REVEREND Melanie Moore, Anglican and palliative care chaplain at Northern Health, was awarded the Best of Care Award 2023 by Spiritual Care Australia, SCA, last month.
SCA is the professional association of practitioners in spiritual care, pastoral care and chaplaincy, with Ms Moore presented the award for her best practice and excellence within the spiritual care sector.
She has been delivering spiritual care at Northern Health since 2006, promoting spiritual wellbeing and continuity of care to a diverse range of patients, their support network and staff.
“I feel humbled and honoured. I am thankful for being nominated and for working with such wonderful people across many disciplines within Northern Health,” Ms Moore said.
Ms Moore spends most of her time in the Palliative Care Unit at the Epping hospital, supporting the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of her patients.
She also supports patients who request rituals in the Anglican faith tradition, and leads bereavement support service to care for the next-of-kin of the patient who has died on the ward.
“The role is varied, and I love it. I absolutely love the way that person-centred listening, compassion, and support can bring hope, peace and resilience for our patients and their support people,” Ms Moore said.
“A great reward is working with such dedicated staff who share my love in caring for and supporting others – it’s not just a job.”
Northern Health spiritual care coordinator Natalia Dewiyani congratulated Ms Moore on the achievement.
“She has dedicated herself to Northern Health for 17 years. Winning the national award is an outstanding achievement and a testament of her excellent care and dedication,” she said.
“Her knowledge, wisdom, skills and most importantly, her caring heart, is an invaluable asset for us and Northern Health.”
