Marie Donnelly has taken up a new position as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in specialist palliative care with the Western Health and Social Care Trust. She covers the Omagh and Fermanagh areas, focusing on community-based support for patients with palliative and end-of-life needs.

Donnelly has over 30 years of experience in nursing and palliative care. She completed a Masters in Advanced Nurse Practice at Ulster University, with sponsorship from Marie Curie. In her role, she works autonomously to take patient histories, perform physical examinations, prescribe medications, and apply clinical judgement for treatment.

She collaborates with a multidisciplinary team that includes GPs, district nurses, Marie Curie community nurses, and Foyle Hospice palliative care nurses. Her duties cover pain and symptom management, emotional support, patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

The position also involves providing education and improving services to deliver evidence-based care in Omagh and Fermanagh. Paula Heneghan, Associate Director of Services at Marie Curie Northern Ireland, noted that the qualification followed two years of specialised training. This training received grant funding from the Community Fund and was developed with the Western Trust.

Heneghan stated that the role expands care options, allows more patients to die at home, and eases pressure on the health and social care system. Helen, a mother who received support for her son Ian, described how Donnelly prescribed medications on site, reducing administrative burdens and enabling Ian to stay home until his death.

Donnelly expressed thanks to Marie Curie for the qualification opportunity and to Western Trust colleagues for establishing the role.