Michelle is Nurse of the Year

The other local finalist was Jessica Pavese, who was nominated for Staff Member of the Year based on her time as acting facility manager at Deniliquin Hospital.

Ms Cruse is a nurse practitioner in the emergency department at Deniliquin Hospital.

She was visibly emotional about the award win, which she said was not hers alone.

“I’m here because I am part of a team,” she said in her acceptance speech at the Wagga awards ceremony.

“Deni ED I came to by accident, and I stayed because they are fabulous people.

“The whole area health service really does care about their people, and it's one of the reasons I've stayed.”

Speaking to the Pastoral Times yesterday, Ms Cruse said the emotion came from the surprise of the award.

Saying she was “still surprised”, and reiterated her thoughts about living and working in Deniliquin.

“I am very proud to be working in Deniliquin, but I don’t work in isolation. We all need each other.

“I have worked in many different places, and Deniliquin is very lucky with the crew it’s got.

“I came to Deniliquin as an agency contract nurse, and I initially extended it.

“Then COVID locked us out of South Australia, and my partner Vicki Dey and I both liked Deniliquin so we decided to stay.”

Ms Cruse’s nomination for the award described her as “humble and shy”, and said “she is happy for everyone else to take the glory whilst she works hard behind the scenes”.

“Everyone has a story about how Michelle has helped them in some way,” her finalist introduction video stated.

“She listens, she cares, and she always goes the extra mile.

“Michelle communicates with honesty and openness to all patients, families and colleagues, actively listening to concerns, feedback and perspectives without judgement and creating a safe and inclusive environment.”

Nurse or Midwife of the Year was one of 11 award categories presented on Friday, recognising achievements in safety, innovation, sustainability, workplace culture, and patient care.

The Chief Executive’s Choice Award and the Board Chair’s Choice Award were also presented.

At the awards ceremony, MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford paid tribute to all the finalists and award winners for their “tremendous contributions”.

“The awards are a real showcase of great strengths and achievements and highlight the dedication and professionalism of staff from across the district’s diverse services and locations,” Ms Ludford said.

“It was an enormous pleasure to present my Chief Executive’s Choice Award to our blood management team and New South Wales Health Pathology partners,” Ms Ludford said.

“The research they have undertaken on the use of type O negative blood, and the changes they have implemented to optimise the use of this precious resource is outstanding.”

The Board Chair’s award went to Wagga’s Parker Family for their role in the NSW Health Sentinel Chicken Program.

The inaugural Jackie Brodie Memorial Award, presented to First Nations staff member who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion for improving health outcomes for all people and commitment to closing the gap for First Nations people, was presented to Michelle Hutchison.

The Griffith Drug and Alcohol Service clinical leader also won Staff Member of the Year.

The awards ceremony was recorded live on Friday evening. A link to the video is available on the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Facebook page.