2026 Excellence in Enrolled Nursing

Leanne Campion

Leanne is an exceptional orthopaedic and neurosurgical nurse whose compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering dedication have made her a pillar of the St John of God Murdoch Hospital community for more than 12 years. Beginning her journey as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and developing into an Advanced Skilled EN through commitment and continual professional growth, she embodies professionalism, integrity, and the true spirit of nursing.

Leanne’s greatest professional achievement and proudest moment came when she received the Certificate of Excellence from the Orthopaedic Nurses Association of WA (ONAWA). Being recognised for doing what she loves was deeply humbling and affirmed her lifelong commitment to outstanding patient care. As an active ONAWA member, she attends regular professional development and eagerly shares new knowledge with colleagues, strengthening the team and supporting excellence in orthopaedic practice.

Known for her warmth and compassion, Leanne provides deeply personalised care, even in the busiest and heaviest ward environments. She listens, advocates, and stands beside patients throughout complex recovery journeys, especially those undergoing spinal surgery. Her post‑discharge follow‑up calls are a testament to her commitment to continuity of care and the genuine relationships she forms with patients and families.

Leanne’s leadership extends beyond the bedside. As Vice Chair of the ward’s Thrive Council, she has helped implement impactful initiatives, including the Medication Safety Zone and caregiver and patient experience programs. She is a trusted mentor to graduate nurses and students, modelling exceptional time management, empathy, and safe practice.

Colleagues describe her as dependable, knowledgeable, and inspiring, someone who lifts team culture and brings joy to the workplace. A natural role model, Leanne embodies excellence, compassion, and the highest standards of person‑centred care. Her impact is deeply felt by patients, families, and every caregiver fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Noreen Gould

Noreen is an extraordinary Enrolled Nurse whose compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication have transformed the Kalamunda Palliative Day Hospice into a flourishing, life‑affirming service for people living with life‑limiting illness. Trusted, respected, and deeply loved by patients, families, colleagues, and the wider community, Noreen embodies the very heart of palliative care – dignity, humanity, connection, and comfort.

One of her proudest achievements is serving as Acting Coordinator of the Day Hospice, a role traditionally held by Clinical Nurses. Rising to the challenge with humility and determination, Noreen revitalised a program that once struggled for attendance and transformed it into a vibrant, fully booked service with a waitlist. Her leadership, creativity, and community partnerships now underpin plans for a full expanded program in 2026.

Noreen is known for creating an environment where patients can “be themselves,” regardless of illness or cognitive ability. Her ability to see the person and not the diagnosis allows individuals to rediscover purpose, joy, and identity. Her therapeutic use of music, especially her ukulele and singalongs, has become a signature source of comfort, connection, and light‑heartedness for many, especially those living with dementia.

Her passion for high‑quality palliative care is deeply personal, shaped by her experience supporting her father through cancer as a teenager. This early insight into the healing power of kindness has guided her career, inspiring her to support not only patients but also their families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Families consistently share touching stories of how her presence eased fear, affirmed trust, and brought peace at end of life.

A compassionate leader and skilled clinician, Noreen advocates fiercely for her patients, mentors staff and students, and fosters a safe, inclusive, uplifting culture. Her impact on individuals, families, and the community is remarkable, enduring, and deeply worthy of recognition

Jennifer Akehurst

Jennifer (Jenny) is an exceptional Enrolled Nurse whose 22‑year career at Royal Perth Hospital reflects unwavering dedication, compassion, and professional excellence. Working within the Outpatient Department with a special focus on plastic surgery wound management, Jenny is known for her remarkable adaptability, seamlessly supporting multiple clinics while consistently delivering safe, holistic, patient‑centred care.

For Jenny, nursing has always been more than a job, it is a calling rooted in her genuine desire to help others. Whether advocating for timely intervention, supporting families through difficult moments, or simply brushing a patient’s hair or sitting beside them for a needed conversation, she brings warmth and humanity to every interaction. The hugs she receives from both patients and colleagues speak to the profound impact she makes each day.

Jenny is highly skilled in managing simple and complex wounds, demonstrating strong clinical judgement and confidently escalating care when necessary. Her leadership extends well beyond her scope of practice: she has driven improvements in clinical flow, supported the introduction of fast‑track pathways, and played a pivotal role in implementing standardised wound care documentation systems. During the transition to new electronic workflows, Jenny not only mastered the system quickly but also created guides and provided tailored education, ensuring the entire team felt supported.

A natural collaborator, Jenny fosters trust and teamwork, serving as the dependable “go‑to” person for colleagues. Her calm presence, respectfulness, and commitment to excellence contribute to a positive workplace culture where staff feel valued, and patients feel safe.

Being nominated twice for the East Metropolitan Health Service Nursing and Midwifery Awards reflects the deep admiration her colleagues hold for her. Jenny’s compassion, integrity, and dedication make her not only an outstanding nurse, but a truly inspiring member of the nursing profession