17 October 2008

Minister congratulates NSW Mental Health Nurse on Top Award

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Barbara Perry has congratulated a NSW nurse with 30 years experience for being named Mental Health Nurse of the Year 2008 at an inaugural national awards program.

Marion Stein, a clinical nurse consultant with Karitane NSW, who specialises in perinatal and infant mental health care, said she was delighted at being recognised in the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses awards.

Minister Perry said the award is a significant achievement and gives due recognition to Ms Stein’s hard work over many years in the field of mental health.

“With Ms Stein being recognised in these national awards, it is clear there are some truly incredible people working in this State to help people who have a mental illness,” Ms Perry said.

“It is people like Ms Stein who are really helping make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“I would like to express my warmest congratulations to Ms Stein for achieving this formal recognition.

“I hope these achievements will help inspire other people to consider careers in this vitally important area.”

Ms Stein said she has worked in many fields of mental health including hospitals, rehabilitation, old age and community work.

Among Ms Stein’s major achievements was setting up a perinatal and infant health service in 1997 in the Macarthur area.

“This was the first of its kind to be developed in a mainstream mental health service,” Ms Stein said.

Ms Stein is currently working at Jade House, a mood disorders unit within Karitane NSW for women and their families who may be at risk of or are currently experiencing depression or anxiety in the perinatal period.

“There is a lot of research that shows children’s emotional development is formed in the very early years and months and can be particularly based on their relationship with the primary care giver. If we focus on that area it can have a big impact on outcomes for children.”

Ms Stein received her award at the Annual International Conference of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses in Melbourne.

“I am always looking for the best outcomes for adults and children – and that has always been my main purpose in the work that I do,” she said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au