Our awards
The Western NSW LHD Nurse, Midwife and Team Awards acknowledges the significant skill, passion, and contributions of nurses, midwives and teams from across the District – we thank you for everything that you do!
Award Recipients of the Western NSW LHD Nurse, Midwife and Team of the Year Awards are nominated to represent the District in the NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
2024 Award Nominees
A massive congratulations to our 2024 nominees in the following categories;.
Deanna Hall – Orange Health Service - WINNER
"Dee is a strong reliable midwife, who is a trusted and respected member of the Orange Maternity service team. Dee easily moves between all midwifery disciplines within the team and supports and encourages everyone she works with. Dee creates a welcoming and safe space within the maternity service at Orange. Her trusting and supportive nature ensures she creates a safe space for all supporting her to provide the highest level of care to women."
Sharron Clark – Mudgee Health Service - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Sharron is the epitome of an outstanding community-focussed midwife. Her focus on community care and the way the health service interacts and supports women in Mudgee needs to be celebrated. Sharron leads within her team, through the women-focused care she provides, through the leadership she shows to her other midwives and the through the way she embraces and encourages research and improvements in Mudgee Maternity."
Stacey Edwards - Condobolin Health Service
"Stacey's personalised and holistic care caters to the unique needs and preferences of each lady. She fosters deep professional relationships which in turn, instils trust between the client and the services. She will advocate for her patients without a second thought and provides personalised care and promotes a positive birthing experience."
Judith Yeo – Dubbo Health Service
"Judi is an exceptional midwife. Her years of experience, her love for her role and her compassion for women are on show every day. Judi's engagement and transformation of the Safestart program has brought actual, effective change to the lives of women and children. There is nothing tokenistic about the care Judi provides her women. Judi is an exceptional midwife and a joy to work with – without her dedication and efforts, the Safestart program would not be nearly so effective. She is absolutely offering exceptional care to Dubbo and Western New South Wales' most vulnerable women and children."
Therese Adijans – Dubbo Health Service
"Therese is an inspiring midwife who is highly regarded in the Dubbo Maternity Unit amongst her peers, doctors and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Having worked in maternity for 18 years, her knowledge and skills have assisted many women and families ease into parenting roles. Her compassion, competence and drive to learn have assisted Therese to step into leadership roles within the Maternity unit and mentoring her fellow colleagues in best practice. Her colleagues feel privileged to work with her."
Matilda George – Orange Health Service
"Matilda is a trusted and reliable leader within the maternity services at Orange Maternity service. She celebrates the wins of those around her and supports others during challenging times and discussions. She is a reliable and trustworthy ally for midwives within the service and beyond, understanding the nuances of differing roles of midwifery throughout the district and NSW. The maternity service at Orange Health service is stronger for having Matilda as a senior midwife, leading and supporting the service to strive to provide the safest women-centred maternity care."
Shay-Lee Spargo – Lachlan Health Service - WINNER
"Shay-Lee has grown professionally, becoming an independent, sound midwife advocating for women and their families. Due to Shay-Lee’s attributes she is often allocated young, vulnerable women as she builds a great rapport, builds their capacity, trust and confidence during this special time. The care she provides is women-centred, evidenced-based, professional, safe and in line with the midwifery guidelines. One of her strengths is developing professional relationships when building a continuity of carer model with women, their families and building a collaborative, professional trust to cement the relationship. Shaylee is a professional midwife and an asset to this small team of rural, autonomous midwives."
Rebekah Messner - Orange Health Service - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Having only completed her new graduate Registered Midwife year in February 2024, Rebekah has grown professionally, becoming an independent, sound midwife commencing in Midwifery Group Practice 3 months into her new graduate year. Rebekah is very evidence-driven and works to the full scope of practice as a midwife, including perineal suturing and providing care to women and their families during the antenatal, birthing and postnatal period. She goes above and beyond her role as a midwife."
Gabrielle Gamsby-Boulton – Orange Health Service
"The New Graduate year provided a time for Gabrielle to develop her confidence and grew into a professional midwife. Since graduating she is working in Orange, providing care to women and their families. Her compassion and gentle demeanour encourages and calms women during this special time. Gabrielle continues to develop additional skills providing safe and quality care during her second year as a midwife."
Brooke Delaney – Bloomfield Hospital, Mental Health Intensive Care Unit - WINNER
"Brooke embodies and exemplifies the standard and skill we all seek from an Mental Health Intensive Care Nurse. On every occasion she works she brings joy, fun, professionalism and dedication to her work, her workplace and to her colleagues and friends. She deeply cares for her patients, always looking for the next option to improve care. She is highly experienced in her field, and is an example to follow for all our recent new graduate nurses. Brooke is a delight to work with, someone who makes Bloomfield a better place for her being there. Her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients, serves as an inspiration to her colleagues and a testament to the transformative power of nursing excellence in mental health care."
Janelle Toshack – Dubbo Health Service, Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology Western Cancer Centre - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Janelle is the quiet heartbeat of the cancer centre in Dubbo. Since the addition of radiation oncology services her workload has grown enormously and she calmly, professionally works tirelessly to coordinate very complex patients for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. Patients with many co morbidities and social needs, Janelle ensures the patient is the focus of all decisions and enhances all the team to strive for the best possible patient experience. She is thoughtful beyond the expectations of her role, she is inclusive, has a depth and breadth of knowledge that is so valuable and is always willing to share this. Janelle believes in public health providing the right care at the right time and she is the foundation to making this happening every day. Janelle is effective, and collaborative, while making sure the clinical workflow is effective for staff and patients, a unique and talented profession with a lot of energy and willingness to invest this energy ensuring our rural cancer service is world class. She is making a difference is so many positive ways and deserves recognition but would never seek it."
Kathryn Ainsworth - Orange Health Service, Education and Training
"Kath is passionate and dedicated to nursing and has demonstrated this continuously over a career of 46 years. In the role of Nurse Educator, Kath can be relied on to develop quality evidence-based resources and programs that align with state policy and LHD procedure and guidelines. Kath never stops learning and sharing what she has learnt with others. Kath does all this while being an incredibly caring and compassionate person to all those around her be they colleagues, staff or patients."
Maria Davies – Dubbo Health Service, Chronic Care
"Maria Davies has been employed with NSW Western Local health District and has been a dedicated and respected nurse in her role as a Clinical Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialist, since 2005. Maria has provided education and support to staff, and co-ordinated the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs for many years. Maria Davies has been passionate about Chronic Care providing a professional and patient - centred care to all her clients."
Susannah Ford - Centre for Rural Education Simulation and Training
"Susannah is an excellent clinical nurse who has provided outstanding care to our rural and remote patients in Condobolin since 2005. Susannah is a passionate advocate for patients receiving the best care possible by empowering staff to grow in their clinical knowledge and skills. Susannah has taken on a leadership role with the facility at Condobolin during her time there supporting the staff and management team with her knowledge skills and experience. Susannah always gives more than is required and this is demonstrated in the way that she applies herself in the role of a registered nurse and clinical nurse educator. Susannah always gives her absolute best when she is at work. She is able to adapt to any situation that is presented to her and has the extensive knowledge and skill needed for this. Susannah is great at supporting new and developing staff guiding them to be better in their role as a nurse."
Rebecca Heron – Lachlan Health Service, Parkes Community Health
"Rebecca is a community health Clinical Nurse Specialist at Parkes Health Service. She also provides in reach to ED and the acute ward; supporting staff with chronic and complex patients at Parkes Health Service. As the first Wound Warrior in our Local Health District, Rebecca has shown unparalleled dedication and passion as a Registered Nurse. Rebecca's commitment to community health care is unmatched. She is not just passionate about it; she is a trailblazer, setting new standards for excellence in the Lachlan region. Her innovative approaches and tireless efforts have significantly improved outcomes for patients with chronic and complex conditions. Bec's also a mentor and educator, sharing her knowledge and expertise with colleagues to elevate the standard of community nursing across the Parkes community. Her passion for patient driven care is infectious, inspiring others to strive for excellence in their practice."
Joy Keefe – Orange Health Service, Acting Trauma CNC
"Joy has been a driving force behind some very exciting changes and updates to the trauma service for the district. She has implemented a new trauma call criteria and has educated all base and rural sites around this, she was a big part of putting together the trauma evening, she has developed and implemented local policies to district policies to help provide contemporary and continuity of care for trauma patients in our district and has assisted with the creation of the trauma page and education on the intranet to ensure education to all our sites is consistent as well as many other achievements. Joy provides compassionate care and is ready to provide assistance in the clinical setting to trauma patients arriving to Orange, all whilst concurrently educating staff on best management of these patients, she follows them up on their journey as well ensuring their needs are met."
Erin Lewis – Bloomfield Hospital, Intellectual Disability Mental Health Unit
"Erin is an excellent mental health nurse who has transitioned to work in mental health care for people with intellectual disability. She is compassionate, clinically excellent and manages a clinic of 100 clients independently, triaging and supporting clients and their family members to access mental health care. She has implemented quality improvement initiatives including a redcap form for registering referrals and is actively seeking professional development and training opportunities to support care for this vulnerable population across the district. Erin is an amazing, highly professional clinician. She provides high quality, compassionate care for our clients and support for their families."
Louise O’Leary – Peak Hill Multipurpose Service, Enrolled Nurse
"Louise O'Leary is a rockstar Enrolled Nurse working in the community at Peak Hill. She's not your average nurse, as she is on a mission to make sure her patients get the best possible care in their own backyard. Louise consistently demonstrates her passion for ensuring her patients receive the highest quality care, leveraging her skills and expertise to provide advanced treatments within the community. Louise displays unwavering dedication to her patients as well as a determined willingness to go above and beyond her role's expectations. Louise embodies passion, compassion, and a lifelong service to caring. She's not just a nurse, she's a community hero in scrubs."
Violet Sultana - Orange Health Service, Dialysis Unit - WINNER
"Violet has demonstrated her excellence in nursing care by her focus on patient centred care. She has worked hard to listen, understand and empathise with the patients that she works with and ensure that their health care needs are address. She is committed to providing safe and quality care for patients in all of the units she has worked in. She understands and assists with quality improvement to ensure that we maintain a culture of excellence and improvement. Violet is approachable and reassuring and willing to help any colleague. She is the kind of nurse you hope is on your shift, because you know she will assist you with turns, answer call bells if you are busy or be a sounding board if you require help. Her teamwork and communication skills have made her an amazing asset to any team that she has been a part of."
“Zac” Mohammad Masjidi – Bloomfield Hospital, Mental Health Intensive Care Unit - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Zac’s professionalism and maturity have been evident not just in his pursuit of knowledge and skills within the new graduate nursing programme but also in his genuine dedication to supporting his peers and the teams he has become part of. Zac's approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and respect, qualities that have enabled him to become a good clinician for his experience but also in creating a nurturing and productive environment for colleagues. Zac exemplifies excellence in nursing care through his compassionate approach, patient-centred focus, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to safe and quality patient care. His journey to the most acute ward in our mental health space narrates a story of remarkable adaptability, dedication, and impactful service. Through his dedicated actions, Zac has impacted the lives of the consumers he has cared for and the staff and teams he has worked with, setting a lofty standard for excellence in nursing care"
Emily Deall - Dubbo Health Service, Community Mental Health
"Emily has stepped into this field and has shown such an amazing understanding of her role within our team. She has quickly become one of our standout clinicians and is a genuine hard worker within the team. Emily has demonstrated such a high level of clinical expertise in a field that requires specialist skills in such a short period of time, I feel that due to this she deserves recognition. Emily is a perfectionist and provides care in such a passionate and caring manner to complex clients in the community. She puts in 150% into her role and it has been amazing to watch a new graduate grow and thrive in such a difficult and challenging working environment. Emily has an uncanny ability to quickly determine the most appropriate plan of care for clients and ensures that they are getting the right care in the right place."
Monica Lama – Gilgandra Multipurpose Service
"Every shift that Monica works, she comes embracing the NSW Health CORE values. Monica collaborates with all members of the Gilgandra team- nothing is ever an issue for Monica, and she does whatever is required to provide positive outcomes for her patients and residents. Monica is always open and respectful to whomever she has contact with, whether this be patients, family or other staff members. This is one reason why she always delivers exceptional patient care. Monica empowers everyone to be the best nurse they can be- she does this with her happy and caring nature that she comes to work with every day. She empowers her patients by taking the time to stop and listen to their needs and concerns. Monica is an extremely compassionate nurse who genuinely cares for her patients."
Marli Sharah – Narromine Health Service - WINNER
"Marli Sharah has an unwavering commitment to excellence in midwifery care as an Aboriginal maternal and infant health services Registered midwife. Marli's dedication to her profession is truly remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to her patients, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of care during such a crucial time in their lives. Her compassion, empathy, and professionalism set her apart as a leading figure in the field of midwifery. Not only is Marli an outstanding midwife, but she is also a valuable team member who is always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues. Her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic have a ripple effect on the entire team, inspiring us all to strive for excellence in our own practice. Marli's passion for midwifery is palpable, and her dedication to continuous learning and professional development is truly commendable. Marli should be proud of her outstanding contributions to midwifery and her unwavering dedication to her AMIHS aboriginal patients and colleagues."
Deborah Kenna – Molong Health Service, Health Service Manager - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Deborah's demonstration of excellence in Aboriginal healthcare is profoundly reflected in her extensive 38-year career spanning roles in Aboriginal workforce, nursing, education, management, and leadership within the public, Aboriginal Community Controlled, and Primary Care health sectors at local, state, and national levels. Her unwavering passion and commitment towards advancing rural and remote health, Aboriginal health, and patient and carer experiences have significantly contributed to positive outcomes in healthcare delivery. Deborah's approach to healthcare is characterised by patient-centeredness, inclusivity, and a focus on improving the patient experience. As a mentor, she nurtures talent and promotes cultural competence among healthcare professionals, contributing to a more responsive and inclusive workforce. Deborah's exemplary leadership and dedication make her an outstanding nominee for recognition in Aboriginal healthcare."
Angela Hundy - Walgett Multipurpose Service
"Angela always strives to embody NSW Health's CORE values as well as the values of compassion, cultural competence, and excellence in healthcare delivery. With each patient, family and carer/s interaction, Angela fosters trust, respect, and understanding, recognising the unique needs and perspectives of each individual. Angela's dedication to advocating for better healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples stems from a profound belief in equity and justice. She is always committed to leveraging her role not only to deliver exceptional care but also to challenge systemic barriers and drive positive change within healthcare systems. Angela demonstrates excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare through a multifaceted approach that integrates cultural competence, advocacy, and a commitment to continuous improvement."
Caroline Staniforth – Dubbo Health Service, Mentoring in Midwifery Facilitator - WINNER
"Caroline is the definition of leading through example. Whether it’s within a facilitated session training and equipping our midwifery team as she takes the lead and “in the MIM way” uses appreciative enquiry through the tools and language as she’s teaching. Or in the way she has embedded the practice into Midwifery Leadership meetings as a natural opener taking the opportunity for the practice to become natural and expected within this cohort guiding these leaders to use it and make it natural and expected within their work. The truest way she has shown compassion and midwife-centred leadership with integrity is through the use of her skills and knowledge within the relationships she has created."
Catherine Leahy – Quality Clinical Safety and Nursing Directorate - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Catherine's dedication to the professional development and well-being of the team around her is admiring. Catherine creates a nurturing and supportive environment where teamwork, communication and professionalism is prioritised. Catherine displays a drive for nurturing clinicians and sharing her advanced knowledge and skills. This is evident in the educational programs she has developed, such as the Wound Education Series, Advanced Skills Workshops, Pressure Injury Bundles and Wound Warrior Pathway, all developed since she has commenced in her role. These initiatives reflect her dedication to empowering staff and enhancing their capabilities in delivering safe and quality patient care. Catherine’s ongoing commitment to patient care, leadership, advocating for best practices and dedication to the professional growth of not only herself but also the team around her highlights her excellence in nursing. Catherine’s initiatives not only improve patient centred care but also improve the standard care for patients across NSW and beyond. Catherine’s contributions are truly deserving of recognition."
John Alchin - Gilgandra Health Service, Nurse Manager
"John is exceptional leader whose core focus is providing the best outcomes for his patients. He achieves this by empowering, supporting and encouraging his staff to be the best they can be. John is always the first one to go above and beyond for his patients, doing whatever he can to make their stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. John never expects staff to do anything he wouldn't do himself. His open-door policy means he is always available for his staff, whether that's for clinical help, emotional support or just a good yarn. John has a world of knowledge that Gilgandra is extremely lucky to have. The knowledge and skills that he provides to Gilgandra is invaluable. As someone who was raised in Gilgandra John understands the unique challenges that rural communities face. Everything he does is to ensure that his patients receive the best care possible even in a rural setting."
Jacqui Chapman – People and Culture Directorate, Leadership and Capability
"Jacqui consistently demonstrates the characteristics of a nursing leader. Her approachability, calm nature and rational approach assists others with working through challenges to ensure optimal outcomes. Her ability to interact with other members of the MDT demonstrates her leadership talent. Jacqui is respectful and professional in her practice which always supports the delivery of safe and quality nursing care as well as the maintenance of a safe working environment for all staff. Jacqui models the concept that she wouldn't ask a clinician to do something she wouldn't do herself. Jacqui is an all rounder with nursing at the centre of her professional practice."
Cassie Harvey – District Maternity projects
"Cassie has an innovative insight that sees possibilities for improvement and change and has the passion and work ethics to give light to these ideas and opportunities. Cassie is currently working within a WNSWLHD District Maternity project space, which is part of the NSW Health project group. In this role, in the short timeframe she has been able to create practice change and improvements in regards to the care that is received by women who experience hyperemesis gravidarum. Cassie has identified multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities, safer clinical improvement methods and through case review has helped identify rare medical/drug complications, then connected with experts to improve own learning and provide opportunities and resources for WNSWLHD clinicians regarding the same and more. Leaders in midwifery are seen in many different ways, Cassie leadership is one that is shown in her work. She is detail-focussed and follows every possible lead that may assist her to achieve the best outcomes for the women and the best clinical care pathways for the organisation."
Teagan Jones – People and Culture Directorate, Education and Training
"Tegan demonstrates outstanding leadership in the development and delivery of virtual education. Tegan's commitment to quality, evidence-based practice, and education innovation ensures availability and enables equity of access to education for nurses within the LHD, particularly those in smaller facilities. Tegan is always seeking new opportunities and resources to support our nurses and she constantly reviews and updates programs and resources. Tegan collaborates with subject matter experts to lead and support them to develop and deliver effective education packages/resources and ensure programs are accurate and current practice. She has a strong 'customer focus' and always happy to assist others. She is responsive to requests and has a 'can do' attitude. She is a role-model both with her own CNE staff and also with others such as CNCs/CNSs and managers who she assists. Tegan is willing to step outside her comfort zone to give 'anything a crack' for the greater good of staff and the organisation. She is highly respected by her own team as well as colleagues more broadly."
Donna Moore – Bathurst Health Service, Intensive Care Unit
"Donna's exceptional track record in ICU nursing, coupled with her role as the RICNR facilitator, underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing care. Throughout her career, Donna has consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassionate care, advocacy for person-centred care, and a dedication to safe and quality patient care. Donna's leadership and advocacy for person-centred care were paramount throughout her tenure as the RICNR facilitator. She created a supportive and inclusive learning environment where nurses felt valued, respected, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Donna's compassionate approach was highlighted during challenging simulation exercises, where she offered encouragement and guidance to struggling participants, instilling in them a renewed sense of self-assurance and resilience."
Samantha Quarmby – Dubbo Health Service
"Sam has been an invaluable asset to Dubbo Hospital since taking over the role of the Director of Nursing, her ability to navigate both clinical and managerial changes with diligence is commendable. She is effective in her communication and supports for staff development, which are crucial components for fostering a positive work environment and ensuring quality patient care.Sam is an exceptional leader who truly embodies the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Her clear vision for the future of the hospital, coupled with her dedication to enhancing patient care, speaks volumes about her commitment to her role and the well-being of those under her care. Sam takes the time to personally engage with patients, providing them with not only medical support but also emotional support and reassurance. This kind of compassionate leadership can make a significant difference in patients' experiences and outcomes. Her integrity is also a key aspect of her leadership style, fostering trust among both staff and patients. With leaders like Sam at the helm, Dubbo Hospital is undoubtedly in good hands."
Susan Shawcross – Bathurst Health Service, Ambulatory Care/Community Care
"Susie is a fantastic leader and role model. She always leads by example and is happy to explain why certain decisions have been made. At all times Susie is focused on keeping staff, patients and carers safe and providing the best possible care for them. She has a great rapport with the nursing and medical team. Susie provides care in a compassionate manner. Susie always provides care and management direction with the following principles at the forefront - patient centred, professional, safe and responsible. She addresses concerns that the patients have in a timely manner and if at all uncertain engages experts in the field as needed. Susie is an exemplary leader and a role model for staff of what a NUM should be. She freely gives of her time and experience to staff, patients and carers throughout the unit."
Luke Marks – Quality Clinical Safety and Nursing Directorate - WINNER
"Luke embodies the qualities of an inspiring, passionate, visionary, and dedicated leader, consistently demonstrating integrity and commitment to advancing healthcare. Luke's impact on nursing and midwifery has been profound. He has led systemic changes to enhance Aboriginal nursing and midwifery, advocating for culturally competent care and inclusivity. His leadership has led to the development of innovative programs and creating pathways for career advancement. Luke's mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many staff members, empowering them to excel in their roles. His commitment to professional growth is exemplary, evidenced by his extensive continuing education journey. What sets Luke apart is his ability to inspire and lead change while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the principles of integrity and excellence. His vision for nursing extends beyond the present, aiming to create a lasting impact on the profession and the quality of care delivered to patients."
Jackie Corliss - People & Culture Directorate, Education and Training - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Jackie is compassionate particularly in supporting nursing cadets and new graduate nurses (EN & RN). She is positive, kind, flexible, and person-centred in her approach to understand and address individual nurses needs as well as the needs of facilities. She is concerned for these nurses' personal welfare and goals as well as clinical skills/abilities and often goes the extra mile in this pursuit. Jackie is a great collaborator, always responsive to the needs and requests of our facilities, managers, and nurses. She is a positive role model for other nurses, demonstrating integrity and professionalism at all times and is tireless in her work to always go above and beyond."
Luke Marks – Quality Clinical Safety and Nursing Directorate
"Luke embodies the qualities of an inspiring, passionate, visionary, and dedicated leader, consistently demonstrating integrity and commitment to advancing healthcare. Luke's impact on nursing and midwifery has been profound. He has led systemic changes to enhance Aboriginal nursing and midwifery, advocating for culturally competent care and inclusivity. His leadership has led to the development of innovative programs and creating pathways for career advancement. Luke's mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many staff members, empowering them to excel in their roles. His commitment to professional growth is exemplary, evidenced by his extensive continuing education journey. What sets Luke apart is his ability to inspire and lead change while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the principles of integrity and excellence. His vision for nursing extends beyond the present, aiming to create a lasting impact on the profession and the quality of care delivered to patients."
Virginia Morley – Dubbo Health Service, Walanmarra Rehabilitation & Palliative Care Unit
"Virginia displays exceptional leadership and has a profound impact on patient care and the nursing profession. Virginia's approach to nursing management been crucial as Walanmarra transitioned from Catholic Health care to WNSWLHD. It is clear that Virginia is passionate about delivery high quality rehabilitation and palliative care, and under her guidance, innovative programs have been implemented, enhancing the patient experience and improving outcomes. Virginia's advocacy efforts extend beyond the unit, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to drive positive change in the broader healthcare system. Beyond her achievements in patient care, Virginia is also known for her ability to cultivate a positive and supportive work culture within the facility. She fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among her colleagues, empowering them to collaborate effectively and contribute to the shared goal of providing exceptional care to patients. Virginia's leadership style, characterised by empathy, transparency, and respect, creates an environment where staff feel valued, motivated, and inspired to deliver their best."
Bathurst Health Service – Medical Ward - WINNER
"The Medical Ward at Bathurst Hospital excels in a collaborative approach to Patient Centred Care, and always strives to produce the highest quality outcomes for patients. The team is dynamic and has a strong model of collaboration through the use of the Multidisciplinary Team on the Medical Ward for a true holistic approach to care. All members within the team always abide by the CORE Values, and the culture displayed by staff on the ward is kind and compassionate (and very fun!). The Team does this through facing new challenges or ways of working in a positive manner to provide the best possible care to patients."
Bloomfield Hospital - Adult Acute Ward - HONOURABLE MENTION
"Adult Acute at Bloomfield Hospital provide a strong consumer focus, goal orientated, at a gold standard of care. Adult Acute demonstrate the importance how teamwork is and facilitates the use of the multiple disciplinary team, to provide the CORE values of optimal consumer care. Adult Acute uphold the principles of the mental health care, to improve consumer satisfaction. This team demonstrate the importance of being a patient advocate and why the there is such an importance in teamwork within the nursing profession."
Dubbo Health Service Maternity Unit
"The collaborative this team works work to provide the best evidence-based care for individual women within the region is amazing. No two women are cared for or treated the same: individual antenatal care plans, birth planning and specialised debriefing is just some of the regular daily tasks that the staff attend ensuring women centred care within the boundaries of local and state policy and procedures. The team of midwives and obstetrical staff band together as one interchanging regular roles to get the emerging necessary clinical task attended in both required time and manner. The comradely and team effort to support, care and assist others is nothing short of truly amazing. Care and respect to fellow staff member regardless of discipline is a true joy to watch and support. It takes a village to raise a child but a team to deliver the child!"
Gilgandra Multipurpose Service
"The Team is dedicated to delivering the best possible care to their community. They have a strong improvement culture that embraces change to improves care and do this by having a strong incident reporting culture and use feedback from consumers to actively drive improvement. They have recognised the importance of nurturing a positive work environment that supports training of students, support for agency staff and encouragement for overseas recruits to be successful in their community. Recognising that supporting new and up and coming staff will secure a stable workforce into the future."
Lachlan Midwifery Team
"The Lachlan Midwifery Team ensure that the care they provide all women is filled with compassion and is woman focused. The team consistently goes the extra mile for all the women that they have the privilege to work with during their pregnancy journey. The team has a strong patient safety focus and they provide exceptional woman centered care to the families in our communities."
Narromine Health Service
"Narromine staff has exceptional dedication, collaborative spirit, and outstanding achievements. One of the most remarkable aspects of Team Narromine is their ability to overcome challenges with creativity, resilience, and teamwork. Whether faced with tight deadlines, complex problems, or unexpected obstacles, they consistently rise to the occasion, finding innovative solutions and delivering exceptional results. Their dedication, passion, and teamwork have not only propelled them to success but have also inspired others to strive for excellence which resulted in improving workforce retention. Team Narromine has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in every project they undertake."