Physiotherapist wins Professional Excellence accolade at Northern Ireland Life After Stroke Awards

Nicola Moran, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist for the Royal Victoria Hospital, received the Professional Excellence Award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, at the recent Northern Ireland Life After Stroke Awards which took place in the Stormont Hotel, Belfast as part of Action on Stroke month.

Health Minister Edwin Poots, Government and Health representatives honoured the achievements of stroke survivors, their carers and supporters at the event. Local celebrities also attended including event host and Northern Ireland Stroke Association patron, BBC’s Noel Thompson, Belfast Citybeat Radio presenter Sara Neill and acclaimed artist Paul Bell.

Tom Richardson, Northern Ireland Director, Stroke Association comments;

“Nicola has been instrumental in driving the development of neuro-physiotherapy and stroke services within the Belfast Trust across acute and community services. In particular the continuing professional development of the new graduate practitioners and undergraduate level. Nicola also has considerable input into the ongoing development of the new stroke unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

“An exemplary clinician, Nicola is passionate about ensuring patients receive the optimal amount of therapy required to achieve the best possible outcomes. Often on the ward long past her work time, Nicola is wholly dedicated to ensuring stroke survivors receive the right level of care and is a highly deserving winner of this year’s Professional Excellence award.”

The winners this year ranged from 28 year old Kate Gorman who, despite having a stroke at the age of 19, is now an active Stroke Association volunteer, to the amazing efforts of stroke survivor Raymond Kelly and his friends who raised thousands of pounds through the fantastic 575 Challenge, cycling 500 miles and climbing 7 mountain peaks in just 5 days!

A total of eight Awards were handed out at the event in what proved to be an inspiring and emotional evening for both winners and guests alike.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said; “The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards demonstrates the excellent work across Northern Ireland to help support stroke sufferers and their families. They recognise the accomplishments of people who have been affected by, or who have had a stroke, overcoming personal challenges. The awards also give well deserved recognition to individuals and groups across the community who do so much to help stroke sufferers maximise their rehabilitation and recovery.”

Tom Richardson adds; “Around 34,000 people across Northern Ireland are currently living with the effects of stroke and each one is an inspiration to us all. May is Action on Stroke Month which focuses this year on raising awareness of mini-strokes or TIAs throughout Northern Ireland.  The Life After Stroke Awards is such a significant event for us as it not only highlights how stroke can affect anyone at any age, but also the impact stroke can have on families and carers.”

For further information, please visit www.stroke.org.uk or facebook.com/strokeassociationni