09/06/2026
Nurses and healthcare staff from the Western Trust are celebrating outstanding success at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Awards 2026, recognising excellence in patient care, leadership and innovation.
The Trust was proud to see staff honoured across a number of categories, with three winners and several runners up, highlighting the dedication, compassion and expertise of teams across the organisation.
Award Winners
Carolann McLaughlin, Breast Care Nurse at Altnagelvin Hospital, received the Patient Choice Award. Carolann was nominated by a patient who was diagnosed with breast cancer while 25 weeks pregnant with her first child. At a time of significant uncertainty, the patient described Carolann as a constant source of reassurance, clearly explaining treatment options and offering hope of a positive outcome.
Throughout the patient’s cancer and maternity journey, Carolann maintained regular contact, providing both clinical guidance and emotional support. She even checked in with the maternity ward on the day the patient delivered her baby.
The patient highlighted how Carolann also signposted support services and recovery opportunities, helping her to look ahead positively following treatment. The judging panel praised Carolann’s women centred approach and her commitment to going above and beyond for patients and their families.
Micky Glenn, Healthcare Assistant in Altnagelvin Outpatients, won the Healthcare Support Worker Award. Micky was recognised for his exceptional commitment to the dignity, comfort and wellbeing of patients. His nomination highlighted his ability to identify signs of discomfort, confusion or distress, particularly among older and more vulnerable patients, and to act quickly to ensure appropriate care is provided.
He was also praised for supporting families during difficult moments, offering reassurance and clear communication at times of uncertainty. Within the team, Micky fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, contributing to a positive and supportive working environment.
His nominator described him as:
“An outstanding individual who makes patients feel safe, colleagues feel supported, and the department a better place to work and receive care.”
Marie Donnelly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care for Omagh and Fermanagh, received the Palliative Care Award, sponsored by Marie Curie. Marie was recognised for identifying a gap in end of life care, where patients did not always have timely access to medication to manage pain and symptoms in the community.
In response, she led the development of the ‘Just in Case Service’, bringing together stakeholders to design a service focused on early identification of need, proactive planning and patient centred care. The initiative supports patients to remain at home, where this is their preference, while reducing distress and avoidable hospital admissions.
Marie also developed a bespoke ‘Just in Case’ booklet to better meet the needs of patients and families, and has worked to ensure the sustainability of this resource. The service has now been successfully evaluated and implemented across community care.
Runners-Up
Claire Kerr, Lead Nurse in Adult Mental Health Services, was runner up in the Directors of Nursing Award. Claire has played a key role in strengthening mental health services across the Trust. She established a senior nurse forum to support shared learning and improve patient outcomes, while also addressing professional nursing challenges collaboratively.
She led the development of Rathview House Assessment Unit, a six bedded facility designed to support patients experiencing acute mental health crises and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. The unit now admits between 200–250 patients annually, with the majority successfully discharged to community pathways.
Claire has also strengthened workforce capacity through successful business cases for additional nursing roles and has led improvements recognised positively by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
Laura McLaughlin, Mental Health Liaison Service Manager, was runner up in the Leadership Award. Laura led the implementation of the liaison service across the Western Trust, connecting acute hospitals, mental health services and the community sector. She manages a multidisciplinary team focused on improving patient pathways and integration of care.
She has demonstrated strong commitment to innovation and leadership development, completing the Nightingale global leadership programme and contributing to digital initiatives, including a self help anxiety app and a virtual library.
Laura is also undertaking PhD research focused on the use of digital technology in supporting patients, while actively engaging with service users and carers to shape services.
Charlene Miller, Healthcare Assistant in Ophthalmology at Altnagelvin Hospital, was runner up in the Healthcare Support Worker Award. Charlene was recognised for her compassion, professionalism and ability to support patients who may feel anxious or vulnerable about their vision and treatment.
Her calm approach, attention to detail and strong work ethic help ensure clinics run smoothly, even under pressure. She builds strong relationships with patients who attend regularly, understanding the wider impact of ophthalmic conditions on independence, confidence and quality of life.
Her nominator described her as the
“epitome of what a healthcare support worker should be”.
Roisin Curry, Consultant Nurse (Public Health), and Victoria Page, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse, were runners up in the Public Health Award. They were recognised for developing a nurse led service to support individuals seeking international protection, ensuring early identification of health needs and appropriate referral for care and screening.
Their work has expanded significantly, with increasing numbers of health assessments completed and a strong focus on addressing health inequalities. They have brought together partners across health, housing, education and the community sector to support complex cases and promote integration.
Their work also includes targeted women’s health initiatives, community engagement and regular drop in clinics, supporting improved access to care.
Speaking about the Western Trust’s success at the 2026 RCN NI Nurse of the Year Awards, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPs and Executive Director of Nursing Donna Keenan said:
“I am delighted to see our staff recognised at this year’s RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards. Carolann, Micky, Marie, Claire, Laura, Charlene, Roisin and Victoria have each demonstrated exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for patients and families across our services.
“Their achievements reflect the dedication, leadership and innovation shown every day by our nursing and healthcare teams. We are incredibly proud of all those who were recognised, and of the wider workforce who continue to make such a positive difference to the lives of the people we care for.
“Thank you for your continued commitment to improving patient care — this recognition is very well deserved.”