Busselton girl wins bravery award

The award recipients, aged from three to 16, were recognised for the courage and spirit they showed while being treated at Fiona Stanley and Rockingham General hospitals during the past 12 months.

Earlier this year, Hermoine was in Perth with some friends for a concert.

About 10 minutes into the concert, she started feeling unwell and her friends assisted her to the medical tent.

Back in her hotel room and still not feeling the best, her older brothers, who live in Perth, took Hermione to the Fiona Stanley Hospital Emergency Department.

Nine days earlier, she’d had her appendix removed and an ultra-sound showed she had an infection.

Hermione underwent an emergency laparoscopy to drain the abscess.

​The nurse who looked after Hermione said she endured a lot of pain during her stay in hospital, but coped with extremely well.

Hermione’s mum, Sarah, said she made a full recovery and was able to attend school camp.

Fremantle’s newest recruits, including Busselton’s Scott Jones, shared the stories of each young award recipient before presenting a gold medallion and gift.

South Metropolitan Health Service chief executive Paul Forden said the youngest patients of Fiona Stanley and Rockingham hospitals were by far the bravest, most courageous and determined during their treatment.

“Our staff take great pride in nominating children and young adults who have been treated at our hospitals for these awards as they see first-hand what these kids go through and how they faced up to surgery, pain and being away from home,” he said.

During his speech, Mr Forden also acknowledged the families of each award recipient who were also in attendance.

“I’d also like to mention the mums, dads, siblings and grandparents who probably should get an award as well. Loved ones and carers play such an important role in the care and recovery of our patients,” he said.