Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s 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.
Theresa received her award from journalist and broadcaster Kate Garraway, who hosted the ceremony at London’s Hilton Bankside on Friday 27th June.
Described as an exceptional nursing leader, Theresa was praised for creating a culture of openness, positivity, care and compassion among the inpatient unit team – in turn ensuring exceptional care for patients and their loved ones.
Speaking after her win, Theresa McNamara 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.”
The award citation described Theresa as the epitome of patient-centred care and inclusivity, with an innate ability to quickly build trust with patients and families, helping them feel at ease and supported. Always looking to develop her skills, Theresa has earned a Master’s Degree and is highly experienced in physical assessment, diagnostics, decision-making and prescribing.
With 25 years in healthcare, Theresa began her career as an HCA in maternity before completing her BN (Hons) in Adult Nursing. She worked in stroke and neuro care before joining Mountbatten, where she is now ward manager and ANP with an MSc in clinical leadership in palliative and end-of-life care.
Theresa added:
“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.”
The evening also brought recognition for other Mountbatten teams and individuals. Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s multi-disciplinary team at the John Cheverton Centre was highly commended, along with the charity’s fundraising team for Walk the Wight in the Best Fundraiser category.
Mountbatten Hampshire’s care at home team, lead inpatient unit nurse Amanda Smart and occupational therapist Tania Heasman were also nominated, while the Bereavement Support Team was shortlisted for the Bereavement Support Award. Mountbatten Group CEO Nigel Hartley, MBE, was shortlisted for Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Palliative Care.
Nigel Hartley, MBE, CEO of Mountbatten, 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 all our teams who were recognised and highly commended.”
