Magherafelt nurse has been caring for people almost 25 years

This year more than ever, it is important to celebrate the incredible contributions that nurses make to our society.

Margaret, who was named Cancer Nurse of the Year 2019 at the Royal College of Nursing Awards NI, is from Magherafelt and is based at Antrim Area Hospital.

She has been caring for local people for almost 25 years and has just retired from her full-time post.

Margaret Carlin took up her role as a Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Mid Ulster Hospital in 1996.

“My post was created as a result of collaboration between Macmillan Cancer Support and what is now the Northern Health and Social Care Trust,” recalls Margaret.

“It was important to have a full-time nurse specialist who could provide expert advice, support and information to patients who were living with cancer or a life limiting illness.”

Following Margaret’s appointment, her sterling work in the community was well known.

Funds, however, were needed to continue to support her role and this inspired a group of individuals in the Magherafelt area to form a fundraising committee.

In their time, Magherafelt Fundraising Committee raised over £1,000,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Northern Ireland.

“Over the years I have met and cared for many people with cancer and other life limiting conditions, often at times of great distress for them, their families and loved ones,” explains Margaret.