The state’s top nurses and midwives will be recognised for their valuable contribution with nominations opening today for the annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Members of the community, patients and colleagues are encouraged to nominate any nurse or midwife in the public health system who has made a considerable impact on the lives and experiences of their patients.

NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross paid tribute to the state’s nurses and midwives today and encouraged people throughout NSW to make a nomination.

“Our nurses and midwives provide high quality, patient-focused care which benefits communities right across the state, day in, day out,” Ms Cross said.

“Over the next few weeks we will celebrate International Day of the Midwife on 5 May and International Nurses Day on 12 May.

“These special days and the Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are a time to recognise and publically acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our nurses and midwives.”

Finalists and winners are selected from 12 different categories, ranging from excellence in practice to clinical leadership and innovation in research.

The NSW Government has committed to the largest Australian healthcare workforce boost with an extra 5000 nurses and midwives across regional and metropolitan areas over four years, as part of a $2.8 billion investment in frontline staff.

The state now employs a record 51,890 nurses and midwives and this year, a record 2500 graduate nurses and midwives began their careers at 130 hospitals and health services.

“I’d like to personally thank all the nurses and midwives in NSW, for your compassion, skill and commitment to making a difference to those in your care, each and every day,” Ms Cross said.

Nominations close on Friday 28 June. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 1 October.