Phillip Della.
Camera IconPhillip Della. Credit: Supplied/© Adrian Lambert / Acorn Photo

Head of Curtin School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine receives Lifetime Achievement award

Jaime ShurmerCanning Gazette

THE head of Curtin’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Phillip Della, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award on the weekend.

Professor Della’s impressive contribution to healthcare delivery, nursing and midwifery education, and even legislations at all levels of government was recognised at the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Described as a highly respected healthcare expert by the university’s Faculty of Health Science’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Archie Clement, Prof Della’s work has brought many innovations to the fore.

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So much so, that Health Minister Roger Cook described Prof Della as a “trailblazer.”

“He has not only excelled in his role, but gone over and above what is expected of him,” Mr Cook said.

Prof Della started his nursing career in 1974 at St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, where he met his wife, Maria.

The father-of-four was the Chief Nursing Officer of WA from 1999 to 2008 where he helped establish the role of nurse practitioners, and enhance the roles of the midwife, NurseWest and Graduate Nurse Connect.

He leads national research into transitions of care and is a member of key boards and committees.

Since joining Curtin University as the Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, the school has achieved five stars in Excellence in Research Australia, a QS ranking in the top 100 Schools of Nursing, and is ranked 24th in the world by the Shanghai Ranking.

The awards were presented on May 12 with 11 outstanding WA nurses and midwives recognised.

The major award and title of WA Nurse/Midwife of the Year went to York resident Brett Hayes for his work across all Wheatbelt hospitals.

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