Mayo nurse named ‘Practice Nurse of the Year’

COLLETTE Gibbons of Louisburgh Medical Practice has been named Practice Nurse of the Year.

The award was made by GPBuddy.ie, the online resource for GPs in Ireland, in association with Affidea, Ireland’s leading independent provider of diagnostic imaging services.

Colette joined her current practice in Louisburgh in 2004. Since joining she has undertaken a huge workload and now provides many new services, which previously required patients to travel 40km to Mayo University Hospital.

Now in its second year, the annual GPBuddy Awards recognise excellence, innovation and collaboration among GPs all over Ireland. The winners were announced at a gala ceremony hosted by television personality and GP, Dr Pixie McKenna, at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel.

Speaking at the event, Dr Shane McKeogh of GPBuddy.ie said: “GPs at all stages of their careers are caring for patients, families and communities. These awards are about recognising the unsung healthcare heroes among us, and the innovation and dedication that can often be taken for granted. Sincere congratulations to all of tonight’s deserving winners. We hope that this event will encourage GPs throughout the country to continue to innovate and inspire new ways of improving patients’ lives.”

As the first and only awards ceremony of its kind in Ireland, the GPBuddy Awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the dedication, commitment and innovation of Ireland’s GP community. This year’s judging panel, comprising experts from across the medical, healthcare, media and business sectors, received a record number of nominations across all 12 categories.

Tom Finn, CEO of title sponsor Affidea Ireland, commented: “Affidea is delighted to partner with the GPBuddy National GP Awards. At a time when the role of the GP continues to grow and adapt, it is our great pleasure to join in honouring the hard work and dedication of GPs and their practice teams all around the country.”

* Pictured is Colette Gibbons (centre) of Louisburgh Medical Practice being presented with her award by Joe Newell, CEO of GPBuddy.ie and Lorcán Hanlon, Agency Sales Manager at the Sunday Business Post.