Trauma professional takes NSW Nurse of Year honours

A practising trauma nurse and researcher has won Nurse of the Year in Research and Innovation at the 2015 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

Associate professor Kate Curtis, from the University of Sydney, was recognised for her contribution and commitment to improving the lives of major trauma patients and their families. She was also recognised for her mentorship of clinicians at translating their research into practice.

"To receive this award is an honour," Curtis said. "There are so many deserving nurses conducting and implementing their research improving the way we provide care for our patients.”

Curtis validated a trauma case management model of care that has been implemented in trauma centres in Australia and worldwide. She also leads the multidisciplinary Paediatric Critical Injury Research Program, which consists of seven research projects.

NSW minister for health Jillian Skinner and the state's chief nurse announced the winners at a ceremony held at State Parliament House.

Professor Donna Waters, dean of Sydney Nursing School, said the faculty is proud of Curtin and fellow award-winner Sandie Bredemeyer, an affiliate of Sydney Nursing School. Bredemeyer was awarded the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership and commitment to improved health outcomes as a neonatal nurse.

Waters said: “Both are more than deserving of having their contribution recognised and celebrated through the 2015 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. We offer them our warmest congratulations.”