Tallaght University Hospital announces hero award winners

Tallaght University Hospital has publically announced its staff hero award winners for 2024.

These awards celebrate staff that go above and beyond in their jobs, to ensure patients receive exceptional care.

The winners were recognised during a special presentation ceremony in the hospital today.

Sharon Larkin, Director of HR at TUH said “the awards were launched back in March 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”.

Lucy Nugent CEO of TUH said, “It is with absolute pleasure that I announce the recipients of the annual TUH heroes awards below. The recipients were nominated by their peers recognising they go that extra mile and live our vision of “people caring for people to to better lives, I would like to congratulate them and acknowledge the contribution they make to our hospital, the lives of our patients and their colleagues.”

The categories and award winners for 2024 are as follows;

People Caring for People Award

Cathy McHale, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Age-Related Healthcare

Nominating Cathy for this Hero Award, one colleague said, “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. Cathy constantly goes the extra mile to ensure that patients and families are kept in the loop about pending investigations to help them at every stage of the process.”

Unsung Hero Award

Pauline Harrison, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 in the Orthopaedic Department

When Pauline was nominated for this award, one of her co-workers wrote, “Pauline has acted tirelessly in organising clinics/admission/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 and always has their best interests at heart.”

Service Excellence Award

Hannah Turner, Clinical Specialist Radiographer

In his submission, one of Hannah’s close colleagues said, “Hannah is a hero in the Radiology department and the hospital at large. She has streamlined the CT service in TUH significantly, increasing our throughput while reducing waiting lists. She is continuously planning for the future expansion of our service. Hannah is dedicated to patient and staff radiation safety and exemplifies what excellence is, in providing a service.”

Professor Sean Tierney Mentoring Award

Elizabeth O’Neill, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Community Integrated Care Leg Ulcers & Vascular Disease Clinic

A member of staff who works with Elizabeth said, “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.”

Teamwork Award

Louise Lambe, Administrator in the Speech & Language Department

In her nomination for the teamwork award, a colleague commented that, “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 staff and patients alike. Her calm, positive demeanour helps to keep our team morale high, at challenging times.”

Team of the Year Award

Cardiac Cath Lab

Suggesting this team for their Hero award a member of staff said, “the cardiac cath lab team performed 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, while the administrative team had to ensure that all procedures performed were appropriately ordered, completed, reported and available for review on TUH computer systems – all massively increasing 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.”

Patient Experience Award

Declan Tyrrell, Portering

One patient who nominated Declan for this award said “Declan was always friendly and accommodating as he 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.”

Special CEO Recognition Awards

Geraldine Gregg-Duke, Medical Records Manager

Announcing Geraldine as one of the recipients of this year’s special CEO Awards Lucy Nugent, TUH CEO said, “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.”

Mr. Mick Dunne, Environmental Services Manager

Presenting Mick with his Award, the TUH CEO said, “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.  In doing so he has always put the patient and the hospital first. He will be greatly missed as he begins a new chapter in his life, following his retirement.”