Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025

 

Nominations for the 2025 Healing Heart Consumer Award or the Healing Heart Colleague Award will be open 5 May – 12 June.
 

The NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of nurses and midwives, who positively impact the health outcomes of patients, women and families across NSW.

Congratulations to all our 2024 finalists​

  • ​Winner - Kathleen Bohannon, Nurse Manager, Mid North Coast Local Health District

    Kathleen is the Nurse Manager, Aboriginal Health Workforce and Strategy, for the Mid North Coast Local Health District.

    In her role, she is driven by opportunities to improve care for others and actively seeks out ways to innovate and continually improve how and where healthcare is provided.

    Kathleen led the development of an Aboriginal Nurse Practitioner model of care. The innovative model strengthened the working relationship between the acute care service and Aboriginal Medical Service, ultimately improving access to care for Aboriginal people in the local community.

    ​Finalist- Sara Lewis, Clinical Nurse E​​​ducator, Wyong Hospital, Central Coast Local Health District

    A proud Kamilaroi woman, Sara's journey from an Aboriginal nursing cadet to a clinical nurse educator in the emergency department is a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to professional development and her commitment to honing her skills as a nurse and clinical leader.

    Sara demonstrates excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare through dedicated leadership, innovative educational approaches, and her advocacy for patients and the community.

    Finalist- ​Tamara Blanch, Registe​​red Midwife, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

    Tamara is a registered midwife with the local Aboriginal Maternal Infant and child Health Service,  Binji and Boori, in Warrawong in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

    Tamara is a proud Yuin woman who started as an Aboriginal Health Worker 20 years ago. She found a passion for midwifery and completed a Bachelor of Midwifery in 2011.

    Tamara works tirelessly for Binji and Boori, going above and beyond to plan and implement community development programs for the families the team provides care for; sourcing educational and development opportunities for the team, and developing team building sessions.​​​

  • Winner - Rachel Edwards, Nursing Unit Manager, Dubbo Health Service, Western NSW Local Health District

    Rachel Edwards is the manager of Dubbo Health Service Paediatric and Neonatal Care Unit and is genuinely committed to working honestly, openly and respectfully with families and patients to improve not only their experience in our care, but their knowledge of health, and their ability to make informed choices.

    As a leader Rachel is encouraging in a way that leads people to grow. She is not afraid to have direct conversations or challenging staff to reflect, grow and become better clinicians. She is accountable and curious, striving to learn more herself as a manager.​

    Finalist - Ahmad Ghafoor, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Parramatta Chest Clinic, Western Sydney Local Health District

    Ahmad has made exceptional contributions to patient care, provided inspirational leadership within the workplace, and is committed to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

    Ahmad consistently exceeds expectations and serves as a role model for his colleagues. His dedication to providing exemplary safe and quality patient care, coupled with his compassionate demeanour and strong communication skills, make him an outstanding nurse.

    Ahmad's commitment to improving the patient experience and providing exemplary, safe, and quality care is evident in his interactions with vulnerable populations, particularly refugees from Afghanistan. He goes above and beyond to ensure that patients receive culturally sensitive care, taking the time to listen to their concerns and provide support.

    Finalist - ​Courtney Joseph, Registered Midwife, Canterbury Hospital, Sydney Local Health District

    Courtney is an exceptional Aboriginal midwife who has made a significant impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women within the Canterbury Antenatal Postnatal Service (CAPS).

    Courtney brings a unique perspective and understanding to her work. She is able to connect with women and families on a deeper level, building trust and rapport through shared cultural experiences. Her dedication to providing culturally safe care has resulted in improved health outcomes and increased satisfaction among the women in her caseload.

  • Winner - Salina Zafeiriou, Registered Nurse, Prince of Wales Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

    Salina was nominated for this Award by the family of a 91 year old patient with dementia and some complex health issues.

    Here is an excerpt from the nomination:

    “While all the nurses from the Prince of Wales Hospital Primary Care Team provided excellent care to my mother, Salina was exceptional. Not only did Salina treat our mother, she also 'treated' us, becoming our lifeline as we navigated the challenges of our mother's decline.

    When our precious Mother passed away peacefully at home … Salina was an instrumental part of our mother's care and an outstanding nurse.

    Salina is knowledgeable, resourceful, skilful, gentle, caring and kind. Her greatest asset is that she notices the small things, she asks questions, and she is perceptive."​

    Finalist - Angela Sercombe, Registered Midwife, Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, Mid North Coast Local Health District

    Angela was nominated for this Award by a woman she supported through her birthing journey.

    This is an excerpt from the nomination:

    “The night my daughter was born (she) needed CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and close monitoring.

    "I was so heartbroken ... I told Angela how I felt and she went above and beyond and created the safe space for me to hold my daughter skin to skin for hours.

    Angela was the most kind and genuine midwife and person I have ever met. She was bubbly and always happy to help I never seen her waiver from being professional kind and caring. The empathy and compassion she shared with me and my daughter is not comparable to any other experience I have had.

    Finalist - ​Christopher Hammond, Registered Nurse, Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, Mid North Coast Local Health District

    Christopher works in the Intensive Care Unit and was nominated for this Award by a patient.

    Here is an excerpt from the nomination:

    “In February 2024 I was seriously ill, requiring ventilation, and round-the clock care, Chris went above and beyond in providing care to me and supporting my family with gentle care and utmost compassion. His professionalism, expertise and kindness were evident in every interaction I or my family had with him.

    Chris' expertise and confidence with care in all his interactions was always reassuring and gave me great comfort. This I believe was instrumental in my healing from a major trauma.

    Quite simply Christopher is the nurse that makes the difference.”

  • Winner - Sandy Eagar, Nurse Manager, South Western Sydney Local Health District

    Sandy Eagar's journey in nursing spans nearly five decades, and over those years she has left an indelible mark on emergency nursing, nurse education, and refugee health nursing, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to excellence in each role.

    Sandy's lifelong commitment to nursing is inspirational, touching the lives of countless patients and their families, colleagues, and stakeholders across the healthcare system: a testament to her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and unwavering compassion.

    What truly sets Sandy apart is her impassioned advocacy for marginalised communities, tirelessly championing equitable access to healthcare.​​

    Finalist - Aaron Jones, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Information Officer, Sydney Local Health District.

    Aaron has 30 years' experience working in the NSW public health sector as a registered nurse in various clinical specialties.

    Aaron's work has set a standard for nursing and midwifery informatics not only in New South Wales but also across Australia, influencing national strategies and priorities in digital health. This role has significantly contributed to the implementation and ongoing optimisation of electronic medical records (eMR) across multiple health facilities.

    His innovation has empowered patients, enhanced their engagement in their care, and demonstrated Aaron's ability to leverage technology for improved patient outcomes.

    Finalist - ​Jennifer Flaherty, Clinical Midwifery Consultant, Southern NSW Local Health District

    Jenny is an extraordinary midwife and a wonderful human who has dedicated her life to caring and advocating for women and the midwifery profession.

    Working as a midwife in SNSWLHD for 35 years, Jenny has made a lasting and positive impact on countless colleagues, women and families.

    Jenny's expert encouragement gives her midwifery colleagues a sense of enthusiasm and passion for their profession; all whilst continually elevating clinical standards across Southern NSW.

  • Winner - Sarah Melov, Clinical Midwife Consultant, Western Sydney Local Health District

    Sarah epitomises dedication and passion in her role as a clinical midwife consultant, Women's Health Research, demonstrated by her numerous research projects and dedication to the support for staff across the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD).

    Since 2016, Sarah has authored an impressive 28 research publications, alongside her presentations at a variety of conferences and she has contributed to 28 published conference abstracts. Her ongoing research initiatives highlight her commitment to advancing knowledge and driving positive change in maternity care.

    Sarah's leadership in nursing and midwifery is illustrated by her innovative research initiatives and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.

    Finalist - Sangam Shiwakoti, Clinical Nurse Educator, Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District

    As the clinical nurse educator responsible for the new graduate nurses working in mental health at Liverpool Hospital, Sangam exemplifies excellence in leadership, combining deep expertise with a nurturing approach.

    His innovative leadership and teaching methods, including interprofessional education and simulation-based learning, have significantly advanced the confidence and skills of new nurses transitioning from academic settings to clinical practice.

    He creates a safe and engaging environment by holding monthly in-services and personally mentoring each graduate, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

    Finalist - ​Simpy Arora, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ryde Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District.

    As a leader in the emergency department, Simpy exhibits an exceptional understanding of critical care principles and team dynamics, enabling her to foresee outcomes and challenges proactively.

    She showcases advanced proficiency in managing complex scenarios, such as handling mental health scheduled patients and managing multiple resuscitations simultaneously.

    Her adeptness in swiftly escalating issues and securing assistance mitigates potential patient harm and bolsters staff support.

    Simpy excels in liaising with families, adeptly addressing conflicts, and delivering pertinent information at crucial junctures to facilitate optimal outcomes.​

  • Winner - Michelle Foster, Midwifery Manager, Hunter New England Local Health District

    Michelle is the Women’s Health and Maternity (WHAM) Network Co-Ordinator & Midwifery Adviser in the Hunter New England Local Health District.

    With a career spanning almost three decades, Michelle has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to compassionate, women-centred care, earning the admiration and respect of colleagues and women alike.

    She is an advocate for continuous learning and professional development, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience to elevate the standards of woman-centred care across the profession, and has been instrumental in exploring innovative models of care that can enhance the quality and accessibility of midwifery services.

    Finalist - Sarah Johnson-Clarke, Clinical Midwife Consultant, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District

    Sarah is a Clinical Midwife Consultant with the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS).

    Her exceptional dedication to providing compassionate and empowering care to vulnerable women, particularly those with substance use issues, makes her an outstanding midwife.

    Sarah has a remarkable ability to connect with women who have experienced trauma, domestic violence, and substance misuse, immersing herself in their world to understand their unique needs and challenges.

    Despite the complexities of their situations, Sarah treats each woman with empathy, respect, and dignity, empowering them to take charge of their lives and make informed choices about their care.

    Finalist - ​Victoria Elder, Midwifery Unit Manager, Bowral and District Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District

    Victoria's leadership inspires both colleagues and patients. With a steadfast dedication to woman-centred care, she ensures that every mother and family receives personalised, compassionate, and high-quality care.

    Her commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the implementation of innovative models of care, such as the Maternity Antenatal/Postnatal Program, which fosters stronger connections between women and their designated midwives throughout their pregnancy journey.

    Vicki is a brilliant midwife, but also a visionary leader, a compassionate caregiver, and a lifelong learner.​

  • Winner - Jarrod Morrow, Registered Nurse, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District

    As a new graduate this year, Jarrod displays all the qualities of an exceptional registered nurse.

    The care he provides to patients in Surgical Services is excellent, and importantly if he does not know something he is always willing to speak up.

    He is a reliable staff member, with excellent attendance, willing to assist colleagues and is proactive in learning new skills.

    Jarrod’s nursing skill is impressive. His daily practice and professionalism go beyond that expected of a nurse of his experience.

    Finalist - Ashleigh Knox, Registered Nurse, Tumut Hospital, Murrumbidgee Local Health District

    Ashleigh is a new graduate registered nurse who completed the GradStart program in the Acute Ward and the emergency department.

    Described as considered, dynamic and inspiring, she demonstrates excellent patient centred care, and is a valued member of Tumut Hospital and her hometown community.

    She is a strong patient advocate who communicates for her patients' needs with dignity and respect and understands confidentiality and privacy of patients especially when working in a small community.

    Finalist - ​Trishala Singh, Registered Nurse, Blacktown Mt Druitt Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District

    Trishala's exceptional performance and dedication since joining the Mental Health Inpatient unit at Blacktown Hospital as a new graduate has earned her the respect and appreciation of both patients and colleagues alike.

    Her commitment to delivering excellent person-centred care coupled with her positive attitude, deep understanding of the unique needs of mental health consumers, and strong work ethic have made her an invaluable asset to the team.

    Trishala actively engages with consumers, involving them in ward activities and attending to their needs with empathy and patience. Her positive attitude and tireless efforts to improve clinical services continues to contribute to a supportive and nurturing environment for consumers.​

  • Winner - Holly Fuller, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District

    In her role as a clinical nurse specialist in Paediatrics and Neonatology, Holly guides the Chronic and Complex service, catering to the most medically and socially intricate cases.

    At the heart of Holly's approach lies proactive care coordination, fuelled by her profound understanding of the complexities within the healthcare system and the unique challenges faced by vulnerable families in Western Sydney.

    Holly addresses the intricate social contexts within which these families operate, such as homelessness, poverty, and family violence. Under her leadership, children receive comprehensive and compassionate care closer to home, empowering their families to navigate the  complexities of the healthcare system and result in favourable health outcomes.

    Finalist - Kylie Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, Central Coast Local Health District

    Kylie is a clinical nurse consultant with the mental health inpatients units.

    Her leadership within the mental health team fosters a cohesive environment characterised by trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. She prioritises the value and support of each team member, promoting inclusivity through effective communication and decision-making.

    Kylie has spearheaded the comprehensive implementation of the Safewards model of care across all mental health units. She has developed detailed educational programs, tailored training sessions, and provided sustained hands-on support, equipping staff with the necessary tools and strategies to mitigate conflicts and effectively reduce instances of seclusion and restraint.

    Finalist - ​Madeline Hughes, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District

    Madeline is a clinical nurse specialist with the Acute Surgical Unit Ward 8D. Her passion and in-depth clinical knowledge make her an outstanding asset to Ward 8D, but also to the broader team of health practitioners at the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH).

    Madeline is a strong, patient-orientated leader who insists on excellence and through her amazing nursing capabilities and tireless hard-work, has been instrumental in successfully implementing and facilitating an improved patient environment.

    Having achieved the senior position of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Maddi's thirst for learning and developing has led her to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree.​

  • Winner - Moruya Maternity team, Southern NSW Local Health District

    In late 2023, the Moruya Maternity team implemented a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model of care for improved pregnancy and birth outcomes, and increased satisfaction for women and the midwifery workforce.

    The local community overwhelmingly said they wanted MGP at Moruya and to birth with a known midwife, and Moruya Maternity's initiative in implementing this model of care is commendable.

    The MGP model demonstrates robust evidence of lower intervention rates, higher rates of spontaneous vaginal births and a high satisfaction rate among mothers.​

    ​

    Finalist - Coronary Care Unit, Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District

    The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) nursing team has demonstrated extraordinary achievements, setting a benchmark for patient safety and quality of care. The team's unwavering dedication to excellence is evident in the significant reduction of falls and adverse skin integrity outcomes, outcomes that highlight their meticulous attention to detail and patient centred approach.

    Central to the CCU's success is its deeply ingrained culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

    Initiatives such as leader staff rounding, and comprehensive feedback mechanisms foster an environment of exceptional teamwork. This culture of mutual support and shared knowledge empowers each team member, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the highest standards of care.

    Finalist - Hospital in The Home, Integrated and Community Health, Western Sydney Local Health District

    The Hospital in The Home (HiTH) team exemplifies excellence in nursing and midwifery care through their commitment to compassionate, person-centred care, professionalism, and dedication to improving care outcomes for patients and the community.

    Their agility, resilience, and collaborative approach have enabled them to deliver exceptional care in the home setting, enhancing the patient experience and recovery while fostering a positive workplace culture.

    HiTH actively involves patients in the development of their respective treatment plans and adapting care to individual needs and complexities which ensures that each patient receives personalised, high-quality care that enhances their recovery journey.

​​​​For more information on each award refer to the Nomination criteria.

​​If you have any questions or need additional information, please email: MOH-ExcellenceInNursingAndMidwiferyAwards@health.nsw.gov.au

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Current as at: Monday 28 April 2025
Contact page owner: Nursing and Midwifery