Three doctors from the Western Health and Social Care Trust have been recognised at the inaugural Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) SAS Recognition Awards 2026. The ceremony took place at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick, County Antrim.

Dr Bernadette McNabb, a Specialty and Specialist (SAS) doctor in medicine at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, received the SAS Clinical Achievement Award. Dr Asima Bhuinyan, an SAS doctor in medicine at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, received the SAS Lifetime Achievement Award.

SAS doctors are senior clinicians who work in specialty and specialist roles within the health service. The awards aim to recognise their contribution to patient care and medical education.

Annmarie O’Dwyer, Assistant Director of Operations and Transformation for Unscheduled Care and Medicine at the Western Trust, said the recognition reflected the dedication and commitment of the two doctors. She said their achievements were inspiring and well deserved.

Dr Niamh Doherty, an SAS doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Western Trust, was nominated in five categories: SAS Champion, Non-clinical Leadership, Clinical Leadership, Postgraduate Educator and Undergraduate Educator.

Angela McKeever, Interim Assistant Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology Services at the Western Trust, said Dr Doherty's nominations reflected her significant impact as a role model and educator for doctors in training across the Western Trust area.

The awards ceremony brought together medical and dental professionals from across Northern Ireland to recognise the work of SAS doctors.