May 10, 2023This morning, Northern Health virtually hosted the Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards to celebrate and acknowledge the amazing work of our staff.
We had an outstanding response from our staff, with a number of nominations received across seven categories. Today’s ceremony awarded winners from 2023 Quarter 1 (January – March).
Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the hard work of our staff across the health service.
“Northern Health has over 7,500 staff, who work across a wide range of areas, departments and sites, and are all committed to providing great care to our community each and every day,” he said.
“Among our award winners today are staff who exemplify a strong and positive workplace culture, staying true to Northern Health’s values of “Safe Kind Together,” and who continue to show a genuine commitment to their patients.”
Jade Ralston, Director People and Performance, People and Culture, presented the awards to the winners.
“It is an honour to stand here today to recognise and award the staff who demonstrate excellence in the work they do each and every day,” she said.
“I am extremely proud to work in an organisation where staff are passionate and kind and turn up to work every day to provide outstanding care to our patients and community. We thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”
David Langsford, Nephrologist, Head of Medical Obstetrics, Director of Physician Training, won the Innovation Award, for implementing a better way to deliver care or service through a new idea or initiative. David was instrumental for establishing the Medical Community Virtual Consult Service.
The Above and Beyond Award, presented to an individual or a team who has gone above and beyond in providing care or support to a patient, family or work colleague, was presented to Rachel Nolan, Speech Pathologist. She was recognised for welcoming new staff members and showing a strong initiative to lead the team, collaborate and offer compassion.
The ICT Services team won the Excellence in Safety Award for making Northern Health a safer place for patients, visitors and staff. The team was acknowledged for ensuing the highest level of cyber security across the organisation.
The Patient Experience Award for making a significant achievement in improving the care experience, including showing kindness and compassion towards a patient, family or colleague, was awarded to Warren Bawanee (Mervin), Registered Nurse. Warren was recognised for his exceptional care provided to a patient by showing compassion, providing support and gaining their trust.
The Clinical Excellence Award, presented to a person or team who are generous with knowledge, instil confidence in patients and colleagues, and achieve the best patient experience outcomes, was won by Kirstin Tirant, Plural Clinical Nurse Consultant. She was acknowledged for developing clear hospital-approved protocols for multiple complex plural procedures to be facilitated on the ward and oupatient setting.
Gurjeet Kaur, Registered Nurse, was presented with the Education Award for having exceptional skills and passion to pass on knowledge to others in either clinical or administrative environments. Gurjeet was recognised for being a knowledgeable, experienced and confident staff member on Ward 20, and for teaching new staff everything about patient care and documentation.
Lastly, the Rising Star Award, presented to a staff member as having great potential to grow and develop in their career at Northern Health, was won by Stephanie Thompson, Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO). Stephanie was acknowledged for progressing in her role as an ALO with great speediness and maturity, and for working with hospital staff to improve services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Congratulations to all award winners. The Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards are proudly sponsored by BankVic and Northern Health Foundation.
To watch the ceremony recording, please click here.
Featured image L-R top row: David Langsford, Nephrologist, Head of Medical Obstetrics, Director of Physician Training, Rachel Nolan, Speech Pathologist, David Calvo, ICT, Warren Bawanee (Mervin), Registered Nurse
L-R bottom row: Kirstin Tirant, Plural Clinical Nurse Consultant, Gurjeet Kaur, Registered Nurse, and Stephanie Thompson, Aboriginal Liaison Officer
