Winner: Eibhlin O’Callaghan
Nominator: Wendy Dunne
“Not only did she help heal my broken heart but she helped me through the fear and worry of losing another baby and to enjoy my pregnancies.”
This year’s GP of the Year has shown remarkable care and kindness with her patients, becoming a much needed support for those in need.
Dr Eibhlin O’Callaghan has been proudly named GP of the Year, not only for her high standard of skill as a doctor but also for the unending compassion and care she has shown to her patients. One patient in particular, Wendy Dunne, has felt the full force of Eibhlin’s support throughout recent years. Although Eibhlin came into Wendy’s life at a difficult time, after the miscarriage of her child, it was her warmth and guidance that prevented Wendy from becoming overwhelmed by grief.
During her following pregnancy, Eibhlin offered comfort to Wendy’s fears. “I think I was in with Eibhlin every week terrified and upset and always expecting something to go wrong. But not once did she make me feel like I was annoying her or hindering her with over-the-top worries or complaints,” explains Wendy. “I was welcomed with a lovely smile and always sent home happy.”
Thankfully, Wendy gave birth to a happy and healthy little girl. During Wendy’s next pregnancy she shared with Eibhlin her anxiety about the possibility of losing another child and as expected, these worries were met with the care and attention that Wendy had come to know as a core component of Eibhlin’s character. Wendy’s baby was born two months premature however, Eibhlin was able to guide her through this difficult time and allow Wendy to embrace her pregnancy.
Wendy says, “Not only did she help heal my broken heart but she helped me through the fear and worry of losing another baby and to enjoy my pregnancies.” Eibhlin has demonstrated a standard of compassion and empathy that far exceeds the confines of her job description, which is why we are proud to name her our GP of the Year. Wendy notes, “I’m nominating Eibhlin because she deserves it. They way she has touched my life and my family, I can only wonder how many others has she made an impact on.”