Mary Jo Thompson has received the Director of Nursing Award from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) at the organisation’s Nurse of the Year Awards, held at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast.

Mrs Thompson, a native of Enniskillen and resident of Banbridge, retired last month from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust after a 39-year career in health and social care. She had served as Assistant Director of Medical Specialties, Cancer Services and Outpatient Services.

Her nursing career began with a BSc (Hons) in Nursing from the University of Ulster, graduating in 1991. She started as a staff nurse at Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh before advancing through roles in the Southern Health Trust, the Health and Social Care Board, and the Public Health Agency.

The RCN award recognised what a trust spokeswoman described as exceptional leadership and a commitment to developing services and supporting staff. During her tenure, Mrs Thompson co-led key developments including trust flow improvement work, a site coordination model, and the transition of Thompson House into a specialist medical facility. She also strengthened professional standards and workforce development.

Professor David Robinson, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Nursing at the South Eastern Trust, said the awards showcased the skill, compassion and commitment of shortlisted nurses, who continue to deliver high-quality, innovative and person-centred care despite a challenging environment.