Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2021

Ranim Chamra was one of nine staff recognised in the Women's annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards
28 May 2021 |

The Women’s recently marked International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May) by holding its annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Now in its 75th year, the awards recognise nurses and midwives who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care to women and babies at the Women’s.

Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer Laura Bignell congratulated the nine winners, acknowledging the passion and dedication to the health outcomes of patients, especially during a global pandemic.

“Our 2021 winners have all demonstrated outstanding leadership in their respective areas and I am incredibly proud of them all. The challenges brought on by COVID-19 only highlights how committed they are to delivering outstanding patient care,” she said.

“From caring for our tiniest babies, improving practices and procedures, to responding to rapidly changing circumstances and advocating for women’s health, these nurses and midwives have all made a big difference for families in their care.

“They are each so deserving of this recognition and appreciation. They are all highly-skilled and dedicated women who embody our values day in and day out and lead others to do the same. Congratulations to all of our wonderful winners."

2021 Winners

The following winners stood out from an exceptional group of finalists for their commitment to nursing and midwifery at the Women's.

  • Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize – awarded for skills gained in family centred nursing care to neonates. Awarded to Monique Shaw-Roberts.
  • Edward Rowden White Award – awarded to an operating suite nurse who demonstrates excellence and outstanding commitment to perioperative services. Awarded to Jenny Hitchcock.
  • Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Nursing – awarded for demonstrating excellence on women's health nursing. Awarded to Carla Jovanovich.
  • Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery​ – awarded for demonstrating excellence in midwifery. Awarded to Katrina Flora.
  • Mabel Kimpton Prize – awarded to the staff member deemed to be the best student in the neonatal intensive care course. Awarded to Laura O’Brien.
  • Stewart Prize Excellence in Postgraduate Nursing – awarded to the best beginner practitioner nurse. Awarded jointly to Eboni Wall and Lynda Prince.
  • Stewart Prize Excellence in Postgraduate Midwifery – awarded to the best beginner practitioner midwife. Awarded jointly to Ranim Chamra and Emma Webster.

Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize

“I felt very humbled and privileged to receive this award. I love giving the best care I can to all families who are part of the NICU journey. Being part of first milestones and final discharges are some of my favourite times.” – Monique Shaw-Roberts, recipient of the Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize
“I felt very humbled and privileged to receive this award. I love giving the best care I can to all families who are part of the NICU journey. Being part of first milestones and final discharges are some of my favourite times.” – Monique Shaw-Roberts, recipient of the Dr Laurence J Murton Memorial Prize

Edward Rowden White Award 

“Nursing with the Theatre Team is a varied role that provides challenge and ongoing learning opportunities. Witnessing the parents’ joy as their beautiful babies arrive is one of the best parts of my job.” – Jenny Hitchcock, recipient of the Edward Rowden White Award 
“Nursing with the Theatre Team is a varied role that provides challenge and ongoing learning opportunities. Witnessing the parents’ joy as their beautiful babies arrive is one of the best parts of my job.” – Jenny Hitchcock, recipient of the Edward Rowden White Award 

Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Nursing

"It is a privilege to be part of an organisation that provides such exceptional care to women and their families. I was very honoured to receive this award at a hospital where there are so many dedicated and talented nurses. I couldn’t do my job without my amazing hard working team." Carla Jovanovich, recipient of the Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Nursing

Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery

“I feel proud of the care that's provided at the Women's and inspired by the attitude and skill of colleagues who care for some of the most marginalised women in our community. I've said many times it's the best job I've ever had, and I think part of that is the culture at the Women's of really caring about vulnerable women.” – Katrina Flora, recipient of the Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery
“I feel proud of the care that's provided at the Women's and inspired by the attitude and skill of colleagues who care for some of the most marginalised women in our community. I've said many times it's the best job I've ever had, and I think part of that is the culture at the Women's of really caring about vulnerable women.” – Katrina Flora, recipient of the Jean Smith Prize for Excellence in Midwifery

Mabel Kimpton Prize

"I really enjoyed moving into the NICU space in 2020 and completing my postgraduate studies. This award will be such a special memory and achievement to what was already such an incredible experience." – Laura O'Brien, recipient of the Mabel Kimpton Prize

Stewart Prize – Excellence in Postgraduate Nursing

"There are so many rewarding aspects of my job, but the most rewarding would have to be getting to support and empower families to participate in the care of their baby." – Eboni Wall, joint recipient of the Stewart Prize Excellence in Postgraduate Nursing
"Being able to make connection with patients at a very vulnerable moment in their lives and knowing I had a small part in supporting them along their health journey is why I love being a nurse." – Lynda Prince, joint recipient of the Stewart Prize Excellence in Postgraduate Nursing

Stewart Prize – Excellence in Postgraduate Midwifery

"Meeting and caring for the most amazing mums and babies is what I love about my job. Their strength and resilience leave me constantly in awe, and I consider myself lucky to have been part of so many special moments and milestones." – Ranim Chamra, joint recipient of the Stewart Prize Excellence in Postgraduate Midwifery
"It means so much being able to work within such a beautiful team of people to be able to provide support to women from all walks of life." – Emma Webster, joint recipient of the Stewart Prize Excellence in Postgraduate Midwifery

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