Murdoch ready to shine again at WA Nursing Awards

Friday 5 August 2011

St John of God Hospital Murdoch continues to be recognised across the industry with a Murdoch midwife shortlisted as a finalist in the 2011 WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

In a highly competitive field, Murdoch midwife Kizzi Neale has been named as a finalist in the Graduate Nurse of the Year category.

Kizzi has been recognised for the advocacy role she plays in enabling women to have the birthing experience they want. As a new graduate, Kizzi also travelled to Africa for 3 months to help the women of Ghana and experience midwifery from a third world perspective. She felt privileged with her life and education in Australia and wanted to give back something to those who were not as fortunate as her.

This significant achievement for the hospital follows on from five nominations at last year’s awards, and Enrolled Nurse Robyn Jenkinson being crowned the 2010 Acute Care Metropolitan Enrolled Nurse (EN) of the Year

Murdoch Director of Nursing Adam Coleman said the nomination was not only reflective of Kizzi’s outstanding performance and skills, but a team effort across the maternity department.

“At Murdoch we’re extremely proud of the contribution of all our caregivers, and Kizzi’s nomination is the latest in a series of significant recognition for the outstanding services provided by our Maternity department,” said Mr Coleman.

New mothers in a recent national Medibank Private survey, which evaluated the experiences of over 2,000 patients who gave birth in private hospitals across Australia, voted St John of God Hospital Murdoch as Western Australia’s top hospital for maternity care.

St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer Peter Mott said the nomination also recognised Kizzi’s development as a graduate.

“We’re very proud of Kizzi’s achievements, and wish her luck at the awards ceremony,” he said.

"At Murdoch we place a great emphasis on supporting our graduate nurses and midwives, and in helping them prepare for a long and fulfilling career.

With our redevelopment underway we are constantly looking at ways to ensure we can attract and retain staff, and providing one of the best graduate programs in WA is one way we can do this,” said Mr Mott.

The WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards are open to all nurses and midwives working in public, private or Commonwealth health services in WA

Only three finalists are shortlisted for each award category. The winners of the awards will be announced at a gala event on 17 September 2011.

Image: Murdoch midwife Kizzi Neale