A group of medical professionals with an award.

Winners of the Patient Safety Award were the team behind the project Transforming Cancer Care with A.I. and Automation.

Celebrating health excellence, innovation and leadership

Jun 25, 2024

Innovation, collaboration, leadership and dedication to continuous improvement in healthcare were celebrated at the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s (MNCLHD) annual Excellence Awards held in Port Macquarie last week.

Acting MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong congratulated the award recipients saying the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the exceptional achievements of the individuals, teams and volunteers who work together to provide high-quality care to local patients.

“It was inspiring to see the dedication, innovation and compassion shown by our teams and individuals as they epitomise the essence of healthcare excellence,” Ms Wong said.

“I congratulate all the recipients and finalists, and applaud their remarkable accomplishments, innovation and resilience in both the clinical and corporate settings.”

The annual awards recognise staff who demonstrate outstanding commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability, workplace culture and patient experience.

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 are:

Category: Employee Safety and Wellbeing

  • Award recipient: Time Out Tuesday (a 30-minute self-care session for staff)

Category: People and Culture

  • Award recipient: Macksville Culture Transformer (workforce transformation program)

Category: Health Research and Innovation

  • Award recipient: Implementing and Evaluating Midwifery Care

Category: Keeping People Healthy

  • Award recipient: Clear the Clouds (an innovative approach to tackling tobacco and vape use)

Category: Chief Executive Close the Gap Award

  • Award recipient: Daalbirrwirr Gamambigu (Safe Children) improving cultural appropriateness of healthcare delivery

Category: Transforming the Patient Experience

  • Award recipient: The Birth of a Regional Network All-Risk Midwifery Group Practice (Macksville)

Category: Excellence in Mental Health Services

  • Award recipient: Emergency Mental Health and Addiction Assessment Team (EMHAART)

Category: Patient Safety

  • Award recipient: Transforming Cancer Care with A.I. and Automation (radiation therapy planning)

Category: Governing Board Chair’s Award

  • Award recipient: Elevating Patient Care – Dynamic Hospital Avoidance Solutions

Category: Nurse/Midwife of the Year

  • Award recipient: Stephen Long – Port Macquarie Base Hospital

Category: Allied Health Professional of the Year

  • Award recipient: Deborah Kennedy – Physiotherapist (Transitional Aged Care)

Category: Excellence in Volunteering

  • Award recipient: Heather Edwards – BowraMacksville UHA

Category: Employee of the Year in a Corporate/Administrative Role

  • Award recipient: James Bultitude – Macksville District Hospital

Category: Collaborative Leader of the Year

  • Award recipient: Gary Orange – Internal Audit and Risk

Click on the photo below to see more photos from the ceremony.

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