BIRCH Team Strathalbyn and District Aged Care has taken out the Excellence in Practice - Aged Care award at the 2024 Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Nurses and midwives across South Australia were celebrated for their significant contribution to the health system at a gala evening last Friday 3 May.

Part of Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, the Birch program is a collaboration between Strathalbyn Aged Care and Dementia Australia.

It was set up to build a model of care for the memory support unit at Strathalbyn.

The unit has 24 beds and provides specialist care for people living with advanced dementia.

Three key projects were devised through consultation with care staff and families of the residents living in the memory support unit.

They involved improving the environment and the dining experience as well as setting up activities and meaningful engagement for the residents.

The Strathalbyn BIRCH team were among 14 award winners, from 30 individual finalists and seven teams nominated for their excellence.

Health Minister Chris Picton says he was honoured to attend the awards to recognise the amazing work that our nurses and midwives do every day in South Australia.

“We are so fortunate to have world-class healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to provide quality care across our state’s hospitals, community, aged care and non-clinical services. 

“They are truly the backbone of our health system and we are proud of the work they do.”

For more information about finalists and award winners visit the SA Health website.

A video from the BIRCH Team Strathalbyn and District Aged Care can also be viewed online.