District celebrates the contribution of nurses and midwives.

Sydney Local Health District has congratulated its winners in the 2021 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, which recognise the contribution nurses and midwives make to the health and wellbeing of patients, women and families across NSW.

Claire Devonport, the Midwifery Unit Manager at Canterbury Hospital, was named Midwife of the Year and the Special Health Accommodation Nursing Team was named Nursing/Midwifery Team of the Year.

"We are so proud of our well-deserving finalists and winners who are shining examples of our dedication to providing world-class patient and family centred care for our community," Dr Teresa Anderson, the District's Chief Executive, said.

"They represent excellence across our District and epitomise the outstanding contributions nurses and midwives make every day," she said.

Claire has worked tirelessly to ensure women having a baby at Canterbury have a positive experience, and developed the Canterbury Antenatal Postnatal Service, expanding the District's capacity to provide continuity of care for women and their families.

"I think this award acknowledges all of the passion and hard work that we as midwives provide. I'd like to thank all of the midwives that have supported me and helped me to achieve the vision that we have wanted for the women in our care," Claire said.

The Special Health Accommodation Nursing team has played a pivotal role in the COVID-19 pandemic response, after being set up to provide 24/7 comprehensive care for returning overseas travellers, and later, members of the community in self-isolation.

"Over the last two years it's been a really challenging time. It's great to be recognised for all those hours and hard work and commitment we've all provided to ensure that NSW is safe," Merryn Sheather, a co-director of nursing at Special Health Accommodation, said.

The District would also like to recognise its two other finalists – Carmen Huang, from Canterbury Hospital, who was nominated in the New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year category and Brendan Gentles, from Camperdown Community Mental Health, who was nominated in the Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year category.

The awards celebrate the achievements, commitment and skills of nurses and midwives and were announced by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, the former NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff, NSW Health Deputy Secretary People, Culture and Governance Phil Minns, and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jacqui Cross.

The awards were postponed until now due to COVID-19.