Home

Exmouth nurse wins industry award

Shannon BeattiePilbara News
Excellence in enrolled nursing winner Patricia Tolland and East Metro Health Service assistant director of nursing Dori Lombardi.
Camera IconExcellence in enrolled nursing winner Patricia Tolland and East Metro Health Service assistant director of nursing Dori Lombardi. Credit: WACHS

One of Exmouth’s favourite nurses has been recognised for her many years of dedication to the job, winning at the 2019 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Patricia Tolland has been a nurse in Exmouth for more than 25 years and was the recipient of the excellence in enrolled nursing award at a ceremony in Perth on May 11.

Over the years Ms Tolland has enhanced the scope of her practice, becoming an X-ray operator and wound care specialist, managing the care of chronic patients, co-ordinating the needle and syringe program, and seeking further education in the use of retinal cameras.

She said the multitude of tasks which were part of being a rural nurse kept the job interesting.

“I’ve been an X-ray operator for a number of years and with recent upgrades it remains challenging as well as exciting and a favourite task of mine,” she said.

“Patient presentations can be unpredictable, which calls for a wide range of skills. That’s what keeps me forever learning.”

WA Country Health Service executive director of nursing and midwifery Marie Baxter said Ms Tolland often went above and beyond to care for the community.

“Patricia’s nursing approach is completely patient centred and we’ve heard stories of her delivering home cooked meals to patients in need once they’ve left the hospital setting,” she said

Ms Tolland said she really valued living in Exmouth and being a respected member of the community.

“It’s a small town, it’s more personal because you know everybody and over the years you feel like you’re doing a good thing,” she said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails