Mental health nurses celebrated

Cumberland Hospital nurses were treated to a BBQ and night staff received pizza to help celebrate International Nurses and Midwives Day.

The Ward of the Year award was also presented to the mental health nursing team that had demonstrated outstanding effort in the pursuit of excellence.

Mental health director of nursing, Charles Macmillan said it was always a difficult decision to choose a winner.

“This year was no different,” he said.

And it was the Paringa Unit which took the honours.

“This team won the award for their effective multi-disciplinary approach and commitment to quality mental healthcare led by two nurse unit managers over the past year – Nirav Thakker and Alexander Sepulveda – in collaboration with Unit director Dr Narayanan and the medical and allied health teams.

“I’d like to thank and congratulate all staff and teams for the dedication and commitment they show on a daily basis to our patients,” Mr Macmillan said.

Other winners included:

Mental Health Nurse of the Year – Blacktown Melaleuca Unit clinical nurse specialist Anthony Clark.

Exemplary Contributions to Mental Health Nursing Practice – Cumberland campus Acacia nurse unit manager Ajit Singh.

Exceptional Commitment to Patient Care – Cumberland campus Paringa Unit registered nurse Maria Abella.

The People’s Choice Award for Mental Health – Mental Health nurse educator Gail Honeman.

Redbank House registered nurse Elisssa Yoo, Riverview nurse unit manager David Gollan and Statewide Outreach Perinatal Service for Mental Health clinical nurse consultant Karen Hazell Raine, also received recognition for their commitment and dedication to patients.