Subiaco nurse recognised for excellence

27 Mar 2018

27 March 2018 

Simon was named as a finalist in the Consumer Appreciation category after being nominated by a client he works with through the hospital’s Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network (DAWN).

"I was humbled and honoured to be named a finalist, which in my opinion, is one of the most important categories as seeing your clients get their life back on track and knowing you played a role in it is the reason you do your job,” he said.

“You do want to be able to make a difference and it is not just about helping someone through their withdrawal, but working with them to address the situations which have led to their addiction so they can make meaningful changes.”

DAWN is a free withdrawal service run by clinical nurse specialists who visit clients in their home and provide support as they stop or reduce their drug and/or alcohol use.

It is the third time in two years the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards have recognised the DAWN service, with DAWN Manager Ann Annetts winning the same category in 2016 and Clinical Nurse Specialist Justin Dorigo a finalist in the Excellence in Primary, Public and Community Care category that same year.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Professor Shirley Bowen congratulated Simon on being named a finalist and said the ongoing recognition of the service highlights the important role it played in the wider community.

“Simon is a dedicated caregivers who goes above and beyond in supporting his clients as they go through drug and alcohol withdrawal,” she said.

“The fact that he was nominated by a client shows just how highly he is regarded by those he cares for.

“It is really pleasing to see that DAWN, which is a free withdrawal service, continues to be recognised as providing an important service to the community.”

Simon said building strong relationships with his clients allowed him to help each person create the momentum for change away from the damaging effects of their alcohol and drug use.

“Working with DAWN is a very privileged role, as we get to work with clients in their own home and walk beside them as they begin their journey towards recovery from drug and alcohol dependency," he said.

“It can be very challenging for people to address the issues that have contributed to and maintained their addiction and working with them towards building valued, meaningful lives is very rewarding."

The WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards will be presented on Saturday 12 May 2018.