Lutheran nurses recognised

Sharon Berridge has been named the 2023 Lutheran Nurse of the Year. The Executive Care Manager of Tanunda Lutheran Home in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Sharon was recognised with the annual award by the Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia (LNAA) on 12 May, which is International Nurses Day.

Sharon’s nominees spoke of her high degree of understanding of and respect for the value of the Christian faith, particularly when caring for people approaching the end of their lives, as well as her leadership skills, extensive knowledge of aged care, compassion, and high level of professionalism. She is highly respected among her peers for her commitment to all her staff.

LNAA also recognised the more than 30 years of service given by Meg Lewis of Norwood, South Australia. During this time, Meg has served as Nursing Director of the Orthopaedic and Trauma Service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and General Manager at the Hampstead Centre. She filled a crucial role in the South Australian response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a vaccination nurse. Her nursing service over many years was recognised with a Meritorious Service Award.

The Lutheran Nurse of the Year award was launched in 2020 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. It recognises faithful and outstanding service by a Registered or Enrolled Nurse who is an active member of a congregation of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.

Pastor Bob Wiebusch is the editor of the Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia’s In Touch publication and a former editor of The Lutheran.