SMHS finalists shine at WANMEA Awards

Meet the 6 outstanding South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) staff who were named finalists in the 2025 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards (WANMEA).

These prestigious awards recognise exceptional nurses and midwives across WA Health who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.

This year’s finalists represent a range of specialties, from education and leadership to person centred care and cultural safety.

Also featured is a tremendous effort from Rockingham Peel Group, which has 4 of the 6 finalists from SMHS.

Excellence in Person Centred Care – Team Award
Endoscopy Team – Peel Health Campus

The Peel Health Campus Endoscopy Unit (main picture) exemplifies excellence in person-centred care, reflecting our core value of teamwork.

Known for its compassionate and supportive approach, they complete an average of 15 procedures daily and recently expanded to a seven-day service to reduce wait times.

Their collaborative efforts and commitment to patient outcomes are truly commendable

	Monique Carbone – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group Monique’s passion and drive has seen her thrive in numerous roles within the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. Her initiatives, like a sexual health program and a patient ‘Spinal Guide’, have transformed care delivery and inspired her colleagues across the service. Showcasing 14 powerful rehabilitation patient stories to foster empathy and understanding in spinal care was one of her proudest moments.
	Deborah Titan – Rockingham Peel Group Deborah’s dedication to inclusivity shines in her work with hearing-impaired patients. A trained Auslan communicator, she’s developed videos and collaborated with community agencies to support hearing impaired patients’ journeys though the hospital system. Her ability to provide genuine person-centred care has left a lasting impact on Rockingham General Hospital. (Director of Nursing and Midwifery Heather Pearce, pictured centre, accepts the finalist's certificate for Deborah).
	Excellence in Leadership – Established Adele King – Rockingham Peel Group An ICU nurse unit manager at Rockingham General Hospital, Adele leads with compassion and vision.  She’s championed staff development, introduced monthly debriefing sessions, and cultivated a resilient, patient-focused team culture. Adele embodies her motto of “Doing small things with great love every day”.
	Excellence in Aboriginal Health Nicole Slavin – Rockingham Peel Group Nicole’s leadership has significantly advanced culturally safe care in Rockingham General Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). From advocating for Aboriginal Health Practitioner roles in the ED, to launching a ‘Sorry Day’ ceremony, Nicole is committed to improving outcomes and creating an inclusive environment for not only Aboriginal patients but Aboriginal staff too.
	Excellence in Education Hayley Jukes – Rockingham Peel Group Hayley is driving change through education and innovation. As a nurse educator, she has implemented vital tools and programs around aggression management, including WebPas system alerts and learning packages. Her passion for staff safety and patient care has created a more confident, supportive workplace.

South Metropolitan Health Service Acting Chief Executive, Neil Doverty, is proud to see such strong representation from SMHS and delighted their contributions are being recognised at the state level.

“Our SMHS WANMEA finalists exemplify the passion, dedication and innovation that drives excellence in nursing and midwifery,” said Neil.

“Their person-centred care is truly inspiring, and we are proud of the difference they are making to patients’ lives every day, and the support they are showing their colleagues.”

Alongside Neil, SMHS Nursing and Midwifery Area Director Peta Fisher is also pleased to see so many of our staff recognised at the awards.

“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our health service, and they play a vital role in shaping the way we deliver exceptional care,” said Peta,

“They show up every day to help care for Western Australians in their time of need, and often go above and beyond in caring and comforting patients and their families.

“These finalists represent the best of SMHS, and I am incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements.”

SMHS wishes all finalists the best of luck for the WANMEA Gala Ball on 10 May 2025 where winners will be announced.

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