Mountbatten Isle of Wight lead inpatient unit nurse, Theresa McNamara, has won the Excellence in Palliative Care Nursing (Not for Profit) Award, at Care Talk Magazine's Palliative and End of Life Care Awards 2025.

She said: "I was blown away at winning. I really didn’t know what to say!

"Thank you so much to those who nominated me. I absolutely love what I do and am incredibly passionate about palliative and end of life care."

Theresa was described as an exceptional nursing leader who thoroughly deserves the trust and respect shown to her by members of her team. A culture of openness, positivity, care and compassion flourishes among inpatient unit staff members, in turn fuelling exceptional patient care.

Above: Theresa (right) with presenter, Kate Garraway. Below: All the winners, including Theresa (top row, second from left). 

As a nurse, Theresa is the very epitome of patient-centred care and inclusivity, responding to patients’ needs. She has an innate ability to quickly develop relationships with patients and their families, making them feel at ease, secure and comfortable.

Always developing her skills, Theresa has earned a Master’s Degree and is experienced in physical assessment, diagnostics and decision-making and prescribing.

Theresa received her award from presenter and broadcaster, Kate Garraway, who hosted the ceremony at London’s Hilton Bankside, on Friday, 27 June.

With 25 years in healthcare, Theresa started as an HCA in maternity, working up to a BN (Hons) Adult Nursing. From stroke/neuro care, she joined Mountbatten, where she is now ward manager/ANP with an MSc in clinical leadership in palliative and end-of-Life care.

"I work with the most amazing team. Every day they go above and beyond in caring for our patients and their loved ones, making me very proud of them all — and very proud to be part of Mountbatten," said Theresa.

Mountbatten Isle of Wight's multi-disciplinary team which runs the John Cheverton Centre was highly commended.

For Walk the Wight, Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s fundraising team was also highly commended in the Best Fundraiser category.

Also nominated were Mountbatten Hampshire’s care at home team, as well as its lead inpatient unit nurse, Amanda Smart and occupational therapist, Tania Heasman.

The Bereavement Support Award included a shortlisted place for Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s Bereavement Team and Mountbatten Group CEO, Nigel Hartley, MBE, was shortlisted for an award honouring Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Palliative Care.

Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, MBE, said: "It was an honour both to be shortlisted and to join an amazing group of Mountbatten staff at this celebration of achievement.

“Every day, Mountbatten does incredible things in the communities we serve. For that I am both hugely grateful —  and in awe of what our teams achieve, in these challenging times.

"A special well done to Theresa — and to those Mountbatten staff who were highly commended.”