A passionate advocate for patient and nurse wellbeing has been honoured by the Western Australian nursing community.

Anne Williams, who is Professor of Health Research at Murdoch University, has won the Excellence in Research category of the 2019 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

A specialist in translational research, Professor Williams is passionate about helping clinicians to implement change and improve patient care.

Boosting wellbeing in healthcare

Through her links with Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Professor Williams’ research has resulted in significant improvements to patient experience and nursing staff wellbeing in Western Australian hospitals.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to have been a nurse researcher in WA for nearly 30 years,” Professor Williams said.

“Research doesn’t happen in isolation and I’ve been so lucky to work between the hospital and university and in some fabulous teams.

“I have also been very fortunate to work with a number of excellent nurse leaders in WA who have supported and mentored me along the way.

“It was particularly special for me to be a finalist this year with my colleague, Head of the Nursing Discipline at Murdoch University, Professor Catherine Fetherston, nominated for excellence and leadership.

“My thanks to the wonderful support of all my colleagues at Murdoch University and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.”

Professor Fetherston congratulated her colleague.

“This well deserved award was a fantastic recognition of Anne’s work and we are so proud to have her leading research for our team,” Professor Fetherston said.

“Professor Williams is our third consecutive winner in the WANMEA awards, with Prue Andrus named Nurse Educator in 2017 and Dr Caroline Nilson winning the Excellence in Aboriginal Health category in 2018. This speaks to the depth of talent within our Nursing discipline at Murdoch University.”

The WANMEA 2019 awards recognised 12 category winners, chosen from a field of 47 finalists from across WA's public and private health and education sectors.

Find out more about studying Nursing at Murdoch University.