Omagh native awarded MBE for services to public protection

OMAGH native Dr Deirdre McCormick has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours for her outstanding services to public protection.

Dr McCormick, who now lives in Glasgow, was recognised for her work as Chief Nurse in the city, where she has spent her NHS career making a significant impact on patient safety and healthcare standards.

Originally from Tattyreagh, Dr McCormick (née Gallagher) was educated locally at Tattyreagh Primary School and Loreto Convent, Omagh. She trained at the Royal Victoria Hospital and began her career working as a health visitor in her hometown before moving to Glasgow for further training. She remained in Scotland, dedicating her career to the NHS and rising to senior leadership.

Deirdre leads NHSGGC’s Public Protection Service, which exists to ensure the safety of vulnerable unborn babies, children, young people and adults who are at risk of harm.

She is a qualified nurse, midwife and health visitor with 44 years of NHS service and has dedicated her career to improving patient care and experience and protecting the public

Deirdre has held a range of operational management and professional leadership roles both locally and at a national level, and worked as a Nursing Officer for Children, Young People and Vulnerable Families within the Chief Nursing Directorate of the Scottish Government.

She is also a trustee of the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.

Deirdre explained that safeguarding vulnerable people often requires a multi-agency response and praised her own team and others who provide support.

She said: "This honour came as a complete and unexpected surprise, and I am humbled to receive this award.

“This recognition is testimony to the incredible work undertaken by the Public Protection Service team within NHS GGC, the wider NHS and multiagency partners in keeping unborn babies, children, young people and adults safe from harm.

“I have been privileged to have enjoyed an extremely rewarding career spanning over 40 years within the NHS and I have been fortunate to work with a wide range of colleagues in both a local and national context.

“This honour would not be possible without their support and the support of my family and friends.

“The award highlights the essential and impactful safeguarding duties we all share, particularly in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

Her family in Omagh expressed pride at the honour, noting her lifelong commitment to public service and healthcare.

The MBE recognises Dr McCormick’s dedication to improving public protection and healthcare delivery, highlighting her as an inspiring figure for both her local community in Omagh and colleagues across the NHS in Glasgow.