Devoted ‘queen of cancer services’ retires after four decades of exceptional care
The South Eastern Trust has paid tribute to Mary Jo Thompson, Assistant Director of Medical Specialties, who has retired after an outstanding 39-year career in Health and Social Care.
Originally from Banbridge, Mary Jo began her nursing journey at the University of Ulster in 1987, graduating in 1991 with a BSc (Hons) in Nursing.
Mary Jo began her career as a Staff Nurse at Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh, before progressing through a range of roles across the Southern Health Trust, the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency.
Mary Jo joined the South Eastern Trust in 2016 as Clinical Manager for Cancer Services, where she quickly made a significant impact, transforming services, growing teams and inspiring colleagues. Over four years, her leadership helped strengthen cancer care provision for patients across the Trust.
During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary Jo stepped into the role of Assistant Director for Medical Specialties and led services across the Ulster and Lagan Valley Hospitals, as well as Cancer Services, Outpatients and Medical Records.
She also played a key role in the opening of the new Macmillan Cancer Unit at the Ulster Hospital, enhancing care for patients and families.
Mary Jo later expanded her portfolio to include Medical Specialties at Lagan Valley Hospital, Outpatients and Medical Records.
In May 2025, she took on additional responsibility for Thompson House, where she prioritised integrating the team into the wider Medical Specialties family.
“I have had a wonderful career and nursing has been the backbone,” she said. “Developing staff and improving services for our patients has always been at the forefront of everything I have done.
“I want to thank the South Eastern Trust for the last ten years. I have really thrived here. It is an absolutely amazing Trust to work in.”
Thanking Mary Jo for her many years of service, South Eastern Trust, Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine and Cancer Services, Marc Neil added: “Mary Jo has poured her heart and soul into every role she has held, particularly here in the South Eastern Trust over the past decade.
"To me, she is our ‘Queen of Cancer Services’.
"Her knowledge, leadership and ability to turn ideas into meaningful improvements for patients have been exceptional.”