Australia's most outstanding nurses and midwives have today been announced, with 10 finalists in the running for a share of the $30,000 prize pool as part of the sector's most prestigious awards program.
In its 14thyear, the 2020 HESTA Nursing & Midwifery Awards highlight the exceptional leadership and work taking place in the healthcare sector across the award categories of Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year and Outstanding Organisation.
The finalists were revealed as HESTA also announced changes to the planned May awards ceremony, which will be presented via video due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the organisation is working on a way to recognise the achievements of Australia's nurses and midwives in the safest way possible.
"We want to celebrate the incredible work our nurses and midwives are doing in the safest and most respectful way possible," Ms Blakey said.
"The unprecedented events of this year – first with bushfires and now with coronavirus – have only demonstrated how incredibly important these professions are in protecting our communities and providing outstanding care to all Australians.
"This year's finalists have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to improving patient care in Australia, and we are honoured to continue putting a spotlight on their contributions and achievements through these Awards."
Long-time Awards sponsor ME – the bank for you, has contributed the generous prize pool, of which each of the three winners will receive $10,000 towards further education or team development.
ME CEO Jamie McPhee said the bank, which has supported the Awards since 2007, was proud to continue recognising the phenomenal work being done in the sector.
"Each year ME is proud to support and be witness to the countless waves of nurses and midwives who display exceptional leadership and pave the way
