A culture of collaboration, kindness and unwavering commitment to patient care has earned QEII Hospital's Ward 5B the International Nurses Day Team of the Year Award.
The award recognises the team for consistently living Metro South Health’s values through genuine teamwork, professionalism and compassion across every role and every shift.
Nurse Unit Manager Lucy Ludkin said the recognition was a proud moment for the entire ward.
"Our staff are absolutely head over heels about the award," Lucy said.
"It is such a wonderful acknowledgement of the hard work that a general medical ward does day in and day out. There are so many worthy nominees around, which makes winning this award even more special."
Lucy said the award reflects the team's shared commitment to putting patients first, even as the demands of caring for increasingly complex medical patients continue to grow.
"We are a very cohesive team that puts patient care at the centre of everything," she said.
"Despite the increasing complexity of our patients, the team continues to navigate a number of challenges, demonstrating immense resilience, strength and commitment to nursing."
Ward 5B has fostered an inclusive culture where every person is welcomed and valued, regardless of their role.
"Everyone who steps onto Ward 5B becomes an equal and valuable member of the team, whether they are a student nurse or an ambassador," Lucy said.
"We embrace everyone, and that positive attitude is contagious. It translates directly into our practice and spreads cheer to our patients."
As QEII Hospital continues to expand, Lucy said the team is excited about what lies ahead.
"It is encouraging and exciting to see what the future will bring," she said.
For Lucy, the team's success comes down to one simple principle.
"Unity is strength. When we collaborate, wonderful things happen," she said.
"There are many opportunities ahead, and we certainly achieve them better as a team.
"This is a massive milestone in everyone's career on Ward 5B."
Congratulations Lucy and team!