Bayside Health Service celebrated its International Nurses Day Awards recently recognising excellence in leadership, education, research, and teamwork.
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Amanda Garner said the awards recognised the dedication, compassion and professionalism of nursing and midwifery teams across Bayside.
“Every day, nurses and midwives stand at the centre of healthcare,” she said.
“You comfort patients, advocate for families, respond in moments of crisis, and provide care with professionalism and humanity.
“The care nurses provide, often during the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life, matters deeply. Your kindness brings comfort, your knowledge saves lives and your dedication inspires hope.”
Amanda said the celebrations were also an opportunity to reflect on the future of the profession and the importance of supporting nurses and midwives to thrive.
“Empowering nurses is not optional, it’s essential,” she said.
“It means safe workplaces, opportunities for leadership and professional growth, listening to nurses’ voices in decision-making, and ensuring every nurse and midwife has the resources, respect and support needed to provide the best possible care."
Metro South Health Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Services Adj Professor Mish Hill attended the celebrations in support of local nursing and midwifery teams.
“Bayside has an amazing grow-your-own workforce culture providing strong support for nursing graduates,” she said.
"When nurses are empowered, they make the most extraordinary impact on people’s health.”
Award recipients:
Nurse of the Year – Lady Fair Galon
Graduate Nurse of the Year – Sarah Richards
Nursing and Midwifery Quality Initiative of the Year – Redland Hospital Maternity
Excellence in Education – Emma Birmingham
Excellence in Research – Kendall Williams
Team of the Year – Emergency Department
Excellence in Leadership – Nikki Rugg, ICU
Lifetime Achievement Award – Katie Jefford