ACT Nurses and Midwives Excellence Awards

University of Canberra

Dr. Smyth has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing research that benefits the ACT healthcare system. This includes co-leading a $100,000 project to improve digital discharges between healthcare services and aged care facilities.

Her extensive publication record and strategic focus on aged care quality and safety highlight her commitment to evidence-based practice. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals.

Additionally, her leadership in the $6M Clinical Placements in Older People Project 2.0 and successful industry partnerships have significantly improved aged care services and gerontological nursing education in the ACT region.

Maternity - Canberra Hospital, Canberra Health Services

Tammy has significantly improved antenatal care by integrating self-collected cervical screening. This has lead to higher screening rates and early identification of high-risk cases.

Her evidence-based approach and collaboration with pathology services ensured timely follow-ups. This has enhanced patient outcomes and clinician confidence.

Tammy's leadership has created lasting changes by:

• increasing cervical screening awareness and access
• embedding quality improvement practices that benefit both midwives and patients.

North Canberra Hospital, Canberra Health Services

The Geriatric Rapid Acute Care Evaluation team, known as GRACE, provide exceptional, person-centred, and evidence-based care to acutely unwell aged care residents.

Over the past year, the team completed 5,268 outpatient visits, preventing readmissions and reducing unnecessary hospital transfers.

The GRACE team excel in building therapeutic relationships and promoting collaboration among:

• residential aged care facilities
• GPs
• families
• hospitals
• community services.

Their advocacy for better mental health services and compassionate, patient-centred communication highlights their commitment to improving outcomes for residential aged care facility residents.

Women, Youth and Children Community Health Programs, Canberra Health Services

The Maternal, Child and Family Health team, known as MACH, provide comprehensive support for families in the ACT.

In 2024, the team provided 4,632 first home visits.

They also provide:

• breastfeeding support clinics
• child health clinics
• first time parents groups
• early parenting support telephone line.

The MACH team prioritise evidence-based clinical practices, implementing the Learn The Signs. Act Early (LTSAE) program for better developmental screening.

The team also utilise the Family Partnership Model principles, focusing on family goals and building trust through respect, open communication, and cultural sensitivity.

Maternity and Gynaecology Outpatients - Canberra Hospital, Canberra Health Services

The Childbirth Education team has revolutionised maternity education through innovative, interactive learning platforms like face-to-face classes and Webex Q&A sessions. This provides instant expert advice to empower expectant families.

The team focuses on:

• strengths and well-being
• using active learning techniques
• staying updated with the latest research.

Their collaborative efforts have led to significant policy changes, such as allowing partners during spinal anaesthesia. They continuously adapt their teaching based on consumer feedback.

The team sets a new standard for childbirth education, ensuring parents are well-prepared, confident, and empowered for birth and early parenthood.

Jindalee Aged Care

Deborah is highly respected for her initiatives in:

• learning
• innovation
• staff development
• quality improvement.

She championed the implementation of Capital Health Network’s Psychological Service and digital health solutions. This significantly improved patient outcomes.

She is a positive role model, passing on her knowledge and leading initiatives like high-quality placements for nursing students.

Deborah's active participation in working groups has:

• informed policy development
• enhanced the voice of residential aged care homes in the ACT.

Women, Youth and Children Community Health Programs, Canberra Health Services

Ruth is an exceptional role model who embodies the values of the ACT Public Service and Canberra Health Services.

She has implemented nursing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance and increase accountability. This aligns service delivery with organisational goals.

Ruth's leadership improves patient outcomes and ensures person-centred care through effective communication and collaboration.

She has led significant changes to:

• increase efficiency
• reduce workload
• enhance service delivery.

Ruth also initiated a Senior Nursing Leaders forum for feedback and collaboration, ensuring staff feel valued and recognised.

Neonatal Intensive and Special Care Units, Canberra Health Services

The Neonatal Skin Portfolio nursing team conducted a quality improvement project called "Improving Neonatal Skin Care: NICU/SCN Baby Wipe Trial" to find safer, more effective baby wipes.

This project:

• significantly reduces Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD), also known known as Diaper Dermatitis
• promotes environmental sustainability.

The project involved data collection, collaboration, and staff education, leading to the adoption of environmentally friendly wipes. Their findings were presented at various conferences, reinforcing their leadership in neonatal research.

The team continues to support quality improvement initiatives and is currently developing a new project to review and standardise routine bathing for pre-term and term neonates.

Wanniassa Family Medicine

Sarabjit is an exceptional nurse who demonstrates person-centred and evidence-based clinical practice by delivering compassionate, individualised care while adhering to the latest research and guidelines. She actively listens to patients, involves them in decision-making, and tailors treatments to their unique needs.

Sarabjit maintains high clinical standards, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and supports colleagues through mentorship and continuous professional development.

She builds trust through empathy and clear communication, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

Her commitment to lifelong learning and reflective practice ensures the highest quality of care and fosters a culture of excellence.

Stephanie Smith, Tresillian QEII Family Centre

Stephanie provided exceptional care and support, helping the health consumer and her daughter escape an unhealthy environment and improve their well-being. Stephanie's empathy and resources were life-changing to the health consumer, making them a happier, healthier, and more confident mother.

Kambera House Nurses, Community Home Australia

In the last year of life, the health consumer's family member received exceptional, holistic care from the Community Home Australia nursing team. This significantly improved their comfort and well-being. The nursing team's dedication and compassion allowed the health consumer's family member to spend their final days in a nurturing home environment, surrounded by loved ones.

Jasmin Boscheinen, Maternity - Canberra Hospital, Canberra Health Services

Jasmin provided exceptional support throughout the health consumer's pregnancy and birth, especially during a period of debilitating pelvic pain, staying with them for over 48 hours at the hospital. Jasmin's dedication and empathy transformed a potentially traumatic birth into a positive experience. This significantly impacted the health consumer's overall well-being.

Lindsay McDonald, Maternity - Canberra Hospital, Canberra Health Services

Lindsay's calm demeanor and genuine empathy created a trusting environment. This significantly improved the health consumer's comfort and confidence throughout their pregnancy and birthing process. Lindsay's holistic approach and unwavering support left a lasting positive impact on the health consumer's family.

Celeste Scott, Ward 7B - General Medicine, Canberra Health Services

Celeste provided exceptional care during a challenging time, offering comfort, encouragement, and clinical expertise. This significantly improved the health consumer's emotional well-being and recovery. Celeste's kindness, advocacy, and personalised care alleviated the health consumer's anxiety and discomfort. This left a lasting positive impact on them and their loved ones.

Megan Ferguson, CC Medical

Megan provided exceptional care to the health consumer during a daunting time. This ensured they felt safe and supported with compassion and clear communication. Megan's efforts, from attending to their needs to facilitating bonding with their newborn, left the health consumer feeling well-prepared and significantly improved their overall experience.