Larne nurse consultant Eleanor Ross had ‘no inkling’ of MBE award

Eleanor Ross, who plays a vital role in helping to deliver the province’s dementia strategy, spoke of her “delight” at learning she had been named in the Queen’s birthday honours list. And the 52-year-old told the Times she had been “completely taken by surprise” when she opened the official letter. “I had no inkling whatsoever,” the mother-of-three added. “I was in total shock when I read the letter. It is a great feeling to have been recognised in this way.”

Working for the Public Health Agency, Eleanor is co-chair of the NI dementia strategy, which seeks to promote a culture in which those with the condition are able to live with dignity and are adequately supported. She is also regional nurse lead for older people services in Northern Ireland.

She explained: “I started my career in the Moyle Hospital in 1985, then moved into a ward sister post at Inver House, so caring for older people has been a big part of my nursing career since very early on.” Having joined the PHA four years ago, Eleanor is now a lead commissioning nurse and manages a team of up to five staff working in the Belfast area.

Eleanor said the diversity of her job is why she loves it so much. “It does involve working long hours and juggling a lot of things, but the diversity is rewarding as no two days are the same.”

She added: “I don’t see myself as more worthy than any of my colleagues, and I am not out to seek accolades. I just want to improve care for people and help to develop healthcare leaders of the future.”