WNSWLHD nurse shines in paediatric care

The memorial award recognises the commitment and achievements of healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to improve health outcomes, and in doing so inspire others to deliver the best possible care for children.

WNSWLHD Acting Director Integrated Care Anne Field warmly congratulated Dominique on receiving the nomination and being announced the winner, saying it was extremely well-deserved.

“Dominique is always going above and beyond in her quest to improve the care provided to children and their families,” Ms Field said.

“She constantly seeks out innovative ways to provide holistic care to patients and is a highly respected Paediatric Clinical Nurse Consultant.

“During our first COVID-19 outbreak, Dominique developed processes to safely manage COVID-19 positive children in the District, through our virtual COVID Care in the Community Service. She also worked collaboratively with a range of external partners and the WNSWLHD Aboriginal Health Team, to arrange food and other support services to families right across the District, including those living in remote communities.

“Caring for vulnerable children during this time posed many challenges, including gaining the trust of families. Dominique’s ability to listen and help parents understand the requirements of managing a child with COVID-19 was remarkable. She demonstrated empathy and patience and used language that parents and carers could understand,” Ms Field said.

Dominique Spork said the recognition by peers is a high honour but also wished to pay tribute to the dedication and hard work of the COVID Care in the Community team.

“To be recognised by my peers is incredible, however I must also acknowledge the wonderful COVID Care in the Community team, whom without I would not have been as successful,” Ms Spork said.

“With both the medical equipment and the bursary grant I really hope to continue to improve the healthcare journeys of paediatric patients and their families,” she said.

Dominique will receive $25,000 worth of medical equipment through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation for use in the District and a $5,000 bursary for professional development training, or research. The $60,000 in funding for this award has been provided by the NSW Government.

The Michelle Beets Award for Inspirational Paediatric Care was first awarded in 2012 and honours the memory of Michelle Beets, a devoted and highly respected nurse who worked at Royal North Shore Hospital and tragically lost her life in 2010.