Two in mix for nursing, midwifery awards

Two rural health professionals will represent Geraldton at a State level in the 2015 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Registered midwife Rhonda Bradley and registered nurse, Erin Cooper were announced finalists last week in the Excellence in Rural and Remote Health award category.

Ms Bradley has worked extensively with the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and WA Country Health Service in the Mid West, specialising in maternal and child health, while Ms Cooper has been nominated for her dedicated work in the emergency department at Geraldton Hospital.

Ms Bradley said she was excited to hear she had been announced as a finalist, though at first it did not sink in.

“When I first found out I had been nominated for the awards I didn’t think too much about it; I was really touched someone had nominated me but I didn’t think I would advance to be a finalist, ” she said. “I was so surprised when I heard I had been shortlisted as a finalist. I’ve been a nurse and midwife with GRAMS for seven years and I’ve tried to do a good job in my role.

“It’s a lovely acknowledgement that someone has recognised me for trying to build a service which is responsive to women and their needs.”

Ms Bradley has been a key player in initiating antenatal, postnatal and women’s health services for Aboriginal women and children. She has implemented a flexible service which ensures parents and families are offered the best services and are kept up-to-date with services and immunisation. “All of our services are walk-in and we try to spend as much time with the patient and their family as possible, which is what sets us apart,” she said.

“Our services are also opportunistic so we try to assess the family’s needs at the time and provide and meet as many of their medical needs as possible. She said the aim was for a “one-stop shop” by providing pathology, ultrasound, medications and several other services in the same building.

“This encourages families to come in and they can get everything checked and sorted here at GRAMS, rather than having to go to several different medical facilities, which can deter people from accessing the service,” she said.

The awards feature 34 finalists presented in 13 categories and winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Saturday, May 9.