2025 Consumer Appreciation Award

Abbey Robinson

Abbey is an exceptional clinical nurse working in the Kimberley Palliative Care Service, WA Country Health Service who was nominated by a patient’s family. As a palliative care professional, she epitomises palliative, person-, and family-centred care bringing joy, ease, and comfort into our family’s journey towards death.  Abbey has been caring for a gentleman with a terminal illness who has a 12-month prognosis. She shows she cares about people, going above and beyond to ensure families have the supports they need, something that is more meaningful to those in remote areas who, because of her, feel safe, and welcome, to stay and die at home. Her dedication to the family knows no bounds as she has met them where they were at, every step of the way. Nothing is too much trouble, no question too scary, no topic out of bounds, and no judgement offered. Abbey checks in with the family regularly, unprompted, and unscheduled so they feel seen, heard, and held, and always makes sure her patient knows what to do, even if she is on leave.  Her openness and approachability are greatly appreciated as the family navigate the changes end-of-life brings. Abbey has facilitated access to Voluntary Assisted Dying and has answered all questions, providing the knowledge needed to make an informed choice and broach the subject with children. She has moved mountains to advocate for her patient, ensuring as much time as possible can be spent with those they love. She even arranged a home visit from a local surgeon to successfully bring forward a procedure that enabled the patient to spend what could be their last Christmas, together as a family, at home. Death is never an easy subject or journey, yet Abbey has ensured her patient feels safe and comfortable. She has supported the family by enabling them to squeeze every drop of time they have remaining together, helping them remain positive despite the known outcome. Abbey has laughed, cried, counselled, talked, connected, cared for, grieved with, and celebrated with the family. She has made a tangible difference in their lives, earning their trust and gratitude as they approach death with a grace and dignity they never imagined possible.

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Courtney O’Connor

Courtney is a nurse at Perth Childrens Hospital and was nominated by the mother of a long-term patient who described her as one of the most kind, professional, knowledgeable, and caring nurses. Courtney is an excellent example of what a nurse should be and always has a beautiful smile to accompany her contagious bright and happy attitude. Much needed and appreciated in the high stress situations families find themselves in when caring for a sick child. Courtney has always gone the extra mile when caring for patients and their families to ensure her patients have everything they need for a comfortable hospital stay. With a proactive approach, she organises pressure mattresses, padded rails, and all bathroom equipment necessary for patient care before others have even thought about it. She is extremely tidy and organised and does all she can to brighten up the day of her young patients. Courtney makes her patients and families feel at ease given her extensive knowledge, and compassionate nature. She pays attention to detail showing an interest in the lives of the families she treats, remembering her patients and recalling the smallest details. This investment makes a huge difference when it comes to providing holistic care and alternative suggestions. Patients under her care thrive, and their families can relax knowing she is an experienced, careful, and gentle professional who takes care of them. Courtney truly sets the example of platinum standard care.

Jemma Popa

Jemma is a clinical nurse on the Acute Medical Gerontology ward at St John of God Murdoch. This nomination was received on behalf of a patient who has since passed away. Jemma is described as providing compassionate, dedicated and meaningful care. Her kindness and dedication towards patients are an example of her lovely nature and beautiful soul. Jemma is truly passionate about seeing the person and identifying what matters most to them, making meaningful change. On this occasion her patient wanted a much-needed haircut and Jemma provided that for her attending the hospice in her own time. This may not seem much to many people, yet this simple act of kindness made all the difference to the patient who had always taken pride in her presentation, putting her best foot forward, but her hair was now “driving her crazy”. The haircut provided by Jemma made the patient beam and feel normal again with an anticipation to go home with a fresh start. Unfortunately, she the patient did not make it home but was able to pass away with her best foot forward. This small act of normalcy helped the patient’s passing, eased her family’s grieving, and meant the world to them. This example is just one of the many times Jemma has been seen going above and beyond to provide comfort and kindness to her patients. She is truly passionate about seeing the person and identifying what matters most to them.