'Thank you for your unwavering and untiring dedication': Health Minister hails award-winning nurses
Award-winning nurses have been thanked by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt for their “unwavering and untiring dedication” to helping others.
Speaking at a Royal College of Nurses ceremony on Thursday night that saw Linda Hamilton named nurse of the year, the minister paid tribute to the entire profession.
“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,” he said.
“Your dedication and care to those who are in need is unwavering and untiring and for that we salute you.”
Among those honoured was Anthony McShane, who was awarded runner-up in the Nurse of the Year Award for leading innovation that has significantly improved patient safety within the Newry Community Mental Health Team
In response to rising case complexity and fragmented monitoring systems, he developed an automated tracking tool that ensures patients requiring urgent care are identified and prioritised quickly. The judges praised Anthony’s vision and innovative approach, highlighting the ways his work has enhanced patient safety, improved outcomes and ensured vulnerable patients receive timely, responsive care.
Added the minister: “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.”