Our CervicalCheck Screening Training Unit (STU) has won the Irish Healthcare Award for Nursing and Midwifery Project of the Year, recognising its innovative work to build a resilient, responsive and future-focused cervical screening education model.
The judges said “this nurse-led national training programme for cervical screening offers flexible and accessible education with strong governance and a clear strategy. It adapts to clinicians’ needs, includes inclusive outreach and is a superb educational development with a positive impact."
The STU team develops, coordinates and evaluates the education and training of healthcare professionals involved in cervical screening across Ireland. Since 2021, the team has led major reforms in how cervical screening education is delivered, and introduced a free, accessible national education programme aligned with our CervicalCheck programme needs and governance standards.
Our flexible, evidence-based education model is unique in Ireland and internationally. It combines structured governance with practical, in-practice support from clinical trainers nationwide.
This award celebrates our success in expanding access to high-quality education, increasing participation among sample takers, and ensuring that women receive world-class, safe and person-centred care - no matter where they are screened.
“We’re honoured to receive this recognition for the work our team has done to strengthen cervical screening education across Ireland,” said Dr Rachael Comer, Education and Training Manager with the Screening Training Unit. “This award is a tribute to the dedication of our clinical trainers who provide one-to-one mentoring and support in every corner of the country. Together, we’re helping to ensure consistent, high-quality care for everyone attending cervical screening.”
Our Chief Executive, Fiona Murphy, congratulated the team: “This award is richly deserved. The CervicalCheck Screening Training Unit has transformed how we educate and support healthcare professionals in cervical screening. Their innovation, leadership, and focus on quality and equity are helping us move closer to our shared vision - to make cervical cancer a rare disease in Ireland.”
- The 2025 Irish Healthcare Awards took place in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin on 4 November.