Derry nurses pick up awards at RCN NI Nurse of the Year Awards 2026

Dr. Andrea Shepherd, from Derry, won the Nursing Research Award in recognition of her ground-breaking person-centred research into families’ experiences of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

Michaela Devine, from Derry, has been named the winner of the Student Award, sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to person-centred care.

Carolann McLaughlin, a Breast Care Nurse based at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, won the Patient’s Choice Award sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital.

Micky Glenn, Healthcare Assistant in the Western Trust, won the Health Care Support Worker Award sponsored by Healthcare Ireland.

Marie Donnelly, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care at the Western Trust, won the Palliative Care Award, sponsored by Marie Curie.

Claire Kerr, from Derry, was named runner-up in the Directors of Nursing Award, sponsored by the five Health and Social Care Trusts.

Caroline McIvor, a Community Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care at Foyle Hospice, was awarded runner-up in the Independent Sector Nursing Award, sponsored by Balmoral Health Care.

Laura Gormley-McLaughlin, Mental Health Liaison Service Manager at the Western Trust, was named runner-up in the Leadership Award, sponsored by the Ulster Independent Clinic.

Roisin Curry, Consultant Nurse, and Victoria Page, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at the Western Trust, were named runners-up in the Public Health Award, sponsored by the Public Health Agency.

Roisin Curry, Consultant Nurse, and Victoria Page, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at the Western Trust, were named runners-up in the Public Health Award, sponsored by the Public Health Agency.

The overall winner of the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2026 was Linda Hamilton, paediatric ophthalmology manager in the Belfast Trust, who won the award for her work to transform and improve eye care for premature babies.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Many congratulations to all of the nominees and winners and thank you, thank you to every one of you, for everything you do. To your families and colleagues, I extend our deepest appreciation for your steadfast support.

"I’m out and about in health and social care settings every week, meeting nurses, marvelling at your brilliant combination of professionalism, based on your training and experience and your compassion, based on your humanity and ability to empathise. Your dedication and care to those who are in need is unwavering and untiring and for that we salute you.

“Events like this matter. Not because of the awards themselves, important as they are, but because they give us a moment to pause, to reflect, and to say publicly and without reservation: thank you. Thank you for the skill you bring, the compassion you show, and the quiet leadership you demonstrate every single day, often far from the spotlight.”

Professor Rita Devlin added: “Every year, these awards recognise the remarkable talent, dedication and professionalism demonstrated by nurses across Northern Ireland and their ongoing commitment to delivering excellent care.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, who exemplify the very highest standards of the profession.”