Willetton man is Western Australia’s nurse of the year
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Willetton mental health nurse Peter McHale has been named WA’s top nurse for his work with older people with dementia.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said Mr McHale’s dedication to his job had significantly improved the lives of many older Western Australians.
“Mr McHale’s Nurse/Midwife of the Year award at the 2007 Western Australian Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards recognises his work in a field that is not attractive to a lot of people, but which is vital to support our ageing population,” Mr McGinty said.
“He has achieved exceptional results during his seven-year nursing career with Southern Cross Care.”
Southern Cross Care is a not-for-profit, non-government agency, which has become a leading provider of residential and community dementia care.
In 2002, Peter established Southern Cross Care’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) in Success. The HDU was the first of its kind in Australia and enabled elderly people with challenging behaviours to be integrated into residential aged care homes.
In 2004, Peter coordinated the establishment of a second unit in Shelley.
Together, the two units provide temporary accommodation and dedicated care for 16 patients.
The Minister said 130 nurses and midwives from around the State had been nominated in 15 award categories.
“All the nominees, finalists and winners are fantastic examples of the strength and professionalism of nurses and midwives working throughout Western Australia,” the Minister said.
“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our health system and it is important that we recognise the important work that they do.”
Mr McHale said he was surprised and thrilled to receive the accolade.
“I am honoured to receive this award. It’s a wonderful surprise and it is validation that the work nurses do with elderly people with severe dementia or behavioural problems is making a real difference to their lives,” Mr McHale said.
“I am also grateful to the Nurses Board of WA for recognising the achievements of those dedicated people working in residential and community aged care.”
Mr McHale also won the Residential and Aged Care category and received prizes to the total of $3,000.
The winners and their categories were:
- Maureen Blore of Dianella, who works at Royal Perth Hospital (Metro Acute Care Enrolled Nurse);
- Janet Petersen of Melville, who works at Craigville Gardens Nursing Home (Residential and Aged Care Enrolled Nurse);
- Christine Haar of Marble Bar, who works at Marble Bar Nursing Post (Rural and Remote Care Registered Nurse/Midwife);
- Philippa Kupsch of Geraldton, who works at St John of God Hospital Geraldton (Rural and Remote Care Enrolled Nurse);
- Lynn Oldham of Subiaco, who works at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Research);
- Shane Combs of Hilton, who works at Joondalup Health Campus (Leadership);
- Christine Jones of Duncraig, who works at St John of God Hospital (Education);
- Francine Eades of Lathlain, who works at Derbal Yerrigan Health Service (Indigenous Nurse/Midwife);
- Juliet Hatton of Duncraig, who works at Hollywood Private Hospital (Graduate);
- Lesley Burke of Maida Vale, who works at St John of God Hospital (Preceptor);
- Keryln Carville of East Fremantle, who works for Silver Chain (Community Nurse/Midwife);
- Jo Chadwick of Nedlands, who works for Parkinsons WA (Community Appreciation Metropolitan Area);
- Janet Doherty of Woodvale, who works for Parkinsons WA (Community Appreciation Metropolitan Area);
- Lex Criddle of Wyndham, who works for Kulumburu Remote Community Clinic (Community Appreciation Rural and Remote Area);
- Sandra Davidson of Wyndham, who works for Kulumburu Remote Community Clinic (Community Appreciation Rural and Remote Area); and
- Barbara O’Callaghan of Wembley Downs, who works at Fremantle Hospital (Metro Acute Care Registered Nurse/Midwife).