Nurse Manager plays key role in District’s COVID-19 response.

Frontline health care worker Brad McEntee has been named as a finalist in the 2021 NSW/ACT Young Achiever Awards, in recognition of his contribution to the COVID-19 response in Sydney Local Health District.

“I’m honoured to be nominated for an Award. I lead a team of nurses who specialise in infection prevention and control at Special Health Accommodation. We have all worked together to keep staff and the community safe,” he said.

He’s one of four finalists for the Public Health Pandemic Response Award which celebrates those who’ve made a difference to the health and wellbeing of others and who’ve demonstrated resilience, leadership, compassion and support in the face of adversity.

A nurse in RPA’s Intensive Care Unit for four years, and with experience educating teams across the hospital in infection control, Brad, 27, was seconded to help establish Special Health Accommodation as the pandemic unfolded.

Special Health Accommodation provides 24/7 comprehensive care for returning overseas travellers and members of the community, who are required to undertake mandatory supervised quarantine.

The team has now cared for more than 10,000 people.

“We had to respond quickly to an ever-changing environment. The District set up Special Health Accommodation in a very short period of time. Our priority is to care for the community and to stop the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

Brad’s role includes managing the infection control team at Special Health Accommodation, reviewing infection prevention and control policies and procedures and conducting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene audits.

He also works with the State Health Emergency Operations Centre and the NSW Ministry of Health, implementing risk mitigation strategies at Sydney Airport and police-run quarantine hotels.

“I’m proud of my team’s effort. There have been zero cases of transmission of COVID-19 from Special Health Accommodation into the community. It’s an incredible achievement,” he said.

The other finalists for the Public Health Pandemic Response Award are Nicholas Evbuomwan and Femi Ogunsiji who formed Recharge Wellness, an online mental health program to support adults struggling with stress and anxiety.

And, Matthew Laffan, 27, who has facilitated online music therapy sessions for people living with a disability and Josie Andrei, 26, the Project Manager behind the NSW COVID Safe Check-In app.

The other award categories are Aboriginal Education, Academic Achievement, Community Service, Creative Design, Early Childhood Education, Health and Wellbeing, Indigenous Achievement, Leadership and Small Business.

To vote for a finalist in the People’s Choice Award, please visit, https://awardsaustralia.app.do/nswyaa21

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Sydney’s Doltone House on 30 April.