Professor Owen Barr, from Derry was presented with the prestigious Kathleen Robb Award for outstanding contribution to nursing, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Practice and education Council (NIPEC). Owen is Professor of Nursing and Intellectual Disabilities at Ulster University. His career began as a registered and community learning disability nurse in Northern Ireland and England, experiences that have shaped his lifelong commitment to improving healthcare for people with learning disabilities. Through pioneering co-designed and solution-focused teaching, he has revolutionised how health professionals are trained—extending his influence from nursing students to paramedics and beyond. His work has led to the development of national educational standards, practice guidelines, and accessible resources that are changing how care is delivered. Paying tribute to Owen at the ceremony, Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland said: “Owen’s evidence-based approach, combined with a deep-rooted passion for inclusive care, continues to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare experiences for some of the most vulnerable in our communities. His dedication has made a lasting difference to both nursing education and the lives of people with learning disabilities.” Jonah Atos, from Derry, was runner up in the Directors of Nursing Award sponsored by the five HSC Trusts. As International nurse co-ordinator in the Western Trust, Jonah was nominated for her dedication and support of internationally educated nurses, supporting them throughout their journey from pastoral care to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The trust maintains a 100% pass rate largely due to Jonah’s dedication and support, and her mission is to promote the integration of IENs into the workforce and community life. The judging panel described Jonah as “an inspirational leader” and “a breath of fresh air”, who is motivating and enthusiastic”. The overall winner of the RCNplaceholder image
Professor Owen Barr, from Derry was presented with the prestigious Kathleen Robb Award for outstanding contribution to nursing, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Practice and education Council (NIPEC). Owen is Professor of Nursing and Intellectual Disabilities at Ulster University. His career began as a registered and community learning disability nurse in Northern Ireland and England, experiences that have shaped his lifelong commitment to improving healthcare for people with learning disabilities. Through pioneering co-designed and solution-focused teaching, he has revolutionised how health professionals are trained—extending his influence from nursing students to paramedics and beyond. His work has led to the development of national educational standards, practice guidelines, and accessible resources that are changing how care is delivered. Paying tribute to Owen at the ceremony, Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland said: “Owen’s evidence-based approach, combined with a deep-rooted passion for inclusive care, continues to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare experiences for some of the most vulnerable in our communities. His dedication has made a lasting difference to both nursing education and the lives of people with learning disabilities.” Jonah Atos, from Derry, was runner up in the Directors of Nursing Award sponsored by the five HSC Trusts. As International nurse co-ordinator in the Western Trust, Jonah was nominated for her dedication and support of internationally educated nurses, supporting them throughout their journey from pastoral care to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The trust maintains a 100% pass rate largely due to Jonah’s dedication and support, and her mission is to promote the integration of IENs into the workforce and community life. The judging panel described Jonah as “an inspirational leader” and “a breath of fresh air”, who is motivating and enthusiastic”. The overall winner of the RCN

IN PICTURES: Western Trust celebrate success at RCN NI Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

By Reporter
Published 12th Jun 2025, 20:33 GMT

Several local nurses have won awards at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025 held at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood

Karen Harper from Castlederg and Helen McCormick from Limavady were named runners-up in the Cancer Nurse Award, sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Support. As lung cancer clinical nurse specialists at the Western Trust, Karen and Helen provide vital support to patients from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Their recognition comes from their commitment to fully implementing the Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) for every patient. By establishing a dedicated HNA clinic, they now work closely with patients to identify needs, explore interventions, and agree on tailored support plans. One patient said: “Their empathy brought calm, eased my fears, and the information they gave me was my guide.” The judging panel praised the clinic as transformational, crediting Karen and Helen’s vision and dedication for making it a reality. Pictured (left to right) are: Rachel Loughins, Macmillan Cancer Support, Helen McCormick, Karen Harper who were runners-up in the Cancer Nurse Award and Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director or the RCN in Northern Ireland.

5.

Karen Harper from Castlederg and Helen McCormick from Limavady were named runners-up in the Cancer Nurse Award, sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Support. As lung cancer clinical nurse specialists at the Western Trust, Karen and Helen provide vital support to patients from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Their recognition comes from their commitment to fully implementing the Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) for every patient. By establishing a dedicated HNA clinic, they now work closely with patients to identify needs, explore interventions, and agree on tailored support plans. One patient said: “Their empathy brought calm, eased my fears, and the information they gave me was my guide.” The judging panel praised the clinic as transformational, crediting Karen and Helen’s vision and dedication for making it a reality. Pictured (left to right) are: Rachel Loughins, Macmillan Cancer Support, Helen McCormick, Karen Harper who were runners-up in the Cancer Nurse Award and Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director or the RCN in Northern Ireland.

Linda Britton-Reid from Newbuildings was named runner-up in the Health Care Support Worker Award, sponsored by Healthcare Ireland. Based in the Sperrin Suite at the North West Cancer Centre in the Western Trust, Linda supports patients undergoing oncology and haematology treatments. She was recognised for consistently placing the patient’s voice at the heart of her work and for maintaining exceptional standards of care—particularly in infection control, which is vital in a cancer setting. A patient said: “When I see Linda, I feel relaxed and in safe hands. Her warmth and friendly personality make each appointment that bit easier.” Pictured (left to right) are: Carol Cousins from Healthcare Ireland, Linda Britton-Reid and Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director or the RCN in Northern Ireland.

6.

Linda Britton-Reid from Newbuildings was named runner-up in the Health Care Support Worker Award, sponsored by Healthcare Ireland. Based in the Sperrin Suite at the North West Cancer Centre in the Western Trust, Linda supports patients undergoing oncology and haematology treatments. She was recognised for consistently placing the patient’s voice at the heart of her work and for maintaining exceptional standards of care—particularly in infection control, which is vital in a cancer setting. A patient said: “When I see Linda, I feel relaxed and in safe hands. Her warmth and friendly personality make each appointment that bit easier.” Pictured (left to right) are: Carol Cousins from Healthcare Ireland, Linda Britton-Reid and Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director or the RCN in Northern Ireland.

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

7.

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

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