Nominate a nurse: Perth nurse and midwife Keri Bignell’s endless love for job and patients

Nurse and midwife Keri Bignell is almost five months pregnant, but that hasn’t stopped her going to work at Perth’s maternity hospital throughout the coronavirus pandemic to help other mums-to-be.

Mrs Bignell was nominated by her husband Scott in the search for WA’s Healthcare Heroes, a $250,000 campaign to thank all nurses in WA for their extraordinary work in the community.

Crown Perth and The Sunday Times are looking for 250 WA nurses to enjoy a staycation with a companion at the five-star resort, including fine dining and pampering at Crown Perth’s luxury spa.

West Australians are being asked to nominate a nurse to take part in this special experience.

Mrs Bignell, who is already mum to two-year-old Patrick, said she was surprised but pleased to be nominated, and that the staycation would be “amazing”.

The 26-year-old has been a midwife at King Edward Memorial Hospital for five years, and the past few months have been more challenging than usual.

“It has been a bit uncertain and everyone’s been a little bit uneasy about the changes, but we’ve got a really great team and morale has been pretty good,” she said

“We’ve all got through it together.”

Our support roles become a lot more important for a lot of women.

She said it had also been difficult for birthing women, with visits restricted to two people for one hour each day.

“Our support roles become a lot more important for a lot of women,” she said.

Mr Bignell said he nominated his wife for continuing to go to work and deliver babies during the peak of COVID-19 in WA.

“She loves her job and always puts her patients first, even stating she wouldn’t stop working when her patients are already facing one of the most anxious times of their lives without needing a shortage of nurses to help them birth,” he said.

More than 3700 nurses have been nominated since the Healthcare Heroes campaign was launched just over a week ago.

To nominate a nurse, explain in 100 words or fewer why she or he deserves a luxury staycation at Crown Perth.

Nominations can be entered here and close next Sunday.