Country health champions honoured at WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards

WA Country Health Service nurses and midwives have again proved they are among the best of the best, claiming two categories at the 2025 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions across public, private and non-government organisations, shining a light on the vital role nurses and midwives play in the lives of Western Australians.

Winners were announced at a gala event at Crown Perth on Saturday 10 May, with Clinical Nurse Abbey Robinson and Clinical Midwife Educator Sian Skillcorn scooping the respective awards for Consumer Appreciation and Excellence in Midwifery.

Part of our Kimberley Palliative Care Service team, Abbey has distinguished herself as a champion of person- and family-centred care, moving mountains to ensure her patients have access to all the necessary supports – and more.

She was nominated by the family of a patient with a terminal illness, who have found immense comfort in Abbey’s compassion, openness, and approachability.

Abbey’s extraordinary efforts include arranging a home visit from a local surgeon, bringing forward a procedure that enabled her patient to spend what could be his last Christmas, together with his family, at home.

Then there’s Sian, whose steadfast commitment to advancing the midwifery profession is driving significant improvements to maternal and newborn outcomes for country WA families.

Sian plays a key role in enhancing clinical standards and care quality, while fostering multidisciplinary professional development and teamwork within maternity services.

Responsible for 18 maternity sites spread across 2.55 million square kilometres, she supports more than 300 midwives and 150 obstetric and neonatal medical practitioners, ensuring they have access to comprehensive, evidence-based training.

WA Country Health Service Chief Executive Jeff Moffet said the result was a testament to Abbey and Sian’s dedication and skill, and a reflection of the outstanding work of all country nurses and midwives.

“This year we were incredibly proud to see six individual staff members and two teams named as finalists across seven categories, resulting in two awards,” he said.

“From major regional centres to some of WA’s remotest communities, our Nurses and Midwives are at the forefront of country healthcare.

“They provide high-quality healthcare across more than 2.5 million square kilometres, improving health outcomes and inspiring others wherever they live and work.”