Hutt Valley nurse Stephanie Beddis has won the `New Zealand's Hardest Working Nurse' competition sponsored by economist, philanthropist and writer Gareth Morgan.

Beddis, who works as an emergency department nurse at Hutt Hospital, was nominated by her colleagues for the competition and has won $10,000 which she has donated to the Lions Club Silverstream which is actively involved in supporting emergency services and health care in the Hutt Valley.

``We had a tremendous response from all over New Zealand with around 50 nurses being nominated by their patients and peers,'' said Dr Morgan.

``Stephanie made the final short list because of her dedication and passion for children's health and wellbeing. She rallies local businesses and charities for toys and rewards for diversion therapy when children are having procedures done, and has organised a special area in the department for children to play and have entertainment.''

``In addition she has contributed to child specific policies within the department, and helps make the time in hospital a better for sick and injured children, helping make Hutt Hospital one of the best in the country for children. She also has been involved in policy development and has made many child health projects come to fruition over the years.''

The public were able to vote for Stephanie along with four other finalists in an online poll run over the last week. While all four finalists polled strongly, Stephanie ended up winning by a margin of eight percent.

Morgan ran the competition in association with his recent study on the NZ health system, published as Health Cheque, co-written by Geoff Simmons.

The study found the New Zealand health system held up well in international comparisons, thanks to the hard work of people like Stephanie. However, the public's expectations are rising faster than their incomes, so decision makers will be forced to make hard choices.

``In simple terms the current system does not apply resources efficiently or equitably, so it gets by as a result of some super-human efforts by health staff rather than by wise prioritisation.''