Catholic Health Australia has awarded its annual Nurse of the Year Award to Liezel Fourie, Clinical Manager, Milne Ward, Calvary Adelaide Hospital (CAH).

The award was presented by CHA Deputy Chair Jenny Parker at a gala dinner in Brisbane on Tuesday night before 280 delegates gathered for the Catholic Health Australia national conference.

Martin Bowles, Calvary’s National CEO noted “Given Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is Australia’s largest non-government grouping of health and aged care services; anyone receiving an award has made a significant difference.

“So it is with great pride that I congratulate the award winner, Liezel Fourie.”

The award honours an outstanding nurse, midwife or nursing team working in Catholic health and aged care services. It recognises the commitment of an individual nurse or team to serving patients/clients with respect and dignity while acknowledging their individual uniqueness.

This commitment must be demonstrated through a research project, innovative program, or a significant contribution to new or existing body of knowledge that contributes to the promotion and celebration of a Catholic understanding of care in a changing environment.

Liezel Fourie has a long history working with dementia.

In 2017 she established a project for the management of delirium and dementia in patients in acute-care settings that enhanced the care environment, improved behaviour management, reduced the number of falls and increased engagement with the families of patients.

And in 2022 she was appointed as lead for CAH to undertake the dementia friendly gap analysis based on the NHS assessment tools. This review will be tabled and used for future learning nationally.

Catholic Health Australia chief executive Pat Garcia said Ms Fourie was a passionate advocate for patients with cognitive impairment.

“She has led, supported, encouraged and managed her staff on Milne Ward at Calvary Adelaide Hospital to take care of some of our most vulnerable patients,” Mr Garcia said. “Due to her vision and passion, patients with cognitive impairment are getting the best care and experience possible. Liezel is humble and never seeks praise or affirmation from others.

She gets in and gets the job done. A quiet achiever she inspires others with her positive attitude, and friendliness. “I congratulate Liezel on her award.”

About CHA: Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is Australia’s largest non-government grouping of health and aged care services accounting for approximately 10 percent of hospital-based healthcare in Australia. Our members also provide around 25 percent of private hospital care, 5 percent of public hospital care, 12 percent of aged care facilities, and 20 percent of home care and support for the elderly.