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Healthcare workers have been recognised for tireless efforts to keep their communities safe and improve patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, with eight finalists named for the 2022 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
An independent judging panel selected candidates across three categories – Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Yearand OutstandingOrganisation– for the 16thstaging of the prestigious nationwide awards.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the country owed"a great debt" to the nurses and midwives who had contributed so much since the pandemic began in March 2020.
"They are a critical part of our healthcare system and have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe. The work done, not only by our finalists but by all in the sector, to advocate for their patients' care and long-term wellbeing is truly inspirational,"Ms Blakey said.
"Congratulations and thank you to every single nominee and finalist for their leadership and dedication – we are so proud of the incredible contribution you make, and we feel very privileged to have thisopportunity to help shine a spotlight on your achievements."
The industry super fund's annual awards pay tribute to the outstandingcontribution Australia's nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workersmake to improving health outcomes.
This year's finalists' achievements included establishing a program to provide specialised care to those experiencing family violence, leadership in the face of two 'waves' of COVID-19 outbreaks, and developing the firstAboriginal-led maternity model of care in Australia.
The award winners will be revealed on Thursday 19 May 2022 at a ceremony in Melbourne, subject to COVID-19safety restrictions, with each taking home $10,000 to use for professional development or to improve workplace services orprocesses.
For more information, visit the HESTA Awards website.
The 2022 HESTA Nursing and Midwifery Awards finalists are:
NURSE OF THE YEAR
Karen Bellamy, Monash Health, Clayton VIC– recognised for her leadership and contribution to the COVID-19 response and nationalvaccine rollout.
Sue Hegarty, Ovarian Cancer Australia, Melbourne VIC–recognised for her exceptional advocacy and support for women with ovarian cancer, spearheading the development of Australia's first ovarian cancer telehealth program.
Talay Quinlan, Micah Projects, West End QLD–recognised for her outstanding work in providing an integrated response to supportwomen and children experiencing domestic and family violence as a Clinical Domestic Violence Nurse.
MIDWIFE OF THE YEAR
Melanie Briggs, Waminda South Coast Women's Health & Welfare Aboriginal Corporation/Binjilaanii Maternity Services,Nowra NSW–director and founder of the first Aboriginal-led maternity model of care in Australia, she isrecognised for her work to improve First Nations' maternal and infant health.
Teresa Walsh, New Life Midwifery, Ipswich QLD– recognised for her contribution to maternity care and innovation through establishingand managing one of Australia's first private midwifery practices.
Sarah Watts, Bendigo Health for the Loddon Mallee Region, Bendigo VIC– recognised for her exceptional leadership and work in regional and rural communities in over 20 years working as a midwife.
OUTSTANDING ORGANISATION
Liverpool Hospital,Liverpool NSW–recognised for the incredible effort of its nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, saving hundreds of lives and caring for thousands of patients at the epicentre of two 'waves' of outbreaks, including the Delta strain.
Beaudesert Hospital Maternity,Beaudesert QLD– recognised for its commitment to improving the health and safety ofwomen and babies in rural Queensland by providing high-quality maternity services to the localcommunity, while also supporting First Nations women with safe, culturally-appropriate care.
HESTA is APHA's Diamond sponsor
Read more: Private hospitals win prestigious HESTA awards
Read more: Midwifery a calling for HESTA awards finalist
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