Lakes DHB names top nurses and midwives

The annual nursing and midwifery awards were held last week, recognizing those that go the extra mile.

Nurses and midwives prepared to go the extra mile have been recognised by the Lakes District Health Board.

The annual nursing and midwifery awards were held last week, recognising excellence, innovation and achievements of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals during the last year.

The awards coincided with International Nurses' Day today, and International Midwives' Day, which was last Monday.

Linda White was named the Registered Nurse of the Year.

Ms White is the most senior registered nurse in the Children's Unit and as a clinical nurse educator she's second in charge to the nurse manager - so is often the first person staff turn to for advice and assistance.

She has been the pioneer for the use of high-flow oxygen systems within the Children's Unit and the wider hospital, educating and instructing nursing staff in other units of its use.

The award for Registered Midwife of the Year went to Mandy Griffiths who was recognised for the way she conducted herself as a midwife both in her relationships with women and their families/whanau as well as with other medical staff.

"Mandy frequently undertakes the role of co-ordinating the maternity unit staffing.

"As the perinatal and maternal mortality review committee coordinator for Lakes DHB, she helps ensure women and their family/whanau who have experienced a stillbirth or neonatal death receive the specialised care that they deserve," her citation said.

Other award winners:

Cathy Cooney Nursing/Midwifery Leadership Award: Kharen Ortega.

Best Nursing/Midwifery Innovation: Whare Whakaue Registered Nurse Practice Model of Care.

Best Maori Development Award: Fiona Lafferty of Taupo.

New Graduate of the Year 2013: Kiri Manuel.

Health Care Assistant of the Year: Jo Jo Inia.

Outstanding Hand Hygiene Performance: The Renal Unit.