General News
14 May, 2025
Proud Mount Isa girl claims NWHHS nurse of the year award
The health service acknowledged its nurses, midwives and trainees at a special ceremony.
Tahnia-Maree Ah Kit’s smile lit up the room as she was named North West Hospital and Health Service’s nurse of the year.
The emergency ward nurse was a popular winner based on the reaction of her colleagues when her name was called at the special awards ceremony on Friday.
The 27-year-old is exactly what rural and remote health services around Australia are looking for.
Ms Ah Kit was born and bred in Mount Isa, attending Townview State School and Spinifex State College, before heading to the coast to complete her senior secondary schooling and university studies.
When she completed her nursing degree, she made the move back to Mount Isa and has worked at the busy hospital for the past five years.
“Tahnia truly embodies the caring value in every aspect of her role,” said Andrea Wallace, the nurse unit manager of the emergency department.
“An outstanding ED nurse, Tahnia consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel safe, supported and genuinely cared for, especially in high-stress, high-pressure situations.
“Her calm presence and warm personality shine through the door.
“Her bright and bubbly personality brightens the hospital and boosts morale every day. She always has a smile on her face and brings a smile to every patient.”
Ms Ah Kit told North West Weekly that she loved being an ED nurse and encouraged others to follow in her footsteps.
“I think whenever you go in and step into a new job, there’s always going to be that barrier,” she said of growing up in a remote area.
“It’s about how you tackle it. Knowing that I am from a small town with a small community, I take pride in ensuring (patient) safety and their private life is kept confidential.
“Knowing the ins and outs of what it is like growing up in a small town and the challenges that do come with the small towns ... working around that, for me, is quite easy because I know what it’s like to be in their shoes.”
Ms Wallace said Ms Ah Kit was a worthy winner of the nurse of the year award.
“I’ve watched Tahnia grow from a baby – I’ve looked after her, I’ve cared for her,” she said.
“Then she came as a student and then she came as a graduate and now she is now one of my senior members. She’s an absolute pleasure to have around and to watch her grow is amazing.”
North West Hospital and Health Service CEO Sean Birgan paid tribute to the nurses and midwives who were recognised on Friday in between International Nurses Day (May 12) and International Day of the Midwife (May 5).
“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our healthcare system, tirelessly providing compassionate care, expertise, and support to patients and their families,” the former nurse-turned-CEO said.
“Every day, our nurses and midwives go above and beyond, working tirelessly to ensure the well-being and comfort of those in their care.
“Their unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services makes a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities throughout our region.”
MIDWIFE OF THE YEAR
Andrea Mitchell was named midwife of the year at Friday’s ceremony.
With more than two decades of service at the hospital, Ms Mitchell started as an enrolled nurse, became a registered nurse, and eventually achieved her dream of becoming a midwife after seven years of study.
Ms Mitchell came to Australia with her family from England and settled at Mary Kathleen before moving to Mount Isa.
“It’s humbling to be acknowledged for something I’m so passionate about, and I share that recognition with every woman, family, and colleague who has walked this journey with me,” she said.
“I’m now caring for women whose mothers I went to school with – it’s an amazing feeling to share that connection and be part of such a meaningful journey with childhood friends.”
TRAINEE OF THE YEAR
Katie Vidler was recognised for her clinical performance as she was named North West Hospital and Health Service’s trainee of the year on Friday.
“Katie’s clinical performance was consistently to an excellent standard and always informed by policy or best practice resources,” said the anonymous colleague who nominated her for the award.
“She demonstrated critical thinking skills well beyond the level of a first-year practitioner.
“We were very proud of Katie’s accomplishments, particularly in her second rotation to Camooweal.
“She was out of her comfort zone, both clinically in a primary health clinic, and personally having to live in an alternative accommodation for a few months.
“Although she found it tough at times, she was always professional and embraced the learning opportunities and thrived professionally.”