MBE for the province's first nurse consultant in mental health

Ann Scott, the first ever nurse consultant in mental health in Northern Ireland, receives the MBE for services to people with dementia.

Recently retired from the South Eastern Trust, her job combined practice with education as she managed the dementia assessment and treatment units within the trust, and the mental health liaison service.

She also provided leadership, expert practice, education and research in the area of mental health services for older people in partnership between the trust and Queen’s University.

Ann said: “The job fulfilled my ambitions from the start of my career, to explore research while retaining a clinical role. Traditionally nurses wanting to do research had to move away from practice but the rapidly changing context of nursing now puts focus on both.”

During her career Ann has worked in all aspects of mental health nursing, but says her preference has always been working with older people.

Also honoured with the MBE, for services to economic development in Northern Ireland, is Stephen McClelland, managing director, Schrader Electronics Ltd, which has a factory in Carrickfergus.

Meanwhile, Beryl McKnight picks up the BEM for service to the community. She is chairperson and a volunteer development worker with Carrickfergus Neighbourhood Development Group, based at Oakfield Community Centre.

Beryl, who is also chairperson of Carrickfergus Older People’s Forum and a former councillor, said: “I feel just so humbled, just such a surprise. There’s a lot of people out there do what I do and work hard for the community. Most people never get recognition. It’s for the people who support me as well.”

Muriel Joyce Boyd, a volunteer with Carrickfergus Voluntary Welfare Group, also receives the BEM for services to the welfare of ex-police officers and their families in Carrickfergus.