Newly qualified Ballymena health visitor wins prestigious UK award

Northern Trust Health Visitor, Mary Donnelly, winner of the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Student Health Visitor Award, pictured with Alison Morton, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting.

A newly qualified health visitor with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has received national recognition after winning a prestigious UK-wide award from the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV).

Mary Donnelly secured first place in the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Student Health Visitor Award, in recognition of her commitment to tackling health inequalities through advocacy work with vulnerable migrant families.

The award highlights outstanding practice among student health visitors across the UK and recognises innovation, leadership and impact within community public health nursing.

As part of her achievement, Mary was invited to present her work at the iHV Leadership Conference in London last month, placing her work on a national platform.

Mary Donnelly presenting her work at the Institute of Health Visiting conference.

Reflecting on her success, Mary said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have received the award – it still feels surreal. Attending the conference was a huge honour and a valuable opportunity to learn from others and celebrate the difference we can make together.

“My work highlighting health risks for migrant families has shown me how vital the SCPHN role is in supporting vulnerable communities. I’m so grateful to Anne-Marie, my practice supervisor, for reminding me that students can drive meaningful change, and I hope this recognition provides a platform to raise further awareness.”

Mary is now working as a Health Visitor with the Public Health Nursing Team based in Ballymena and says she is eager to continue advocating for families who need support the most.

(L-R) Anne-Marie McAleer and Loretta Hegarty from the Northern Trust, Alison Morton, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting, and Mary Donnelly, winner of the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Student Health Visitor Award.

“As health visitors, it is our duty to promote the safety, health and wellbeing of all children. The power of advocacy and the voice that health visitors have in promoting equity can influence real change for the families in our care,” she said.

Senior colleagues have praised Mary’s achievement, highlighting both her professional dedication and the wider impact of her work.

Ciara McIlhatton, Nurse Manager, said:

“All of us within the Public Health Nursing Team want to say congratulations to Mary on her award. We are delighted that she is now continuing her career with us after successfully completing her training.”

The recognition has also been welcomed by Ulster University, where Mary completed her SCPHN training. Wendy Mallon, Lecturer and Course Director for the SCPHN Pathways, said:

“I am delighted that Mary has been awarded first prize in the iHV Student Awards. Mary has demonstrated a commitment, passion and innovation in SCPHN practice and her academic studies over the duration of the programme.

“She is displaying leadership skills and specialist knowledge in identifying children and families who are among the most vulnerable in communities in order to address health inequalities and improve health outcomes.”

(L-R) Anne-Marie McAleer, Practice Supervisor from the Northern Trust, Alison Morton, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting, and Mary Donnelly.

Mary’s achievement shines a spotlight on the critical role health visitors play in supporting children and families, particularly within communities facing inequality, and underscores the impact that newly qualified professionals can have at both local and national level.