Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has today congratulated two local
nurses who are among 30 finalists nominated for the 10th annual NSW Health
Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
The finalists, Elsie Mari and Sarah-Kathleen Colliss, have been selected from
nominations across eight categories which recognise nurses and midwives who have
made a difference in clinical practice, management and leadership.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce extended her congratulations to this year’s
finalists.
“These awards showcase the exceptional work nurses and midwives are doing in our
hospitals each and every day. I want to acknowledge the finalists for their
outstanding work and thank all our staff members who continue to deliver high quality
care during these challenging times,” Ms Pearce said.
“These awards began in 2013 during my time as Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
and I’m very pleased to now see them entering their 10th year.”
CCLHD District Director Nursing and Midwifery Lynne Bickerstaff said Elsie and
Sarah-Kathleen, are highly deserving local finalists for the awards, which recognise
the dedication of nurses and midwives in the NSW public health system.
- Elsie Mari, Nurse of the Year finalist
Elsie works with the staff of Residential Aged Care Facilities across the
Central Coast to provide advice and ensure the most vulnerable older
members of the community receive quality care. - Sarah-Kathleen Collis, Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year finalist
Sarah-Kathleen is a registered nurse and the lead Aboriginal nurse at Nunyara
Aboriginal Health. Throughout the pandemic, Sarah has provided
comprehensive care to COVID positive members of the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community. Sarah is passionate about improving health
outcomes for First Nations people.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jacqui Cross said each Local Health District and
Specialty Network nominated their nurses and midwives in six award categories.
Finalists and winners will be celebrated in the Awards ceremony, which will be live-streamed on November 24, 2022 from 2pm.
The NSW Government has announced a record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will
be recruited to hospitals and health services across NSW over four years, in the
nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-
23 Budget.
The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics,
pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well
as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals
and the wider public health system.
More information on the 2022 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards is
available here.