Letterkenny University Hospital trio rewaded for making a difference
Nollaig Simms, Aimee Lynch and Ciaran Callaghan were chosen to receive a DAISY Award after being nominated by co-workers and patients
Three outstanding staff members from Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have been acknowledged for the difference they make in their patients' lives.
Nollaig Simms, Aimee Lynch and Ciaran Callaghan were chosen to receive a DAISY Award after being nominated by co-workers and patients.
Nollaig, staff nurse, Medical 5 was nominated by a patient’s daughter in gratitude for the patient-centred care provided to her father who suffers from dementia.
Aimee, staff nurse in oncology, was commended by her nominators for her kindness and compassion, not only for their very ill friend, but for them, his loved ones.
Ciaran, CANP, Emergency Department, was nominated for his skill and calm, reassuring nature during a stressful visit to the Emergency Department.
Following the resounding success of the DAISY Awards at LUH in 2024, the hospital is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with the DAISY Foundation into 2025. The first quarter awards ceremony took place today recognising the outstanding, compassionate care delivered by staff at LUH.
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honours and celebrates the exceptional clinical skill and extraordinary compassion that Nurses and Midwives provide to patients and their families every day. Established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes in the United States after his passing at the age of 33, the DAISY Foundation has grown into a global movement, with participating hospitals recognising caregivers who go above and beyond in their roles.
At LUH, four DAISY award ceremonies are held annually. Each nominee is presented with a DAISY nomination certificate and pin, with three honourees selected per quarter to receive the prestigious DAISY Award. Honourees receive a hand-carved 'Healer's Touch' sculpture, an honouree pin, a certificate, and cinnamon buns to share with colleagues which is a tradition that began with Patrick Barnes’ family.
In 2024 alone, over 120 LUH Nurses and Midwives were nominated, with many nominations coming directly from grateful patients and their families. The Quarter 1 awards were deeply moving, with 28 nominees celebrated for their exceptional dedication and compassionate patient care.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Orla Noonan-Sweeney, Interim Director of Nursing at LUH, said: “On behalf of myself and Director of Midwifery Evelyn Smith, I would like to say how proud we are of our nurses and midwives who have been nominated for their professionalism and compassionate care. I want to congratulate Nollaig, Aimee, and Ciaran on their richly deserved awards. The DAISY Awards are a heartfelt celebration of the human side of healthcare. They remind us all that the everyday acts of kindness and compassionate care leave a lasting impression.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the diligent work of Marie Callaghan ADON Magnet programme lead and the previous director of Nursing Dr Anne Drake for her vision and commitment to implement this programme.”