Three Letterkenny University Hospital Nurses Honoured with International Daisy Award

Three exceptional members of staff at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have been recognised for outstanding differences they make in the lives of patients and families.

At a special ceremony held in the hospital on Friday, out of over sixty nominees Katherine Kilpatrick, staff nurse, Medical 3, Shelagh McDevitt, staff nurse, Paediatric Day ward and Claire McConnell, Staff Nurse, Gynaecology were presented with the prestigious Daisy Award. The recipients were nominated by patients, families and colleagues in recognition of their clinical excellence and compassionate care.

Following the tremendous success of the DAISY Awards at LUH, the hospital was proud to continue its partnership with The DAISY Foundation by hosting its third award ceremony of 2026.

The DAISY Award is an international programme that honours the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care demonstrated by nurses and midwives every day. Established in the United States by the family of J. Patrick Barnes following his death at the age of 33, the DAISY Foundation has grown into a global movement, with participating healthcare organisations celebrating professionals who consistently go above and beyond for their patients.

LUH hosts four DAISY Award ceremonies annually. All nominees receive a DAISY certificate and pin in recognition of their contribution, while three honourees are selected each quarter to receive the award. Award recipients are presented with a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, an honouree pin, a certificate, and cinnamon buns to share with colleagues, a tradition inspired by ‘Patrick Barnes’ family.

Nominees were nominated for a wide range of reasons with award recipients: 

Katherine Kilpatrick, Staff Nurse, Medical 3, has been recognised with a DAISY Award for her exceptional compassion and dedication to a patient facing a life-changing illness and prolonged hospital stay. Katherine provided outstanding emotional and practical support, going above and beyond to comfort her patient during particularly difficult times.

Shelagh McDevitt, Staff Nurse, Paediatric Day Ward, was nominated for her dedication to a young patient throughout a challenging cancer treatment journey. Shelagh provided endless patience, reassurance and kindness during regular hospital treatments, creating such a positive and trusting relationship that hospital visits became something the child looked forward to. Shelagh also supported the child’s family with warmth and empathy, going above and beyond to celebrate important milestones along the way. She was described as a truly remarkable nurse who made a lasting difference to the patient and family.

Claire McConnell, Staff Nurse, Gynaecology, has been recognised with a DAISY Award for the incredible compassion, kindness and emotional support she provided to a patient experiencing pregnancy loss. Claire’s calm, empathetic approach created a safe and supportive environment during an intensely difficult time, ensuring the patient felt listened to, reassured and cared for as an individual. Her support continued beyond the initial admission, providing reassurance and follow-up care during the weeks that followed.

Una Cardin, Director of Nursing at LUH said, “The DAISY Awards provide an important opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional care being delivered throughout LUH. Katherine, Shelagh and Claire demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their patients, consistently showing kindness, professionalism and dedication in everything they do. We are delighted to see their contribution recognised and celebrated today.”

Marion Doogan, Director of Midwifery at LUH said, “The DAISY Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding contribution our nurses and midwives make to patient care every day. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and particularly to Katherine, Shelagh and Claire, whose dedication, compassion and professionalism are so clearly reflected in the care they provide. Their commitment to putting patients and families at the heart of everything they do has a meaningful and lasting impact, and it is fantastic to see their work recognised through these awards.”

To nominate a Nurse or Midwife at LUH, visit: www.daisynomination.org/4939