Marion Hawker, a diabetes Clinical Nurse Consultant who began her nursing career at Taree, has been honoured with the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award.
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She was one of 13 nurses and midwives acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to the New South Wales health system, at the seventh annual Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Marion began her nursing career at Manning River District Hospital in 1971. She joined the Greater Newcastle Sector Diabetes Service, Hunter New England Local Health District, in 2003.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard presented the awards to the 2019 winners at a special ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday, October 1.
The winners were chosen from among 43 finalists, including nine from regional and rural NSW, across 12 categories ranging from excellence in practice, to clinical leadership and innovation in research.
With a career spanning 25 years as a diabetes educator, Marion has been instrumental in developing new ways of providing contemporary diabetes care in her community.
I'm very lucky to work with so many accomplished clinicians.
- Marion Hawker
"I've got a great team behind me. They're very encouraging and supportive. I'm very lucky to work with so many accomplished clinicians," she said.
"To even be nominated for the award was exciting. I was completely overwhelmed when I was announced as the winner.
"To be recognised among so many dedicated and enthusiastic nurses was hugely humbling and a great honour."
More than 53,000 nurses and midwives work full-time and part-time in NSW Health hospitals and health services.
NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross congratulated the winners in each of the 12 categories.
"These nurses and midwives are the best of the best and highly deserving of these prestigious awards," Ms Cross said. "They do an amazing job and I thank them for their passionate, dedicated approach to helping patients and improving healthcare."
