Draperstown woman wins '˜Mental Health Nurse of the Year' award

Joanne Agnelli, a member of the Four Seasons Health Care team, scooped a top prize at the recent British Journal of Nursing Awards, after being nominated by her peers for her work in the care sector.

A Dementia Services Quality manager for Four Seasons Health Care (FSHC) covering approximately 70 care homes over the regions of Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man,

Joanne has been responsible for educating, implementing and evaluating best practices in dementia care across all dementia units in these regions.

She has also worked directly with all grades of care home staff about the importance of person-centred care, appropriately reducing anti-psychotic medications, embracing age-appropriate activity and safeguarding dignity.

Part of her award-winning citation read: “Joanne’s most endearing quality is her interest in supporting others to grow professionally. She shares opportunities with, not only her dementia care team, but with clinicians she works with.

“Joanne is pivotal, not only within the organisation, but within an international context at promoting best practices in dementia care. Her passion for improving standards in dementia care is infectious and all of the care team she leads supports her nomination.”

Carol Cousins, Managing Director for Northern Ireland said: “I want to congratulate our three nurses [Gary Mitchell and Gary Cousins also won awards] on their success and thank them for their continued hard work and dedication they’ve provided to the homes, residents and the teams.