Southern Trust success at the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards
Several local nurses from have won awards at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025 held at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood recently.
John McAteer, from Newry, was named runner-up in the Learning in Practice Award sponsored by the Open University.
Recognising that emergency departments are fast-paced environments with high staff turnover, John, who is practice education facilitator at the Southern Trust, was nominated for his role in creating a bespoke programme for newly registered nurses in the Southern Trust’s EDs.
This involved training, preceptorship, supervision and support session and has resulted in every newly registered nurse remaining in post for the full 12 months after qualifying.
His nominator says: “John is passionate about the education and support of staff and was instrumental to the success of this programme.” He has been praised for his visible approach and willingness to go the extra mile.
The overall winner of the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2025 was Kelly Forbes, from Annalong, a senior mental health nurse, based in Newry and District GP Federation. Kelly won the award for her work to empower patients to take an active role in managing their mental health, and for transforming how patients access support for mental and emotional well-being.
Based at Kilkeel Medical Practice, Kelly has created a series of accessible, evidence-based videos, which are hosted on YouTube, on topics like mood management and guided breathing to support patients’ mental well-being. The Southern Trust area in which Kelly practises has the second highest suicide rate in Northern Ireland, is among the 20% most deprived areas, and faces serious mental health challenges.
Kelly has worked extensively with local organisations including Mourne Matters, the Recovery College, RNLI and the Fishermen’s Mission to build community links and increase engagement. The results have been compelling, with nearly 70% of patients seen by mental health practitioners in GP practices requiring no further referral to secondary care. As a result, the initiative is set for a wider regional rollout across the area, offering patients and clinicians alike a valuable new tool in improving mental health outcomes.
Patient testimonials reflect the significant impact of the service with one patient saying, “For the first time in years, I don’t feel down. After years of medication, this is life-changing.” Another wrote, “Kelly literally saved my life – thank you.”
Commenting on the awards, Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director, said: “Kelly has made a profound difference in the lives of her patients by creating vital mental health resources that are easily accessible through GP services. Her work is an outstanding example of how community-based nurses are leading the way in enhancing patient care.
“Her dedication and innovative approach have significantly improved patient outcomes, experiences, and overall quality of life.
“Each year, these awards highlight the exceptional skill and professionalism within nursing in Northern Ireland, and how our nursing staff continually strive to deliver the highest standards of care.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, who represent the very best of our profession.”