Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPs and Executive Director Nursing
Mrs Donna Keenan commenced her nursing career in 1985 at Altnagelvin Hospital. Following qualification, she practised in both Altnagelvin Hospital and Belfast City Hospital, where she completed the Coronary Care Course. She subsequently specialised in Cardiology for 27 years.
During her clinical career, Mrs Keenan undertook professional development, including:
- BSc (Hons) Public Policy and Management
- BSc Nursing (Specialist in Cardiology)
- Advanced Diploma in Advanced Health Care Studies
- Master’s level modules in Communication
- Advanced Life Support Instructor qualification
She also held key clinical and advisory roles, including Nurse Advisor for GP Out-of-Hours services. Mrs Keenan served as Ward Sister in Cardiology for 11 years at Tyrone County Hospital and later as Lead Nurse, demonstrating sustained leadership in acute and specialist care services.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing and the establishment of the Cardiac Assessment Unit, Mrs Keenan was awarded:
- RCN Nurse of the Year (2010)
- Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year for Health (2010)
In 2012, she was appointed Service Manager for Cardiology and Respiratory Services across the Western Health and Social Care Trust. From 2015, she held senior operational leadership roles as Assistant Director for Diagnostics, and subsequently for Emergency Care and Medicine within the Southern Sector. She was appointed Assistant Director of Nursing in 2017.
In December 2021, Mrs Keenan was appointed Interim Executive Director of Nursing and Director of Primary Care & Older People’s Services. Following corporate restructuring in November 2023, she assumed the role of Interim Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery & AHP Services.
In May 2024, Mrs Keenan was successfully appointed to the substantive position of Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery & AHP Services.
In March 2026, Ulster University conferred upon Mrs Keenan the title of Honorary Professor within the School of Nursing and Paramedic Sciences, in recognition of her excellence in clinical practice and leadership in nursing.
If you require detail on the structure of the Nursing, Midwifery & AHP Services directorate, please contact katrina.quinn@westerntrust.hscni.net.