The Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams has used a debate in Parliament to acknowledge the outstanding work of local nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic underscoring the work of two Mid North Coast nurses for their ongoing dedication to their profession.

Mrs Williams said that our frontline healthcare workers are the best in the world with outstanding commitment and dedication in often challenging conditions.

"In the Mid North Coast Local Health District, the dedication of our frontline health services is exemplified by two staff members," Mrs Williams said.

Grainne Ducat is a registered nurse and a management intern at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit she immediately signed up to work at Port Macquarie Base Hospital's COVID testing clinic where her organisational and management skills quickly came to the fore.

Grainne is responsible for the management of staff and overseeing the efficient flow of people through the clinics. She also liaises with the North Coast Public Health Unit, keep up to date with the evolving health advice and ensure new staff are trained in the workings of the clinic.

"In response to the call for more testing across NSW there has been a significant increase in presentations at Mid North Coast COVID Clinics and the district is very well prepared should there be any new cases," Mrs Williams said.

"Grainne put her hand up for this role because she really wanted to contribute to the local health response to COVID-19. She says as health professionals you always feel that urge when something like this is happening that you want to jump in and help.

"Grainne says all frontline health workers have been overwhelmed by the support of the community, whether it be the generosity being shown through meal donations from local individuals and businesses to special messages on social media and just a smile in the street and a "thank you".

Trish Lemin, a clinical nurse consultant - trauma, is also now heavily involved in Mid North Coast LHD's COVID-19 response team.

Trish's courage and dedication in the face of adversity has taken her from COVID-19 ground zero in China to the firegrounds of the NSW South Coast in 2020.

As a trauma expert, and a nurse of almost 40 years, Trish's skills and professionalism are widely sought. She is a go-to person in times of crisis.

"In February, as the world was gripped by the reality of the COVID-19 emergency, Trish flew to Wuhan province, the epicentre of the emerging pandemic, on deployment with Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AusMAT). The three-week mission brought 273 Australians (including 68 children) home," Mrs Williams said.

"Trish's international deployment came on the back of the NSW Bushfire Emergency where she was working day and night as part of the coordinated response effort.

"Being away from home at this frightening time, only able to snatch a few minutes at a time to connect with her loved ones, Trish and her close-knit team of eight nurses and two doctors were charged with setting up and running a field hospital at Batemans Bay.

"Trish's exceptionally strong work ethic, commitment to safety and quality, and ability to perform under intense pressure are recognised and sought after within the health and emergency sectors.

"With care, compassion and empathy at the heart of everything that she does, Trish is widely respected for her collaborative and inclusive approach.

"Trish epitomises all that is expected of a Clinical Nurse Consultant, dedicating much of her time to education of doctors, nursing and allied health staff.

"Trish had no down time after returning from her AusMAT deployment, going straight into a crucial role within the Mid North Coast Local Health District's COVID-19 response team."

The commitment of these staff is outstanding, Mrs Williams said.

"Over the past few months, our frontline workers have really felt the support of the community which makes them feel proud and realise that they are providing an essential service that is greatly appreciated."

Mrs Williams also thanked the team at the North Coast Public Health Unit under the leadership of Paul Corben. As a director covering both the Mid North Coast and the Northern NSW local health districts since 2005, Mr Corben has stepped up to the challenges of COVID-19.

She extended her incerest gratitude to the Mid North Coast Local Health District CEO, Stewart Dowrick, and his entire team.

"They have always been there to pick up the phone and respond to calls from my electorate office in relation to supporting our constituent's inquiries about COVID-19 testing and related restrictions.

"They have stepped up to the mark like you would not believe. On behalf of my community, I thank them for everything they have done."

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