Twelve outstanding nurses and midwives were honoured at the fifth annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards held at Parliament House yesterday.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard congratulated the winners chosen from 36 finalists, including 11 from regional and rural NSW, who were recognised for their significant contribution to improving patient care.

“These awards shine a light on the many profound, untold stories of life-changing care that nurses and midwives have provided in our public hospitals and health facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.

“There were a record 301 nominees this year and I want to thank every one of them and, indeed, all of the nurses and midwives who do such a fantastic job day in day out providing exemplary care to patients.”

A record 51,000 nurses and midwives work in the NSW public health system.

“We have invested significantly in the nursing and midwifery workforce, with an extra 6,700 full-time equivalent nurses and midwives since 2011 – and almost 2,900 of these are now working in rural and regional hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.

NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross also paid tribute to the finalists in each of the categories which included Clinical Leadership, Innovation (research and education) and Consumer Appreciation.

“The number of nominations we receive has grown each year, a testament to the high regard in which nurses and midwives are held,” Ms Cross said.

“Thank you to those who took the time out to acknowledge a nurse or midwife who has touched their lives in a unique way.”