The North West Hospital and Health Service nurse/midwife of the year for Mount Isa and nurse/midwife of the year for remote sites have been awarded Tuesday, in a special "socially distant" ceremony at the hospital.
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Now in its fifth year, the acknowledgement of service has never been more timely or deserving, given the current pandemic and pressure on health professionals, as well as the year 2020 having been selected for a global campaign, called Nursing Now, dedicated to raising the profile and status of nursing and midwifery.
This campaign is run by the World Health Organization and International Council of Nurses to raise the status of nursing and midwifery.
In Mount Isa, deserving winners were celebrated by more than a hundred colleagues via video link to see the announcement live while adhering to social distancing rules.
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The nurse/midwife of the year for Mount Isa is Tamara Laurie, and the nurse/midwife of the year for remote sites is Ana Waqairawaqa.
Ms Laurie is based at the Mount Isa Hospital and has been recognised by her peers for her sense of calm, compassion, and dedication to her job. Her extensive nursing knowledge and willingness to share information and assist others has been remarked upon through numerous peer nominations.
One of Mr Laurie's nominations read "She goes above and beyond in her job and is always smiling and willing to help anyone if needed. She is full of nursing knowledge and if you don't know something - she is the one to turn to, to help you with her expert nursing knowledge".
Ms Waqairawaqa is based at Cloncurry Hospital and has been recognised and nominated by her peers for her caring nature towards staff, patients and the wider community, and her dedication to her role, and willingness to assist others.
One of Ms Waqairawaqa's nominations read "Ana thrives on making the Cloncurry Hospital a great workplace and a pleasure to work at. The dedication, commitment, and hard work Ana puts into the hospital is a reflection of her priorities as an individual".
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Michelle Garner said she was delighted to see the high number of interest and nominations in this year's awards, with more than 110 nominations coming through.
"There are some exceptional nurses and midwives here in Mount Isa and throughout the North West and it is important that days like today ensures their dedication to their jobs is recognised, and also gives acknowledgment and encouragement to the whole workforce," Ms Garner said.
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