Winners of the 2021 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards were announced last night in a national celebration of the critical contributions of Australia’s nurses and midwives.
Nurse practitioner Shannon Philp was revealed as the 2021 Nurse of the Year for her leadership and work through the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to improve care for women with gynaecological cancers, while Bega Garnbirringu Health Service’s Janelle Dillon was awarded Midwife of the Year for creating a safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia to receive pregnancy care.
Ramsay Health Care Australia took out the gong for Outstanding Organisation for their work to improve environmental sustainability across its private hospital facilities, including through cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and single-use plastics. This work was in response to strong feedback from nurse practitioners and other employees, who cared deeply about creating a more sustainable future.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the three winners, acknowledging the incredible impact they have had in delivering improved health outcomes and care for Australians.
“This year’s winners prove our nurses and midwives are the backbone of our healthcare system,” Ms Blakey said.
“Their dedication, leadership and commitment to care is so inspiring to us all and has made an incredible difference to the health and wellbeing of so many people.
“I want to thank each and every finalist for their amazing work, and also the people who submitted a nomination – thank you for helping the team at HESTA tell their important stories.”
Now in their fifteenth year, the national Awards, pay tribute to the contributions of Australia’s nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers and personal care workers to improving health outcomes.
The three winners each received $10,000 for professional development or to improve services or processes in the workplace, with the prize money provided by ME – the bank for you.
ME CEO Adam Crane said the bank was proud to be a long-time supporter of the HESTA Awards program.
“These amazing winners will positively impact the lives of many patients across their careers,” Mr Crane said.
“The support we’re giving them is truly an investment in the community. These nurses, midwives and PCAs are true heroes.”
