2 nurses awarded Aspen Medical Foundation scholarships for postgraduate studies

Two nurses from the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital have been awarded postgraduate nursing scholarships through the Aspen Medical Foundation.

Aspen says the scholarships valued at $14,000 each will be provided through the Fiji National University for Postgraduate Diplomas in Emergency Nursing and Perioperative Nursing.

Registered nurse Sera Matai who is one of the recipients says the scholarship to study a postgraduate diploma in perioperative nursing will significantly enhance her professional development.

Matai says she would like to inspire her colleagues to seize every opportunity and continue striving for excellence, knowing that Aspen Medical believes in their potential.

Another recipient, Mereani Turagabeci who is a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Lautoka Hospital, will be pursuing a postgraduate diploma in emergency nursing.

Turagabeci says the privilege of being one of the first to receive this scholarship is a call to continue the journey of learning, growing, and making a meaningful difference in emergency care.

Aspen Medical Foundation, the registered charity of Aspen Medical, has announced a total of AU$56,000 worth of scholarships for nurses at Lautoka and Ba hospitals for 2025.

Aspen Medical Foundation Chair, Sian Keys, says they are thrilled to announce the awarding of two Aspen Medical Foundation scholarships to outstanding nursing professionals in Fiji, supporting their postgraduate studies in emergency and perioperative nursing.

Keys says these scholarships reflect their commitment to enhancing healthcare capacity and providing advanced training opportunities in critical areas. Congratulations to Matai and Turagabeci, they look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their communities.

Aspen Medical Chief Executive Officer in Fiji, Gavin Whiteside, says the investment in the team will ultimately benefit patients and the community, and they are proud that they can offer this opportunity to not one but four members of the team.

The two remaining scholarships valued at AU$15,000 each will be provided through the Australian College of Nursing for postgraduate diploma studies in neonatal care.

Applications for the Australian College of Nursing scholarships will open in March this year.