Skin cancer nurse wins RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2009

Published: 05 June 2009

Iona McCormack from Belfast won the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2009 title at the awards ceremony on Thursday 4 June 2009.

A clinical nurse specialist based at Belfast City Hospital, who also holds clinics in the Belfast and South Eastern trusts, Iona fought off competition from five other finalists to receive the award for setting up a nurse-led screening service for the early detection of skin cancers. She was presented with the award by Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Michael McGimpsey MLA.

Over the past 20 years, incidences of malignant melanoma in the United Kingdom have doubled, with the exception of Northern Ireland, where they have trebled. This has placed increased pressure on dermatology services, leading to delays for patients waiting for review and skin cancer surgery. This inspired Iona to initiate a nurse-led screening service that could improve patient outcomes by detecting skin cancers earlier. Iona's role is unique in that she is able to provide treatment and care throughout the patient journey, through diagnosis, surgery and follow-up. As a registered expert for the International Dermoscopy Society, which provides a secure online worldwide service, Iona can seek advice on complex cases from leading dermatologists and dermoscopists from around the world.

Iona's innovative service has increased the early detection of melanoma, leading to a much better prognosis and preventing unnecessary surgery and scarring. Iona believes that patients value the continuity of care and sensitivity that a nurse-led service provides. Her role has broken boundaries to provide changes in practice and ultimately improve services for patients

The runner-up was Angela Patterson, lead clinical nurse in bladder and bowel dysfunction at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Angela was nominated for her work in leading a multidisciplinary team that developed a care pathway to improved bladder care in women after giving birth. Improvements in care for patients include a reduction in incidents involving overdistension of the bladder which can lead to permanent bladder damage. One of Angela's patients commented: "Angela has changed my life. She is a clinical expert who can achieve amazing results. She couples a systematic and businesslike approach to her clinic with a warm, sensitive and astute rapport with patients."

Other winners on the night included Hilary Thompson, who won the Patient's Choice Award, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. A stroke nurse specialist based at Mullinure Hospital, Armagh, Hilary was nominated by the wife of a patient who had suffered a severe stroke.

An award to celebrate outstanding achievement in nursing, sponsored by Boerhinger Ingelheim, was presented to 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers). These Territorial Army volunteers were deployed last year to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, for a three month tour of duty. They were commended for providing safe, effective and compassionate care for patients in a fast-changing work environment and displaying the highest standards of nursing care in the face of extreme adversity.

Commenting on the Awards, RCN Northern Ireland Director Janice Smyth said: "Congratulations to Iona in achieving the overall title. Through her pioneering clinic, Iona has raised the profile of skin cancers and made a significant contribution to improving patient care. Iona's work is a prime example of how the role of nurses is changing and that nurse-led initiatives can play a leading role in modernising services for patients as well as making a real difference to people's lives. "

"These awards demonstrate the good practice and innovations that are taking place throughout Northern Ireland. They also illustrate how nurses are contributing to a more efficient and effective health service, yet keeping the focus on dignity and compassion. It is extremely encouraging to see the breadth of expertise and high level of patient care on offer."

RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2009: winners and runners-up

RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award

Winner: Iona McCormack, clinical nurse specialist, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Runner-up: Angela Patterson, lead clinical nurse specialist, bladder and bowel dysfunction, Ulster Hospital, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Patient's Choice Award, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline

Winner: Hilary Thompson, stroke nurse specialist, Mullinure Hospital, Armagh, Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Runner-up: Susan Bowman, community psychiatric nurse, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Team Manager Award, sponsored by Pfizer

Winner: Caitlin McCoy, ward manager, Ulster Hospital, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Runner-up: Jacinta Larkin, ward manager, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Health Care Support Worker Award, sponsored by the DHSSPS

Winner: Carmel Neill, health care assistant, Causeway Hospital, Northern Health and Social Care Trust Runner-up: Iris Hamilton, Health care support worker, Ulster Hospital, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Directors of Nursing Award

Winner: Wendy McGregor, community sister, learning disability, Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Chief Nursing Officer's Award, sponsored by the DHSSPS

Winner: Mary P McNicholl, haemovigilance practitioner, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Western Health and Social Care Trust Runner-Up: Yvonne Millar, ward manager, Ulster Hospital, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Student Award, sponsored by Queen's University

Winner: Avril Montgomery, Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Open University
Runner-up: Alison Boyd, Queen's University, Belfast

Nursing Research Award, sponsored by the University of Ulster

Winner: Lesley Rutherford, Northern Ireland Cancer Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Runner-up: Donna Brown, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, University of Ulster