The woman who led Northern Ireland's vaccination programme has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award.
Patricia Donnelly was presented with the award by Health Minister Robin Swann at the 2022 Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards.
Ms Donnelly, who is a clinical psychologist by profession, was praised for her vital contribution to what has been Northern Ireland’s biggest ever public health and vaccination initiative.
The award winner held a number of key senior positions at Trust level before being tasked with leading the vaccination programme in October 2020 until stepping down last month.
Among the others honoured at the awards, which recognise and celebrate the vital work and dedication of health and social care staff were Dr Jonathan White, Speciality Doctor from the Northern Trust who was named Doctor of the Year, Nuala Stuart, Deputy Sister, Regional Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital, who was awarded Nurse of the Year, and Dr Feargal McNicholl, a Consultant Haematologist for the Western Trust who picked up the award for Health & Social Care Leader.
Health Minister Robin Swann said he was "honoured and privileged" to present the award to Ms Donnelly "in recognition of the amazing work that she and all those in the NI Vaccination Programme have done over the course of the pandemic.
"The programme’s success to date has been achieved through an immense effort in the midst of a very difficult and challenging time and is reflective of the efforts of all parts of the entire HSC family who have provided such sterling service on behalf of all the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
The full list of winners can be found at www.healthandsocialawards.com
