Heather was a Nurse for over 30 years, with the last 20 years mainly in professional leadership roles at Te Whatu Ora Southern and its predecessors.
“Heather has worked tirelessly in mental health, addiction and intellectual disability (MHAID) services,” says Te Whatu Ora Southern Chief Nursing Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jane Wilson.
“She has been instrumental in growing Nurse Practitioners (NP) across the Southern district having set up and chaired the inaugural Nurse Practitioner Steering Group and supporting many nurses to reach NP status.”
Heather’s advocacy and support for advancing nursing practice and career development has also resulted in her work being recognised at a national level having received two significant awards in recent years.
In 2018 Heather received an Otago Polytechnic Distinguished Alumni Award and in 2019 an award for ‘exceptional contribution to Mental Health Services in NZ’ at the Mental Health Awards of Australia and New Zealand.
“I have had an amazing career as a registered nurse and despite practising in an area that is very much viewed within the social and political context of the time and facing many challenges, I have never had a dull day in all these years. I always encourage nurses to practice in mental health as it is hugely rewarding and always interesting.”
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