A nurse who provides health checks to farm families and the wider rural community has won the Public Health Award, sponsored by the Public Health Agency, at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025 which were held recently at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood in Belfast.
The Farm Families Health Checks Programme, led by Christina Faulkner, has made a profound impact on farming and rural communities by delivering accessible, high-quality health screening and support.
To date, over 27,000 individuals have been screened, of which 51% are farmers, 17% farm family members, and 32% are rural dwellers. Of those screened, 50% have been advised to consult their GP for further assessment and care.
Christina is employed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. She started her training as a nurse in the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1988.
She always wanted to be a nurse and has been working in the field for 37 years. Moving into the role of senior nurse in 2017, Christina took over as programme co-ordinator in 2019.
She has a farming background, as her dad was a beef and potato farmer, she says, “I am well aware of all the struggles farmers face.”
On the day of the awards, she was praised as a passionate and diligent leader who has an unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural populations.
Christina Faulkner and the health check van have become a familiar sight.
The judging panel commended the programme for its clear evidence of impact and recognised Christina’s exemplary dedication to meeting the healthcare needs of farming and rural communities.
Speaking about her achievement Christine says, “I was really excited to be nominated. I had to do a presentation and an interview to show that it was evidence based and was making an impact which I was quite nervous about. I put a lot of effort into that and it went well on the day. I have been on a bit of a high since I got the award, although the day after the awards ceremony I was doing health checks at a show so I was back down to earth with a bang, but that’s the way it is.”
The programme, through Christina’s leadership, has facilitated early detection of serious health conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight-related issues.
It also provides mental health screenings, cancer prevention advice, tailored lifestyle guidance, and referrals to appropriate services.
Christina says, “We are a regional service that is easily accessible for farmers. We go to where they are, as it is very hard for them to take time out. We want to catch health issues early. The checks save them time and, in the long term, the hope is that they won’t have to take time off work because of an illness.”
The programme serves adults aged 18 and older and is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Public Health Agency. Christina’s ability to build and sustain the vital partnerships is underpinning its delivery.
She says, “Looking ahead, it’s set to be a busy summer with community events, livestock marts and local shows coming up.”
Show dates include: Castlewellan Show, 19 July. Antrim Show, 28 July. Clogher Valley Show, 30 July. Fermanagh Show, 9 August.
Rita Devlin, executive director, RCN Northern Ireland; Kelly Forbes who has won the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2025; and Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt. \ RCN
The overall winner of the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2025 was Kelly Forbes, from Annalong, a senior mental health nurse, based in Newry and District GP Federation. Kelly won the award for her work to empower patients to take an active role in managing their mental health, and for transforming how patients access support for mental and emotional wellbeing.
She was praised for creating a series of accessible and evidence-based YouTube videos that cover topics like mood management and guided breathing to support patients’ mental wellbeing.
The Southern Trust area in which Kelly practises has the second highest suicide rate in Northern Ireland and faces serious mental health challenges.
Commenting on the awards, Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director, said: “Kelly has made a profound difference in the lives of her patients by creating vital mental health resources that are easily accessible through GP services.
“Her work is an outstanding example of how community-based nurses are leading the way in enhancing patient care.
“Her dedication and innovative approach have significantly improved patient outcomes, experiences, and overall quality of life.
“Each year, these awards highlight the exceptional skill and professionalism within nursing in Northern Ireland, and how our nursing staff continually strive to deliver the highest standards of care.”
A nurse who provides health checks to farm families and the wider rural community has won the Public Health Award, sponsored by the Public Health Agency, at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025 which were held recently at the Culloden Hotel, Holywood in Belfast.
The Farm Families Health Checks Programme, led by Christina Faulkner, has made a profound impact on farming and rural communities by delivering accessible, high-quality health screening and support.
To date, over 27,000 individuals have been screened, of which 51% are farmers, 17% farm family members, and 32% are rural dwellers. Of those screened, 50% have been advised to consult their GP for further assessment and care.
Christina is employed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. She started her training as a nurse in the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1988.
She always wanted to be a nurse and has been working in the field for 37 years. Moving into the role of senior nurse in 2017, Christina took over as programme co-ordinator in 2019.
She has a farming background, as her dad was a beef and potato farmer, she says, “I am well aware of all the struggles farmers face.”
On the day of the awards, she was praised as a passionate and diligent leader who has an unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural populations.
Christina Faulkner and the health check van have become a familiar sight.
The judging panel commended the programme for its clear evidence of impact and recognised Christina’s exemplary dedication to meeting the healthcare needs of farming and rural communities.
Speaking about her achievement Christine says, “I was really excited to be nominated. I had to do a presentation and an interview to show that it was evidence based and was making an impact which I was quite nervous about. I put a lot of effort into that and it went well on the day. I have been on a bit of a high since I got the award, although the day after the awards ceremony I was doing health checks at a show so I was back down to earth with a bang, but that’s the way it is.”
The programme, through Christina’s leadership, has facilitated early detection of serious health conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight-related issues.
It also provides mental health screenings, cancer prevention advice, tailored lifestyle guidance, and referrals to appropriate services.
Christina says, “We are a regional service that is easily accessible for farmers. We go to where they are, as it is very hard for them to take time out. We want to catch health issues early. The checks save them time and, in the long term, the hope is that they won’t have to take time off work because of an illness.”
The programme serves adults aged 18 and older and is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Public Health Agency. Christina’s ability to build and sustain the vital partnerships is underpinning its delivery.
She says, “Looking ahead, it’s set to be a busy summer with community events, livestock marts and local shows coming up.”
Show dates include: Castlewellan Show, 19 July. Antrim Show, 28 July. Clogher Valley Show, 30 July. Fermanagh Show, 9 August.
Rita Devlin, executive director, RCN Northern Ireland; Kelly Forbes who has won the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2025; and Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt. \ RCN
The overall winner of the RCN Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2025 was Kelly Forbes, from Annalong, a senior mental health nurse, based in Newry and District GP Federation. Kelly won the award for her work to empower patients to take an active role in managing their mental health, and for transforming how patients access support for mental and emotional wellbeing.
She was praised for creating a series of accessible and evidence-based YouTube videos that cover topics like mood management and guided breathing to support patients’ mental wellbeing.
The Southern Trust area in which Kelly practises has the second highest suicide rate in Northern Ireland and faces serious mental health challenges.
Commenting on the awards, Professor Rita Devlin, RCN Northern Ireland Executive Director, said: “Kelly has made a profound difference in the lives of her patients by creating vital mental health resources that are easily accessible through GP services.
“Her work is an outstanding example of how community-based nurses are leading the way in enhancing patient care.
“Her dedication and innovative approach have significantly improved patient outcomes, experiences, and overall quality of life.
“Each year, these awards highlight the exceptional skill and professionalism within nursing in Northern Ireland, and how our nursing staff continually strive to deliver the highest standards of care.”
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: