Top honours for our skilled nurses and midwives

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) commends the hard work and dedication of the nursing and midwifery staff, recognising the contribution they make to the lives of patients, carers and the community of Western Sydney.

Special award ceremonies were held across the district ahead of International Nurses’ Day.

Celebrations also paid tribute to the caring role of the midwives as part of International Day of the Midwife.

Award winners from each of the facilities including Auburn, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Cumberland and Westmead hospitals, along with Integrated and Community Health were recognised.

WSLHD executive director of nursing and midwifery and clinical governance, Joanne Edwards praised the district’s nursing and midwifery staff for their passion and dedication for their profession.

“The communities we serve are diverse and so are our staff,” Ms Edwards said.

“It’s a privilege to work with such an outstanding group of nurses and midwives.

“Nurses have the desire to help people and to make a difference in each patient’s lives.”

International Nurses Day celebrates the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.

WSLHD Board member Adjunct Professor Kathy Baker AM shared Ms Nightingales history and commended our nurses and midwives for their leadership and vision.  Adjunct Professor Baker was absent from the award ceremony and some of her quotes were read out by WSLHD Board member Professor Diana O’Halloran.

“Nurses and midwives are reaching new levels of competency as the demand for more complex nursing and midwifery care increases,” she said

“It is the future of nursing and midwifery professions – not its past – that makes me confident about the women and men undertaking their nursing and midwifery education today.”

For further information about nursing or midwifery careers in WSLHD, visit: http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Working-With-Us/Nursing-and-Midwifery-Transition

There will be more photos to follow of nursing and midwifery celebrations from across the district in The Pulse.