03 June 2013

NSW Health is calling on members of the public to nominate outstanding nurses and midwives in the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

The inaugural awards, which opened today, recognise and celebrate the significant contribution of the more than 47,500 nurses and midwives that care for patients across NSW.

“Nurses and midwives are the very heart of our health care system; providing medical care, emotional support and companionship for those people at their most vulnerable,” NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Susan Pearce, said.

“We are encouraging community members, patients and colleagues to throw their support behind these unsung heroes and provide them with the opportunity to have their fantastic work celebrated and recognised publically,” Ms Pearce said.

The awards were established earlier this year by NSW Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, in celebration of International Nurses’ and Midwives’ Day.

Categories include:

  • Excellence in Nursing – Registered Nurse
  • Excellence in Midwifery – Registered Midwife
  • Excellence in Nursing – Enrolled Nurse
  • Excellence in Nursing – Assistant in Nursing
  • Excellence in Leadership
  • Excellence in Education, Research and Innovation
  • Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care
  • Excellence in Partnerships with Patients, Families and Carers
  • Excellence in Team Clinical Practice
  • Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award *In honour of NSW’s first Chief Nurse

“There are few people who have been to a hospital or care facility in the community who have not been in awe of the tremendous work that nurses and midwives do each day. Now is our opportunity to say thank you,” Ms Pearce said.

Nominations close at 11.59pm on Monday, 1 July 2013. For more information and to nominate visit NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. Winners will be announced 5 September, 2013.​