A dedicated nurse from Woolloongabba has just claimed a major regional award for her remarkable success in getting some of the city’s most vulnerable people to actively seek her out for help in the emergency department.
A New Approach to Complex Care
Ange Cox recently secured the title of 2026 Metro South Health Nurse of the Year. Her role as a nurse navigator for addictions at the Princess Alexandra Hospital involves guiding people with serious mental health and addiction challenges through the medical system. Cox operates primarily out of the emergency department, where she provides both immediate care and vital community outreach to patients dealing with complex social needs.
According to Cox, her strategy relies on listening to patients and making sure they feel safe in a large and busy hospital setting. She explained that by validating their difficult experiences and showing genuine kindness, healthcare workers can encourage people to be open about their struggles and start the healing process.
Building Lasting Connections
The proof of her impact is seen in the strong relationships she builds with the local community. Many individuals who frequent the hospital now specifically ask for Cox when they arrive seeking medical attention. She noted that her job is largely about acting as a voice for those who often go unheard, ensuring they understand their options for long-term recovery and primary care long after they leave the emergency room.
Her medical career began at Logan Hospital in 2011. Since then, her passion for helping disadvantaged patients has only grown. Today, her positive influence reaches beyond the people she treats. Her award nomination highlighted her clinical expertise, her strong leadership skills, and her dedication to mentoring fellow nurses and medical students. She also works hard to connect different community services to get better results for everyone involved.
Spotlighting Mental Health Services
Cox was surprised by the recent honour and expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. However, she was quick to shift the focus away from her own achievements. She mentioned that the most rewarding part of winning the award is the much-needed attention it brings to mental health and addiction programs. She praised the countless community workers and emergency staff who show up every day to fight for the wellbeing of the region’s most at-risk residents.
Published Date 24-June-2026
