Three Nurses from Letterkenny University Hospital Win DAISY Awards

Three exemplary nurses from Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have been honored with DAISY Awards for their exceptional contributions to patient care. Laura Sweeney, Pauline Ferry, and Claire McBride were recognized for their compassionate and skilled nursing, as nominated by colleagues and patients.

A Celebration of Compassionate Care

The awards ceremony, held in March 2024, marked the continuation of LUH’s partnership with the DAISY Foundation, an international program celebrating the extraordinary care provided by nurses and midwives worldwide. The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at the age of 33. His family created the foundation to acknowledge the remarkable care received during his illness.

At LUH, the DAISY Awards are presented quarterly, and each honoree receives a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, a certificate, an honoree pin, and cinnamon buns to share with colleagues—a tradition initiated by the Barnes family.

This quarter, the awards ceremony recognized the outstanding care provided by staff at LUH, with 28 nominees celebrated for their dedication. Among them, eight nurses from the Emergency Department were particularly commended for their exemplary service under challenging conditions.

Profiles of the Honorees

Laura Sweeney, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Loss and Bereavement, was nominated for her calming and compassionate communication skills. Her ability to guide bereaved families through difficult times earned her this prestigious recognition.

Pauline Ferry, Advanced Midwife Practitioner in Diabetes in Pregnancy, received praise from a patient for her empowering approach to care. Her commitment to providing comprehensive guidance and support exemplified the values of nursing.

Although Claire McBride, Staff Nurse in the Haematology/Oncology Ward, was unable to attend the ceremony, she was honored for her exemplary nursing skills and genuine compassion. The family of a patient recognized her significant impact during a traumatic period, noting how her presence uplifted their loved one.

In 2024 alone, over 120 nurses and midwives from LUH were nominated for the DAISY Award, with numerous nominations coming directly from patients and their families. This reflects the profound impact that dedicated healthcare professionals have on their communities.

Una Cardin, Director of Nursing at LUH, expressed her congratulations to the award winners, stating, “Your professionalism, knowledge, compassion, and the excellent therapeutic relationships you have with your patients exemplify everything the DAISY Award was established to recognize.”

The DAISY Awards not only highlight individual excellence but also foster a culture of recognition and appreciation within the healthcare community. To nominate a nurse or midwife at LUH, visit the DAISY nomination page.