Our 2023 Staff Awards recognise the academic, professional and research endeavours of our staff, and thank those who have dedicated many years of service to Northeast Health Wangaratta.
Scholarships
Board Directors’ Scholarship – Jessie Gerrish
Jessie will utilise the scholarship funds to support her completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (Paediatrics) through the University of Melbourne. The course aims to educate and provide nurses with a deeper understanding of the clinical knowledge and research-based evidence fundamental to paediatric nursing. At the completion of the course, Jessie will apply her clinical skills in the paediatric setting at NHW, incorporating a child-and-family centred approach.
Jack Hughes Memorial Palliative Care Scholarship – Jackie Oddie
Jackie will utilise the scholarship to support her to enrol in the ‘Transition to Specialty Palliative Care Practice Course’ commencing in February 2024. The course will conclude in August 2024 and focuses on the development of skills and knowledge in evidence-based care to enable the best possible quality of life for patients, carers and families impacted by life-limiting illness.
Jack Hughes Memorial Oncology Scholarship – Natasha Martin
Natasha will utilise the scholarship to support her to attend the 15th Australian Lymphology Association Scientific Conference in Adelaide from the 1st – 5th May 2024. Natasha will apply her knowledge gained from the conference to her practice as a District Nurse, providing care which will enable optimal patient outcomes and keep people healthier at home.
Jo Bevan Memorial Oncology Scholarship – Erin Primmer, Samantha Cooper and Claire Noonan
Erin, Samantha and Claire plan to conduct research in the form of ‘a randomised trial to assess if film dressing applied to the skin prior to starting radiation will reduce the incidence and severity of radiation dermatitis in women undergoing radiation for breast cancer’. The scholarship funds will ensure patients will not incur any costs for the dressing and will cover costs associated with the research.
Community Palliative Care Scholarship – Catherine Dean
Catherine will utilise the scholarship to support enrolment in a Palliative Care Study tour in Southern India. This 14-day tour in February 2024, provides a top to bottom view of palliative care and care of the elderly. It includes some professional visits ranging from prestigious large hospitals to hospices and community projects. The varied cultural programme is balanced by a wide-ranging professional itinerary of visits, talks and meetings with palliative care practitioners in both rural and urban India. Catherine intends to utilise the unique experience to optimise patient care and share resources with the Diversity and Inclusion team.
Anne Bell Memorial Scholarship – Claire Noonan
Claire will utilise the scholarship to support enrolment in the “RESTORE Scar Therapy Practitioner Course’ in February 2024. The Scar Therapy Practitioner course delivers skills for treating scar tissue after all kinds of injury or surgery, including massage, and mentoring clients towards independent care of their scar. Claire aims to improve healing and reduce morbidity associated with treatment by managing scars optimally.
Ricky Hiskins Memorial Scholarship – Skye Adamo
Skye will utilise the scholarship to support enrolment in a Post Graduate Palliative Care course which provides students with advanced knowledge in palliative and end-of-life care across a range of practice settings. Students critically appraise approaches to the management of common palliative and end-of-life practice that considers the needs of the individual, families and carers.
Sarah Redman Memorial Midwifery Scholarship – Emma Sullivan
Emma will utilise the scholarship to support enrolment in the ‘Advancing in Maternity Safety (AIMS) course’. Also known as the Advanced Life in Obstetrics course. Over 2 days participants will learn how to effectively recognise and provide immediate care for women experiencing emergencies and unexpected situations during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. Participants will also be required to work with and utilise the multidisciplinary work and its criticality during emergencies.
Anna Margaret Suter Memorial Scholarship – purchase of manikin and ShockLink device to aid in Advance Life Support training for staff
The Anna Margaret Suter Memorial Scholarship has enabled the purchase of a manikin and ShockLink device that will aid in Advance Life Support training for our staff, and staff from other regional health services. Advanced Life Support courses teach the knowledge and skills required to; recognise, assess and manage the care of a deteriorating patient, and foster teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary team in emergency situations. The equipment, which will be utilised in simulation education can be readily used in clinical environments with minimal set-up, and interacts with existing clinical monitors and defibrillators etc.
Jessica McLennan Memorial Prize in Rural Critical/Emergency Care – Gurjit Sangha
Gurjit joined NHW in 2020 and commenced in the Critical Care program in NHW’s first mid-year intake in 2022. Since commencing in the program Gurjit has shown an exemplary attitude to study and self-improvement. Gurjit always brings a smile and a friendly attitude and is always willing to help and support others. Gurjit has at all times demonstrated a high level of commitment to supporting NHW values including a focus on high-quality, evidence-based, patient and family-centered care.
Excellence Awards
Quality Improvement and Consumer Experience (Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety) – Kim Comensoli and Lesley Lewis, Susan Christie
The Rural Infection Control Practice group have developed a standardized audit tool that evaluates compliance with the specifications for infrastructure, resources, reprocessing equipment, practices and processes in the standard. The audit tool is designed to help sterilising departments evaluate their operational performance and compliance with the standard.There is currently no other available process for Health Services in Victoria to collect this information or achieve this type of comparison.The quality activity demonstrates the ongoing commitment to Infection Prevention and Control excellence at NHW, as well as reaching out beyond NHW through sustained and effective partnerships to improve practices, enhance patient safety, and improve the patient experience at multiple Health Services across regional Victoria.
Susan has consistently demonstrated NHW’s values through her innovation and quality improvement focus to deliver safe, effective and patient centered care in the Hospital in the Home Service. As the Better@Home Central Hume Hub Project Coordinator during 2021/22, Susan led the NHW HITH Workforce Redesign through the Better@Home project and provided a significant contribution to the Regional HITH Model of Care and workforce planning. Susan strived to facilitate and redesign the HITH workforce to move to a medical led model that further enabled the expansion of HITH services. Through her passion and commitment to HITH services and excellent patient care she inspires and motivates staff, building capacity and capability to give patients a choice to receive safe acute care at home.
Quality Improvement and Consumer Experience (Non-clinical Service Delivery) – Julieann Edwards
The food service department underwent a significant change this year, with Food Service Staff allocated a dedicated ward to improve patient consumer experience and to develop a deeper understanding and familiar, stable work area to improve structure and connection for the food service assistant team. Julieann has been a champion of the development – with a focus on the improvement of patient experience and identifying key tasks that guide staff in their work. Julieann is passionate, dedicated and steadfast – demonstrating excellence in her professional enthusiasm. Julieann has contributed greatly to the quality of food service delivery and patient care focus.
Excellence in Support Services – Wayne Thiele and Paul Shanley
As the Manager of a Support Services Team, Wayne consistently supports the department with respect and kindness. Wayne has contributed to and driven improvement in our Rostering systems to achieve an excellent, sustainable, fair and effective process. His initiatives have ensured that we transition away from a person dependent process to a role specific process – this ensures continuity, consistency and capability. Wayne also initiated an electronic filing system that is logical, process driven and accessible, improving transparency and ensuring that our methods meet current and future needs with information that is current and available on demand.
aul has been a stalwart of the hospital for over 20 years. Paul consistently and tirelessly demonstrates the values of NHW. He is helpful, kind, respectful of all team members, patients and visitors and is a hard worker. He is resourceful and knowledgeable, and nothing is ever too much to ask. He genuinely contributes to the entire organisation in a positive way. Paul assist colleagues, patients and visitors, often going out of his way to assist someone in need or to make something safe.
Excellence in Customer Service and Kindness – Jennine Lane
Jennine supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in her role as Aboriginal Liaison Officer. Relatively new to the role, Jennine makes connections with a range of professionals and services, to get the best outcomes possible for her clients. Jennine has supported, and continues to support, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through some of the best and worst times in their lives. She does everything she can to ensure that their journey is the best it can be, no matter the circumstances.
Excellence in Corporate Services – Karen Harding
Karen demonstrates a passionate commitment to exceptional customer service, demonstrating our values consistently. Karen, in her role as recruitment coordinator has implemented a new LiveHire database, set up policy and guidelines, educated the leadership team and provides daily support to hiring managers and other staff. Karen is loyal, dedicated, patient and focused and demonstrates a can-do attitude.
Excellence in Research – Susan Trevillian
Susan’s commitment to research is both inspiring and motivating for our workforce and contributes to systems and methods of achieving excellence as well as translating research and evidence into practice. Susan actively and enthusiastically participates in clinical trials and research at NHW. Susan also engages with her profession nationally as a Councillor on the National Rural Health Alliance and the Rural and Remote Specialty Practice chapter of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. Susan has consistently supported the Monash Pharmacy Interns to complete their mandated research projects, as well as being the Education, Training and Research Pharmacist at Benalla Health.
Excellence in Allied Health (Science) – Phoebe Capone
Phoebe has consistently demonstrated her commitment to improving clinical, evidence-based care in regard to medication management. She is invested and engaged in improving patient outcomes and demonstrates an “inter-disciplinary approach”, involving all members of the care team. Phoebe is constantly wanting to “make things better”, as demonstrated by her leadership as Principal Investigator of an interprofessional study, examining the role of persistent pain management following joint surgery. Phoebe is always looking at innovative and novel ways for communicating medication plans and for investigating and evaluating clinical practice. Phoebe is an active contributor to the pharmacy education program, guiding and mentoring interns within the surgical and perioperative space. Phoebe’s engagement with patients, and her desire to provide accurate and safe medication management information to patients and carers, as well as educate nursing and medical staff, is to be applauded.
Excellence in Allied Health (Therapy) – Kylie Owen and Elizabeth Broughan
Since commencing as a social worker in 2021, Kylie has shown clinical skills and judgement beyond her years of experience. Kylie has a committed approach to working with vulnerable people and she goes above and beyond to ensure that the patients and their loved one’s needs and wishes are met. Kylie builds rapport easily and advocates for her patients’ wishes. Kylie is a team player, always willing to work alongside others when work demands additional resources, and she regularly displays the values of the organisation within her practice. Kylie’s biggest strength is kindness and compassion. Kylie regularly receives positive feedback from patients and families and is regularly recognised by her peers in scrums for her hard work, dedication to patients and ability to navigate complex situations.
Liz is an experienced Dietitian working in both community health and specialist clinic programs but with the skill and adaptability to support the team across acute and sub-acute. She provides excellent care to patients and acts as a resource and teacher to the dietetic team. Liz has a great ability to maintain a pragmatic approach and deliver on her responsibilities. Her areas of work are technically and often mentally challenging. This seems to be an environment in which she thrives. Liz is a fierce advocate of equitable and accessible care, she is a great example of being solution focussed with integrity and respect for others and their time. Congratulations Kylie and Liz on being the recipients of the Award for Excellence in Allied Health – Therapy
Excellence in Aged Care (in memory of Charles Neal) – Angie Jude
Angie demonstrates a commitment and passion for resident-centered care, compassion, kindness and empathy in her nursing practice. Angie demonstrated a professional approach when developing and implementing the plan for the Ritchen’s garden project. Angie strives for excellence in her practice, continuous improvement, advocating for residents and respecting the uniqueness of each person who resides at Illoura.
Excellence in Community Services – Danielle Vowles
Danielle has been a highly versatile clinician within the Community services division over the past 12 months, striving for excellence and advocating for and driving service innovation and growth, whilst epitomising the NHW values. Danielle is valued by her peers for sharing her knowledge and skills, in particular, supporting many junior clinicians. Danielle demonstrates her clinical agility in filling many and varied clinical and project roles, often concurrently and with short notice to fill gaps, and always with a smile. Danielle consistently demonstrates a commitment to our patients and community. She regularly seeks out training and education opportunities that align with the knowledge gaps in our service, and networks widely with other services to best understand how we can successfully and sustainably build the capability of our services.
Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery (WB Richardson) – Charlotte Byrne
Charlotte always brings her best self to work. She has developed strong professional relationships across the multidisciplinary team, and she is keenly sought after to support staff with complex clients. Clinicians frequently seek her guidance and input and she is always available and helpful. Charlotte was integral in establishing the inpatient detox bed at NHW and has helped to normalise this work as part of our business. This service makes a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing and health of members of our community. Charlotte is a staunch advocate for vulnerable people, who are often struggling with the burden of substance dependence, and frequently experiencing associated physical and mental health co-morbidities. Charlotte actively role models our values of Caring, Fairness, Kindness and Respect in her day-to-day work. Charlotte has completed several research projects, offers ongoing support and education to staff and challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about people affected by substance dependence. Management and patient outcomes have improved since Charlotte began her role at NHW.
Excellence in Medical Services – Richard Kjar
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Richard is highly regarded and greatly respected for his knowledge, skills and clinical decision making. He takes an active approach with mentoring and supporting new medical staff, and works wholeheartedly as a peer alongside his medical, nursing and allied health colleagues. Richard has been pivotal in supporting evidence-based practice through clinical audit and continuous professional development. He has been involved with, and collaborated in various research projects which involve the care of all orthopaedic patients. Through his leadership of the Hip Fracture Pathway, NHW was recognised for its national performance in our first 12 months. Richard has demonstrated his innovative thinking and commitment to timely care for elective surgery and was instrumental in the development of NHW’s partnership with Wangaratta Private Hospital. His dedication to the education of others, including presentations at the inaugural Ortho Study Day are noteworthy. Richard strives for NHW to be the best orthopaedic centre in the state and does so with integrity and kindness. Richard is a genuine and humble colleague who ‘gets the job done’, praises and appreciates the work and contribution of others, and always focuses on patient-centred care and improving patient experience and outcomes.
Leader of the Future – Megan Gilbert
Megan is a well-respected member of the surgical ward senior nursing staff. She consistently demonstrates excellence in orthopaedic nursing and her dedication to improving patient outcomes. Her practice is evidence based and holistic, examining the whole person within their own context and how the older person’s experience of being a patient after suffering a trauma (hip fracture) can impact on patient recovery and outcomes. In the role of Hip Fracture Clinical Nurse Specialist, Megan has made significant improvements, assisting with the development and guiding the use of the new hip fracture clinical pathway, provided education to nursing, medical and allied health staff, as well as patients and their carers.
Excellence in Leadership – Nicole Stribley
Nicole has been recognised for her ability to lead the Finance team and for going above and beyond in pursuit of excellence. Nicole consistently guides, motivates and supports her staff. She upholds NHW’s values, has an admirable work ethic, and commits herself to continuous improvement. Nicole has led the team to develop processes that create greater accuracies and efficiencies in financial reporting. Nicole works with her team to strive to produce the best work possible, regardless of any constraints or difficulties faced. Nicole shows compassion and understanding of high workloads and pressures, while striving to find ways to resolve/address these issues. Nicole makes time available to listen to those in need, she is encouraging and supportive to her team members, is friendly, approachable and very understanding of everyone’s work and personal needs. She is recognised for her calm and logical approach to difficult situations that may arise.
Recognition for Years of Service
10 Years
Kelly Bell, Kaitlin Bott, Megan Brunken, Elizabeth Carter, Estelle Corrigan, Timothy Davis, Belinda Dunbar, Dr Shannon Elliott, Bridget Fitzpatrick, Jacqueline Foster, Leanne Gray, Jessie Harding, Carol Hollingsworth, Leanne Holmes, Michaela Ivone, Natalie Keaveney, Susan Kennedy, Taylah Malcolm, Bree McClen, Sharron McLaurin, Read Moreland, Mary Murphy, Allyson Naish, Monique Nugent, Xavier O’Kane, Lisa Pasa, Glena Paterson, Isabel Paton, Naomi Piazza, Tina Ross, Krishna Sandford, Kathryn Stratton, Emma Sullivan, Amy Tolley, Kimberley Trujillo, Leonie Voutier, Jessica Waite, Sarah Webster, Michelle Wells, Jessica White, Rebecca Wilson, Marni Wingrav
15 Years
Jan Bowers, Susanne Briggs, David Cunningham, Russ Eaton, Susan Ginnivan, Catherine Holt, Erin Hooker, Fiona Kendall, Emily Hourigan, Louise Jones, Mr Richard Kjar, Leanne Knox, Naomi McKenzie, Loretta Montgomery, Yogavelli Naidoo, Kirby Nichols, Philippa Nolan, Janelle O’Keefe, Michelle Ormond, Lisa Pitt, Jannae Ryan, Elise Spence, Kaomi Sunderland, Nicole Warde
20 Years
ohn Blenman, Rebecca Bradshaw, Katrina Colvin, Kate Finnigan, Kasey Flanigan, Jane Foley, Josephina Gallo, Lisa Gephart, Carolyn Hancock, Andrea Hogan, Jason O’Keeffe, Colleen Perry-Van Der Heyden, Ruth Rollins, Crystal Sessions, Debra Smith, Joleen Stewart, Helen Tiffin, Nadia Tilson, Marika Vanstekelenburg, Andrea Voogt, Helen White
25 Years
Vera Bryers, Andrew Cole, Danielle Cole, Lisa Hernan, Katie Higgs, Karlee Ryan, Irene Salmon, Jodie Sutton, Laurelle Van Leeuwen
30 Years
Lucinda Jones, Lidia Panozzo, Dianne Tomaino
35 Years
Jennifer Aumann, Rosalie Bennett, Jacquelyn Doensen, Jaan Vihm
40 Years
Sharon Cheong, Helen Robinson, Deborah Gregory, Lesley Lewis
45 Years
Catherine Larkings, Judith Honybun-Smith
50 Years
Ferruccio Tonini. Special recognition for Ferruccio will occur at our Annual General Meeting.