St. Vincent’s University Hospital Celebrates Outstanding Achievements at Inaugural Staff Recognition Awards

11th October 2023

St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) held its inaugural Staff Recognition Awards at a gala event on October 6, 2023, at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan. The evening was a resounding success, celebrating the exceptional contributions of SVUH staff across various departments and roles.

The event, attended by staff from across SVUH, recognised the outstanding efforts of hospital employees. Professor Michael Keane, Interim CEO, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This night was a celebration of excellence and dedication. Our staff’s unwavering commitment has not only maintained our hospital’s high standards but has raised it to a world-class level.”

The evening commenced with heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, including the Talbot Hotel catering staff, the SVUH Staff Recognition Awards Steering Group and Investnet, whose partnership has been invaluable and Noel Cunningham, the charismatic MC. Special recognition was also extended to the sponsors and partners, including Eurofins Biomnis, Cruinn Diagnostics, St. Vincent’s Hospital Group, Novartis, Roche, Kate Cowhig Recruitment, and Zellis, whose support was invaluable.

The award categories highlighted the exceptional talent within SVUH. Here are the winners for each category:

Exceptional Patient Experience Award (Sponsored by Eurofins Biomnis):

Barbara Whyte, Nursing, Palliative Care. Barbara’s enduring dedication to compassionate care and team-building over two decades makes her an invaluable asset to SVUH and palliative care services.

Clinical Area Innovation Award (Sponsored by Cruinn Diagnostics):

Sinead Jordan, Nursing, Neurology. Sinead’s outstanding efforts in addressing a critical need within the MS patient care landscape truly stand out.

Non-Clinical Area Innovation Award (Sponsored by SVHG):

Stephen Smyth, Portering, Pharmacy. Stephen’s blend of experience, organisational expertise, and dedication to continuous quality improvement shines bright.

Coaching, Mentoring, Research, Education and Training Award (Sponsored by Novartis):

Oonagh Griffin, Nutrition and Dietetics. Oonagh’s expertise as a Dietitian, mentor, researcher, and teacher are extraordinary.

Excellence in Leadership Award (Sponsored by Roche):

Dr Nigel Salter, Emergency Department. Nigel’s approachability, openness to ideas, and high standards for patient care are truly exemplary.

Best Team Award (Sponsored by Kate Cowhig Recruitment):

Liver Cancer Team. Their dedication to supporting warriors, celebrating survivors, honouring the taken, and standing with families truly embodies the spirit of compassionate care.

Quality Improvement Award (Sponsored by Zellis):

Sandra Baldwin, Tissue Establishment, Blood Bank. Sandra’s leadership as the Tissue Establishment Quality Manager has elevated SVUH’s Stem Cell Transplant service to unprecedented heights.

Unsung Hero Award (Sponsored by Zellis):

Deirdre McCarthy, Clinical Administration, AMU. Deirdre’s unwavering dedication, positivity, and exceptional work ethic make her a true Unsung Hero.

Special Recognition Award (Sponsored by Roche):

Donal Murphy, Laboratory Manager. Donal’s exceptional leadership, approachability, and ability to value every team member have set him apart.

The award winners were carefully selected by an esteemed panel of judges: Paul Gallagher, Linda O’Leary, Prof Paul Balfe, Hugh Duggan, Imelda Reynolds, Bridget Cunningham, Paul Culleton, and Gilli Reilly. The judges faced the challenging task of choosing the winners from a pool of 140 remarkable nominees.

Professor Michael Keane emphasised, “Tonight was not just about honouring the winners; it was about recognising the collective excellence of our staff. Each nominee and participant contributes significantly to SVUH’s success, and I am immensely proud of our entire team.”

The event was made even more special with contributions from generous prize donors, including Cashel Palace Hotel, Shanahan’s on the Green, Asador & Lennan’s Yard, Intercontinental Hotel, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Peter Marks, The Merrion Inn, Cabello Hair Design, Harvey’s Point Hotel, Blue Orchid Restaurant, and The Maldron Hotel.

Photos by Hu O’Reilly – www.huoreilly.com   Please visit St Vincents Hospital – Health Awards to view photo gallery from the night.

For further information and pictures:

Please contact Jennie Cotter, Corporate Communications Manager | jcotter@svuh.ie | 087 906 2781