recruitment Team picked up the Working Together Team Award for their vision and work in attracting medics to the Trust to stabilise the workforce.

IN PICTURES: Western Trust celebrates Derry's healthcare heroes at annual awards

A number of Altnagelvin Hospital and Derry community based staff and teams were recognised at the annual Staff Recognition Award event

The inaugural Darren Strawbridge Mental Health and Wellbeing Award was presented to Perinatal Mental Health Lead Social Worker, Mairead Donnelly for her contribution to supporting women who are affected by perinatal mental health. 

Welcoming everyone to the Trust’s Staff Recognition Awards ceremony, Western Trust Chair, Dr Tom Frawley CBE, said: “This event is one of the highlights of our year – a time when we come together not only to celebrate your achievements, but to recognise the unwavering commitment, compassion and resilience you demonstrate every single day.

“Staff are the beating heart of the Western Trust, playing a vital role in the care we deliver to our patients, service users and the communities we serve. Whether you work on the frontline, within our local communities, or behind the scenes, every contribution matters.

“Our challenges remain constant, and the need to adapt and evolve continues. Yet, we rarely get the opportunity to pause to acknowledge the incredible work, innovation and dedication that happens across our Trust every day. That is precisely what the Staff Recognition Awards are about.”

Dr Frawley continued: “Behind every finalist and team represented is a story of colleagues supporting one another, and of individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference to patients and service users. They are what makes our health and social care service such a unique environment.”

Trust Chief Executive, Neil Guckian expressed his deep appreciation to staff, he said: “Every nominee represents the very best of our values. Whether delivering direct patient care, supporting services behind the scenes or driving innovation, they have made a meaningful difference to the lives of those we serve.  I am incredibly proud of our workforce and humbled by their continued commitment to improving health outcomes for our communities. 

“Whilst the awards highlight outstanding successes, and the implementation of encompass was a huge collective achievement this year, they also reflect the daily efforts of thousands of staff who consistently show resilience, skill and kindness. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Trust staff for always striving to deliver the highest standards of care.  

“Our system continues to face significant pressure, but the strength, creativity and compassion of our staff gives me a continuing confidence in our ability to meet these challenges together.”