SMHS Rottnest Island nurse takes home big win at prestigious awards
![A female nurse stands beside a roadside sign that reads Rottnest Nursing Post Entrance](/~/media/HSPs/SMHS/Corporate/Images/News/2023/FSH-RINP-nurse-FChisholm.jpg)
Huge congratulations to Rottnest Island Nursing Post (RINP) Clinical Nurse Specialist, Fiona Chisholm, for taking out the Excellence in Primary, Public and Community Nursing category win at last night’s 2022 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WAMEA).
Every fortnight, Fiona commutes from her home in East Fremantle to Rottnest Island for five days taking up responsibilities at the 24/7 medical centre service.
Having worked as a wilderness emergency medical technician in the USA, Fiona brings her skills and expertise of remote and wilderness nursing to this popular island holiday destination. Her average day can involve boat and land retrievals, treating sand in the eye, snake bites, reef lacerations, and stings, as well injuries from cycling, surfing, boating and diving.
Fiona’s win is no surprise, having also been awarded the Excellence in Clinical Practice and the Nurse/Midwife of the Year awards at the Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG) Nursing and Midwifery Caritas Awards in 2021.
“I strive for excellence in clinical practice every day, alongside making a positive difference in our Rottnest community, so was truly proud to receive both these FSFHG awards,” Fiona said when asked about her nomination in the 2022 WANMEA.
“To have been nominated for a WANMEA is such an honour.”
SMHS Chief Executive Paul Forden said he was truly proud to see Fiona receive the prestigious award.
“The WA Nursing and Midwifery Awards are highly celebrated, and Fiona is so deserving of this win,” Paul said.
“Congratulations Fiona, and congratulations to all our SMHS nominees, FSH Clinical Nurse Lorna Hardy and Midwife Janet Dillon.
“At SMHS we are so privileged to have so many nurses and midwives who, like Fiona, Lorna and Janet, are always striving for the best possible outcomes for our community.”
Back in November, Fiona welcomed Channel 7 News Perth viewers to join her in a day in the life of a Rottnest nurse.