Crown Perth and The West Australian launch $250,000 campaign to thank hero nurses during pandemic

They are the angels who have stayed on the healthcare frontline while many of us have retreated to protect ourselves from the risk of coronavirus.

WA nurses have helped to keep our hospitals open and ensure West Australians can still get the medical care and help they have needed during the pandemic.

They have risked their own health by tending to sick people who could be infected with the highly contagious and potentially fatal virus.

Some of them have donned protective gear to care 24/7 for those infected patients who have become desperately ill and ended up in hospital.

Today, Crown Perth and The West Australian are launching a $250,000 campaign to thank all nurses in WA for their extraordinary work for our community.

We are looking for 250 WA nurses to enjoy a staycation with a companion at the five-star resort, including fine dining and pampering at Crown Perth’s luxury spa. West Australians are being asked to nominate a nurse to take part in this special experience.

Crown Hotels chief operating officer Peter Crinis said it was a way to give back and provide nurses with some well-earned rest at the luxury resort. “One thing that COVID-19 has taught us all is the strength of community and the pivotal role of essential workers,” he said.

“COVID-19 has made a lot of people reassess what the term hero means in our community. Our nurses make sacrifices each day they go to work and potentially expose themselves to serious illnesses like COVID-19, and for that, we wanted to give them something back..”

Bryony Heydon, who has been a nurse at the Mount Hospital in Perth for 11 years, followed her mother and step-grandmother into nursing.

“My decision to be a nurse was an easy one. I really wanted a job that changed every day and I wanted to help people,” the 34-year-old said.

Ms Heydon described the Crown Perth staycation for nurses as “incredible”.

“This pandemic has put a spotlight on essential workers and the appreciation for what we do has been so welcome and heart-warming,” she said.

To nominate a nurse, explain in 100 words or fewer why she or he deserves a luxury staycation at Crown Perth. Nominations can be entered at www.crownperth.com.au/healthcareheroes and close on Sunday May 31.