NW bloods doc cuts wait times ‘virtually’

Dr McNicholl, Consultant Haematologist and Head of Haematology, won the inaugural Medical Manager of the Year prize at the Healthcare Management Awards.

His innovation dramatically reduced waiting times for Haematology Outpatient Department appointments and reduced the need for follow up appointments.

Most importantly, the experience for patients has been dramatically improved. GPs receive a quick response and report great satisfaction with this service.

Twinned with Dr McNicholl’s success was that of Brendan Duffy, Locality Services Manager for Fermanagh, who won the Experienced Manager of the Year category.

Mr Duffy was recognised for his contribution over the years and in particular the role he has played in addressing and meeting the needs of older people residing in rural areas of Fermanagh and the wider Trust area.

He also played a lead role in the Trust’s successful submission to DARD to attract funding under its Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.

Western Trust Chief Executive, Elaine Way congratulating Brendan and Feargal said: “These awards recognise healthcare professionals who have actively enhanced or improved health and care management standards.

“I am profoundly proud to have two of our staff recognised for their work to make patients and clients at the centre of all we do. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks to Brendan and Feargal; their ongoing dedication to patients and clients is truly inspiring.”

Louise McMahon, Chair of the Institute of Healthcare Management Northern Ireland praised all of those nurses, doctors, social workers and managers who entered the awards. Ms McMahon said: “The range of ideas and commitment to patients and clients throughout Northern Ireland demonstrated by all of the competition entrants is both exciting and reassuring.

“There is a huge amount of dedication among our staff to continue to drive for change and improvement - congratulations to the winners.”