When the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly reports are released for the NSW public healthcare system, one element of Northern NSW Local Health District's hospitals that always performs strongly is the performance of our nurses and midwives.

Each year, the NNSWLHD Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the contribution and commitment of nurses and midwives working in our hospitals and health services across the District.

Included as part of these awards is the Healing Heart Consumer Recognition Award, a category which gives community members a chance to nominate a nurse or midwife who consistently provides extraordinary, safe, quality and compassionate care.

(Lismore Base Hospital nurse Sarah Bale was the recipient of the 2024 NNSWLHD Healing Heart award. She is pictured with NNSWLHD Chair Peter Carter at the 2024 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards. Photo: supplied)

NNSWLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy said the Healing Heart Award was an opportunity for the public to recognise their local nurses and midwives who continue to deliver extraordinary care across the region.

“It’s been a particularly challenging few years in health, and our nurses and midwives have done an incredible job in caring for our community right throughout the pandemic and recent floods, as well as during the cyclone that struck our region earlier this year,” Ms Duffy said.

“These awards are an opportunity to thank our nurses and midwives for their significant contribution to patients and the broader community. 

“I encourage anyone who has had a great experience with a nurse or midwife, anywhere across our region, to help us celebrate the great work they do by nominating them for the Healing Heart Award.”

Nominations are now open, and close at 5pm on Sunday, 18 May 2025.

To nominate a nurse or midwife, fill out the form at Healing Heart Consumer Recognition Award.