The statewide award is presented to one regional and one metropolitan healthcare worker each year who deliver outstanding neonatal and paediatric care across the full spectrum of clinical practice including medical, midwifery, nursing and allied health.
Dr Kummerow is the first doctor from the Far West LHD to win the prestigious award.
Far West Local Health District Director Medical Services, Dr Sarah Wenham, congratulated Dr Kummerow on the win.
“The Michelle Beets Award is an acknowledgement of Dr Kummerow’s unwavering commitment to the children, young people and families of Far West NSW over many years,” Dr Wenham said.
“Over the last decade, she has shown she is committed to ensuring the best possible child and family-centred, evidence-based clinical care is provided as close to home as possible for the children of Far West NSW.
“We are very proud to see this recognition of such a hard working, local doctor.”
Dr Kummerow has worked regularly at Broken Hill Hospital since 2013, providing care to neonates and children in the hospital and in the community.
She has also been involved in the development of guidelines for paediatric emergency transport, enabling a coordinated approach between interstate clinical teams for children who require a higher level of care.
Dr Kummerow is also responsible for implementing a Paediatric Acute Referral Clinic to ensure that children presenting to the Broken Hill Emergency Department receive timely care and follow-up support.
Recipients of the Michelle Beets Award receive $25,000 worth of medical equipment through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation for use in their facility, as well as a $5,000 bursary for professional development, training or research.
The award was presented by Health Minister Ryan Park and Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Chairman Paul Francis OAM at The Great Humpty Ball in Sydney on Saturday, 18 November 2023.
