Mid Battye recognised for outstanding contribution to healthcare
After almost four decades in healthcare, Mid Battye has never been one to seek the spotlight, yet being named Murrumbidgee Local Health District's Staff Member of the Year at the recent Excellence Awards is recognition she says means a great deal.
The MLHD Staff Member of the Year award shines a light on someone who is making a meaningful difference through the way they work.
This significant recognition celebrates an individual whose contribution strengthens service delivery, culture, teamwork, governance and organisational performance, while exemplifying the values of NSW Health.
"Although I don't like all of the attention, it does mean a lot," Mid said.
"I've been working in health for almost 40 years in generalist occupational therapy, chronic disease programs and integrated care.”
“More recently, the team and I have been working hard to provide care that puts people at the centre, helping them understand and manage their own health conditions and supporting them to achieve their personal health goals.”
A passionate advocate for multidisciplinary and interprofessional models of care, Mid has dedicated her career to helping people remain well, independent and living their best lives at home.
When her name was announced as MLHD’s Staff Member of the Year at the 2026 Excellence Awards, Mid admits she wasn’t expecting it.
"I was pretty surprised," she said. "When I had time to let it sink in, it was quite humbling. I am thankful that I have the privilege of going to work every day and working with such a great team.”
“The fact that my team nominated me is very special."
Mid is described by those who work closely with her as someone who embodies excellence through inclusivity, trust and empowerment. As team leader of the Integrated Care and Diabetes teams, she has fostered a culture where staff feel heard, valued and supported to work to the top of their scope, strengthening both workforce capability and patient outcomes.
Mid has been instrumental in advancing integrated, value-based models of care, advocating for equitable workforce opportunities and creating innovative pathways for Allied Health professionals and assistants.
Among her many achievements are the development of the Integrated Care Allied Health Assistant model, leadership of the Virtual Diabetes Pilot Project and collaboration on point-of-care diabetes testing initiatives in rural communities. Through strong partnerships with organisations including Diabetes Australia, NSW Pathology, Marathon Health and Primary Health Networks, Mid has helped improve access to care, supporting earlier diagnosis and strengthening health outcomes for people living with chronic and complex conditions.
MLHD Chief Executive Emma Field commended Mid on her contribution to the district.
"Mid's recognition as MLHD Staff Member of the Year is thoroughly deserved. Over many years, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a commitment to person-centred care and a passion for improving outcomes for our communities.”
“Mid is highly respected for the way she brings people together, supports her colleagues and drives innovative models of care that make a real difference to patients. She embodies the values of MLHD and is an outstanding example of the talent, dedication and professionalism within our workforce.”
When reflecting on her proudest career achievement, Mid points to the impact of leading the Integrated Care program and diabetes initiatives across the District.
"Leading these programs across MLHD stands out. Empowering staff, progressing change and leading consistent value-based, interprofessional models of care, and seeing it make a difference for consumers is very rewarding."
Looking ahead, she believes the future of healthcare lies in stronger partnerships and continued innovation.
"The needs of health consumers have changed and will continue to change over time. We need to progress the development of stronger partnerships with all other health providers and NGOs to better support these needs. Our models of care and workforce capability also have to develop so we can continue to support them."
For Mid, the award may recognise an individual, but her focus remains firmly on the people around her and creating a healthcare system that delivers better outcomes for everyone.
Congratulations Mid, on this incredibly well-deserved award and thank you for your continued contribution to the organisation.