Honouring the contributions of our nursing and midwifery workforce |
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This month, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May). These dates serve as important reminders of the hugely positive impact nurses and midwives make across every part of our health system.
From hospital wards and emergency departments to birthing units to aged care facilities – and so many other settings in between – their knowledge, skill, compassion and dedication are central to providing safe, high-quality care for the people of NSW.
To all our wonderful nurses and midwives – a heartfelt thank you. The care you provide makes a lasting difference to the people you care for and the teams you work alongside each and every day throughout NSW. |
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Our annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards is one way we celebrate the contributions of individuals and teams. Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open – you can find out more about this in the edition below. As we reflect on the compassion and care shown by our nurses and midwives, it’s a fitting time to also celebrate the kindness shown by staff in a huge variety of roles across our organisation every day. No matter our job description or location, we all share a common purpose – ensuring the people of NSW receive the best possible care.
We know that when it comes to providing care it is the human connections that often make the greatest difference. One of the things that makes the care we deliver at NSW Health so special is that kindness and compassion are always at our core. I hope you have received an invitation to a special virtual event tomorrow, which marks the next decade of Small Acts of Kindness across our system. For those who missed it, there is an invitation below in the edition.
The launch event will feature powerful real-life stories from staff, volunteers and patients that show how small acts of kindness can have a big and lasting impact. Add the event to your calendar and join us as we celebrate the vital role kindness continues to play in shaping our culture and delivering person-centred care.
Lastly, with winter fast approaching, now is a good time to remind your nearest and dearest to get their flu vaccination to help protect them from serious illness. Visit the healthdirect website to find a location near you or visit the NSW Health website for more information.
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Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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Nursing a lifelong friendship |
In a fast-paced career like nursing, workplace friendships can provide invaluable support and connection. For Fiona O’Riordan and Ellen Burrows – two nurses at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District – their friendship has been a constant source of strength over the past eight years.
“I’m surrounded by the most amazing colleagues, and I just love working with Ellen every day. I probably wouldn’t have made it through those tough times without her,” said Fiona. |
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Since their first day as nursing graduates, the pair have supported each other through break ups, career challenges, and more. “She’s helped me with interview prep, and when things are tough, she’s always the first one to offer a shoulder to cry on,” she said.
For Ellen, Fiona’s support has been just as valuable. “She’s my ride or die,” she said.
“When things get intense, she’s always there. And when it’s stressful, she always knows how to lighten the mood. I honestly don’t think I could have gotten through some of our hardest moments without her." |
| Ellen Burrows and Fiona O’Riordan |
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Emily Hudson always felt midwifery was her calling after years of working as a nurse. “I started out as a nurse to become a midwife, but I put that on hold after having my own kids,” she said. |
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While completing a rotation in the antenatal ward, Emily was introduced to the MidStart program by the midwives she worked with.
“I figured I was going to wind up in midwifery anyway – so I might as well join the program,” she said.
With the program wrapping up next month at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Emily reflects on a demanding yet worthwhile experience. “I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to push myself. “I was on call for my continuity-of-care women, which means learning to manage my own life around being there when they go into labour.” |
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For Emily, the most rewarding part of midwifery is being present throughout the entire birth journey.
“Supporting women as they transition into motherhood and giving them the care they need – it’s powerful." |
Applications for the MidStart program open on 20 May 2025 and close on 2 June 2025. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the NSW Health website. |
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Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025 – nominations are open
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Nominations for the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025 are now open.
Show your gratitude and appreciation by nominating a nursing or midwifery colleague for the Healing Heart Colleague Award in the 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. |
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Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2024 |
| The Award acknowledges an outstanding nurse or midwife who is an inspiration and role model to others for their compassion, commitment to workplace culture, improving the patient/woman’s experience and providing safe, quality care. The nomination process is easy. Nominate in the online portal by midnight 12 June. Finalists will be announced in late July. Winners will be announced at the statewide Awards ceremony in November. |
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Michael Sherwin comes from a proud line of nurses. His great grandmother nursed in the First World War and his grandmother was a nurse in the Second World War. Michael’s mother was also a nurse, all the while raising her family as a single parent.
“They taught me how to treat others how you want to be treated, and I wanted to follow their compassion and kindness,” said Michael. |
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| After working as Personal Care Worker and Assistant in Nursing, Michael became an enrolled nurse. He postponed becoming a registered nurse (RN). At 48, with support from his partner John, he returned to study and completed his RN degree. “John took care of everything so I could upskill and focus on my transition to registered nursing,” he said. After securing a graduate placement, Michael now works at Deniliquin Hospital in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. “I feel proud to put on my nursing uniform each day and go to work giving the very best of myself. “Deniliquin hospital is a great place to learn – everything is at your hands here.” |
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Reflecting on his journey, Michael feels a deep sense of belonging – both professionally and personally. “The grass really is greener in Deniliquin. It just feels like home” |
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Small acts of kindness that make a big difference |
Small Acts of Kindness was first launched 10 years ago to recognise and thank NSW Health staff for the small acts of kindness performed every day in healthcare. Watch the original video to see where it all began. |
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Now a decade later, Small Acts of Kindness is relaunching to continue highlighting NSW Health’s culture of kindness. To celebrate, you're invited to a virtual event marking the launch of the new Small Acts of Kindness videos. Tune in to hear stories from staff, patients and families about how small acts of kindness make a big difference.
Event details When: Tuesday 20 May from 2pm to 3pm.
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams. |
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Sisters working side by side
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For sisters Chantel Baker and Michelle Guest, nursing is more than just a career – it's strengthened their bond as sisters. Chantel, Deputy Director of Nursing, was first inspired to pursue nursing in 2010 after caring for a quadriplegic person. |
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“It just felt like the right path,” she said.
Her sister Michelle, now a Nursing Unit Manager in the emergency department, followed in her footsteps in 2016.
“Chantel would come home and share stories, and I realised nursing was a great fit for me too,” said Michelle.
"We were brought up with a strong worth ethic which has really helped shape our nursing careers," she said.
Both sisters began their careers as graduates at the Bellinger River District Hospital in the Mid North Coast Local Health District. While they gained experience at different hospitals early on, they eventually returned to Bellingen. |
| Chantel Baker and Michelle Guest |
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“The relationships and sense of family here are something you miss in a larger facility,” said Chantel. “The support here is incredible. We get to work the full scope of our roles.”
Working together has been a rewarding experience for the sisters. "We have a supportive and efficient professional relationship which I believe has stemmed from our close personal relationship," said Michelle. “It’s just works and I think it’s really nice. A bonus is during our breaks we can organise family holidays,” said Chantel. |
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“My goal is to serve the Southern NSW community. It’s an honour to make a real difference in people’s lives and contribute to the evolving field of tuberculosis care. The work is so meaningful," said Roshi Chaudhari, Tuberculosis (TB) Clinical Nurse Specialist, Southern NSW Local Health District.
As a TB specialist, Roshi manages patient care spanning clinical assessments, treatment, and education. She brings empathy and patience to her work, building trust with anxious or isolated patients. “TB is a manageable condition with early detection and proper treatment,” said Roshi. |
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“I want patients to know they’re not alone and that our team is here to support them every step of the way.” Roshi works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care.
“I connected with patients and their loved ones during vulnerable times. It’s a privilege to guide them through their journey to ensure they feel supported.” Roshi has completed the Tuberculosis Management course and is pursuing a Master of Nursing. “Formal study has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. |
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Watch out, flu season's about
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With winter on the way, it’s time to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza, also known as flu. An annual vaccine is recommended for anyone aged six months or over and offers the best protection against serious illness. It's quick and easy and is readily available at your GP or pharmacy. |
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The flu vaccine is free for people who are most at risk of severe illness, including: - Children aged six months to under five years
- People aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal people from six months of age
- Pregnant women
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Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.
Book your flu vaccine today. Visit the healthdirect website to find a location or for more information about respiratory illness, head to the NSW Health website. |
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The ‘Flying Squad’ is a team of eight specialist primary care nurses at the Justice Health Mental and Forensic Health Network who provide clinical support across 3,500 kilometres of NSW. The team undertake short term deployments in health centres experiencing a short-term, or unexpected nursing vacancy. |
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“Flying Squad nurses develop a diverse skill set by working in various centres and adapting quickly,” said Amanda Chapman, Nurse Manager Nursing Resources and Clinical Support. “Right now, we have nurses deployed to correctional centres across the state working in Wellington, Tamworth, the Mid North Coast, the Hunter, South Coast, Bathurst and Junee.” Registered Nurse Hilda Mensah is celebrating one year with the Flying Squad, having joined after completing her new graduate program.
“I’ve always loved travelling, and the Flying Squad was the perfect opportunity to explore NSW.” |
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Hilda Mensah and Bonnie Morris |
| “Each centre is unique, and I’ve learned so much from the different people I’ve worked with. I really enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences across centres.”
Despite being spread across the state, the team stays connected. “We make sure to check in regularly and meet up when we can,” said Hilda. |
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From pregnancy to postnatal |
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Auburn Hospital has introduced caseload midwifery for the first time. This model provides expectant mothers in the Western Sydney Local Health District with greater continuity and personalised care. |
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“The model connects women with a known midwife throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the early postnatal period,” said Nesrine Hatif, Clinical Midwife Consultant. Previously, women would see different midwives throughout their journey. Caseload midwifery offers consistent care from a single midwife. “The benefits are significant – women are more likely to have a normal birth, experience fewer unnecessary interventions, and their babies are more likely to be born healthy and at term,” she said. |
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The model also brings advantages for midwives. “Caseload improves job satisfaction, reduces burnout, and allows midwives to build stronger relationships with the women they care for,” said Nesrine.
Caseload Midwife Amar Hamed, who recently joined Auburn after working in the model at Westmead Hospital called the launch a major milestone for the district. “This is the culmination of nearly three decades of dedication, advocacy and hard work,” she said. |
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“I’m excited to see the impact caseload will have on this community.” |
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NSW Health acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of NSW and pays respect to Elders past, present and future. |
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Feeling social? Follow NSW Health |
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