Celebrating our values champions: 2023 Excellence Awards finalists revealed

We are thrilled to unveil the finalists for the 2023 Excellence Awards at Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS). This year's nominations broke all records, with close to 250 peer nominations received, making it the most nominated year in our history. These nominations serve as a testament to the peer-recognised excellence that defines our health service.

The Excellence Awards transcend roles and titles, and are a tribute to the volunteers, individuals, and teams who embody our organisational values - collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence, and care through patients' eyes. We also proudly honour those who demonstrate unwavering commitment to enhancing cultural proficiency and bettering health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

These values, upheld by our dedicated staff, form the foundation of all that we do at WBHHS. They empower us to fulfil our promise to deliver care, connection, and compassion to all, in line with our strategic plan and vision.

Debbie Carroll, Chief Executive of Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, expressed her gratitude, saying, "There were exceptional nominations this year and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate their colleagues for the excellent work they do. The shortlisting and judging panels were impressed by the calibre and achievements of so many of the nominations – which made selecting finalists a difficult task."

While our entire workforce is nothing short of excellent, we recognise these finalists for their exceptional dedication to their peers, our patients and the communities they serve. They exemplify what it means to go above and beyond, providing care, dignity, and compassion in their roles.

Our peer nomination system provides meaningful and deserved recognition for these individuals, as they have been celebrated by their equally hardworking and committed peers. Each finalist stands as a shining example, representing a select few among our remarkable team of over 4,500 dedicated professionals.

Please join us in recognising this year’s outstanding finalists:

Collaboration Award:

1. Dr Emma Hodge, Principal House Officer, Medical Education and Wellbeing, Bundaberg
2. Bundaberg Acute Care Team, Mental Health and Specialised Services
3. WBHHS Immunisation Team, Public Health Unit
4. Natalie Rice, Community Engagement Officer

Accountability Award:

1. Gin Gin Hospital Team
2. Bundaberg Emergency Department Team Leaders
3. Dr Fiona Watson, Medical Officer with Private Practice, Integrated Care Services, Bundaberg
4. Katie-Anne Crossan, Enrolled Nurse, Biggenden

Respect Award:

1. Megan Elsworth, Registered Nurse, Hervey Bay
2. Rikki Arnicar and Lena Searle, Nurse Educator and Clinical Coach, Bundaberg
3. Kate Close, Porter, Bundaberg

Excellence Award:

1. Petrina Lewis, Director of Speech pathology, Hervey Bay
2. Transit Hub Team, Bundaberg Hospital
3. Department of Medicine, Hervey Bay Hospital

Through Patients’ Eyes Award:

1. Ashlea Seabrook, Social Worker, Childers
2. Step Up Step Down Team, Mental Health and Specialised Services, Bundaberg
3. Brian O’Niell, Peer Worker, Mental Health and Specialised Services, Bundaberg
4. Rachael Spanner, Paediatric Nurse Navigator, Bundaberg

Cultural Connections Award:

1. Better Cardiac Care Team, Hervey Bay Hospital
2. Oriel Chambers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner, Gayndah
3. Eidsvold Multipurpose Health Service
4. First Nations Health Equity Strategy Team

Volunteer Award:

1. Peter Nell
2. Helen Wakefield
3. Monto Hospital Auxiliary

Every Value Every Day Award:

1. Alita Cause, Project manager, Junior Medical Workforce, Bundaberg
2. Dr Sabaratnam Ganesananthan, Director Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hervey Bay
3. Theresa Coughlin, Menu Monitor, Hervey Bay

Bundaberg Board Values Ambassador Award:

1. Darren Draper, Operational Support Officer
2. Torgeir Kvernhusvik, Radiographer
3. Tanya Bull, Paediatric Nurse Educator

Hervey Bay Board Values Ambassador Award:

1. Benjamin Croton, Clinical Director Emergency Department
2. Ian Rogers, Clinical Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
3. Nikki Hoppener, Nurse Manager Patient Flow

Maryborough Board Values Ambassador Award:

1. Aleisha Martin, Occupational Therapist
2. Tracy Harvey, Dental Assistant
3. Susan Webster, Clinical Nurse

Rural Board Values Ambassador Award:

1. Dr Graham Rowles, Medical Officer with Private Practice, Mundubbera
2. Deb McLennan, Administration Officer, Biggenden
3. Lisa Fuchs, Cook Supervisor, Mundubbera
4. Michelle Kinbacher, Recreation Officer, Biggenden

Our finalists exemplify the values and dedication that define WBHHS. We can't wait to celebrate your hard work and achievements at the awards night on Tuesday, November 7.

Congratulations to each and every one of you!