MHPHDS congratulates Jupp - 2020 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards

The 2020 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards were held at the Grand Ballroom, Crown Perth on 15 May 2021. The Awards recognise and celebrate the work and achievements of nurses and midwives across Western Australia.

This year, Mental Health, Public Health and Dental Services (MHPHDS) sponsored the 2020 Consumer Appreciation Award - an opportunity for a consumer (patient, client or patient and client's support person) to nominate and give recognition and thanks to the nurse or midwife who cared for them.

Marianne Slattery, Director of Nursing was in attendance on the night, presenting the 2020 Consumer Appreciation Award to winner - Jupp Groenveld, nurse for St John of God Social Outreach - Subiaco. Jupp was nominated for her outstanding person-centred care in supporting her patient (and family) in navigating the difficult journey to recovery - from addiction to methamphetamine.

Read Jupp's heart-warming nomination (submitted by her patient) below:

Do all nurses and midwives hide their wings? Do they all get IT? It was completely new to us; my family and me. You hear about meth addicts. You never think you are going to become one. It's a little difficult for me to think back to that time; my eyes may well up, but I get to remind myself that these are tears of joy. Tears of joy that I GET to be here today, over two years since I met Jupp...

I asked my Dad to help with this nomination. He remembers that time slightly different to me. He recalls that we were in a spot where neither of us knew what we were doing, we had nothing to draw upon, no experience. We didn't have much faith or hope in the system; and along came Jupp.

Jupp turned this fear around and showed my family and I, that addicts are still people. Jupp treated me likea person, and for that I am so grateful. I was so terrified to begin my journey, and Jupp somehow managed to put that fear to ease.

I'm not quite sure how my life may have panned out had I not had the privilege of meeting Jupp. My life certaily would not be where it is today, without the impact that she had in my world. Thank you for treating me like a person Jupp.

Congratulations to Jupp - a very special person and deserving award winner!