Graphic: Busselton nurse
Busselton Hospital Emergency Department nurse Helen Morgan has been announced as the recipient of a midwifery scholarship established in memory of inspirational Western Australian Savanna Addis.
Busselton Hospital Emergency Department nurse Helen Morgan has been announced as the recipient of a midwifery scholarship established in memory of inspirational Western Australian Savanna Addis.
Helen is the second recipient of the Savanna Addis Scholarship which was established in partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in WA and Rural Health West in 2019.
A registered nurse, Helen commenced her nursing career in 2010 working in Intensive Care Units at Royal Perth Hospital and Bunbury Hospital before working at Busselton Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Helen was presented the scholarship by Savanna’s mum and dad, Helen and Ralph Addis, at the RFDS Jandakot base on Wednesday 17 March.
The Savanna Addis Scholarship is funded by Rural Health West and amounts to $10,000 a year.
Supported by the RFDS for an initial ten-year period, the scholarship is available to nurses with critical care experience who do not have the necessary midwifery qualifications required to work for the RFDS.
Known for her compassion, emotional resilience and commitment to making a difference in the life of others, Savanna passed away in August 2018 after losing her fight to Alagille Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the liver and heart.
Savanna first came into contact with the RFDS in February 2011 after falling off a chair at a her home in Kununurra, an incident which sparked a 17-hour rescue operation involving three mid-air brain operations while on the way to Perth to access specialist care.
Helen says she has always been intrigued to work for the RFDS and hopes to be part of the team in two years’ time once she finishes her midwifery course.
“In my time as a nurse, I’ve called on the RFDS numerous times to get patients to Perth,” Helen said.
“Every time we hear the RFDS flying overhead or when the ambulance arrives to take our patients to the RFDS, there is this moment of relief knowing our patient is able to reach the care they need.
“I had a big awakening last year which drew my attention to maternity care.
“This scholarship offers me the opportunity to support life from the very beginning and it’s humbling and a real privilege to receive this award in memory of Savanna.”
During FY19-20, the RFDS retrieved 574 patients from the South West region - 16 per cent were children and 31 were infants just under a month old.
