Belfast Trust nurse recognised for transforming neonatal eye care

Linda Hamilton, regional retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) clinical co-ordinator and paediatric ophthalmology manager, received the award at a ceremony hosted by the RCN at the Culloden Hotel. The award was presented by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA.

Linda has led a major transformation of the ROP service, helping to ensure that vulnerable infants receive timely, safe and effective care. When she took over the service, just 72.5% of at-risk babies were being screened within the recommended timeframe. Through the introduction of a “zero-fail” system, Linda and her team increased this to 100% in just three months - an achievement that has helped to eliminate preventable blindness in Northern Ireland.

Her work has also focused on modernising the service and strengthening the workforce. By introducing new imaging technology and supporting nurses and specialists to take on screening roles, Linda has created a more sustainable model of care, enabling medical staff to concentrate on complex cases. She also successfully advocated to retain the screening threshold at 32 weeks, ensuring that no at-risk babies are excluded.

More recently, Linda has contributed to the development of a digital system to improve co-ordination of care, reduce risk and keep families informed and involved throughout their baby’s treatment. Her leadership has turned the service into a national benchmark, demonstrating the impact of nursing innovation on patient outcomes.

RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director Professor Rita Devlin praised Linda’s achievements, saying her determination had delivered “life-changing results” for premature babies and their families.

“By introducing innovative systems, strengthening the workforce and championing safer standards, Linda has not only improved outcomes for families but also set a national benchmark for excellence,” she said. “Her work is a powerful example of how nursing leadership can transform services, reduce risk and make a lasting difference to patients’ lives.”

Anthony McShane, an advanced nurse practitioner with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, was named runner-up in the Nurse of the Year category. He was recognised for developing an automated acuity tracking tool within the Newry Community Mental Health Team, helping to identify and prioritise patients in urgent need of care. Judges praised his innovative approach to improving patient safety and outcomes.

Above: RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Nicola Ranger, runner-up Anthony McShane and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

The awards also highlighted excellence across a wide range of nursing roles and specialties. Carolann McLaughlin, a breast care nurse at the Western Trust won the Patient’s Choice Award, sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital, for her exceptional support to a patient diagnosed with breast cancer while 25 weeks pregnant with her first child.

Lorna Nevin, Nurse Consultant at the Public Health Agency, won the Leadership Award, sponsored by the Ulster Independent Clinic, for her contribution to cancer services across Northern Ireland. Known for her clarity, compassion and strong strategic vision, Lorna has played a key role in shaping regional cancer programmes and aligning them with wider health priorities.

Bronagh Scott won the prestigious Kathleen Robb Award for outstanding contribution to nursing, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council.

Paying tribute to the nursing profession the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Many congratulations to all of the nominees and winners and thank you, thank you to every one of you, for everything you do. To your families and colleagues, I extend our deepest appreciation for your steadfast support. I’m out and about in health and social care settings every week, meeting nurses, marvelling at your brilliant combination of professionalism, based on your training and experience and your compassion, based on your humanity and ability to empathise. Your dedication and care to those who are in need is unwavering and untiring and for that we salute you.

“Events like this matter. Not because of the awards themselves, important as they are, but because they give us a moment to pause, to reflect, and to say publicly and without reservation: thank you. Thank you for the skill you bring, the compassion you show, and the quiet leadership you demonstrate every single day, often far from the spotlight.”

Rita added: “Every year, these awards recognise the remarkable talent, dedication and professionalism demonstrated by nurses across Northern Ireland and their ongoing commitment to delivering excellent care. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, who exemplify the very highest standards of the profession.”