Inspirational local nurses honoured at ceremony

Inspirational local nurses honoured at ceremony

19 June 2013

TWO local nurses were presented with awards at the prestigious Nurse of the Year ceremony held recently.

Organised by the Royal College of Nursing at the Culloden Hotel in Holywood, Annacloy’s Paula Thompson was runner-up in the Mental Health Innovation Award section, while Carryduff’s Olivia Kyle was runner-up in the Health Care Support Worker Award category.

Paula works as a ward sister in the dementia assessment unit at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick and was nominated for leading an innovative project to improve patient services and the environment of care.

The local nurse led a series of improvements in the unit to promote well-being and make a difference to the lives of patients. She researched best practice in promoting a sympathetic environment and secured funding to make the unit more patient-focused, including making the nursing station more accessible.

The judging panel commended Paula on the leadership and innovation she displayed in helping to promote changes that have not only improved the clinical environment, but enhanced standards of care.

Olivia, who is a child health assistant with the South Eastern Trust, works in Hillsborough and Moira providing support to health visitors.

Through her role, Olivia has developed a keen interest in public health issues such as breast-feeding, weaning, infant massage, mental health and child development, undertaking extensive training across all areas.

She now runs a weekly new parent group, targeting those who are socially isolated and helping them to build self-confidence and supportive relationships. There is a waiting list for the classes Olivia delivers on infant massage and she has also been involved in the development of a baby-led weaning programme.

The judging panel noted Olivia’s awareness of the individual needs of the mother and baby, her clear commitment to her own professional development, and her passion for working to support mothers and babies.