Dianne Simmons Receives Australian Honour for two decades of Perinatal Mental Health Leadership
10 June 2026
NALHN is proud to celebrate Di Simmons, Team Leader and Nurse/Midwife Consultant with Perinatal Mental Health at Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH). She has been awarded an Australian Public Service Medal in the General Division, recognising her outstanding contribution to perinatal mental health care across our community.
Image: Born at Lyell McEwin Hospital 65 years ago, Dianne has made a lasting difference to the lives of South Australian women and their families.
Nominated by her team, she was completely surprised and deeply moved by the honour, using the opportunity to acknowledge the women and families at the heart of her work.
"I am constantly inspired by the strength of the women we care for, their love for their babies and families and the trust they put in us to help,” she said. “They are the true heroes, and each one deserves a medal, not me.”
Midwifery Director, Amy, describes Di as someone who for 20 years, has "lead the essences of holistic, respectful care," bridging clinical expertise, advocacy and leadership in maternal and newborn health.
Di is known across the division as a champion for women experiencing mental health challenges. She has consistently delivered compassionate, culturally safe and trauma-informed care at the most vulnerable moments of a woman's life.
Among her most significant achievements is leading South Australia’s first implementation of iCOPE. Developed by the Centre of Perinatal Excellence, iCOPE is an evidence-based online perinatal mental health screening tool. It is offered to women receiving pregnancy care at LMH and enables timely support for mothers, babies and families.
As Di prepares for retirement, she reflects on a career built on evidence, persistence and an unwavering commitment to the women of northern Adelaide. However, her motivations have been deeply personal. "I was born at this hospital 65 years ago," Di reflects. "This is my community and where I belong."
NALHN congratulates Dianne Simmons PSM on this richly deserved honour.