Minister Nesbitt congratulates Chief Nursing Officer on the award of OBE
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The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has congratulated Professor Maria McIlgorm on being awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to nursing and midwifery in the 2026 New Year Honours.
Professor McIlgorm has over 40 years’ experience in nursing across community and hospital settings, in professional, operational and strategic roles. She has been the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in the Department of Health since 2022.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I am delighted that Professor Maria McIlgorm has been honored with an OBE for her services to nursing and midwifery. She has displayed an exceptional level of professionalism and commitment throughout her career, and this is a very well-deserved honour.
“She has made a real difference to health and social care across the United Kingdom. During her time as CNO in Northern Ireland, she has implemented key policies to enhance patient experience and also empowered nurses and midwifery professionals to deliver improvements in the quality of care.
“It is hugely comforting to have someone of Maria’s knowledge and experience to advise me on all matters concerning nursing and midwifery.”
Professor Maria McIlgorm added: “I am delighted to be awarded with an OBE. I am humbled and thankful to colleagues I have worked with over the course of my career in Northern Ireland, Scotland and other parts of the UK. It is a privilege and an honour to have served as the Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland for the last four years. I am proud to have worked as both a Nurse and Midwife throughout my career and to have worked alongside so many dedicated and committed teams and individuals who do so much for so many, often beyond the call of duty.”
The Minister also congratulated HSC staff recognised on the New Years Honours List. He added: “I want to congratulate all staff across the health and social care service who have been recognised.
“Being bestowed an Honour by His Majesty The King is a significant achievement. It reflects real dedication and commitment to serving society and I am delighted that you have been recognised in this way. HSC staff go above and beyond every single day, and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for all that you do.”
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