Three nurses at Letterkenny University Hospital have been recognised for compassionate care and clinical excellence after being nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The latest HSE news highlights the important difference nursing staff make to people receiving care across Donegal.
Katherine Kilpatrick, Shelagh McDevitt and Claire McConnell received the international DAISY Award at a ceremony held at the hospital on Friday, 18 September 2026. They were selected from more than 60 nominees, with each nurse recognised for providing exceptional support during deeply challenging periods in patients’ lives.
HSE news: Letterkenny nurses honoured for outstanding care
The ceremony marked the third DAISY Awards event hosted by Letterkenny University Hospital in 2026. The hospital holds four ceremonies each year through its partnership with The DAISY Foundation, an international programme celebrating nurses and midwives who consistently go beyond their professional duties.
The three award recipients
- Katherine Kilpatrick, staff nurse in Medical 3, was recognised for supporting a patient facing a life-changing illness and extended hospital stay. Her emotional and practical assistance offered comfort during an exceptionally difficult time.
- Shelagh McDevitt, staff nurse in the Paediatric Day Ward, was honoured for her care of a child undergoing regular cancer treatment. Her patience, reassurance and kindness helped build trust with the child while also giving vital support to the family.
- Claire McConnell, staff nurse in Gynaecology, received the award for her compassionate care of a patient experiencing pregnancy loss. Her empathy, calm approach and continued follow-up helped provide reassurance during the weeks after admission.
Each recipient received a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, a certificate, an honouree pin and cinnamon buns to share with colleagues. All nominees also received a DAISY certificate and pin acknowledging their contribution.
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DAISY Awards celebrate nursing excellence
The DAISY Award was established in the United States by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after his death at the age of 33. It has since developed into a global recognition programme for nurses and midwives whose skill, humanity and dedication have a lasting impact on patients and families.
Una Cardin, Director of Nursing at LUH, said the awards provide an opportunity to highlight exceptional care throughout the hospital. Marion Doogan, Director of Midwifery, also congratulated all nominees and praised the recipients’ commitment to placing patients and families at the centre of care.
The recognition reflects wider priorities within the Health Service Executive, including patient experience, professional standards and compassionate healthcare delivery. It also demonstrates how individual staff members can influence recovery, trust and wellbeing through everyday interactions.
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How to nominate a Letterkenny nurse or midwife
Patients, relatives and colleagues can nominate a nurse or midwife at Letterkenny University Hospital through the DAISY nomination website: daisynomination.org/4939.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
Conclusion
This HSE news story is a reminder that excellent healthcare is measured not only by clinical expertise, but also by compassion, dignity and personal support. The DAISY Awards recognise those qualities and celebrate the nurses who make a meaningful difference to patients and families every day.
