A Laois nursing home administrator has been recognised among Ireland’s best at the NHI Care Awards 2025, the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.
Portlaoise native Mamie Dunne, from Oakdale Nursing Home in Portarlington, received the Olivia Slater Administrator of the Year Award, sponsored by Nursing Homes Ireland.
This new and special award was introduced in 2025 in memory of Olivia Slater, an esteemed colleague and a pillar of the organisation for many years.
Olivia was renowned for her warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to supporting nursing home Members, staff, residents, and families across Ireland.
The award was personally presented to Mamie by the Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, alongside Olivia’s husband and son.
The ceremony celebrated exceptional care being delivered every day across nursing homes in Ireland.
There were over 250 nominations submitted from across the country, with 34 finalists selected by an independent judging panel representing nursing, academia, and the wider health and social care sector.
The evening brought together colleagues, families, and representatives from every corner of Ireland, with an atmosphere of celebration, positivity, and reflection filling the Round Room as winners were announced.
Oakdale Nursing Home took to social media to congratulate Mamie on her award.
They said: “As we all know, everyone who comes through the door at Oakdale is greeted with a warm smile and welcome from Mamie, who works tirelessly to keep the admin side of the nursing home running whilst also being the front of house.
“We are delighted that Mamie’s hard work and commitment to the residents, families and staff at Oakdale is being recognised.”
“The NHI Care Awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication of those who provide compassionate, person-centred care every day,” said Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland.
“Mamie Dunne of Oakdale Nursing Home embodies the kindness, professionalism, and service ethos that Olivia Slater represented throughout her life.
“It was fitting that the very first Olivia Slater Administrator of the Year Award was presented to someone who reflects the same values of empathy, respect, and excellence that Olivia brought to her work and to our organisation.
“I also wish to extend warm congratulations to all those nominated across the country this year.
“Each nominee represents the compassion, commitment, and expertise that underpin quality nursing home care nationwide.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Minister Kieran O’Donnell for attending and presenting an award on the night, and to all our sponsors for their continued support, in particular to Homecare Medical, our long-standing awards partner and key sponsor, whose commitment helps make this national celebration of care possible.”
The Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Care Awards, held in association with Homecare Medical, are the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.
The NHI Care Awards honour the dedication, compassion, and professionalism shown by individuals and teams supporting more than 27,000 people living in nursing homes across Ireland.
The Awards recognise outstanding achievements and best practice in every aspect of care, from clinical excellence and innovation to teamwork, resident wellbeing, and quality improvement.
By highlighting these exceptional contributions, the NHI Care Awards showcase the vital role that nursing home care plays in enabling residents to live life to its fullest.
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