Dr McDonald, the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s consultant paediatrician at Kempsey District Hospital, was named the regional NSW winner of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s Michelle Beets Memorial Award. 

Port Macquarie Base Hospital paediatric unit nursing unit manager Cheryl Nolte was the regional NSW runner-up.

The award recognises the actions and achievements of people who go above and beyond what could be reasonably expected in improving children’s health outcomes.

Dr McDonald said he was stoked at the honour.

“It’s a very prestigious award, but most importantly, we don’t plan to rest on our laurels but plan to continue to aim for the best possible practice for all kids in our community,” he said.

Dr McDonald said the honour was a win-win.

Humpty Dumpty Foundation founder and chairman Paul Francis said Dr McDonald’s work at Kempsey District Hospital, as attested by his peers who nominated him, goes above and beyond including being available on his leave days to treat newborns and children to ensure their well-being.

“Dr McDonald has a tremendous focus on always learning, striving for best practice and improving the welfare of neonatal and paediatric outcomes and we thank him for making a difference in Kempsey,” Mr Francis said.

The paediatrician’s win will deliver a piece of medical equipment to Kempsey District Hospital to the value of $20,000.  

Dr McDonald also works at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Meanwhile, Mrs Nolte said the runner-up honour was a once in a lifetime achievement.

“I’m absolutely blown away by the fact I was nominated but to actually become runner-up was amazing,” she said.

She will receive a piece of medical equipment to the value of $10,000 for Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Mrs Nolte praised the staff and community support for the paediatric unit.

Mr Francis said Mrs Nolte’s work at Port Macquarie Base Hospital goes above and beyond including driving community fundraising initiatives for the paediatric unit.

“Cheryl has a wealth of paediatric nursing experience and knowledge making her an incredible asset to the community and we thank her for making a difference in Port Macquarie,” he said.

The Michelle Beets Memorial Award, in its fifth year, recognises the contribution of hospital staff to the improved health of children in NSW and honours the dedicated work of Michelle Beets. 

Michelle lost her life in 2010.