Frances Neilan
Clarenbridge Nursing Home

Frances Neilan was appointed Director of Nursing in Clarenbridge Nursing, within the Windmill group in 2014. Frances set about a culture shift by enabling staff to embrace her vision of making the Nursing home a flourishing place for Residents and staff to live in harmony. The goal was to improve the lived experience for the Resident. This involved an emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of care. The theory is that ‘how a person lives their life has an effect on their health and wellbeing’. Social and Recreational programmes were enhanced to encapsulate all aspects of the resident’s life. Improvements were noted in resident’s appetites, sleep patterns and positive behaviours which were all a by-product of of creative physical and psychological programmes available to residents. The health outcomes were evident in the audits, a reduction was noted in falls, restraints and medications coupled with improvement in mobility and psychological wellbeing. Her commitment to staff education and training is paramount to ensure staff deliver a quality service which is rewarded by staff initiatives employed to promote a positive work environment. Frances has an open door policy with all staff, residents and families, everyone has a voice and are listened to at all times. Her dedication and hard work have contributed to the happy, safe and loving environment and atmosphere felt by residents and families.

Binimole Santhosh
Esker Lodge Nursing Home

Bini began her nursing career as a Clinical Instructor in 1999 earning her Master’s Degree in Nursing in 2001. Bini continued as a Nursing Professor in South India, working to improve the lives of people in rural communities. In 2010, Bini was awarded “Study of the Decade “, for a dissertation outlining improved outcomes for children in these communities based on social supports she implemented.

In 2005 Bini migrated to Ireland, starting work as staff nurse in Esker Lodge. Bini had many promotions within Esker Lodge and is now the Clinical Nurse Manager. She is extremely committed in her role and is an excellent leader.

With support from her colleagues on the management team, Bini has completed FECTAC level 6 courses in gerontology and management. She successfully completed a Higher Diploma in Person Centered Dementia Care from the University of Surrey. In 2014 she qualified with distinction as a Registered Nurse Prescriber. This qualification allowed Bini to implement a polypharmacy programme which she is very passionate about, resulting in great outcomes for residents.

Bini believes resident care should be of the highest standard, holistic in nature & blended with the fruits of good spirits. Bini’s dedication and commitment to resident’s well- being is paramount.

Philip Archbold
AnovoCare Nursing Home

Philip Archbold is a Kind, Caring and Compassionate young man with 2 years experience working as a Carer at just 24 years old.

Since commencing employment in AnovoCare Nursing home, Philip has demonstrated an inherent quality in his Leadership and Mentorship skills and continues to thrive and excel in new ideas, providing the highest possible standards of Care.

Philip is a team player and is able to be Patient and Courteous to both residents and staff even in the most stressful and challenging aspects of this role.

Philip is truly deserving of this award and is a Genuine Role Model.

Niamh Kelly
Altadore Nursing Home

Niamh joined Altadore Nursing Home as Activity Coordinator in 2010 with an MA in Applied Christian Spirituality and a Higher Diploma in Spiritual Guidance. To support her interest in working with older people, she also attained a Fetac 5 Healthcare Support qualification and a DIT level 7 Certificate in Activities Programme Development. In addition, she is a Sonas Licenced Practitioner and has trained in Clinical Pastoral Education.

With the invaluable support of nursing home founder Mary O’Reilly, she has taken responsibility for the further development of a comprehensive activity programme based on the interests and needs of residents. She creatively combines her education and training with great enthusiasm for the job and love of the people. Working with a supportive management and a committed team of activity staff and volunteers, she considers it her privilege to develop caring relationships with residents, while facilitating a range of social, cognitive, physical, spiritual and fun activities.

Sarah McDonagh
Clarenbridge Nursing Home

Sarah McDonagh a native of Clarenbridge, was promoted to Executive Chef in Clarenbridge Nursing Home, within the Windmill Group in 2016, having worked as a head chef in the Nursing home for the previous six years. Sarah is dedicated to the ongoing quality improvement and enjoyment of the ‘dining Experience’ for all the residents. She redesigned the dining department to include a fresh fruit buffet table promoting choice and independence. She has contributed to promoting healthy diets and awareness of resident dietary intake and food choices and how this impacts on the resident’s health. She works closely in communicating this message through her involvement in the Multidisciplinary Team. Her knowledge of the MUST scores and its impact on the resident’s health status has improved her awareness of the resident’s dietary requirements. Sarah provides health promotion education to all the residents, advising them that there are choices available and recent auditing has demonstrated significant health improvements such as reduction in constipation and digestive complaint’s. She is a key staff member and has the time to entertain residents with her cheerful and pleasant disposition every day.

Dermot Fallon
Sonas Care Centre Cloverhill

Originally from the local area of Cloverhill Roscommon, Dermot started working in maintenance at Sonas Cloverhill in 2014. Dermot has a background in electronics and automation and prior to commencing work at Sonas, he acted as a carer for his father.

Since joining Sonas, Dermot has undertaken many innovative projects which have benefitted residents, and has become an integral part of the Nursing Home Community. His job description has grown and diversified to include activities, driver, gardener, IT expert and most importantly, friend to all residents.

Outside of work, Dermot is a member of the local AED committee, former secretary of the local hurling club and was in involved in the local graveyard restoration works.

Mary O’Dowd
Carrigoran House

Mary worked for 30 years in Public Health Nursing as Area Nurse & Assistant Director. She spent 5 years as Director at the Institute of Community Health Nursing and was founder member & chairperson of the Global Network of Public Health Nursing.

In 2007, she moved to the Nursing Home sector and worked both as Director of Nursing and Quality Consultant for HIQA & JCI accreditation. In 2014. she spent 4 months with Concern Worldwide during the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. In 2015, she was appointed Manager at the Health & Wellness Centre, Carrigoran House, Co. Clare.

Quality of Life Committee
Sonas Care Centre Ard na Greine

Des Mulligan joined the Sonas Group of Nursing Homes in August 2015 as the Operations Manager for their Ard na Greine home in Enniscrone. Part of his brief with the Sonas Group has focused on the establishment of Quality of Life Committees across the homes of Sonas. These committees aim to create a ‘highlight to the day’ for each resident, and to integrate community life into the home.

Prior to joining Sonas Des worked as a Regional Manager with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland where he led on several projects that sought to improve services and care pathways for people living with dementia.

Linda Carew
Millbrae Lodge Nursing Home

Linda trained in the UK as a registered general Nurse. She gained considerable nursing experience after travelling extensively in Australia and the US. Linda has held the role of Person in Charge at Millbrae Lodge since 1999. She completed The European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care and workshops focusing on End of Life Care for residents suffering from dementia, along with training in Adult Education, Leadership and Management.

Linda was instrumental in implementing initiatives in end of life care which were acknowledged by the Irish Hospice Foundation through their Journey of Change programme. She is a role model, creating an environment of support and learning, building staff confidence in responding to the needs of the residents nearing the end of their lives.

Patrick Donnelly
Hamilton Park Care Facility

Patrick Donnelly is a resident of Kingfisher unit in Hamilton Park Care Facility. Pat, as he likes to be known, has lived in Hamilton Park since 21^st May 2015.

Pat has overcome many obstacles in his life and has blossomed since residing in Hamilton Park. He has strived to develop his passion for art and has not only contributed to the many projects within the care facility, but has also gifted many friends with portraits of themselves and their loved ones. Pat has gained confidence and has made many friends within the community of Kingfisher unit.

Marie Carey
Ashlawn House

Marie Carey is proprietor of Ashlawn House Nursing Home, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary since 1979. Throughout these 37 years Marie has been involved and a leader of the representative organisations that preceded NHI.

Marie served on the Board of NHI as Regional Director representing the Mid-West region for 4 years contributing greatly and also as an active regional member. Marie was generous with the time and advice to the organisation and also to individual members of many years.