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At a time when compassion and empathy are needed more than ever, the winners of the 2022 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards have been congratulated for their dedication to healthcare during another year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sue Hegartywas named Nurse of the Year for her advocacy and support for women with ovarian cancer, including her leadership in developing Australia'sfirst telehealth program for those afflicted with the disease.
Melanie Briggs, a descendant of Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr peoples, won the Midwife of theYear award for her work to improve First Nations' maternal and infant health.
Beaudesert Hospital Maternity took theOutstanding Organisation award for its high-qualitymaternity services, supporting the health and wellbeing ofwomen and babies in rural Queensland.
The three winners shared a $30,000 prize pool at the ceremony in Melbourne, to be used for professionaldevelopment or to improve services or processes in the workplace.
In the 16thstaging of the prestigious awards, HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said all eight of this year's finalists had achieved an"extraordinary impact" in caring for Australians.
"They have demonstrated the very best of their profession: compassion,empathy and dedication to helping improve the lives of others," Ms Blakey said.
"No matter the hour, no matter the situation, our nurses and midwives are there to answer the call.They have made an immeasurable difference to the health and wellbeing of so many people and it's soclear why they are the backbone of our healthcare system.
"I want to thank each and every winner and finalist for their amazing work and contributions. HESTA isso proud we can help share these important stories."
For more information, visit HESTA's awards website.
HESTA is APHA's Diamond Sponsor.
Read more: 2022 HESTA nursing and midwifery awards finalists named
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