HESTA Awards finalists revealed
Thursday, 08 April, 2021
Nine finalists have been announced for the , honouring the extraordinary work of nurses and midwives to protect their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Finalist achievements included leading the nursing team that responded to COVID-19 outbreak sites in Victoria; creating a personal protective equipment training program to support the aged-care workforce during the pandemic; and reducing pregnancy risk for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said she was humbled by the finalists鈥 hard work and achievements, which highlighted the sector鈥檚 critical importance during the pandemic and for our nation鈥檚 economic recovery.
鈥淎ustralia owes a great debt to our nurses and midwives,鈥 Blakey said. 鈥淭hey have done everything and more to keep our communities healthy, safe and supported during some of our darkest times 鈥 it鈥檚 clear our nurses and midwives have an important role to play in creating a resilient and strong healthcare system, which is essential to our economic recovery post COVID.
鈥淐ongratulations and thank you to every single nominee and finalist for their leadership and dedication 鈥 we are so proud of you, and so proud that the HESTA team can help shine a spotlight on your achievements.鈥
The widely recognised national awards, which have been running for 15 years, pay tribute to the contributions of Australia鈥檚 nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers to improving health outcomes.
An independent judging panel, comprising sector representatives, reviewed hundreds of outstanding nominations to select finalists across the Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year and Outstanding Organisation categories.
Long-time awards supporter ME 鈥 the bank for you 鈥 has donated $30,000 in prize money to be split equally between the winners for professional development or to improve services or processes in the workplace.
ME CEO Adam Crane said the bank was thrilled to continue recognising the amazing efforts and achievements of these health professionals.
鈥淲e commend all of this year鈥檚 finalists for their dedication and incredible hard work during challenging times,鈥 Crane said. 鈥淭he healthcare system simply couldn鈥檛 function without nurses, midwives and personal care workers and those who train them.鈥
2021 finalists
Outstanding Organisation
Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria
Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria is recognised for its work supporting Victorian nurses, midwives, and student nurses and midwifes during the pandemic, including through telehealth sessions and the creation of COVID-specific health and wellbeing resources such as podcasts and self-care plans.
Monash University 鈥 Nursing and Midwifery
Monash Nursing and Midwifery is recognised for its work to deliver a training program developed by Monash and funded by Victoria鈥檚 Department of Health on the effective application of personal protective equipment, specifically designed to support the Victorian aged-care workforce to stay protected and safe while at work during COVID.
Ramsay Health Care Australia
Ramsay Health Care Australia is recognised for its work to improve environmental sustainability across its facilities, including through cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and single-use plastics.
Nurse of the Year
Nicole Cummins: Infection Prevention Control Advice and Response unit, Victorian Department of Health
Nicole Cummins is recognised for her exceptional leadership of Victoria鈥檚 COVID-19 rapid-response nursing team, which responded to outbreak sites including at Melbourne鈥檚 public housing towers and aged-care facilities, and for helping improve infection prevention and control practices worldwide.
Raymond Chan: Queensland University of Technology and Princess Alexandra 黑料吃瓜群网, Metro South Health
Professor Raymond Chan is recognised for his contribution to cancer nursing and supportive cancer care research and practice, including work that led to the widespread adoption of a novel silicone-based gel dressing to prevent and better manage radiation treatment side effects in cancer patients.
Shannon Philp: Chris O鈥橞rien Lifehouse
Shannon Philp is recognised for her contribution to nursing education and patient-centred care, particularly for women with gynaecological cancers.
Simone Sheridan: Royal Melbourne 黑料吃瓜群网
Simone Sheridan is recognised for her work to improve education for nurses around managing family violence and sexual health issues, and to support health professionals in isolation due to COVID-19.
Midwife of the Year
Melanie Boulter: John Flynn Private 黑料吃瓜群网
Melanie Boulter is recognised for giving exceptional care to families over her 20 years at John Flynn Private 黑料吃瓜群网 on the Gold Coast, including through her role in creating the hospital鈥檚 Know My Midwife program that combines the midwifery and private medical care models to promote women-centred care.
Janelle Dillon: Bega Garnbirringu
Janelle Dillon is recognised for her tireless work to create a safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to receive pregnancy care in Kalgoorlie, WA 鈥 work that has reduced pregnancy risk and potentially saved lives.
Winners will be revealed on 6 May 2021 in Melbourne.
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