Mayo woman wins national 'Public Health Nurse of the Year' award

A MAYO woman has been honoured as national 'Public Health Nurse of the Year'.

Eithne Garrick, Ballina, was rewarded for her dedication to improving health outcomes, enhancing patience experiences and transforming nursing practices in the areas of breastfeeding and antenatal education in particular.

Eithne was also commended for her work in supporting the development of the Healthy Hospital Initiative with Mayo University Hospital, amongst her many other achievements and received the Regional Winner West Award also.

“I am delighted to accept these awards in recognition of my contribution to ensure that the public nursing community in Ireland is providing excellent care, and services that the people of Ireland can be proud of, whether it’s post natal care, or the improvements to our community hospitals,” said Eithne.

Eithne works in a project/disadvantaged area in Ballina where she is responsible for the delivery of a PHN service.

She is also a lactation consultant and a facilitator for the Common Sense Parenting Programme and she utilises this expertise in the delivery of services to parents and families.

She has developed a number of programmes including antenatal education, post-natal groups, teenage antenatal and post-natal groups and breastfeeding groups.

She also received a regional award for her outstanding work.