Locals honoured at Trust awards

There were seven categories this year, six of them reflecting the Trust’s corporate themes and a new one which reflects the outstanding commitment of an individual. The standard of all entries was exceptionally high which demonstrates the quality of service provided to all patients and clients.

The winner of the ‘Health & Wellbeing’ category was ‘Eye Health for All’ Lagan Valley Hospital. In partnership with RNIB, an Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) was appointed to give emotional support as well as advice and guidance for patients diagnosed with slight loss conditions.

The ECLO encourages the patients to remain independent with the appropriate aids to maintain visual input and patients are also taught to monitor their own eyesight. Education to local GPs and optometrists has been vital for early diagnosis and treatment. Nurses in wards and outpatients were trained in the effects of sight loss for patients and how to best support them when visiting the hospital.

The winner of the ‘Going the Extra Mile’ category was awarded to Cathy Cahoon, Fractures & Falls Class. Cathy works as a Nursing Auxiliary as part of the District Nursing Team in Lisburn Health Centre and has been trained to deliver the Fractures and Falls programme within the Lisburn area.

Cathy delivers the class in such a way that she imparts the information in a socially interactive, friendly and rewarding way. Throughout the year she organises a number of social events for her clients; in summer she organises a bus run and lunch for over 50 clients and she tirelessly fundraises to finance all the events. Cathy leaves no stone unturned in her quest to offer social support and interaction for clients.

She works tirelessly to ensure her clients receive the best possible outcome from her classes and her Pavlova is now legendary at their regular bun parties.

Chairman Colm McKenna added: “I am always impressed by the quality of the applications but this year it was exceptional. We saw short films about the 21 finalists which showcased the very good work going on in the Trust.”