Nursing professionals from across Northern Ireland have been honoured at this year’s Royal College of Nursing (RCN) NI Nurse of the Year Awards. Linda Hamilton, a paediatric ophthalmology manager within the Belfast Trust, received the overall award for 2026.

Ms Hamilton was recognised for her work transforming and improving eye care for premature infants.

A number of winners were drawn from the north west. Dr Andrea Shepherd of Derry received the Nursing Research Award for her investigation into how families experience brain-computer interface technology. Michaela Devine, also from Derry, won the Student Award for her commitment to person-centred care.

Carolann McLaughlin, a breast care nurse at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry, was named the Patient’s Choice winner. Micky Glenn, a healthcare assistant with the Western Trust, won the Health Care Support Worker Award. Marie Donnelly, advanced nurse practitioner in palliative care at the Western Trust, took the Palliative Care Award.

Several other professionals from the region were recognised as runners-up. Claire Kerr of Derry was runner-up for the Directors of Nursing Award. Caroline McIvor, a community nurse specialist in palliative care at Foyle Hospice, was runner-up in the Independent Sector Nursing Award. Laura Gormley-McLaughlin, mental health liaison service manager at the Western Trust, came runner-up in the Leadership Award, while Roisin Curry and Victoria Page of the Western Trust shared runner-up status in the Public Health Award.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt thanked all nominees and winners. He said the occasion provided an important moment to pause and publicly acknowledge the skill, compassion and quiet leadership that nursing professionals demonstrate daily.

Professor Rita Devlin remarked that each year the awards highlight the talent and professionalism of nurses in Northern Ireland and their commitment to delivering excellent care.