A group of Wheatbelt midwives and nurses have been recognised as being some of the most dedicated in the state, named as finalists in the 2020 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health clinical nurse manager Bernadette Garnier was named as one of three finalists in the Excellence in Aboriginal Health category.
The Wheatbelt Midwifery Group Practice based at the Northam Hospital was the other local finalist, shortlisted in the Consumer Appreciation Award category.
Now in its 17th year, the 2020 awards have extra significance being designated as Year of the Nurse and Midwife in honour of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Winners, including the 2020 WA Nurse or Midwife of the Year and the recipient of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Honour, will be announced at a gala dinner later in the year.
Health Minister Roger Cook congratulated the finalists on their contribution to the field.
"The quality of nominations this year has once again been extraordinary, and reflects the commitment of nurses and midwives across the sector to ensuring better health outcomes for the communities they serve," Mr Cook said.
The quality of nominations this year has once again been extraordinary, and reflects the commitment of nurses and midwives across the sector to ensuring better health outcomes for the communities they serve.
- Health Minister Roger Cook
"The finalists were nominated by their colleagues and patients as exemplary nurses and midwives who are making a significant difference to their professions, their organisations and to the health of Western Australians.
"Western Australia's 39,000 nurses and midwives play a pivotal role in the state's health system and are at the forefront of ensuring compassionate, safe and cost-effective care.
"Awards such as these provide the wider community with an opportunity to recognise and reward our nurses and midwives for the valuable contribution they make each and every day."
