GP mental health nurse is RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2025
A senior mental health nurse has won the award for empowering patients in managing their mental health and transforming access to emotional support.
Kelly Forbes was presented with the award by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA and RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director, Rita Devlin, at a special ceremony held at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood earlier this year.
Based at Kilkeel Medical Practice, Kelly has created a series of accessible, evidence-based videos, which are hosted on YouTube, on topics like mood management and guided breathing to support patients’ mental well-being.
The Southern Trust area in which Kelly practises has the second highest suicide rate in Northern Ireland, is among the 20 per cent most deprived areas, and faces serious mental health challenges.
Kelly has worked extensively with local organisations including Mourne Matters, the Recovery College, RNLI and the Fishermen’s Mission to build community links and increase engagement.
The results have been compelling, with nearly 70 per cent of patients seen by mental health practitioners in GP practices requiring no further referral to secondary care.
As a result, the initiative is set for a wider regional rollout across the area, offering patients and clinicians alike a valuable new tool in improving mental health outcomes.
Patient testimonials reflect the significant impact of the service with one patient saying: “For the first time in years, I don’t feel down. After years of medication, this is life-changing.” Another wrote: “Kelly literally saved my life - thank you.”
Other awards on the night included the Digital and Data Innovation in Nursing Award, sponsored by Digital Health and Care NI, which was awarded to Iona McCormack and Roisin Hill, skin cancer specialist nurses at Action Cancer.
Together, they developed a skin cancer photo triage e-referral pathway that has delivered a gold-standard screening service across Northern Ireland.
Since 2023, the service has provided more than 4,500 consultations, identified more than 300 suspected skin cancer lesions and offered comprehensive assessments to more than 3,100 patients - many of whom were safely discharged with reassurance and advice.
The judging panel praised the initiative for improving patient experience and efficiency, noting its ability to reach underserved communities through a mobile, accessible approach.
Professor Owen Barr from Ulster University won the prestigious Kathleen Robb Award for outstanding contribution to nursing, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council.
Commenting on the awards, Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director, said: “Kelly has made a profound difference in the lives of her patients by creating vital mental health resources that are easily accessible through GP services.
“Her work is an outstanding example of how community-based nurses are leading the way in enhancing patient care.”
She added: “Her dedication and innovative approach have significantly improved patient outcomes, experiences, and overall quality of life.
“Each year, these awards highlight the exceptional skill and professionalism within nursing in Northern Ireland, and how our nursing staff continually strive to deliver the highest standards of care. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, who represent the very best of our profession.”