At St Andrew’s Hospital, exceptional care begins with the people who deliver it.
On the eve of our 90th anniversary, nine nurses across Oncology, Cardiac, Critical Care, Emergency and Theatre have been recognised through the 2026 Janet Hay Clinical Scholarships.
St Andrew’s Hospital is proud to announce this year’s recipients, honouring nurses who are stepping forward to deepen their practice, expand their knowledge, and strengthen the care delivered to more than 40,000 South Australians each year. We also thank all nurses who applied. Your commitment to advancing your practice and delivering exceptional care inspires us all.
As Australia’s largest independent private hospital, St Andrew’s plays a vital role in the health system by improving access, easing pressure on public hospitals, and ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care. That responsibility demands not only excellence today, but a clear investment in the workforce of tomorrow.
At the centre of that investment are nurses.
The Janet Hay Clinical Scholarships represent a deliberate and sustained commitment to building clinical capability - ensuring nurses are equipped with advanced skills, contemporary knowledge, and the confidence to lead in increasingly complex care environments.
Funded through the Medical Education and Research Fund of the Hospital’s Foundation, the scholarships support postgraduate study across key disciplines including intensive care, cardiac nursing, palliative care, emergency, perioperative practice, and cancer care.
This is not simply professional development. It is a strategic investment in safer care, stronger teams, and better patient outcomes.
Ashlee Parrott, Critical Care Nurse and scholarship recipient, said the opportunity will directly strengthen both her practice and her team.
“Working in critical care, it’s essential to continually build your knowledge to meet the needs of very unwell patients. This scholarship allows me to deepen my expertise in intensive care nursing and better support both my patients and my team. Ultimately, it means better outcomes for the people we care for.”
Each scholarship enables nurses to extend their expertise and bring new knowledge back to the bedside - translating directly into improved care for patients and their families.
The program also plays a critical role in retaining skilled clinicians in an increasingly competitive healthcare environment, providing clear pathways for growth and reinforcing St Andrew’s as a place where nurses can build long-term, meaningful careers.
Sheena Liwanag, Perioperative Nurse and scholarship recipient, said the scholarship is helping her take the next step in a career she is deeply passionate about.
“Perioperative nursing, especially in cardiac theatre, is where I feel at home. This scholarship is opening doors for me to grow, to take on more responsibility, and to contribute at a higher level. I’m excited to bring that knowledge back to my team and continue delivering safe, respectful and high-quality care for our patients.”
Reflecting on the culture at St Andrew’s, Sheena added:
“The support, the culture, the environment - it really feels like home. I feel very fortunate to be here, and very grateful for the opportunity this scholarship provides.”
Founded in 1936 by Sister Janet Hay, a Scottish-trained nurse and midwife, St Andrew’s was built on a vision of nurse-led care grounded in skill and humanity. Nearly a century later, that legacy continues - supported by a clear belief that investing in nurses is fundamental to delivering exceptional care.
2026 Janet Hay Clinical Scholarship Recipients
- Joel Dutton - Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Cardiac Nursing) (Adelaide University)
- Michelle Lee - Graduate Certificate in Emergency Nursing (Flinders University)
- Belle Lim- Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing (Perioperative) (University of Tasmania)
- Sheena Liwanag - Master of Nursing: Perioperative Practice (La Trobe University)
- Liam McEvan - Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Intensive Care Nursing) (Adelaide University)
- Bhovie Pancho - Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Practice (Curtin University)
- Hayley Parish - Graduate Diploma in Palliative and End of Life Care (Flinders University)
- Ashlee Parrott - Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Intensive Care Nursing) (Adelaide University)
- Kiara Woods - Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Intensive Care Nursing) (Adelaide University)
Invest in Nurses. Transform Patient Care.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, medical specialists and corporate partners, the St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation has supported more than 50 staff to advance their skills through this scholarship program. Contributions to the Medical Education and Research Fund directly strengthen our nursing workforce - ensuring every patient receives exceptional, patient-centred care.
When you invest in nurses, you invest in every patient they care for.
