SCGH Annabelle Ridley nominated for Health Heroes Award

In the lead up to the 2026 WA Health Excellence Award we are highlighting some of our finalists, including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Annabel Ridley, who is finalist in the Health Heroes Award.

Annabel was nominated by family member of a patient for the profound difference she made during their mother's palliative care journey.

The family member stated that Annabel showed compassion, professionalism and kindness, helping to make an incredibly difficult time manageable for the family.

"Annabel had a calm and reassuring presence which brought comfort," the family member said.

"She was as a breath of fresh air during a sad time, with the kindest heart and someone we will always remember.

"Annabel treated all of us with genuine empathy and respect, making us feel heard and cared for throughout."

Annabel said that she decided on nursing as a career after growing up watching her mum in the profession.

"I admired my mother's compassion and ability to care for others and realised just how alike we were and how much I also enjoyed being able to make this difference," she said.

"For me palliative care nursing is a privilege, and being able to facilitate a patient's wishes for their end of life has a profound impact on both the patient and their family."

The WA Health Excellence Awards feature 10 categories celebrating excellence and innovation in service delivery across the WA health system. Winners will be announced on 4 November.