Nurses and midwives across NSW have been celebrated for their significant contribution to the public health system, with the winners of the 10th annual 2022 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards announced today.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor congratulated the nurses and midwives for their outstanding commitment to providing world-class care to patients across NSW.

"These nurses and midwives deserve to be recognised for going above and beyond in their dedication to caring for patients, their families and communities every day," Mr Hazzard said.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the highly skilled health staff for the excellent work they do across NSW, particularly during the past few years of the pandemic."

Mrs Taylor said three of today's winners are from regional areas, highlighting the importance of the role of nurses and midwives in our rural and regional hospitals.

"These awards are a great opportunity to show our immense gratitude for our skilled and dedicated nurses and midwives who give so much of themselves to care for their local community," Mrs Taylor said.

"Congratulations to the winners and a huge thank you to every one of our nurses and midwives for all that you do. You are all so valued."

The winners in each of the eight categories are:

• Nurse of the Year: Cecilia Desousa - Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney LHD
• Midwife of the Year: Kim Wood - Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney LHD
• Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Sarah-Kathleen Colliss – Nunyara Aboriginal Health, Central Coast LHD
• New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Rachael Roach – Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Mid North Coast LHD; and Stacey-Lee Cossar-Denny - Gilgandra Multi-Purpose Service, Western NSW LHD
• Nursing/Midwifery Team of the Year: Campbelltown - Marrickville and Redfern Acute Care Service, Sydney LHD
• Judith Meppem Leadership Award: Sonia Marshall – Director Nursing, Midwifery and Performance, South Western Sydney LHD
• Healing Heart (colleague) Award for exceptional care: Denise Burns – Campbelltown Hospital, South Western Sydney LHD
• Healing Heart (consumer) Award for exceptional care: Judy Boynton – Sustaining NSW Families, Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce thanked each of the finalists and winners for their professionalism, compassion and kindness, which she said is reflective of the entire nursing and midwifery workforce.

"I'm proud of each and every one of our nurses and midwives who provide high-quality and patient-centered care, which has been demonstrated throughout the many challenges the pandemic and other natural disasters have brought our way," Ms Pearce said.

Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said the winners represent a wide range of roles performed by nurses and midwives in diverse settings across the NSW health system.

"Nurses and midwives are an integral part of our health system, providing the essential care and support people require through different stage of their life," Ms Cross said.

"All of the finalists and winners should be proud of their achievements – they make a difference in the lives of patients every day."

For more information on the winners of the 2022 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, visit Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2022.