29/04/2026
The Western Trust is celebrating the outstanding success of our North West Cancer Centre Oncology Team (Oncology Team of the Year) and Pharmacy Teams in this year’s Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards.
Geraldine McKay, Director of Unscheduled Care Medicine, Cancer & Clinical Services at the Western Trust expressed her delight for both the North West Cancer Centre Oncology Team and the pharmacy teams across the Western Trust who have been recognised in this year’s Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards 2026. Geraldine said:
“Congratulations to staff in the North West Cancer Centre Oncology Team and all the pharmacy teams who attended the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards at the Europa Hotel last week. We are delighted to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and innovative spirit demonstrated by our teams across the Western Trust area.”
Daryl Connolly, Interim Head of Pharmacy & Medicines Management said:
“Special recognition goes to a number of pharmacy teams that were nominated for awards at this year’s event. Jacquie Hanley and Oonagh Donnelly, whose leadership within the antimicrobial team secured the ‘Excellence in Antimicrobial Stewardship’ award for the Western Trust. Their collaborative work with the Southern Trust to introduce 24-hour elastomeric infusers for complex infections represents a significant advancement in patient care.”
“We also commend Rachel Ward, Una Larkin, Mayfan Ling and the Northern Ireland Clinical Education Pharmacist Team for being named ‘Hospital Pharmacy Team of the Year’ – a testament to their dedication to clinical education and excellence. The award also recognises the wider teams across the Trust who support an excellent experience for pharmacy undergraduate students visiting the Western Trust.”
Daryl added:
“It is important to celebrate the Cancer & Technical Pharmacy Services Team, who were deserving finalists in the same category for implementing the MedPoint Solo machine—demonstrating a commitment to technical innovation and patient-centred care. This team also received a national HSJ award in September for a Macmillan-sponsored project on medicines optimisation in cancer patients.”
Finally, heartfelt congratulations to the North West Cancer Centre Oncology Team for winning ‘Oncology Team of the Year’. The Team has transformed cancer care by introduction of the innovative 2-Step Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Delivery Model, significantly enhancing patient quality of life. By separating assessment and treatment over two days, the redesigned model has given patients calmer days, fewer delays, more predictability and more control over their lives. That is the real win.
Dr Hossam Abdulkhalek, Divisional Clinical Director of cancer and diagnostic services said:
“This award reflects the voices of our patients and carers who trusted us, challenged us and co-designed a better way of delivering cancer care. It reflects the compassion of nurses, doctors, pharmacists, AHPs, Admin and support staff who show up every day determined to make someone’s hardest moments a little better. Proud of the team and grateful for our patients.”
Daryl concluded:
“These accomplishments reflect the passion and professionalism of our teams. Your collective efforts continue to inspire progress in pharmacy practice and improve patient outcomes across Northern Ireland and beyond.”