Lorraine Robertson wins the 2020 Primary Healthcare Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare

Berrigan Medical Centre’s Lorraine Robertson has won the 2020 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare.

The sole practice nurse at the centre, Ms Robertson was commended for her tireless efforts to keep the town’s only medical centre operational while the practice’s regular doctor was unable to visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MPHN Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert congratulated Ms Robertson on her award win and thanked her for her service to the Berrigan community.

“The Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare award recognises a health professional or practice that has demonstrated exemplary leadership, which has led to improvement in the local primary healthcare industry or within the local community,” Dr Culbert said.

“Lorraine Robertson’s efforts to go above and beyond the level of care required by patients has been inspirational. Additional to her regular duties as the practice Registered Nurse, Lorraine has been heavily involved in coordinating telehealth appointments, liaising with the doctor and ensuring patients understand what medications and treatments have been prescribed.

“Lorraine has also given exceptional outpatient service to residents, visiting those in their homes that are unable to attend the practice, checking in on their welfare and changing dressings, for example.”

Ms Robertson said she was surprised to be nominated for the award, and thrilled to win.

“Without a lot of other people’s input, I wouldn’t have been able to manage the work required,” she said.

“The two locum GPs, the practice team, the local aged care facilities and allied health workers also supported me.”

Berrigan LHAC Chair Tony Taylor said Ms Robertson was a worthy recipient of the award.

“We found ourselves in a very difficult position this year when our doctor, because of COVID-19, was restricted to Melbourne, and that’s what Lorraine really stepped into the breach,” he said.

“People are saying to us at all times what a treasure she is, and we are glad she got this award because it acknowledges the effort Lorraine put in.”

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the Primary Healthcare Awards recognise the valuable and significant work being undertaken by health professionals, organisations and communities to improve health outcomes across the region.

“Amidst the uncertainty and rapidly-changing work environment that we have had to deal with this year, the whole health sector has demonstrated incredible flexibility and real collegiality in working together,” Ms Neal said.

“These awards are a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the efforts made by people in our region, and I would like to congratulate all our finalists and nominees.”