Public invited to nominate nurses and midwives for Healing Heart Award

NOMINATIONS are open for the 2026 Northern NSW Local Health District Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, with community members invited to recognise outstanding care through the Healing Heart Consumer Award.

The award recognises nurses and midwives who have delivered safe, high-quality and compassionate care to patients and families across the region.

Northern NSW Local Health District director of nursing and midwifery Katharine Duffy said the award gave the public a chance to acknowledge the role health staff play during difficult moments.

“Our nurses and midwives do an incredible job of looking after those in our communities who are most vulnerable and in need of care and support,” she said.

“The Healing Heart award is an opportunity to thank them for their dedication and the contribution they make to the community.”

Held annually, the awards recognise the work of nurses and midwives across hospitals and health services throughout Northern NSW.

Last year’s joint recipients were Sarah Hendrikse from BreastScreen NSW’s Tweed Heads clinic and Nigel Watts from the intensive care unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

Hendrikse said receiving the award was a meaningful acknowledgement of the care provided by health workers.

“It means a great deal to me that the care my colleagues and I put into looking after people does make a difference,” she said.

Nominations close May 15 at 5pm, with winners to be announced at an awards event in Ballina on June 4.

To nominate a nurse or midwife, visit the relevant health district website.