2026 Nurse of the Year
Karrinyup Rotary’s Nurse of the Year Award for 2026 was presented at a celebratory gala dinner in May to honour outstanding nurses working at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH). This annual perpetual award was first presented in 1990 and recognises a nurse whose daily dedication and care epitomises the highest standard of quality and personal commitment. Nominations can be made by nurses, patients, doctors and hospital management staff.
The perpetual Karrinyup Rotary Osborne Park Hospital Nurse of the Year Award is proudly displayed on the wall at the hospital. It is highly regarded by staff and promoted extensively by the hospital.
The focus for the awards aligns with North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS)’s overall Nursing Philosophy, Caring is our Business, and focusing on four pillars - People, Patients, Partnership and Profession. All the finalists attended the presentation event, with the winners in each category and the overall winner being announced on the night. It was also wonderful to have executive representatives from the NMHS in attendance. During the evening, Karrinyup Rotary Vocational Service Director Kay Durrant reminded everyone of the club's dedication to and support of Rotary health programs such as the Eradication of Polio and EndTrachoma.
The three categories and winners of the Awards were:
- Excellence in Leadership - Gemma Hadwell
- Excellence in Innovation - Charlotte McGivern and Lee Park (Joint)
- Excellence in Professional Practice - Liam Turner.
The winners of each category were chosen by panels from Osborne Park and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospitals, together with a representative from Karrinyup Rotary. The Nursing Executive team then determined the overall Karrinyup Rotary Osborne Park Hospital Nurse of the Year - Gemma Hadwell.
Gemma has served in a range of roles at Osborne Park Hospital, including Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse, Staff Development Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist. She received multiple nominations recognising her leadership, compassion and unwavering support of both patients and colleagues. She is known for fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where staff feel heard, valued and supported.
Through her approachable nature, strong advocacy and commitment to open communication, Gemma has helped strengthen team morale, collaboration and staff well-being, while maintaining a strong focus on excellence in patient care. Her values-driven leadership continues to make a lasting and positive impact on both the nursing team and the patients she serves. She is a highly respected and worthy recipient of the 2026 Karrinyup Rotary Osborne Park Hospital Rotary Nurse of the Year Award.
Karrinyup Rotary members offer sincere congratulations to all finalists and, most especially, to the 2026 Karrinyup Rotary Osborne Park Hospital Nurse of the Year – Gemma Hadwell.