Sandra was selected as the winner in recognition of her exceptional contributions to midwifery leadership and her unwavering dedication to advancing maternity care across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. Sandra's extensive experience and commitment to providing high-quality, women-centred care have made a profound impact on both the healthcare sector and the communities she serves.
Sandra’s leadership journey spans over 30 years, beginning in 1990, and includes significant experience in both the clinical and academic sectors. Her career has taken her from grassroots practice to management roles, and she has held positions such as the Statewide Midwifery Specialist for the NSW Referral Advice Line for maternal and neonatal transfers. She is known for maintaining her clinical practice by working weekends in health while managing a full-time role in the university education sector, all while balancing family commitments.
Since becoming the District Midwifery Manager in 2014, Sandra has continually demonstrated her passion for evidence-based, woman-centred maternity care. Her leadership has been instrumental in the following key areas:
- Advocacy for Evidence-Based Maternity Care: Sandra is a passionate advocate for providing unfragmented maternity care that places the needs of women at the centre of service delivery. Her commitment to evidence-based practices has driven significant improvements in the way maternity care is delivered across the district.
- Building Strong Relationships with Midwifery Teams: Sandra’s ability to connect with midwives across the district, both personally and professionally, is exceptional. Her hands-on approach has made her a trusted and well-known leader to the majority of the district's midwives, many of whom have interacted with her directly.
- Advocacy for Midwifery Colleagues: Sandra has been a fierce advocate for the wellbeing of her midwifery colleagues, ensuring that their voices are heard in high-level decision-making processes. She has been a key figure in addressing the challenges faced by midwives, including the increasing demands of their roles in health promotion, immunisation, and public health initiatives.
- Leadership in Service Development: Sandra has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Griffith Maternity Model of Care, ensuring that it aligns with evidence-based practices and the service capability of Griffith Maternity Unit. Her focus has always been on ensuring that maternity care is safe, high-quality, and accessible to women in rural and remote communities.
- Innovative Care Models: Sandra has been a driving force behind the development of midwifery models of care that support the full scope of the midwifery profession. She has been integral to the implementation of the Leeton Midwifery Group Practice and the all-risk model of midwifery group practice at Wagga. This model, which has been under discussion for many years, will be realised in 2025, thanks to Sandra’s perseverance, collaboration, and leadership.
MLHD Chief Executive, Jill Ludford, congratulated Sandra and all the finalists for their remarkable contributions.
“The individuals nominated for this year’s award have shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities,” Ms Ludford said.
“Sandra’s passion for midwifery, her advocacy for her colleagues, and her ability to implement innovative, women-centred care models make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award.”
The finalists for the 2024 Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award were:
- Conie Bostock, Education and Development Facilitator, MLHD
- Leanne Horne, Executive Assistant to General Manager, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital & Secretary, Wagga Wagga Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC)
- Jane Bonny, Nurse Manager, Aged Care, MLHD
- Wendy Skidmore, Facility Manager, Temora Hospital
Each finalist was nominated for their exceptional leadership, passion for healthcare excellence, and commitment to making a positive impact within their respective teams and communities.
“The leadership demonstrated by Sandra, as well as the other finalists, exemplifies the values that Don Kendell held dear—integrity, professionalism, and a relentless drive to improve healthcare,” said Ms Ludford. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated leaders within our district.”
