“It was with absolute pleasure that I announced the recipients of the annual Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) Heroes Awards,” according to Lucy Nugent TUH CEO, speaking at an event to mark the Annual Awards.

“Our recipients were nominated by their peers and some by patients - recognising that they go that extra mile, and live our vision of ‘People Caring for People to Live Better Lives.’ I would like to congratulate them all and acknowledge the contribution they make to our hospital, to the lives of our patients, and to their colleagues.”

The CEO added that the awards “celebrate staff who go above and beyond in their jobs to ensure patients receive exceptional care.”

Sharon Larkin, TUH Director of HR, explained that “the awards were launched earlier this year when the hospital invited patients, the wider community, and staff to nominate their heroes. A judging committee with representation from senior management, as well as all grades of staff, and the Chair of our Patient Community Advisory Council  then commenced the difficult task of choosing this year’s winners. As we read the nominations it was once again heartening to see the calibre of staff that work alongside us, here at the hospital.”

Patient Experience Award

Recognised with the Patient Experience Award, Declan Tyrrell, porter, was described by a patient as “always friendly and accommodating. He always made sure I was in the right place at the right time to get the tests I needed during my time staying in the hospital. He was very easy to chat to if I was anxious about going for a scan and this really helped me. Declan was a great comfort at a difficult time in my life and I won’t forget his kindness.”  Cathy McHale, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Age-Related Healthcare, in receiving the People Caring for People Award, was described by a colleague as “someone who constantly goes the extra mile to ensure that patients and families are kept in the loop about pending investigations. She helps them at every stage of the process. At every clinic, at least half of the patients presenting will remark on how understanding, empathetic and caring Cathy has been with them through their journey of assessment, diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive complaints.”

Unsung Hero

Winner of the Unsung Hero Award, Pauline Harrison, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 in the Orthopaedic Department, was recognised for her commitment and dedication. In nominating her, a colleague explained that “Pauline has acted tirelessly in organising clinics, admissions and treatments at short notice for orthopaedic patients. She acts as a liaison between consultants and patients, and between consultants and management. Pauline is a voice for individual patient concerns, always having their best interest at heart.”

Team of the Year

The Cardiac Cath Lab team, in receiving the Team of the Year Award, were recognised for “performing admirably during extreme pressure while they had to operate offsite as their lab was being renovated. The nurses, physiologists and radiographers all had to move from their usual working areas in TUH across to St Vincent’s University Hospital. At the same time, the administrative team had to ensure that all procedures performed were appropriately ordered, completed, reported and available for review on the TUH computer systems. This all massively increased their workload. During this time, the team did an excellent job in continuing to provide the highest levels of patient care despite massive disruption to normal working practices.”

Mentoring Award

The Professor Sean Tierney Mentoring Award went to Elizabeth O'Neill, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Community Integrated Care Leg Ulcers and Vascular Disease Clinic. Nominating Elizabeth, a colleague explained that in 2019 a Sláintecare project was funded to establish a Community Leg Ulcer Clinic: “Elizabeth played a key role in the management of patients with severe chronic diseases by providing education to patients and their families, resulting in an improved experience. Elizabeth was also critical in providing ongoing education and support to nursing staff, enabling them to provide this vital community service. Glowing feedback testimonials from staff, patients and families are well deserved for a truly caring and compassionate expert.”

Service Excellence Award

Nominating Hannah Turner, Clinical Specialist Radiographer, for the Service Excellence Award, a colleague stated that she had “streamlined the CT service in TUH, significantly increasing our throughput while reducing waiting lists.” They added that Hannah was a “hero here in the Radiology Department and in the hospital at large. She is continuously planning for the future expansion of our service. Hannah is dedicated to patient and staff radiation safety, and exemplifies excellence in terms of providing a service.”

Teamwork Award

The Teamwork Award went to Louise Lambe, administrator in the Speech and Language Department. According to her colleague, Louise is “extremely efficient in all of her work and always goes above and beyond to help out all members of our department. She is always very kind, caring and patient when dealing with patients and staff alike. Her calm, positive demeanour helps to keep our team morale high during challenging times.” Announcing Geraldine Gregg-Duke, Medical Records Manager, as a recipient of the Special CEO Recognition Award, CEO Lucy Nugent explained that “Geraldine is receiving this award in recognition of the many years of dedication she has given to the hospital in terms of her strong leadership in running the Medical Records Department. Many staff members commenced their careers in Medical Records and were subsequently promoted within the organisation which is down to Geraldine’s ability to manage and develop her staff to reach their potential.”

CEO Recognition Award

The second recipient of the CEO Recognition Award, Mick Dunne, Environmental Services Manager, was described by the CEO as someone who “always puts the patient first. Mick is receiving this award in recognition of his commitment to the hospital over many years and his ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues which have impacted the organisation. He will be greatly missed as he begins a new chapter in his life, following his retirement.”