The Women’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards have been presented as part of the joint celebrations for International Nurses and Midwives Day.
Guests at the event hosted at the Women’s in Parkville on Thursday included the Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s, Dr Sue Matthews, along with Mrs Jean Smith and her daughter Jenny.
“Jean Smith has been a great supporter of our nurses and midwives,” Adjunct Professor Tanya Farrell said. “And Jenny was one of the first nurses to be trained by Dr Neil Roy at the Women’s.”
Tanya Farrell is the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Women’s and said it was the third year the Women’s had combined its celebration of International Midwives Day and International Nurses Day with these awards.
“This event provides a chance to reflect on the vital work of our nurses and midwives and to celebrate their great contribution in caring for our community,” she said.
Adjunct Prof Farrell said the work of nurses and midwives went beyond acute care.
“We have a unique role in the health system advancing research and practice, providing leadership and advocacy for women’s health and pursuing the goal of equity in all its forms, wherever it exists,” she said.
The Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize was awarded to Jenny Shaw. Dr Laurence Murton was a much loved and respected member of the Women’s neonatal team and the award in his honour recognises skills gained in family-centred nursing care to neonates.
The Mabel Kimpton Award went to Amy Brett and Hannah Jones. The Mabel Kimpton prize is awarded to the best student in the neonatal intensive care course.
The Stewart Nursing prize is awarded to the Best Early Career Nurse who shows an outstanding commitment to the nursing profession. The Stewart Prize for Excellence in Postgraduate Nursing went to Anna Brown and Alice Bardoel.
The Stewart Prize for Excellence in Postgraduate Midwifery was awarded to Joanna Veal.
Kate Bachelor was awarded the Edward Rowden White Prize. This is awarded for demonstrating excellence and outstanding commitment to perioperative services.
Chris Bartlett was awarded the Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery.
The Jean Smith Prize For Excellence in Women’s Health Nursing went to Rebecca Allen.