The awards ceremony took place on 23 April 2026, in Belfast. It welcomed attendees from across the sector to honour the achievements of individuals and teams making a significant impact in healthcare.
The awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication and extraordinary work of healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, and the PDA is pleased to have sponsored the Pharmacy Student Leadership category once again.
Each year, the PDA sponsors the Student Leadership category in the Northern Ireland, Welsh and Scottish healthcare awards, highlighting the achievements of future pharmacists. The award recognises students who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, and a meaningful contribution to the profession during their studies.
This year’s Pharmacy Student Leadership Award winner was Fatema Mohammad from Ulster University, who has now won the award for the second year in a row! Fatema was recognised for her consistency, passion, and commitment to improving student experiences and contributing to the profession throughout her degree.
Pharmacy Student Leadership Award winner, Fatema Mohammad from Ulster University, with Alison Jones, PDA Director of Policy & Communications, and Dr Aaron Courtenay, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy at Ulster University
The event once again brought together industry professionals and students to celebrate excellence across a range of categories, including pharmacy, mental health, cardiology, and innovation in clinical practice.
In addition to recognising professional excellence, the awards also raised funds for the 2026 charity partner, Extern. The charity provides guidance and hope to those experiencing homelessness, supports individuals with past challenges, and those grappling with the weight of mental health and so much more.
All images can be viewed here.
2026 Northern Ireland healthcare award winners
- Cardiology Team of the Year – NI Mavacamten Service For Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Management of Substance Dependency – Malone Place Clinic, Belfast Health Social Care Trust, Over the Counter (OTC) Codeine, Community Addiction Team (CAT)
- Practice Pharmacist of the Year – Laura O’Donnell
- Innovative Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis – Southern Health and Social Care Trust MS Team
- Innovation In Rheumatology Treatment – Giant Cell Arteritis Service Belfast Trust
- Pharmacy Student Leadership – Fatema Mohammad
- Mental Health Team Of The Year – Cystic Fibrosis Team
- Excellence In Ophthalmology – Diabetic Eye Screening Team
- Hospital Pharmacy Team Of The Year – Northern Ireland Clinical Education Pharmacist (NICEP) Team
- Medical Student Leadership – Ciara-Jayne Thornton, Queen’s University Belfast
- Excellence In Antimicrobial Stewardship – Western Health and Social Care Trust/ Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Elastomerics Antibiotics Project
- Oncology Team Of The Year – North West Cancer Centre Oncology Team, Western Trust
- Management of Inflammatory Skin Conditions – Southern Trust Hidradenitis Supurativa Service
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