Northern Trust health visitor wins prestigious UK SCPHN award

A newly qualified health visitor with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has won a prestigious UK-wide award from the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV).

Mary Donnelly took first place in the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Student Health Visitor Award in recognition of her commitment to addressing health inequalities through advocacy work with vulnerable migrant families.

Following her success, Mary was invited to present her work at the iHV Leadership Conference in London last month.

Reflecting on the experience, Mary said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received the award – it still feels surreal. Attending the conference was a huge honour and a valuable opportunity to learn from others and celebrate the difference we can make together.

“My work highlighting health risks for migrant families has shown me how vital the SCPHN role is in supporting vulnerable communities. I’m so grateful to Anne-Marie, my practice supervisor, for reminding me that students can drive meaningful change, and I hope this recognition provides a platform to raise further awareness."

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Mary is now a Health Visitor with the Public Health Nursing Team based in Ballymena, and is looking forward to continuing to advocate for those most in need through her role: “As health visitors, it is our duty to promote the safety, health and wellbeing of all children. The power of advocacy and the voice that health visitors have in promoting equity can influence real change for the families in our care,” she said.

Ciara McIlhatton, Nurse Manager, added: "All of us within the Public Health Nursing Team want to say congratulations to Mary on her award. We are delighted that she is now continuing her career with us after successfully completing her training."

Northern Trust Health Visitor, Mary Donnelly, winner of the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Student Health Visitor Award, pictured with Alison Morton, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting.

Offering her congratulations to Mary, Wendy Mallon, Lecturer and Course Director for the SCPHN Pathways at Ulster University, said: “I am delighted that Mary has been awarded first prize in the iHV Student Awards. Mary has demonstrated a commitment, passion and innovation in SCPHN practice and her academic studies over the duration of the programme.

“She is displaying leadership skills and specialist knowledge in identifying children and families who are among the most vulnerable in communities in order to address health inequalities and improve health outcomes.”