Despite monumental pressure over the last 12 months the nursing team at Blayney Multi-Purpose Service embraced change and flourished, reaping the rewards as they crowned Western NSW's Nursing/Midwifery Team of the Year.
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Western NSW Local Health District presented the award on Wednesday, marking International Nurses Day in the process, with the Blayney team's commitment during, and after, the COVID-19 lockdown a huge factor in their success.
The award is based on three criteria - demonstration and commitment to the Living Well Together values, a commitment to the nursing profession and demonstration of leadership in the provision of quality care.
We are extremely proud of the Blayney nursing team, and their passion and dedication to providing excellent care for our patients and their families.
- Joanna Lemmich, Western NSWLHD Acting Executive Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Midwifery
During a stressful, scary year full of confusion, during which many residents were unable to visit family and friends, the team at Blayney Multi-Purpose Service went above and beyond in fulfilling all three key measures.
"We are extremely proud of the Blayney nursing team, and their passion and dedication to providing excellent care for our patients and their families," Joanna Lemmich, Western NSWLHD Acting Executive Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Midwifery, said.
"The COVID-19 lockdown was a stressful time for residents ... the Blayney nursing team worked together to ensure residents' mental health didn't suffer.
"Staff facilitated window visits, video calls and phone calls keeping residents in touch with their loved ones."
Ms Lemmich also pointed to the Blayney team's willingness to pilot innovative, new projects as another factor in the award win, along with its continued focus on providing learning opportunities and support for nursing students during placements.
"The nursing team at Blayney embrace change and are always willing to undertake pilot projects to improve resident and patient care," Ms Lemmich said.
"Some of those projects undertaken in the last 12 months include - Incontinence Associated Dermatitis roll out, MPS collaborative, SHARE palliative care project, Medication reconciliation and REACH resident care planning project."
Although the Blayney team was recognised with this year's award, Ms Lemmich took the time to acknowledge the work of all the nurses and midwives in the region, applauding their incredible efforts throughout the last year.
"We would also like to thank and pay tribute to all of our hard working and dedicated nurses and midwives working across the WNSWLHD," she said.
Western NSW LHD also crowned its Nurse of the Year on Wednesday too, with Alice Thorne from Collarenebri Multi-Purpose Service taking home the top gong.
Ms Thorne has been working out west for more than 20 years, with Ms Lemmich lauding her ability to lead by example and continually go above and beyond for her patients, along with her fundraising and volunteering efforts.
"Alice is a very skilled clinician and role model who has a deep passion for ensuring that patients and their families are at the centre of their care. Alice is a strong patient advocate and empowers her peers to do the same," Ms Lemmich said.
Western NSWLHD presented the awards after the NSW Government committed to the largest Australian healthcare workforce boost in history in the 2019-20 budget.
The government has pledged to provide an extra 5,000 nurses and midwives across regional and metropolitan areas over four years, as part of a $2.8 billion investment.
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