The 10 finalists have been named for the 2020 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards, which will this year be presented via video due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its 14th staging, the prestigious event will celebrate exceptional leadership and work in the healthcare sector across the categories of Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year and Outstanding Organisation.
The winners, to be announced on Wednesday 6 May 2020, will each take home $10,000 to use for further education or team development.
The awards usually take place at a glamorous industry ceremony in Melbourne, but this occasion will reflect the nationwide restriction on public gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We want to celebrate the incredible work our nurses and midwives are doing in the safest and most respectful way possible,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
“The unprecedented events of this year – first with bushfires and now with coronavirus – have only demonstrated how incredibly important these professions are in protecting our communities and providing outstanding care to all Australians.”
Ms Blakey added that the finalists have shown “extraordinary leadership and commitment to improving patient care”.
“We are honoured to continue putting a spotlight on their contributions and achievements through these awards,” she said.
The $30,00 prize pool is provided by ME Bank, which has sponsored the awards since 2007.
2020 HESTA Nursing and Midwifery Awards Finalists
Nurse of the Year
Kate Weger – Southern Cross Care, Glenside SA
Rafael Serrano – Real Royal Children’s Hospital Parkville VIC
Tania Green – Plastic Surgery Unit, Monash Health, Clayton VIC
Angela Casey – Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead and Randwick, NSW
Midwife of the Year
Kristy Wiegele – St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, Mount Lawley WA
Dawn Reid – Lockyer Valley Midwifery, Gatton QLD
Cassandra Nest – Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service & Griffith University, Southport QLD
Outstanding Organisation
Lavender Mother and Baby Unit – Gold Coast Health, Southport QLD
Northcott, North Parramatta NSW
Ovarian Cancer Australia, Melbourne VIC
For more information, visit the awards website.
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