Those who work to improve health outcomes for their communities have been celebrated at the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s (MNCLHD) annual Health Innovation Awards.
Showcasing the Mid North Coast’s dedicated health care staff, innovative projects and devoted volunteers, the awards highlighted how milestones can be achieved, despite the challenges the district has faced with the COVID-19 pandemic.
MNCLHD Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick applauded the award winners and said the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the successes of staff and volunteers, while reflecting on how projects and initiatives can help to shape the patient journey.
‘It was wonderful to be able to present some well-deserved accolades to the teams and individuals behind these community-focused health solutions that make such a difference in our local communities,’ Mr Dowrick said. ‘I congratulate all the winners and finalists, and celebrate their dedication, innovation and resilience in both the clinical and corporate setting.
Several award recipients from the MNCLHD will now be nominated for the NSW Health Awards to be held later in the year.
Award recipients in each category were:
Category: Transforming Patient Experience
Award recipient: The First Regional Child and Family Health Residential Unit
Category: Health Research and Innovation
Award recipient: Putting Research and Innovation on the Agenda
Category: Keeping People Healthy
Award recipient: Jaanybarr Giirrwaawa – Men Gather Together
Category: Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services
Award recipient: Holistic integration of trauma-informed care in the CHAMHU
Category: People and Culture
Award recipient: Words Matter
Category: Patient Safety First
Award recipient: The Evolution of District COVID Care in the Community
Category: Volunteer of the Year
Award recipient: Denise McNeill
Category: Collaborative Leader of the Year
Award recipient: Olivia Tierney
Category: Staff Member of the Year
Award recipient: Rhonda Farthing
Category: ACI Award for Innovation
Award recipient: Seeing a Difference
Category: Chief Executive Close the Gap Award
Award recipient: Jaanybarr Giirrwaawa – Men Gather Together
Category: Chair’s Award
Award recipient: Sarah’s Story: Living with Dementia
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce with the recipient of the Collaborative Leader of the Year Olivia Tierney.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce with the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Denise McNeill.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick (right) with the recipients of the Close the Gap Award Craig and Michelle Jarrett.