In a heartfelt tribute to the backbone of healthcare, Metro South Health Directorate of the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery hosted a celebration breakfast yesterday, commemorating International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife. The event celebrated nurses and midwives across the various directorates of MSH and saw the 2024 MSH Nurse and Midwife of the Year crowned.
Anne-Beth Hampson, Midwifery Educator, Women and Birthing from Redland Hospital took home this year’s MSH Midwife of the Year award after receiving nominations praising her dedication and commitment to the development of midwives and the wider interprofessional group.
After the surprise of the win settled in, she reflected on her move into education to have more of an influence and facilitate change.
“Redland Hospital is very dear to my heart, and it means the world to be able to work on uplifting our midwives and see the impact this has on our new parents and babies,” Anne-Beth said.
“I believe in empowering our midwives so they can empower women, and it’s really nice to know that it has made a difference.”
MSH Nurse of the Year Sarah Weighell, Clinical Nurse, Rehabilitation from Coorparoo Community Care Unit (CCU), Addiction and Mental Health Services, also received multiple nominations for the award, commending her continuous efforts for improving care.
“I love working with CCU, there’s a lot of opportunities on offer, from getting involved with research, supporting and working closely with all the different disciplines at the CCU and being able to invest time with our residents,” she said.
“I just love what I do! There are so many different areas that you can work in nursing, and I’ve been able to find an area that fits me which fuels my drive and ambition.”
The celebration also featured a series of presentations highlighting the invaluable contributions of nurses and midwives to patient outcomes, sustainable healthcare delivery and shaping the professions in the community.
From reducing maternal mortality rates, to providing essential primary care services and being a shoulder to lean on during challenging times, nurses and midwives play a crucial role in creating a sustainable future for their communities.
Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you for the work that you do!