Northern Territory Department of Health Chief Executive Dr Len Notaras today congratulated the 29 Central Australian nominees for the 2015 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
The event was hosted by Dr Robyn Aitken Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer who said she is privileged to have now overseen these celebrations in Alice Springs for the second year in a row.
“Tickets ‘sold out’ for this year’s event and it is no wonder as Central Australia is well represented amongst the NT wide nominees and 10 of the 33 finalists are from the desert region,” she said.
Aleta Kennedy, Chairperson of the NT Branch of the Australian College of Midwives announced the nominees and finalists for the Midwifery Award. Rosie Downing from Central Australia Midwifery Group Practice and Robyn Wallace and Kathy Woithe from the Alice Springs Hospital Maternity Unit were all nominees. Rosie and Robyn were also finalists.
Stephen Simpson, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Central Australia Health Service announced the nominees and finalists for the nine other Award categories and the NT Administrator’s medal. Central Australian nurses amongst these finalists included Naomi Morick from Intensive Care and Pauline Otieno from the Renal Ward at Alice Springs hospital. Both were nominated for the Excellence in Education, Research and Innovation award.
Lea Davidson also from Alice Springs Hospital is a finalist for the Hospital care Award.
Mary McWhinnie from the specialist clinics at Alice Springs hospital is a finalist for the Enrolled Nurse of the Year.
A record nine nurses and midwives were nominated for the Leadership award, with Wendy Corkill announced as a finalist. Wendy has been instrumental in establishing outreach cardiac services for Central Australian people.
There was no shortage of remote nurses receiving nominations. Katie Michell from Yulara clinic is a finalist for the Primary Health Care Award. Deb Glover and Ann Sanotti from Engawala and Nyrripi clinics are finalists for Excellence in Remote Area Nursing. Ali Thorn a long term remote nurse now working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service is a finalist for the Excellence in Mental Health Award.
Maxine Naismith of Alice Springs Hospital was nominated for both the Leadership award and the Administrator’s medal for lifetime achievement.
Member for Araluen Mrs Robyn Lambley was also present to congratulate the nominees.
Damien Ryan Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) Board Chair joined celebrations along with Sue Korner Chief Operating Officer, CAHS.
The opportunity was also taken to award service medals. Sue Korner acknowledged the 44 nurses and midwives who have given over 20 years of service to the Northern Territory Public Health System.
“With your expertise, compassion and ‘can do’ attitude, you are great role models, and have contributed so much to Central Australia,” she said.
Many nominees and finalists will attend the gala dinner at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday 8th May hosted by the Honorable John Elferink, Minister for Health.
Dr Robyn Aitken said this is the first year the celebration has been a ticketed event at the Darwin Convention Centre.
“The large venue and an evening of entertainment has meant many more Northern Territory nurses and midwives can attend than in previous years. The care provided by nurses and midwives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days each year is critical to delivering the high standards of health care expected by Northern Territorians.”