Catholic Health Australia’s recent national awards night yielded another proud moment for Mercy Health as two of our people were recognised for their exceptional work in the Catholic health ministry.

Professor Sue Walker, Director of Perinatal Medicine at Mercy Hospital for Women, was awarded the Catholic Health Australia Emerging Leader of the Year award. Sue was recognised for her outstanding work as one of Australia’s only Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists, her contribution to research as the inaugural appointee to the Sheila Handbury Chair of Maternal Fetal Medicine, her training of specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists, and her respect and compassion for those she cares for.

Professor Sue Walker, Director of Perinatal Medicine at Mercy Hospital for Women and Sister Helen Monkivitch rsm AO, Director of Leadership and Mission.

In accepting the award, Sue said “It is almost as much of an honour to receive this award as it is a privilege to work with such an outstanding team at Mercy Hospital for Women, particularly in the Department of Perinatal Medicine. I stand on the shoulders of many giants.”

Sister Helen Monkivitch rsm AO, Director of Leadership and Mission, was also honoured on the night. Sr Helen was awarded the Sr Maria Cunningham Lifetime Contribution Award for her enduring contribution to Catholic health and aged care services. Sr Helen has been involved in Catholic health care since the early 1960s, beginning her career as a nurse. Over the years Sr Helen has held the position of Administrator and CEO of Mercy Hospital for Women, served on countless boards and advisory committees, was appointed an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia, and is the longest serving member of the Mercy Health Board.

Catholic Health Australia chief executive Martin Laverty said of Sr Helen, “Sr Helen emerged from the demands of primary health care provision into positions of leadership because of her skills as a health worker and as a person of great character. Her energy, enthusiasm and decency are infectious and she is one of those special people who is universally respected by all with whom she comes into contact.”

The awards were presented at a gala dinner at Parliament House as part of Catholic Health Australia’s week-long annual conference. Conference attendees were inspired throughout the week by speakers involved in reforming the aged care system, implementing changes in the hospital system, and ensuring the Catholic ethos is present throughout the services provided by the ministry. Mercy Health Foundation’s Chairman, Barry O’Callaghan AO, was a presenter at the conference on the topic of “A healthy foundation”.

Mercy Health is exceedingly proud of Sue, Sr Helen, and all our people whose passion, expertise and compassion allows us to deliver care to those in need.