Finalists announced for nursing and midwifery awards

Western Australia's best nurses and midwives will vie for top honours at the prestigious 2011 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards, in September.

Announcing the 50 finalists today, Health Minister Kim Hames said this year's awards attracted a record number of nominations.

"More than 230 nurses and midwives were nominated for 16 categories including Graduate of the Year and Metropolitan Midwife," Dr Hames said.

"Our finalists have come from all over the State and demonstrated excellence in their field.

"Their success will inspire others to consider an exciting career in nursing and midwifery."

The Minister said this year's field of finalists was particularly strong, making it tough for the judges to pick a winner.

"Western Australia's 35,000 nurses and midwives are among the best in the world and these awards are a way of recognising their hard work and dedication," he said.

"Each finalist has gone above and beyond their normal duties to make a positive difference to their patients and colleagues.

"I congratulate all finalists and commend them for their achievement."

Winners of the 2011 WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on Saturday, September 17.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the gala dinner visit:
http://www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au/home/

Minister's office - 9222 8788

2011 Nursing and Midwifery awards finalists

Remote and Rural Enrolled Nurse
Gwen Patterson - Hedland Health Campus
Cheryl Goodyear - Carnarvon Hospital
Lynnette Allen - Geraldton Hospital

Metropolitan Acute Care Enrolled Nurse
Cheryl Lyons - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Ali Abrahams - Perth Clinic
Sara Garofallou - Hollywood Private Hospital

Remote and Rural Registered Nurse
Lynn Burrough - Kimberley Aged Care & Community Services
Rachel Beveridge - Geraldton Hospital
Diane Smith - Dongara Health Service

Metropolitan Acute Care Registered Nurse
Kara Clozza - St John of God Hospital, Subiaco
Tracy Swanson - Hollywood Private Hospital
Leanne Bowers - Perth Clinic
Barbara Stubber - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Metropolitan Midwife
Brooke Jones - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women
Sandra Lane - Swan Kalamunda Health Service
Elli Bush - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women

Remote and Rural Midwife
Deborah Nicholson - Broome Hospital
Vanessa Page - Derby Hospital
Marian Lavelle - Hedland Health Campus
Juliana Muller - Geraldton Hospital

Community and Primary Health
Katrina Peters - Joondalup Child Development Centre
Janine Wright - Exmouth Hospital
Kimberly Adey - Armadale Health Service

Residential and Aged Care
Helen Boardman - Brightwater Care Group
Linda Maitland - Brightwater Care Group
Sharyn McDavitt - Windsor Park Aged Care

Education
Linda Hemson - Bunbury Hospital
Diane Williams - Osborne Park Hospital
Richard Bostwick - Edith Cowan University

Research and Innovative Practice
David Lyle - Bethanie Care Group
Tania McWilliams - Princess Margaret Hospital for Children
Megan Thorburn - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Emerging Leader
Carol Erlank - Fitzroy Crossing Hospital
Michelle Harris - The Bethanie Care Group
Sharon Burke - Osborne Park Hospital
Sue Field - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Preceptor of the Year
Mandy Banks - Brightwater Care Group
Rachel Byrne - Fremantle Hospital
Elizabeth Raffan - Hollywood Private Hospital

Graduate of the Year
Erica Bannister - Armadale Health Service
Kizzi Neale - St John of God Hospital, Murdoch
Krissy Moran - Perth Clinic 
Brooke Jones - King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women

Aboriginal Health
Susan Walker - Hedland Health Campus
Jane Jones - Derbarl Yerrigan Aboriginal Medical Services
Kay Jones - WACHS Goldfields

Consumer Appreciation
Cheryl Higgins - Woodlake Aged Care, Kingsley
Zelda Haskins, Stacy McGreal and Daniel Berk - Home Cancer Nursing Team, Royal Perth Hospital
Peta Louise Watts - Princess Margaret Hospital for Children

The Lifetime Achievement Award finalists will be announced in late August.