The dedication, compassion and ingenuity of healthcare staff and volunteers across the state has been celebrated at the 25th annual NSW Health Awards.
Health Minister Ryan Park congratulated the winners at last night’s ceremony, held at the Sydney International Convention Centre.
“I want to congratulate the winners and sincerely thank them for their contribution to our health system. I also want to recognise all our finalists across the 12 award categories – their creativity and passion truly shows the breadth of skill and innovation from our teams across the state,” Mr Park said.
“In particular, I want to highlight the great work of Professor Josephine Chow from South Western Sydney Local Health District, named the Staff Member of the Year for her leadership as part of the COVID-19 response and to renal programs.
“Our Volunteer of the Year, Syd Dudley, from Murrumbidgee Local Health District has played a key role in attracting medical officers to the small town of Finley. He’s been there from day one, welcoming new staff and helping them settle into the local community.
“Pleasingly, 7 of the NSW Health Award winners are from rural and regional areas, highlighting the great care available to communities in the regions.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson presented the award for the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Awards to Naamuru.
“Naamuru is the state’s first public mental health unit that enables parents with mental illness to be admitted together with their baby, minimising trauma from separation. This is an incredibly important area of care and I want to commend Sydney Local Health District for their work in this space,” Ms Jackson said.
Minister for Medical Research David Harris extended his congratulations to the joint winners of the Health Research category – the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Sydney Local Health District.
“I want to recognise the innovation of our staff members across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Sydney Local health District, who have made big strides in neo-natal care and organ transplantation,” Mr Harris said.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce praised both the winners and the nominees for their commitment to meeting the needs of patients, now and into the future.
“To each and every one of our finalists, I thank you for all you do each day to provide the best possible care to your communities across NSW,” Ms Pearce said.
“I also want to acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of all our healthcare staff and volunteers, who work incredibly hard every day to keep the people of NSW safe and healthy.
“It was my great pleasure to announce Welcome Baby to Bourke as the winner of this year’s Secretary Award. The ceremony, facilitated by Aboriginal Elders and staff from Western NSW Local Health District, gives babies a sense of identity and belonging, connecting them to their community, country and Aboriginal Elders.”
The NSW Health Awards recognise personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.
The categories for the 25th annual NSW Health Awards include:
- Staff Member of the Year Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Secretary’s Award
- Environmental Sustainability Award
- Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
- Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
- Health Innovation Award
- Health Research Award
- Keeping People Healthy Award
- Patient Safety First Award
- People and Culture Award
- Transforming Patient Experience Award.
The full list of finalists and their projects is available on the NSW Health website.
