Dympna Rush, clinical lead for health visiting at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, retired after 46 years in nursing.

Rush, a Dundrum resident based in Ward 25 on the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick, worked in midwifery and health visiting.

She supported children, families, and communities across the Trust area.

Rush began her career in nursing, then moved to midwifery and health visiting.

A Trust spokesperson stated that Rush advocated for early intervention and family-centred care, and supported families and colleagues.

As clinical lead, Rush developed services to improve outcomes for children and young people, and mentored health visitors.

Early in her career at Downpatrick Maternity Hospital, Rush and her identical twin sister Deirdre Smith, also a staff midwife there, delivered identical twins Michael and Andrew Smyth of Drumaness.

Health visitor Jenny Murray, a colleague, described Rush as a source of support and inspiration, noting her knowledge, kindness, and dedication to families and staff.