Two staff members from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust have won national awards at the Our Health Heroes Awards.

Kerry Haughian received the Gold award in the Operational Support Worker of the Year category. She is Personal Assistant to the Head of Service and Lead Nurse for Specialist Services in the Children and Young People’s department. Judges cited her work during the transition to the encompass digital transformation programme, noting she provided practical support, training and problem-solving across multiple teams.

Teresa Mackle earned Bronze in the Outstanding Lifetime Contribution category. She has worked for 50 years at Oaklands Children’s Short Break Unit, supporting children and young people with learning and physical disabilities. The panel said she embodies NHS values and her dedication has made a lasting difference.

Colm McCafferty, Director of Children, Young People and Women’s Services at the Trust, said the awards reflect both individual excellence and the daily commitment of colleagues in the department.