Rewarding our caregivers

Recognising and valuing the contribution of caregivers is an important part of the hospital’s culture and service ethos.

Throughout the hospital, our caregivers are providing excellent care and service to our patients and their families, and our recognition program is one way of recognising their contribution.

Every month, a caregiver will receive the accolade of Caregiver of the Month. A peer or patient nominates a caregiver in recognition of their service and care. The Caregiver of the Year award, chosen from one of the 12 Caregivers of the Month, recognises and acknowledges excellent service and care provided by our caregivers, and is a reflection of the hospital’s Mission and Values, which align directly with St John of God himself.

Whilst only 12 people receive recognition each year, many more caregivers are quietly achieving excellence in care and service without recognition.

Caregiver of the Year 2012 - Janaya Fryer

A short stay in a private setting turned into a 12 year Murdoch career for Janaya Fryer of Bicton who was recently named St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s 2012 Caregiver of the Year.

A Clinical Nurse in the Paediatrics Unit, Janaya was selected as Caregiver of the Year from a shortlist of 12 finalists for her high level of clinical skill in both paediatrics and adult nursing, and was surprised to receive the award.

“It was a complete shock, but I was really honoured by the letter I received. When you work with children you get a lot of thanks from parents, but to see it in black and white from the hospital makes you feel you fulfilled the mission and values and are truly appreciated,” said Janaya.

“The people I work with are a big part of why I’m still here, we have a really positive team, great morale, and we have a good laugh and know how to have fun together.

There is so much experience amongst the staff and that wealth of knowledge, it really is a pleasure to work with them,” said Janaya.

Janaya completed her nursing degree at Newcastle University in New South Wales and her graduate program at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in NSW. After graduating she worked for Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney and Princess Margaret Children’s hospital doing clinic runs in the Pilbara.

Janaya joined St John of God Murdoch in 2001 when the St Gabriel’s paediatric ward was opened. Originally, she didn’t intend to stay in the private sector but fell in love with the staff and the immense feeling of morale within the St Gabriel’s Ward.

“The Caregiver of the Year award allows us to specifically celebrate the success of a remarkable caregiver who goes above and beyond dedicating their time and energy to the treatment and care of our patients,” said Murdoch A/CEO Colin Young.

“Janaya exemplifies the values that we stand for at St John of God Murdoch and I’m delighted to award her with the 2012 Caregiver of the Year award,” he said.

“Although only one caregiver can be recognised as Caregiver of the Year, I am very proud of the work our caregivers achieve here at Murdoch and would like to thank everyone for their ongoing dedication and support,” said Colin.