Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) held its annual Excellence Awards ceremony at Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay today.
Awards were presented to more than 160 individuals and teams across 20 categories.
Quality improvement and patient safety continue to be the focus of the Awards, with new categories also recognising achievements in innovation, collaboration and sustainability.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the inaugural Dr Allan Hawke AC Outstanding Leadership Award, honouring the legacy of SNSWLHD’s late Board Chair. Manager, Patient Flow, Waitlist, and Whole of Health Program, Matthew Stephenson, was named the first recipient of this special award.
Chief Executive Margaret Bennett said the high standard and diversity of nominees and award winners showcase the District’s commitment to providing excellence in care across all services and locations.
“More than 250 nominations were submitted from across a variety of health facilities, work areas and specialties, making the 2023 Excellence Awards more representative of our Southern workforce than ever before.”
“The Excellence Awards ceremony is an uplifting celebration of innovation and achievement. I extend my congratulations and thanks to all nominees and award winners, who work so diligently in service of our community.”
The 2023 Excellence Award Winners are listed below. Photos will be distributed post event.
Individual Awards
Dr Allan Hawke AC Award for Outstanding Leadership
Winner: Matthew Stephenson, Manager, Patient Flow, Waitlist, & Whole of Health Program
Location: District-wide (Matthew is based in Cooma)
Board Chair Award
Winner: Jenni Hudson, Mental Health School-Link Coordinator
Location: District-wide (Jenni is based in Yass)
Care and Kindness Award (Joint Winners)
Winner: Donna Saddler, Nurse Unit Manager
Location: Cooma Community Health Service
Winner: Sam Mundi, Clinical Nurse Educator
Location: Queanbeyan Hospital
Collaborative Staff Member of the Year
Winner: Dr Nathan Oates, Anaesthetist
Location: South East Regional Hospital, Bega
Patient Safety Award
Winner: Meredith Fleming, Clinical Lead, Adult Community Mental Health
Location: Cooma Hospital and Health Service
Emerging Leader Award
Winner: Nicole Jorgensen, Aboriginal Mental Health Clinician
Location: Goulburn
Closing the Gap Award
Winner: Emma Woolley, Media and Communications Officer
Location: District-wide
Elevate Award (Joint Winners)
Winner: Rochelle Woolf, Nurse Unit Manager, Operating Theatres
Location: Cooma Hospital and Health Service
Winner: Rebekah O’Reilly, Deputy Director of Nursing
Location: Batemans Bay District Hospital
Team Awards
Chief Executive’s Award
Winner: Safe Care Project
Location: District-wide
Transforming Patient Experience Award
Winner: Rural Kids GPS — Paediatric Care Coordination
Location: District-wide
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Eurobodalla Palliative Care Volunteers
Location: Eurobodalla
Patient Safety First
Winner: Dental Unit Waterlines Project – Reducing Biofilm
Location: District-wide
Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services
Winner: South East Regional Hospital (SERH) Mental Health Inpatient Unit
Location: South East Regional Hospital, Bega
People and Culture Award
Winner: Respecting the Difference, Be the Difference
Location: District-wide
Keeping People Healthy
Winner: Multicultural Healthy Eating Program
Location: District-wide
Delivering Integrated Care Award
Winner: Transitional Aged Care Program (TACP) – It’s What Matters, Not What is the Matter
Location: District-wide
Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
Winner: Trusted Locals Encourage Screening
Location: Goulburn, Queanbeyan, and Moruya
Health Research and Digital Innovation Award
Winner: Antenatal Care Research Collaboration
Location: District-wide
Environmental Sustainability Award
Winner: Queanbeyan Hotel Services Food Waste Project
Location: Queanbeyan
ACI Award for Rural Innovation
Winner: Golden Angels Spreading Their Wings
Location: District-wide