We are delighted to announce that Helen Coulter, Respond Community Stoma Care Nurse for Northern Ireland, has been recognised in the Queen’s 2021 New Years Honours List.

Helen has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) from the Queen for her services to Cancer and Stoma Patient’s in Northern Ireland.

Helen said:

I am so pleased to receive this award, I was contacted six weeks ago, asking for consent for my name to be forwarded by the prime minister to the Queen… really… big secret to keep for 6 weeks as I was asked not to tell even family.

I have been nursing for 45 years and have had lovely messages from colleagues I worked with over the years.

The congratulations from patients has been amazing and it is nice to be recognized by these people in particular.

Thanks has to go to the lady who nominated me for a British citizens award in 2018 as my BEM comes from that initial recommendation.

Covid-19 has delayed the celebrations as Northern Ireland is in quite a tight lockdown until at least mid-February, but I plan to celebrate in style when allowed to do so.

The good wishes from so many people is overwhelming, and I haven’t stopped smiling since the announcement.

Huge congratulations from all of your colleagues in the Eakin Healthcare Group.

 For more information on our award-winning service, click here or give us a call! If you would like to learn more about our #BeTheChange campaign or get involved click here.

Keep up to date with all of our latest news and activity on our social channels: