Northern Ireland

NI's finest healthcare professionals honoured in Belfast

Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Bernard Brannigan and Dr Rose McCullagh at the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards. Picture by Declan Roughan
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Bernard Brannigan and Dr Rose McCullagh at the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards. Picture by Declan Roughan Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Bernard Brannigan and Dr Rose McCullagh at the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards. Picture by Declan Roughan

NORTHERN Ireland's finest health care professionals were honoured in Belfast last night at an awards ceremony celebrating their contribution to the profession.

The NI Healthcare Awards paid tribute to those whose exceptional expertise and contribution to the profession have "transformed the provision of healthcare for the better".

More than 300 people packed into the Europa Hotel where 12 accolades were up for grabs ranging from hospital pharmacy team of the year to medical student leadership and innovation in ophthalmology.

Among the winners were healthcare professionals at Grosvenor Road Surgery in Belfast, which won the GP/Pharmacist partnership accolade.

The award recognised the work of Dr Rose McCullagh, Bernard Brannigan and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick in the use of cognitive behavioural therapy in pain relief management at the surgery.

Galgorm Dental team won the dental practice of the year, while best independent pharmacy practice went to Sharon Diamond and O'Kanes Pharmacy, Draperstown.

Oliver McKee from Ulster University won the pharmacy student leadership award and Dr Rosemary Black was revealed as the recipient of the lifetime achievement honour in tribute to her role as associate specialist in dermatology at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.