6th November 2025
There were two winners and a special merit prize this year for the Trust’s ‘Edel Corr Award for Outstanding Compassionate Care.’
Edel Corr was a highly esteemed nursing colleague, who sadly passed away in 2021 and this annual award has been established in her honour.
Pictured are winners of the Edel Corr for Compassionate Care – the Multidisciplinary Team in Ward 3, Lurgan Hospital, Midwife Sarah McFarland from the Continuity of Midwifery Care Emerald Team and Patrick McElhatton, a porter in South Tyrone Hospital who received the Edel Corr Special Merit Award.
The panel had a very difficult task judging the nominations and would like to acknowledge and congratulate everyone who was nominated.
The Edel Corr Special Merit Award was presented to Patrick McElhatton, a porter with an amazing 50 years’ service in South Tyrone Hospital. Pat’s nominators described his calming nature, is always organised and was true model for new staff in his department.
The Multidisciplinary Team in Ward 3 was awarded the Edel Corr Award for Outstanding Compassionate Care. Ward 3 is a rehabilitation ward in Lurgan Hospital. Service user feedback indicated that more physical movement would be beneficial, so the multi-disciplinary team introduced an activity morning and lunch club. The increased engagement, better rapport with users and positive feedback from staff has led to the project being introduced to the rehab unit in South Tyrone Hospital.
Sarah McFarland in the Continuity of Midwifery Care Emerald Team was also presented with the Edel Corr Award. Two colleagues nominated Sarah and spoke very highly of her professionalism, her dedication to the women in her care and the time she takes to get to know families.
Assistant Director of Nursing, Lisa Houlihan said:
“These awards serve as a powerful reminder of what compassionate care looks like in practice. The colleagues we celebrate today have not only shown outstanding professionalism, but also a profound commitment to dignity, kindness and genuine human connection.
“Their dedication reflects our Vision and strategy 2030, where our people are at the heart of delivering safe, innovative services and shaping the future of healthcare.”