Take a bow our nurses and midwives

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) applauds the hard work, commitment and dedication of the nursing and midwifery staff and congratulates them for the difference they make to the lives of patients, carers and the community.

Special award ceremonies were held across the district ahead of International Nurses Day (12 May).

These celebrations also paid tribute to the caring role of the midwives as part of International Day of the Midwife (5 May).

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

WSLHD acting executive director of nursing and midwifery, Danielle Levis is proud to lead such a talented, professional and compassionate workforce team.

“The communities we serve are complex and diverse and many of our staff live in this area and understand their issues,” Ms Levis said.

“I’ve been a nurse for 25 years and it’s a privilege to work with such a talented, professional and dedicated team of men and women. “We have almost 5,000 nurses and midwives working across the district and each day they make a difference in every patient’s lives.”

International Nurses Day is celebrated on the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.

If you’d like to work for Western Sydney Local Health District, you can view our employment opportunities here.

Award recipients included:

Auburn Hospital: Natalie Moore, Emergency Department registered nurse Natalie is an advocate for professional development and an inspiration for the team. She participates in quality projects and is a future leader and valued member of the team.

Auburn Hospital: Kristina Roberts, After hours nurse manager Kris has had a proud career spanning 44 years with a majority in WSLHD. She has been a member of the senior nursing team at Auburn for the past 25 years. Her commitment to the nursing profession is clearly demonstrated through her leadership and passion for nursing. Her passion for quality improvement was demonstrated and recognised in the 2018 Quality Awards with the “Think Before You Bin It” project.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals: Tracy Paterson Midwifery Unit manager Women’s Health Tracy is a passionate leader, motivator and role model for her team. She has been a key driver with the establishment of the new outreach clinic for antenatal patients. She’s led her team through a change process and worked with the multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals: Helen Zaouk, Emergency Department clinical nurse consultant Helen is an exceptional leader who collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient care in the ED. She is involved in research projects, redevelopment planning and has published three key policy documents. She is dedicated, passionate and works well with her team to promote positive team culture.

Integrated and Community Health: Nicola Cherry Chronic Care Program care facilitator Nicola has been a wonderful mentor and is a great role model. She works effectively and is well respected by her team. She inspires others with her positive approach and participates in quality improvement activities. She is a strong leader and easily builds rapport with others.

Integrated and Community Health: Joby Alex Chronic and Complex Care clinical nurse consultant Joby has outstanding interpersonal skills with his colleagues through his role. He is passionate and a valued member of the team. He is well respected and works well with others. He was successful in his application for the Kickstarter Research Grant in 2018. The study aims to improve patients’ knowledge about catheter care and to prevent catheter associated complications

Mental Health: Lynda Kramer Child and Youth Mental Health Services clinical nurse consultant Emergency Department Lynda has more than 15 years’ experience in Acute Mental Health Community. She has outstanding interpersonal skills with a multidisciplinary team. She always ensures the care of her consumers runs smoothly. She is a valued member of the team and continuously works to improve patient care. Recently she attended a high school to engage and advise young adults.

Mental Health: Jay Stewart clinical nurse educator Jay’s calm demeanour and excellent communications skills are valued by his team. He has made a significant contribution to the reduction in the use of Seclusion and Restraint in our LHD mental health units, and has worked closely with the digital health team to design, implement and maintain a database.

Westmead Hospital: Zelka Popovic Registered nurse and nurse educator Zelka’s passion falls within aged care delirium and dementia. She is the falls lead for Westmead Hospital and works with her colleagues to educate and promote the reduction of falls for the elderly. She is passionate about patient care is a strong advocate and leader.

Westmead Hospital: Chest Clinic clinical nurse consultant Evan Ulbricht Evan is proactive, engaged and has lead his colleagues through various projects to improve patient care. He works with all disciplines and has a positive impact on the culture of the ward as well as being a mentor to new staff.

WSLHD International Nurses and Midwives People’s Choice Award winner: Nina Livingstone, WSLHD Youth Health registered nurse Nina works with our youth and at risk young people. She has been described as someone who is always helpful and goes above and beyond her duties as a nurse.

WSLHD Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery and Clinical Governance winner: Gillian Gale, Vascular Surgery clinical nurse consultant Gillian is a highly skilled and knowledgeable nurse who is known for her care and compassion when seeing each and every patient. Her dedication to her role is noticed by all at Westmead Hospital.

Other celebrations will be held at:

8 May – Auburn Hospital – Level 5 Conference Room at 2.30pm.

9 May – Westmead Hospital – The Westmead Association is hosting a Nurses and Midwives BBQ at 11am – 1.30pm WECC Level 1 Courtyard.

9 May – Cumberland Hospital – PARC Building at 2pm. BBQ at 12pm outside Doctors Orders.

10 May – Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals – Western Sydney University Clinical School Lecture Theatre at 2pm.

To thank or recognise a nurse or midwife who has made a significant impact on your or your loved ones’s life, vote for them in the 2019 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.