Exceptional individuals working to deliver excellence in health care were recognised recently at Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service’s (WBHHS) Australia Day Achievement Awards.
The recipients were announced and celebrated at events across Wide Bay, and it was wonderful to be able to return to in-person events after virtual ceremonies were held in previous years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WBHHS Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the annual awards were an important way to recognise and thank individuals who had performed their roles to an exceptional standard in the past 12 months, and in many cases for a much longer period of time.
“Our Australia Day Awards recipients have consistently gone above and beyond in their various roles – whether it be frontline medical staff, allied health or administration and operational staff – to improve patient outcomes and support their colleagues and the broader community,” Ms Carroll said.
“They are excellent ambassadors for WBHHS, setting a fine example for their colleagues or others in our workplace through their energy, dedication, motivation, care and compassion.
“They represent the very best of what our staff and volunteers do each and every day.
“I’m enormously proud and congratulate all of our individuals and teams who were awarded for their efforts, as well as the rest of our staff who work hard every day to care for our patients.”
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Peta Jamieson said it was a wonderful honour to help present the awards and thank the individuals and teams for their great contributions to local healthcare.
“WBHHS’s values are Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Through patients’ eyes – together forming the acronym, C.A.R.E. Through patients’ eyes,” Ms Jamieson said.
“Our Australia Day Award recipients exemplify these values and should be proud of the way they continue to adopt them into their everyday business, helping to make WBHHS a better service and a better place to work.
“We also recognise the enormous contribution our volunteers make too, donating their time and energy without being asked – their efforts make a real and tangible difference to our patients.
“These awards are an important way for us to recognise and thank our staff and volunteers for the spirit and commitment they bring to their work, as well as to the positive impact they have on the communities we serve.”
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
- Karen Holzheimer, Clinical Nurse Alcohol and Other Drugs Service at Bundaberg Hospital
For showing professionalism, kindness and compassion to patients with mental health and substance addiction concerns, particularly those dealing with severe life trauma.
- Lisa Maddison, Director of Oral Health WBHHS
For being a strong leader who demonstrates integrity, courage and enthusiasm when building and developing the skills and wellbeing of oral health staff.
- Samantha Limbrick, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Offender Health Service
For working tirelessly to ensure compassionate and equitable care for patients of the Prison Health Service, particularly those diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- Nicole Harris, Manager Financial Accounting and Compliance WBHHS
For providing strong and consistent leadership to the Financial Accounting team, and leading by example to ensure efficient and values-based services are provided to both staff and patients.
- Neroli Adams, Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice at Monto Hospital
For showing professionalism, kindness and compassion to ensure patients receive comprehensive and individualised care appropriate for their needs.
- Gillian Wilke, Palliative Care Nurse Navigator at Bundaberg Hospital
For providing compassionate and supportive care to palliative and end of life patients and their families, during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
- Janette Barnes, Critical Care Clinical Educator at Hervey Bay Hospital
For her collaborative approach to increasing the education, support and communication of Hervey Bay Hospital staff, prioritising staff and patient safety to ensure quality care is delivered at all times.
- Christina Ongley, Mental Health and Specialised Service Project Coordinator WBHHS
For outstanding communication, consultation and respect during the planning and implementation of the Oasis Crisis Support Space, ensuring the success of such a complex project.
- Paul McCay, Team Leader Workplace Safety and Wellbeing WBHHS
For being a conscientious and thoughtful employee who strives to ensure safety and wellbeing across the organisation.
- Patricia Ramsay, Nurse Unit Manager Renal Ward Hervey Bay
For going above and beyond to build a positive workplace culture across Hervey Bay and Maryborough Renal units, and for leading by example at all times to ensure values-based care is provided to patients.
- Darren Bell, Porter at Bundaberg Hospital
For going above and beyond every time he is on duty, making sensible suggestions through patients’ complex journeys, and being invested in what he does.
- Anna Smith, Registered Nurse at Childers Hospital
For her consistent positivity and work ethic, which fosters a culture of excellence and quality improvement at Childers Hospital.
- Dr Jo-Anne Mileham, Staff Specialist, Anaesthetics Department at Bundaberg Hospital
For her passion and dedication to enhance the education of our next generation medical workforce.
- Jacqueline Haskew, Nurse Manager, Business Practice Improvement at Hervey Bay and Maryborough Hospitals
For her diligent work to improve clinical activity capture through the Retrospective Admissions Project, ensuring accurate Emergency Department activity reporting to deliver appropriate care to the Wide Bay community.
- Alistair Ginman, Senior Podiatrist at Hervey Bay Hospital
For demonstrating excellence at all times and contributing expert skills and knowledge to drive quality improvement across the health service.