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Two staff from the Southern Trust have received national recognition at the Our Health Heroes Awards. Kerry Haughian was named Gold winner in the Operational Support Worker of the Year category, while Teresa Mackle received Bronze honours for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution.
The ceremony, organised by the charity Skills for Health, is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of the wider healthcare workforce. Haughian, who works as Personal Assistant to the Head of Service and Lead Nurse for Specialist Services within the Children and Young People's department, was recognised for her leadership and support throughout the transition to encompass, the Trust's biggest digital transformation programme. Judges noted that she played a critical role in maintaining the smooth running of complex divisions, providing practical support and training to colleagues in multiple teams and helping resolve system issues.
Mackle, from Oaklands Children's Short Break Unit, was celebrated for an extraordinary career spanning 50 years within the Trust. For more than three decades she has supported children and young people with learning and physical disabilities. The panel said: “Teresa exemplifies the very best of NHS values. Her unwavering dedication, compassion and leadership over many years have made a lasting difference to the lives of young people, families and colleagues, making her a thoroughly deserving recipient.”
Colm McCafferty, Director of Children and Young People's Services, said the department was proud of both women. He said: “We are incredibly proud of Kerry and Teresa on this well-deserved recognition. Their awards reflect not only their exceptional individual contributions, but also the dedication, compassion and professionalism demonstrated every day by my colleagues within this department.”
