Mater Private Hospital Mackay midwife Sarah Fordyce has proven it takes a dedicated team to ensure patients in the region receive access to high quality healthcare.
The former accountant-turned-midwife was recognised as a "dedicated leader" at the annual Mater People Awards event held in South Brisbane on Friday 11 October.
Each year, Mater recognises the outstanding achievements of Mater People across the Health, Education, Research and Foundation ministries at the Mater People Awards.
The Midwifery Nurse Unit Manager won the Mater Early Career Excellence Award for achievements including collaborating with local educators to upskill team members and enhancing the maternity ward's ability to support services during peak periods.
Ms Fordyce, 35, said she had always wanted to be an accountant when she was growing up, but in her final year of high school had a change of mind after talking to a midwife.
"I decided that midwifery was my calling," Ms Fordyce said.
"After completing one year as a Registered Midwife (RM), although I loved the profession, I still had the feeling that I should have completed my accounting."
Ms Fordyce worked as a RM while completing a Master of Professional Accounting and said although her career trajectory had not been straightforward, she found a profession where both her passion for midwifery and management aligned.
"My accounting experience was in risk management and is utilised on a daily basis in my role as Nurse Unit Manager," she said.
"Here at Mater Mackay, our consumers have access to the same high-quality healthcare that is provided in South-East Queensland.
"For example, our Teladoc service allows sick neonates access to a specialised neonatology team in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit in South-East Queensland.
"Being a part of a large health care organisation means that we have access to world-class specialists and nursing staff, and innovative research and education to ensure here in Mackay we provide excellence in care."
Ms Fordyce said receiving a Mater People Award was an amazing experience.
"To have the recognition for the hard work and perseverance over the last 12 months means a lot," she said.
"I will endeavour to continue the work I have started here in Mater Mackay, improve the consumer experience and ensure that every patient receives high-quality, safe and compassionate health care."
General Manager Karen Wade said Ms Fordyce had gained the respect of staff, patients and the community, while demonstrating exceptional leadership skills.
