People of UHK Award Winners 2025

University Hospital Kerry (UHK) hosted its annual People of UHK Awards on Wednesday, 6th of August 2025 at the Pavilion in Ballygarry Estate in Tralee. The event recognised and celebrated the exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism of staff across the hospital, honouring those who have gone above and beyond in the delivery of care, support, and service improvement.

As UHK and HSE SouthWest continues to invest in the enhancement of healthcare services across all departments, the People of UHK Awards serve as a moment to pause and acknowledge the people driving that progress—from clinical staff and frontline teams to those working quietly behind the scenes.

Hospital Manager of UHK, Mary Fitgerald, speaking at the awards said:

“Each year, these awards reflect the very best of who we are. The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and our team has shown incredible resilience, adaptability, and innovation in meeting new challenges. These awards are about recognising not just individual excellence, but the collective spirit that is moving our hospital forward every day.”

With a record number of nominations received this year, the 2025 awards saw an overwhelming response from patients, visitors, and colleagues—each submission reflecting the deep compassion, professionalism, and dedication shown by staff across UHK. An independent judging panel carefully reviewed the nominations and selected the winners based on the meaningful impact they have made on patient care, team support, and the continued improvement of hospital services.

Award Winners:

Award Winners 2025

Patient Care Award
• Megan Meehan, Staff Midwife – for her empathy and outstanding support for women and families.
• Francie Breen, Porter – recognised for his humour, kindness, and uplifting presence in the hospital.
• Dr. Daniel Onyekwere, Consultant Paediatrician – honoured for his dedication to compassionate, child-centred care.

Service Excellence Award
• Mary Cotter, Catering Assistant – celebrated for her thoughtful approach and attention to the daily wellbeing of patients.
• Mark O’Connor, Security Staff – recognised for his respectful manner and calm, helpful presence throughout the hospital.
• John O’Connor, Endoscopy HCA – acknowledged for his professionalism and consistent support to colleagues and patients alike.

Leadership Award
• Ken C Miranda, CNM2 Dialysis – honoured for his steady leadership, clinical knowledge, and unwavering support for both patients and his team.

People of UHK Award
• Seán Lynch, Head Porter – celebrated for his leadership, reliability, and day-to-day support across departments.
• Helen Healy, CNS Colorectal – recognised for her commitment to patient-centred care and expert guidance to those navigating treatment.
• Dympna Griffin, CNMIII Nursing Informatics – acknowledged for her dedication to enhancing clinical systems for staff and patients.

Team of the Year Award
• Catering Department – praised for their coordinated teamwork, dedication to quality service, and important contribution to the daily experience of patients and staff.

Unsung Champion Award
• Naomi Sheehan, Business Manager – Medicine – for her behind-the-scenes dedication, professionalism, and team support.
• Janice McHugh, Business Manager – Obs/Gyn – recognised for her focus and supportive role in service delivery.
• Amanda Coulson, HR Manager – celebrated for her commitment to staff wellbeing and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.

Special Recognition Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award
• Tony O’Neill, Logistics Business Lead HSE SouthWest – recognised for a career marked by integrity, loyalty, and steadfast support to hospital operations and colleagues across the region.

Outstanding Newcomer Award
• Sinéad O’Mahony, Strategic Transformation Officer – honoured for her energy, innovation, and meaningful contribution to service development at UHK.

Care & Compassion Award
• Chaplaincy Team – acknowledged for their compassionate presence and unwavering support to patients, families, and staff during life’s most vulnerable moments.

The 2025 People of UHK Awards reflected the strength and unity of a team committed to continuous improvement and person-centred care. The event served as a heartfelt reminder of the power of professionalism, compassion, and teamwork in shaping a better healthcare experience for all.