Midwife who blew whistle on Neary honoured by award
Accolade recognises courage of midwife's actions
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THE Lourdes Hospital midwife who blew the whistle on disgraced obstetrician Michael Neary has said a 'heart rendering' thank you, to all those who supported her.
The anonymous heroine has been awarded one of the accolades of the year in the Irish Tatler magazine awards. She was presented with a special recognition award for her courage in highlighting Neary's practices.
The doctor was eventually struck off by the medical council in what has become one of the most infamous episodes in recent Irish medical history.
The midwife did not collected the award in person, instead Sheila O'Connor and Caitriona Molloy from the advocacy group Patient Focus, collected it on her behalf.
' The two women delivered a heart rendering speech on behalf of the midwife.
'As they spoke there were tears in the eyes of almost everyone in the room.
'Afterwards the audience gave the midwife a standing ovation,' said Viv Gaine of the Irish Tatler.
At the awards ceremony clips from the RTÉ drama Whistleblower, based on the midwife's revelations and testimonies from the Lourdes Inquiry report into Michael Neary's actions, was shown.
In the speech delivered by Patient Focus, the midwife said she took her actions because of the women and their families who were affected by Dr Neary.
She thanked the colleagues who supported her, particularly Patsy Doyle of the Irish Nurses Organisation and Jim Reilly of the Health Services Executive.
The midwife has remained anonymous since making her revelations. She has said she doesn't wish any personal acclaim for her actions, she did it for the sake of the women involved.
The awards are given to women who have made outstanding contributions to public life, the arts, culture, business or entertainment.
'An award to an anonymous person is unusual but such a courageous stand, on an issue with such a profound effect of so many women's lives, deserved to be honoured,' said Ms Gaine.
- ANGELA MCCORMICK
