The second annual maternity & infant Awards were announced at a ceremony in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin. The awards, supported by Hibernian Aviva Health, were hosted by RTE’s Sharon Ní Bheolain. The maternity & infant Awards celebrate the very best in products and services as voted by parents nationwide. The highlight of the event was the People Awards which acknowledge the passion and commitment of people in their professional contribution to parents and children across Ireland.
The Special Merit Award was presented to Waterford man, Liam Grant, founder and CEO of Chernobyl Aid Ireland, for his work on the Grozovo Orphanage in Belarus, a major project of the charity. The charity was established in 1997 with hundreds of volunteers over the last 12 years working under Liam Grant’s leadership; together they have transformed Grozovo, giving orphaned children access to all the necessary facilities and basic comforts.
Brave seven year old Calbhach Harte O’Reilly was honoured with the Little Champion Award. Calbhach Harte O’Reilly showed great courage saving his mother’s life when she fell and hit her head while on a nature walk in the Cooley Mountains.
Four members of the medical profession who demonstrated excellence in their profession also received awards.
Nurse of the Year - Carole Boylan of the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin
Obstetrician of the Year - Dr. Trevor Hayes of St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny
Paediatrician of the Year - Dr. George Phillip the Bon Secour Hospital, Tralee
Midwife of the Year - Fiona McHugh who is a midwife and public health nurse from Dundrum.
Hibernian Aviva Health’s Marketing Director, Vanessa Hartley commented, “Hibernian Aviva Health is committed to looking out for the needs of its members, the maternity & infant Awards promote excellence and recognise the commitment that Irish health professionals demonstrate everyday in their work. It is these health professionals that deliver best in class treatment to our members and we are delighted to acknowledge their contribution at the awards ceremony this evening.”
Tracey Carney, Head of Events at Ashville Media said “We are thrilled with the response to the maternity & infant awards this year with over 24,000 votes online. These awards offer us the chance to reward the unsung heroes of Ireland, and acknowledge their fantastic achievements.”