14/06/2021
Michelle Doherty, Cancer Services Nurse Specialist at the Western Trust, has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 with the award of an MBE.
Nominated for incredible service to cancer patients at the North-West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital, and indeed her stellar nursing career, Michelle insists that the award is testament to the great work being done by the entire team, often in the most difficult of circumstances.
Despite a career which has spanned four decades, Michelle admitted that the award has come as a huge surprise: “I really can’t believe this has happened. I feel very honoured. I love being a nurse and I am blessed to have made it to over 40 years in the profession.
“During my career I have met many wonderful people and I remember countless patients and carers who have left me humbled and inspired every day.
“I feel very privileged to be part of a great team- a lung team that works exceptionally hard. I am in awe of their knowledge, skills and genuine drive to provide best care with the patient always at the heart of all they do – the way that it should be and I am so thankful and proud of them all past and present. Throughout my career I have been surrounded by wonderful nursing colleagues who have always encouraged me and helped me in my personal life.
“I couldn’t have done the long unsociable hours without the love and support from my husband Leo and children Peter and Megan. I feel this is also a tribute to them and I can’t wait to go to the palace with them. The reaction from everyone has been overwhelming especially from my sister Joan who is also a nurse and my brother Stephen.
“My only regret is that my parents aren’t alive to be part of it. My father was from Yorkshire and I know he would have been particularly pleased. This is such a lovely end to my career and it is with sincere pleasure and gratitude that I accept this honour.”
MBE awards are issued only twice per year and are granted in recognition of outstanding achievements and extraordinary contributions to society.