Senior Medical Registrar – General Medicine Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
Aisha is an expert leader. Aside from being a highly skilled clinician and researcher, Aisha has ensured a culture of respect and kindness amongst the medical team at Footscray. For new staff and medical students starting, Aisha will make a conscious effort to link new starts together instantly, making them feel welcome and reassured; she will then ensure a commitment to providing psychological safety and a good training environment for all colleagues.
Footscray is a fantastic platform for multiculturalism; Aisha has a good awareness of inclusion and diversity and thus thrives in working with staff and patients from all backgrounds. Clinically, Aisha is excellent and is, therefore, a reliable colleague to have around in any situation. Regarding problem-solving skills, Aisha will support trainees in solving clinical scenarios in a constructive and educational manner, prioritising patient safety and dignity. Throughout the process Aisha is approachable and respectful. As an educator, Aisha will help trainees build on knowledge deficits and encourage growth in real-time, enhancing the clinical skills of students and doctors in training for the future.
Nomination 2:
Aisha is a superstar in many ways. She has an exceptional work ethic and intellectual curiosity. When a patient seems “too hard to sort out,” Aisha rolls her sleeves up. She actively looks for opportunities to help patients and colleagues by being a problem solver. Aisha trawls the literature for undifferentiated patients or those with a difficult-to-treat problem until she can find an answer. When the answer is still not clear, Aisha will do a literature review and write a meta-analysis. She’s published many papers and is working on several more to raise the profile of Western Health.
When things are inefficient, Aisha looks for ways to solve the problem and has been involved in a few clinical audits to improve our service. This is the excellence in care we should all strive for.
Aisha previously trained at Harvard and enjoyed caring for complex and diagnostically challenging patients. She has many fans and job opportunities, but she has chosen to stay at Western Health for the time being because she enjoys the diversity in culture and case mix. She comes from a diverse background herself and, therefore, has an inherent understanding and respect for how this impacts our patients and enriches our workplace culture.
Aisha’s interest in academic medicine means she is always reviewing the interventions we offer our patients to ensure they are safe, effective, and evidence based. This is how she demonstrates her commitment to safety and patient-centered care.
And she manages all this while dealing with some incredibly adverse personal circumstances. We are lucky to have Aisha at Western Health!
Director, Best Care Governance Systems & Assurance
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Alison has shown superb commitment and worked incredibly hard to lead Western Health’s preparation for accreditation in 2023. Not only did we get ready for accreditation, but Alison introduced systems and processes to support us to move to accreditation being part of business as usual – where we will always be ready for accreditation surveyors to walk through the door. The accreditation surveyors stated that Alison’s systems were “gold standard and peerless” – high praise indeed!
Alison has also willingly shared her experience and expertise to build the capability and confidence of others and has been a trusted support for many of our leaders on the journey towards accreditation. Western Health had an incredibly successful survey in December 2023 against the eight NSQHS Standards. There was high praise from the surveyors about the standard of care, commitment to being person-centred, our culture of respect and teamwork, and involvement and empowerment of consumers in their care. This took a huge amount of effort from countless people, but it would not have been possible without
Alison’s expertise, meticulous eye for detail, calm, steadying hand, clear communication, commitment to excellence, quality, safety, and supporting others in a respectful and positive way.
Ian is a Strategy and Planning Officer and Angela is the Service Planning Manager
Angela Attard – PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Ian Campelj – PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Angela and Ian work diligently behind the scenes to plan the future care for the people of the West. This work demands more than simply looking at data, but a deep understanding of our community and their health issues, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and extensive knowledge of health systems to generate the insights that drive innovation through our work as health care providers into the future. To qualify the data, they work closely and collaboratively with the clinical teams to uncover the opportunities and challenges in providing care and develop the future clinical service plans that we use to advocate for new facilities, plan for workforce, or find more innovative and effective approaches to the way we deliver care across all of our services.
This year has seen the delivery of an exceptional piece of work to develop the WH Surgical Services Strategy and Plan 2037, creating a roadmap to optimize the development, capability, and capacity of surgical services across all sites of WH to 2037. This involved highly technical data analysis and over 80+ consultations, including surgical Head of Unit, clinical, divisional, and operational leadership. Their collaborative and good-humored approach led to the positive engagement of stakeholders. Ange and Ian have demonstrated excellence through their high standards of work, integrating opportunities to learn and improve, which are generated collectively by teams across Western Health. They managed complexity and sensitivity through a respectful approach to consultation, allowing for the expression of diverse opinions and carefully bringing them together to a shared vision of future WH Surgical Services. They were accountable, delivered to key milestones and high standards, provided insightful reporting through the working group, and ensured the quality of their analysis with internal and external review.
Angela and Ian are to be commended for their Excellence, Respect, and Accountability. They step up in good humour under pressure and are so fun in our team!
Social Worker – Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Audrey’s work as a social worker supporting consumers experiencing domestic violence, accommodation difficulties, or psychosocial disadvantage showcases her profound compassion. She consistently ensures that consumers feel understood, valued, and supported, recognising and responding sensitively to their unique situations and emotional needs. Audrey’s ability to provide empathy and comfort amidst challenging circumstances is truly commendable.
As a social worker, Audrey demonstrates accountability by taking responsibility for her decisions and actions. She openly acknowledges the limitations of her knowledge, accepts responsibility for any mistakes, and actively seeks solutions to challenges. Audrey goes above and beyond to assist her clients, offering guidance and support while productively challenging systemic issues. Her commitment to accountability fosters trust and empowerment within her client relationships.
Respect is at the core of Audrey’s interactions with her clients. She communicates respectfully in all situations, listening attentively to their concerns and deeply values their autonomy and choices. Audrey’s inclusive approach ensures that clients from diverse backgrounds feel heard and respected, regardless of their circumstances. She fosters an environment where every individual’s rights and beliefs are upheld, contributing to a culture of dignity and mutual understanding.
Audrey’s dedication to excellence is evident in her commitment to improving the lives of her clients. She sets high standards for her work and constantly seeks opportunities for learning and improvement. Audrey generously shares her expertise with colleagues and clients, striving to implement best practices and innovative solutions to address complex social issues. Her relentless pursuit of excellence inspires those around her to aspire to greater heights of service and impact.
Occupational Therapist – Acute Services – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Carla is a kind, thoughtful, and considerate person, all while providing the best care to her patients. In the acute OT team, Carla’s name is synonymous with outstanding clinical care, going the extra mile to ensure her patients receive evidence-based, occupation-focused therapy that meets the patient’s goals. Her patients welcome her input and are grateful for the compassion she shows.
Behind the scenes, Carla consistently sets the tone for how to treat her team members. She validates their experiences, takes an interest in their professional and personal well-being, celebrates achievements, and is the type of team member who will drop everything to get ice for an injured friend. Carla’s presence instantly lightens the team office, and we are lucky to have her in our OT team.
Medical Registrar – General Medicine RADU
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Rie is an exceptional registrar and human being. Although she is only working part-time with us while juggling two small children at home and preparing for her physician’s exams, her presence is felt in our unit every single day. She goes the extra mile for her patients daily and goes out of her way to ensure every junior staff member is supported. She gets to know each team member individually and shows genuine care and empathy.
Rie is committed to the highest standards of excellence in patient care and leaves no stone unturned to help her patients. Where no options seem available, she seeks alternatives such as clinical trials. She considers the team her family. If the junior staff are busy, Rie will not go home until she has helped them complete all their tasks. Whether it’s bringing a book to give to the ward clerk, she discusses literature with or hypoallergenic baby wipes for a colleague whose baby has a nappy rash, Rie’s generosity of spirit is unmatched.
Rie almost single-handedly maintains the high morale of our team by feeding us, bringing lots of exotic snacks, distributing stickers, and telling us dad jokes every day! On her days off, she sends jokes via text message. She leads by example, takes accountability for her mistakes, and always seeks opportunities to learn and improve. Her compassion for her patients is evident in the patient-centered and holistic care she delivers daily. She often reminds us that it’s a patient’s birthday by bringing them a cupcake. She would be an asset to any team, and I wish we could clone her and put one on every ward. I don’t know how we’ll cope after she moves on to her next term!
Patient Services Assistant – Sunshine Hospital Emergency
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Cherish is a conscientious and hard-working Patient Services Assistant with an eye for detail and a strong commitment to infection control. Her meticulous approach to this aspect of her work ensures a safe and hygienic environment for all. Cherish works quickly without compromising the task at hand. She has a positive and caring attitude and demeanour, even when dealing with patients, visitors, and staff in the most challenging situations.
On one particularly challenging occasion, we had a situation with an aggressive patient, an extremely messy and disheveled room with food and drink all over the place, and a new patient waiting for the room. Timing was essential. At the request of the clinical staff, Cherish was first on the scene to clean and organise the room. After the suggestion that cleaning the walls right away wasn’t so important because we had a patient waiting, Cherish, with Security watching on, quickly and professionally cleaned up the room and had it ready to go again in moments, complete with a wall clean and floor mop. Seeing such enthusiasm and expertise in a challenging environment/situation was impressive.
Many PSA staff are overlooked for such niceties and, to a large extent, taken for granted despite encountering some very challenging environments and situations. Cherish should be recognised for her efforts to keep us all safe and sane in an, at times, difficult environment.
Speech Pathologist – Speech Pathology Department
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Ciara consistently demonstrates excellence in her work by actively seeking out the latest evidence-based practices, sharing her knowledge, and encouraging her team to incorporate these into their work. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, Ciara ensures that the care provided is of the highest standard, both by herself and the organisation. Ciara holds herself to the highest standards of care and service, ensuring she meets and exceeds expectations in every aspect of her role. She encourages her colleagues to do the same, fostering a positive and productive work environment where accountability is valued and upheld.
Ciara’s compassionate approach to patient care is inspiring. She goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel heard, empowered, and supported in achieving their goals. Her patient-centered care not only improves the experience of patients but also sets a benchmark for compassionate practice within our organisation. In addition to a commitment to patients, Ciara prioritises the safety and well-being of her colleagues. She is a vocal advocate for positive mental health and well-being in the workplace, always offering a supportive ear and encouraging her colleagues to focus on their well-being as a priority.
Ciara’s infectious positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication inspire those around her to strive for excellence and contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere. Her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and safety embodies the spirit of the INSPIRE Award.
Acting Practice Manager – Drug Health Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Connie has been a member of the administration team for many years. Recently, she stepped up to cover the Practice Manager role for a 12-month Long Service Leave replacement. Connie has embraced the opportunity, her first time in a management role. She is critical in promoting a positive workplace at Drug Health Services. This is exemplified by the compassionate way she deals with clients at the front desk and over the phone and her readiness to take accountability for resolving operational issues, including a recent situation with billing processes that required quickly understanding the problem, identifying a solution, and implementing it; and how she continually demonstrates excellence in the way she collaborates and works with others in her team and across the service. She consistently demonstrates high work standards and is humble and keen to learn more.
Manager, Communications and Engagement – Public Affairs
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Ellise consistently goes above and beyond in her role, providing insightful expertise and advice to team members and others from around the organsation. She always acts with empathy and integrity. No task is ever too small or large to tackle. She cares deeply about her work, colleagues, and the broader organisational purpose and goals. It’s hard not to be inspired and motivated to be your best when you are in her company. Ellise listens without judgement and respects alternative views, always seeking to find a solution to a problem. People feel comfortable picking up the phone to workshop their ideas or seek her advice. She always seems to find time in her busy role to recognise the work of colleagues, listen to their concerns, or celebrate the successes of others. Ellise is a quiet achiever who works across so many parts of our organisations and always brings her best to every situation. She strives for excellence and helps others achieve it, too.
It’s not uncommon for Ellise to call a colleague to check in on how they are going. If she encounters behaviours that are not in keeping with Western Health’s values, she is brave enough to voice her opinions and hold people to account to ensure everyone is safe and respected.
Ellise often takes it upon herself to take charge of the Christmas decoration competition, spending hours transforming the JKWC level four office space into a festive, welcoming, and inclusive environment. You can’t walk around Sunshine Hospital without a staff member smiling or chatting to Ellise. She has a way of making you feel like you are the most important person in the world when you are speaking to her. The cafe staff even sung her happy birthday recently, not once, but twice! She is highly valued across the organisation as a patient and clever operator with a strategic mindset and the biggest of hearts.
Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator – Education & Learning, Children’s Ward
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Emily is a kind and compassionate educator who is always willing to help her team, going above and beyond – nothing is too much or too hard. She supports and leads her colleagues with positive energy, leading by example and always wanting to do the best she can for the team and the patients they care for. Emily is an excellent support person and mentor for both junior and senior staff. She provides a safe space for sharing challenges and actively works towards improving the experience of her colleagues.
Emily always strives for excellence in her practice. She actively seeks her professional development to ensure the education she provides is up-to-date and evidence-based – ensuring staff provides the ‘Best Care’ to their patients. Emily respects all her colleagues, the patients she cares for, and their families. She considers the thoughts and feelings of others, listens to their opinions, and advocates for their wishes and beliefs. Emily has an inclusive approach to paediatric education. She has engaged with staff at all Western Health campuses to improve their knowledge and confidence in delivering paediatric care (all Urgent Care Centres and Emergency Departments, peri-operative teams, and Ambulatory and Inpatient spaces). This improves the staff’s ability to service our whole community.
Emily’s communication style is always respectful, compassionate, and inclusive – she has been a fabulous support, mentor, and confidant for staff undertaking postgraduate studies and who work in the Children’s Ward. She has actively involved experts in delivering diversity training for the Paediatric Team. Emily comes to work each day striving to facilitate safe, excellent, contemporary care for all children within our service. She works collaboratively with medical colleagues to provide twice monthly insitu paediatric simulation activities to improve teamwork, communication, recognition and response to deterioration. She has implemented system improvements to aid in responding to deterioration in the Children’s Ward. Emily is a very humble, quiet, and genuinely impressive staff member.
Occupational Therapist – GC GEM Ward – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Greer has joined the Occupational Therapy (OT) GEM team at Sunshine as a new graduate Occupational Therapist. She has demonstrated a consistently positive approach to her work and a strong dedication to providing ‘best care’ to all her patients. Her positive energy extends to the team in which she works, creating a lovely vibe in the office and amongst her colleagues. She is dedicated to learning and thrives to be able to support her education and provide high-quality OT service to all her patients. She seeks to find opportunities to help patients in occupations that give them joy and meaning in their days, making her a brilliant OT in aged care!
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Ward 3B, Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Haibin is a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Ward 3B, and since he commenced in this role, he has been highly active under his portfolio of Pressure Injury Prevention. Haibin recognizes that the patient cohort on 3B (OGS & Acute Aged Care) is particularly vulnerable to pressure injuries due to comorbidities, impaired mobility, cognitive and communication challenges, and other contributing factors and understands the impact of a pressure injury on potential ongoing disability and quality of life. Haibin reviews the equipment available and offers suggestions to change or improve to promote prevention and further breakdown. He reviews current research and evidence-based practice to support his findings and recommendations. He reviews Riskman and other data to justify the distribution of resources for the best and most comprehensive potential for positive impact.
Haibin attends in-services and learning opportunities including collaboratives. He reports back and summarizes all learnings for the ward. Haibin is to be commended for the respectful and inclusive manner in which he educates others, including staff, patients, and relatives.
Senior OVA Clinical Consultant – Risk, Safety and Emergency Management
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Harriet works at Western Health as the Senior Occupational Violence Clinical Consultant. In her clinical role, she provides specialist advice and assistance to staff dealing with challenging patients with behaviours of concern that pose a significant risk to staff and patient safety. Her work has a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our staff and patients. She offers significant support to staff dealing with difficult patients, always showing care, compassion, and empathy toward all staff and families that she assists during difficult and emotionally challenging times.
In her role, she has also been a key contributor to shaping education in developing virtual reality training for staff in dealing with aggression and violence and delivering in-services to ward staff to equip them with the skills and confidence to confront situations involving aggression or violence. Again, she always does so, showing compassion to helping staff, respect in how she always diligently works with staff at all levels, always striving for excellence in innovative projects such as the virtual reality development, being accountable for her actions, and working diligently towards enhancing the safety of our workforce and our patients, which is at the heart of her passion and dedication.
Harriet is an outstanding performer who upholds Western Health values and promotes these values both personally and professionally. She should be congratulated and rewarded for her commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace for our staff and patients.
Graduate Registered Nurse
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
“Issy” is a graduate nurse who commenced on unit 3 in February 2024. Since commencing with us, she has shown a true dedication to learning and goes above and beyond for her consumers each shift. Issy demonstrates compassion to each consumer as she is empathetic and treats them as an individual human rather than a diagnosis. She takes time to get to know each consumer, builds a strong therapeutic bond, and can provide personalised care supporting their treatment needs and goals.
Issy is respectful at all times, uses recovery-orientated language when talking to consumers and families, is very transparent in her communication, and is a strong advocate for consumers’ treatment preferences. This supports the consumers in building trust and allows them to feel heard and validated. Issy prioritizes safety at all times, and she communicates any concerns to senior staff and the treating team. She is not afraid to ask questions, and if she identifies a knowledge gap, she quickly addresses it by seeking support/resources. This has supported her professional growth as a clinician.
Paediatric Dietitian – Dietetics/Nutrition – Newborn Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Jacqui is a compassionate dietitian who strives for the best experiences and outcomes for patients and their families within the paediatric and newborn services units. As part of this work, she has been a key allied health team member in the roll out and review of the developmental care round in newborn services as well as working as the AHFIRM rep for this unit. In addition to this valuable work, she is also the lead dietitian in the new paediatric diabetes services. Her leadership in the setup, education, and resource development for this new service has been instrumental in its success. In addition to her hard work, she always brings a passionate and optimistic attitude which reflects positively on her teams and co-workers. She is an amazing team member to work with.
Ward Clerk – Footscray ICU
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Jan is the welcoming face of Footscray ICU and is often our visitors’ first interaction with the ICU. She is kind, compassionate, and happy to explain the waiting time and what we do in the unit and show visitors where the toilet is, tea and coffee facilities, etc. Jan also checks on people waiting for an extended time, gently reminds the clinical team, and finds an ETA for when they can be seen. She also supports the clinical team by sourcing things they need.
Jan is quick with a joke to lighten the mood and often goes above and beyond her job description to ensure we can offer excellence in holistic care, calling multiple places to track down a priest for a family or arrange interhospital transport quickly for further deteriorating patients. She knits for the mums-to-be and is a vital part of the ICU team; we appreciate how lucky we are to have such a person on our team.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 3B, Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Jess is extremely active and accountable under her portfolio of medication safety. She understands the risks associated with medication and adverse events and actively seeks out opportunities to minimize risk and harm. She reviews every Riskman on the ward, compiles data, identifies contributing factors and implements strategies to reduce incidents.
Jess educates ward staff under her portfolio and assists and encourages others in her team to do so. She reviews all Western Health published items and alerts related to medication management and safety and will then re-send with further information and advice. Jess makes herself available to staff to provide 1-1 education and guidance.
Jess is a compassionate person who always treats people with respect. She champions ‘Best Care’ and ensures privacy, dignity, and confidentiality are upheld. Jess promotes positivity and inclusiveness on her shifts. She extends a warm and genuine welcome to everyone who visits the ward. Jess is an example to all ANUMs and other portfolio holders of how to manage, be accountable, and strive for excellence & safety in their portfolios. Jess’s knowledge, ability, motivation, and commitment to excellence are incredibly impressive.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager – Theatre – Williamstown Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Jhunel’s role in departmental improvement is not just significant; it’s inspiring. He fosters a positive workplace by providing positive leadership to all staff members in the department. He provides valuable information and education and always helps staff wherever needed. He takes on a huge role in our department by looking after all orthopaedic stock, instrumentation, and prostheses and can provide direction to staff within this specialty. Without Jhunel, our department wouldn’t operate at such a high level or be able to achieve the level of excellence in the care we provide to our patients.
Jhunel always provides his patients with a high level of care and ensures they feel heard, seen, and in control of their health choices. He is honest and brings attention to detail to solve problems while always working within his scope of practice. He identifies gaps for self-improvement, takes accountability for his actions and mistakes, and reflects on his actions for self-growth and improvement. Jhunel listens and creates a non-judgmental environment for all staff and patients to ensure they feel heard without discrimination despite their cultural, ethnic background, or language barriers at work. He makes everyone feel equal and respects everyone’s differences.
Jhunel is always looking to improve the department, taking on the start time project to ensure theatre capacity is being met. He has also implemented yearly in-services and education for staff, been a mentor and preceptor when EMR launched, and implemented new documentation and count sheets within the department. He constantly shows professionalism and ongoing education to benefit the department, reflecting the best care values at Western Health. Jhunel ensures that the safety of patients and staff is a number one priority. He communicates, advocates for those around him, and follows Western Health’s policies and protocols.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager – Urgent Care – Bacchus Marsh
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Jijo is an Associate Nurse Unit Manager at Urgent Care Bacchus Marsh. His peers and staff regularly seek him for his clinical knowledge and revered, sound leadership. Staff often comment how they love it when Jijo is in charge of their shift because they know he excels in crisis management and provides excellent orientation and training when needed. Jijo is a wonderful support for the Urgent Care team. They trust his judgement, and he is instrumental in making Urgent Care a cohesive, team-oriented, and lovely place to work. The staff feels supported, and the patients receive the best care.
Jijo’s commitment to patient safety is a cornerstone of his clinical critical thinking process. His leadership style, characterized by calm and respectful decision-making, sets a standard for his team, including the doctors. Jijo’s advice and action plans are always sound, reflecting his deep understanding of best practice guidelines and Western Health policies and procedures. Jijo is an excellent communicator and instrumental in the urgent care leadership team. He holds the significant portfolio of Medication safety and manages RosterON. He has excellent judgement, effectively manages each shift’s skill mix, and always ensures the roster is posted ten weeks in advance.
Clinical Pharmacist – Sunshine Pharmacy
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Julie’s hard work and dedication have a significant impact on the Pharmacy team. She embodies excellence and a positive workplace by always going above and beyond to help others in times of need. Her commitment ensures that patient care is never compromised and her collaboration with other team members is instrumental in the department’s operational success. She demonstrates accountability by fostering a positive attitude and a “can do” mindset in all tasks allocated to her. Julie’s perseverance and determination in tackling challenges is admirable and truly inspirational. Her hard work does not go unnoticed!
Allied Health Assistant – Acute Wards- Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Karen is our acute occupational therapy allied health assistant, and her role is instrumental in providing daily therapy to our patients to help them achieve their goals. Karen is incredibly skilled at building rapport with her patients through her humour and kind nature, which is reflected well in her ability to engage patients in occupational therapy. She always puts patients first and is always willing to lend a hand to those who need it.
Karen is compassionate and respectful to all she meets, always up for a chat, and always manages to place a smile on her patient’s face. She is also accountable and provides critical and timely therapy to our stroke patients, often going above and beyond to support them during their stroke recovery journey. After joining Western Health a year ago, Karen has always ensured the morale and wellbeing of the team are at the forefront of her mind. Her ability to foster a positive and optimistic workplace, making it a warm and inviting working environment, is truly commendable. She always does thoughtful little actions to keep the team going, such as regularly checking in with all members of our team or rounding our office every afternoon with her chocolate jar to share among the team.
Karen’s dedication and hard work have made her a highly valued member of our department. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and the positive impact she has had on our team and patients.
Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 3B – Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
In late 2023, Karen stepped into a permanent Nurse Unit Manager role on a busy acute ward during a period of immense change. She immediately demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to ensuring stability by reassuring staff during this period of transition. From the onset, she made it clear that she would lead with strength, fairness, and integrity. Karen has more than delivered on her promise.
One of the most admirable qualities about her leadership style is her unwavering dedication to treating everyone with dignity and respect. Her inclusivity and genuine concern for the well-being of each staff member has not gone unnoticed. She demonstrates transparency in communication, ensuring that the staff are well-informed of any changes, and has fostered a culture of trust and openness within the ward. I am particularly impressed by her ability to engage everyone on the team, regardless of their role or seniority. Her approachability and willingness to listen to ideas and concerns have empowered the staff and made them feel valued. Under her guidance, the team is inspired to meet the high standards Karen sets.
Karen’s leadership has not only navigated the challenges of change, but also instilled a sense of confidence and motivation among the staff. I am pleased to have the pleasure of working with her and learning from her.
Nomination 2:
Karen exemplifies outstanding nursing qualities, consistently demonstrating compassion, accountability, respect, and collaboration in her leadership role. She earns the respect of her colleagues through her respectful and collaborative approach, working effectively with a diverse range of staff members. Karen actively promotes the delivery of high-quality patient care by regularly working on the ward and providing mentorship to new nurses. She fosters a positive workplace atmosphere by being approachable, caring, and attentive to the needs of her team. Overall, Karen’s leadership and dedication significantly contribute to the success and positivity of her ward.
Operations Manager – Aged, General Medicine and Subacute Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Karen is one of the most accountable people I have ever had the good fortune to meet. She takes full responsibility for all her actions, undertakings, and decisions. She learns and grows from these experiences and shares them to enable others to develop. Karen is always respectful and culturally safe and supports an environment of positivity and inclusiveness where everyone has a voice and is heard. Karen is genuinely interested in the people she comes into contact with, invests in their journey, and makes everyone feel valued and valuable.
Karen is an IT wizard and expert at all Western Health data sources. She assists her NUMs in accessing and using data and incidents to identify and address areas requiring resources. With her previous background as a Project Manager, Quality Coordinator, and Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), she has exceptional insight into finding the problem, developing a solution, measuring outcomes, and sharing her learnings. Karen is a pillar of support and guidance; her availability and approachability are unwavering, and her vast experience and knowledge allow her to offer valuable advice and encourage innovation. She champions positive and productive ward management and the provision of ‘Best Care.’ She is the perfect balance of someone who knows the operational obligations and the humanity behind the numbers and decisions.
Physiotherapist – Physiotherapy – GC/GD Ward
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Kate, an inspirational leader, consistently upholds professional conduct. Her exceptional ability to bring a smile to her patients’ faces is a testament to her genuine care and compassion. She not only cares for her patients but also advocates for them and their discharge plans, demonstrating her strong leadership and commitment. Kate’s open and respectful communication with all multidisciplinary team members fosters a positive and cohesive team environment. Her dedication to mentoring and integrating all grade one physiotherapists on the ward ensures they feel a sense of belonging and value, contributing to the inclusivity of the team.
Senior Psychiatric Nurse – Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Kathleen, in her role as a Senior Mental Health Nurse, engages others with compassion in every interaction. She ensures consumers, visitors, and colleagues feel valued and supported, going above and beyond to acknowledge their perspectives and respond sensitively to their needs. Kathleen’s blend of empathy and professionalism creates a positive culture that genuinely contributes to ‘Best Care.’
Kathleen embodies accountability by taking ownership of decisions and actions. She fosters an open and honest culture, engaging others in authentic conversations and offering assistance and guidance where needed. She champions responsible resource management to optimise service delivery. Respect is evident in Kathleen’s approach. She communicates respectfully with everyone, regardless of their role or background, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. Kathleen’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to her proactive efforts in promoting understanding and acceptance among colleagues, fostering a culture of mutual respect and appreciation.
Kathleen is a catalyst for excellence within the nursing team. She sets high standards of care and professionalism, inspiring her colleagues to strive for continuous improvement. Kathleen actively seeks out opportunities for learning and skill development, sharing her knowledge generously to elevate the practice of others. Her dedication to evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives is unwavering, driving innovation and achievement throughout the department. This dedication instills confidence and a sense of security in her colleagues and stakeholders.
Kathleen excels in building positive relationships and fostering collaboration. She creates a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise. Kathleen’s collaborative approach extends beyond the nursing team, as she actively engages with stakeholders to drive service improvements and enhance patient outcomes.
Allied Health Assistant- Occupational Therapy – GC GEM Ward
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Kathryn, a newly qualified allied health assistant, joined our Occupational Therapy team in aged care last year. Her dedication to holistic patient care is evident in every patient interaction, and she consistently delivers a high-quality occupational therapy service. Kathryn’s commitment to patient safety and drive to support patients in their daily occupations are reassuring and a tremendous asset in supporting ‘best care’ on the wards. Her energy and engagement in providing feedback and suggesting new ideas to improve the patient experience and allied health assistant service to our patients is commendable.
Acting Associate Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 3B – Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
Kellie is an inspirational, awe-inspiring person and nurse. Being new to the ward, Kellie went out of her way to support and champion me. She actively sought to assist with my knowledge of the ward and staff, facilitated introductions, and supported the development of productive, professional relationships. I am eternally grateful for her guidance during those first few weeks. This is representative of how Kellie is as a colleague, nurse, and ANUM.
Kellie is leading the ‘Pull to Full’ on Ward 3B. This initiative is not only supportive of access and flow but aims to ensure that patients receive the right care, in the right place at the right time. She has pulled from her previous experience as a discharge navigator to support staff to undertake and succeed. She also compiled an education in the form of a PowerPoint presentation and face-to-face sessions. Kellie has willingly shared these outside the ward.
Kellie’s respect and compassion for everyone she comes into contact with make us all feel valued and appreciated. She advocates for patients, families, and carers, directing them to services and providing practical and emotional support. I have watched her give emotional and spiritual support to patients, and their families, at the end of their lives.
Kellie provides in services under and beyond her several portfolios including Discharge, Quality, and Blood Safety. She uses data and incident findings to develop systems and processes to ensure safety for our consumers and staff. She actively participates in organizational and divisional QIPs and other initiatives. Kellie takes responsibility and is accountable for all her decision-making. She always acknowledges where she could have done better or improved and strives to improve.
Nomination 2:
As a registered nurse on Ward 3B, Kellie has willingly and capably stepped into management roles as Associate Nurse Unit Manager and acting Nurse Unit Manager. She is dedicated and committed to the management role, ensuring the well-being of both patients and the staff. One aspect that stands out is her unwavering focus on ensuring the patients have a safe and appropriate discharge experience. Her meticulous attention to detail and proactive processes have undoubtedly contributed to improving the overall quality of patient care, from the patients currently in the ward to the planning of potential patients in the ED.
Kellie’s willingness to share her knowledge and expertise is a particular strength. She is a wonderful role model to her colleagues, acting calmly in chaotic situations, demonstrating fairness, and managing staff without prejudices. It is a pleasure to work with Kellie.
Divisional Director – Aged, General Medicine and Subacute Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Kellie is an exceptional leader with an unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace. Kellie has a personable demeanor, an empathetic nature and is an attentive listener. In every interaction, Kellie demonstrates an ability to connect with her team members on a personal level, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, understood and valued. Her genuine empathy allows her to effectively address the diverse needs and concerns of each individual, ensuring that every team member feels supported and encouraged to thrive.
One of Kellie’s greatest strengths is her adeptness at recognising and embracing the unique strengths and learning styles of her team members, making each individual feel valued and understood. By tailoring her approach to accommodate different ways of working and learning, she cultivates an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to excel. Whether it’s through personalised coaching, flexible work arrangements, or providing access to resources tailored to individual needs. Kellie goes above and beyond to empower her team members to reach their full potential.
Kellie’s leadership style is a breath of fresh air— free of pressure and coercion. Instead of imposing strict deadlines or micromanaging her team, Kellie inspires productivity and excellence through encouragement, trust, and unwavering support. By fostering a culture of autonomy and accountability, she enables her team members to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence on their own terms. Kellie not only leads by example but also uplifts and inspires those around her to achieve greatness. Her dedication to creating a positive and inclusive work culture serves as an inspiration for her team members.
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Informatics (CMNIO) – Digital Health
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Kylee took up the role of Director of Nursing and Midwifery Informatics (CMNIO) last year. In a short period of time, she has ensured a positive workplace for the nurses and midwives within the Digital Health team through her open and honest communication, her continued advocacy for the recognition of their efforts, and her support for their voices to be heard. Her open-door policy and inclusion of all have had a significant positive impact on the team. She has continuously remained accountable for decisions made, even when difficult, and has clearly articulated the importance of accountability to the team. She practices what she preaches! She ensures all decisions within the Digital Health team ensure our patients and staff remain safe through her thorough research, commitment to safety, adherence to clinical practice policies and responsibilities, and her role within the Communication for Safety committee. She continuously seeks out ways to improve clinical practice and decision-making.
Kylee’s strive for excellence is regularly seen within the Digital Health team as she encourages the team to mature in their knowledge of Digital Informatics; she recognises the strengths and weaknesses of those around her and fosters a workplace where it is ok to admit to needing help and assistance. She encourages her team to be proud of their achievements, no matter how small.
Advanced Practice Physiotherapist – Advanced Practice Physio Clinics and ED
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Laura provides outstanding leadership in the Advanced Practice Physiotherapy team and an ongoing commitment to excellence in clinical care. Laura contributed significantly during the EMR rollout, applying a practical approach to problem-solving, and strongly advocated for patients to receive timely care in outpatient clinics when technical issues occurred. Laura goes out of her way to support others in the team with workload, to foster collaboration and team spirit in the outpatient office and has also stepped in to train multiple staff in the Emergency Department and held a heavy training load. Above all,
Laura upholds an extremely high standard of care for her patients, which is demonstrated in her strong work ethic and holistic patient care. There are numerous occasions where Laura has assisted with management of complex clinical scenarios, and helped others to learn from her experiences, and the experiences of others. Laura is a valuable asset to Western Health, and her patients are very lucky to be cared for by her.
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Ward 2A – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Leonora joined Ward 2A in May 2005 and holds the Infection Prevention Control Nurse portfolio. She has consistently demonstrated her expertise in infection prevention and standards during her tenure. She made a commitment to encourage and inspire others to make their health and safety a daily priority, preventing patients and healthcare workers from being harmed by avoidable infections. This was particularly important during COVID-19; there was great uncertainty and fear regarding contamination, exposure risk, and the required patient care.
Leonora’s level of collaboration underscores her drive to protect the patient and staff. She ensures the infection control measures will work for the staff through collaboration. She attends huddles/meetings to answer all questions from the staff and goes above and beyond to help her fellow staff members and patients to the best of her ability. To help ensure the safety of the healthcare workers and patients, she engages others around her and delegates fundamental infection control principles. She also facilitates strong communication across disciplines. She educates and implements the protocols as part of our ongoing COVID-19 response and continues to assess, audit, and educate healthcare workers on effective hand washing. Leonora is a valuable member of Ward 2A.
Ward Clerk – Ward 3B – Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Lily is the face of Ward 3B at Footscray. She is the first person everyone sees when they enter the ward, and she always has a beautiful smile, a warm and friendly greeting, and a kind word. She immediately puts anxious families and new staff at ease and ensures they are looked after and given every assistance they need. Lily answers the phone like she has been expecting a call from her best friend and is delighted to speak with whoever is on the other end of the call. With over 40 years of service to Western Health, Lilly’s knowledge and expertise are unparalleled. She knows everything, everyone, and all the places, people, and information one could ever want to know. She is generous with her knowledge and expertise, and her willingness to help others is commendable.
Lily is respectful and compassionate in all her dealings with people, be they staff, visitors, or patients. She will call people back and let them know when transport has arrived or the patient has gone to the transit lounge. She will spend the time listening to people, ensuring they feel heard and their concerns are raised. She will chat with an anxious relative, attempting to put their mind to rest without minimising or ignoring their worries and concerns. Lily will always be found helping people find something or someone. She has the patience and perseverance to follow up and resolve issues. She remembers what you said and always follows up to see that you are okay. I am very grateful to have Lily as our ward clerk and part of the Ward 3B Team.
Addiction Psychiatrist – Westside Lodge – Drug Health Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Limor has been a consultant at Westside Lodge since its beginnings four years ago, providing clinical care and clinical leadership in a new service that provides complex clinical care to a highly marginalized group of patients. Limor stands out for her authenticity and genuine care for her clients and team, which are evident in her interactions. This authenticity, in her embodiment of the value of compassion, is inspirational.
Limor’s consistent advocacy for person-centered care, where the goals and views of each client are at the center of their treatment plan, is truly inspiring. Her dedication to ensuring the provision of quality care motivates all of us in the field. Limor demonstrates the values of compassion and excellence in her care and supervision of junior medical staff and her passion for their learning and education.
Limor demonstrates the value of excellence in her leadership of the program as a whole. She ensures that the different aspects of the program together meet the multiple needs of individual programs in achieving goals and reducing risks of harm. She has quietly stepped in on numerous occasions when there have been gaps in the team.
Limor’s proactive approach to risk management, considering the significant range of risks and harms faced by the client group, instills a sense of reassurance and confidence. Her work with staff and clients in mitigating these risks demonstrates her foresight and dedication to the safety of her clients.
Manager – Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Unit
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
I proudly nominate Louise for her exceptional dedication to fostering a positive workplace environment rooted in Western Health values.
Louise’s commitment to compassion is evident in her unwavering support for her team members, always ready to lend a listening ear and offer guidance. She fosters a culture of inclusivity where every voice is heard and valued, ensuring that everyone feels supported and understood.
Accountability is a cornerstone of Louise’s leadership style. She leads by example, taking ownership of her actions and decisions, and encourages her team to do the same. Under her guidance, accountability has become synonymous with empowerment, inspiring individuals to strive for excellence in their work.
Respect is paramount in Louise’s leadership philosophy. She cultivates an environment where mutual respect is non-negotiable, regardless of position or background. Through her actions, she demonstrates that respect is not just a value to uphold but a fundamental principle that drives collaboration and teamwork.
Excellence is not just a goal but a standard that Louise consistently upholds. She encourages her team to push the boundaries of their potential and provides the necessary support to achieve them. Her relentless pursuit of excellence inspires others to continuously improve and innovate.
Safety is of utmost importance to Louise, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that her team members feel secure in their work environment. Whether it’s implementing safety protocols or providing resources for personal well-being, she prioritises the health and welfare of her team above all else.
In summary, Louise embodies the Western Health values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Safety in every aspect of her leadership. Her unwavering dedication to creating a positive workplace culture has had a profound impact on me and the team, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Nomination 2:
Louise has been a driving force of positivity in the Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Unit (NMWU) team. She always shares positive news with the unit and promotes our daily huddle, which gets the team together at the beginning of every day to share the good work that has been done by the team.
Louise offers compassion to all employees by listening to understand – she is always open to feedback and tries her best to provide appropriate solutions within her scope to issues that arise. She strives for excellence in herself and our team and expects a high standard of service from the NMWU staff, Bank & Pool staff, and promotes it from her work ethic. She helps others succeed and is always available to assist everyone on the team.
Louise was the acting deputy director of NMWU for some time while a replacement was sought, and she thrived in the role while also assisting everyone else on the team. She communicates respectfully with everyone within Western Health and external stakeholders. She promotes diversity and inclusion by ensuring all staff know about particular celebrations or awareness days and providing information sources. She always looks out for the safety of others and points out if there is something she isn’t sure of.
Louise is a fantastic manager, and she truly embodies Western Health’s values and deserves to be recognised for her efforts.
Senior Audiologist – Audiology department
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Melissa is a highly dedicated and respected senior audiologist. She is a passionate leader who advocates for her team and the audiology service. Melissa always strives to provide excellent patient care that is patient-centered, evidence-based, and of an incredibly high standard.
Over the past 12 months, the audiology team at JKWC has had significant technical issues with one of their diagnostic equipment units. Audiology uses and relies on this specialised equipment to accurately diagnose hearing impairments in newborn babies. In the past 6-12 months, Melissa has shown an extraordinary commitment to her patients, their families, and the audiology team to ensure that a high-level audiology service has been able to continue despite the technical issues. Melissa has brought together external vendors and internal experts to problem-solve and find a resolution to this complex situation.
During this challenging time, Melissa has ensured the audiology team feels well supported, recognised, and respected. Melissa’s commitment and dedication to her patients and team exemplify all WH values, as demonstrated by this one example. There are many, many more every single day.
Care and Recovery Co Ordinator – Drug Health Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Melissa is a Care and Recovery Co-Ordinator (CRC) worker who has stepped up into Acting Team Leader roles for both Specialist and Adult Services over the past 12-18 months when the Team Leaders have been on annual leave while also maintaining her CRC caseload. Melissa has demonstrated excellence and high work standards with clients and staff in her CRC worker role and as a team leader, supporting other staff in various programs and having her own caseload.
Melissa is a role model within the teams, demonstrating a can-do attitude, being positive and productive, and supporting programs when they are short-staffed or need emotional support. She has transferable skills with the ability to support staff clinically in several different programs and be a resource.
Melissa is passionate about our client group supporting best outcomes and linkages and managing to get clients on a DSP and NDIS. Due to her knowledge of services, Melissa is the go-to in our service to discuss external support for clients and is always available to share her knowledge with staff.
Overall, Melissa is well respected within teams due to her ability to share knowledge, have a calming presence, and provide an inspiring energy in the office. Melissa also explores ways of increasing staff well-being by initiating celebrations in the office and being a member of the staff charter group.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 1A – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Natalie is a great asset to the ward and has been a phenomenal team leader. She has acted as both Associate Nurse Unit Manager and Nurse Unit Manager and has supported the staff well. Natalie respects her colleagues and recognises them fairly. She is hands-on and will always lend a hand no matter how busy she is. Natalie is also a caring and compassionate nurse who actively listens to patient and family concerns. She ensures that they are being heard and gives them a positive outcome. Natalie consistently demonstrates Western Health’s values and is a great example of an excellent role model.
Radiographer – Radiology
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Newton’s accountability is a cornerstone of his work, particularly in preparing tender documents for the radiology department, both current and for the new Footscray Hospital. His compassion is evident in his daily interactions with patients, providing them with the kindness and care they deserve. Newton consistently displays excellence, particularly within the General X-ray team, where he works tirelessly to ensure image reject analysis data is kept up to date, which ultimately reduces the need for unnecessary X-rays and, therefore, patient radiation dose.
Clinic Nurse – Drug Health Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nhung is a dedicated and talented clinician who works hard to ensure that clients receive excellent care, even in challenging circumstances. In addition to efficiently running her own clinic for long-acting injections, she manages new referrals from clients and other disparate services. She collaborates with multiple prescribers with different levels of experience who are not always on-site to ensure excellent care for new clients and returning clients. Notably, she also efficiently manages walk-in clients, doing her best to assist them as soon as possible.
Physician – General Medicine RADU
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Omar works tirelessly to look after some of the most complex patients in our catchment area. His role as a general physician and medical lead on the RADU team has seen him working within a dynamic and high-performing multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health. Omar makes it a point to remember everyone’s name and make everyone on the team feel valued and respected. He has supervised many junior doctors and created an inspiring learning environment with easy consultant access so junior staff always feel supported. Most junior staff working on RADU often ask to come back or pick up extra shifts because of the positive culture in our ward 2G.
Omar leads by example and shows compassion. Whenever possible, he goes the extra mile for patients. He promotes a culture of safety and excellence by making everyone feel comfortable discussing mistakes and learning opportunities, and he has sometimes used these events to encourage junior staff to conduct audits or literature reviews to improve everyone’s knowledge on a specific topic. Despite the incredible turnover of patients on RADU, the quality of care is excellent, with lower readmission rates, unexpected deterioration, and shorter lengths of stay. This is largely because Omar is committed wholeheartedly to our organisation and spends much of his free time analyzing the patient data and looking for opportunities to improve our unit. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our team.
Administration Assistant – ASPIRE Unit, Allied Health
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Patricia consistently responds to requests efficiently and appropriately and demonstrates initiative when balancing therapist requests for appointments. When booking patients, she makes an effort to oblige their requests. Patricia’s support was particularly valuable during the transition to EMR. She shared her skills and knowledge and was a reassuring presence within the team. Her support put our minds at rest during this transition and raised our spirits. Patricia is a caring and compassionate person who consistently engages with staff and patients in a kind and respectful manner. She is a delight to work with.
Switchboard Operator – Communications – Williamstown
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Peggy’s dedication to her job at Western Health is unparalleled. She not only takes the time to get to know you and assist you but also ensures that everyone, from staff to volunteers, visitors, and patients, feels supported and happy at Williamstown Hospital. Her consistent efforts to put others first and her willingness to help others learn something new are truly commendable.
Moreover, Peggy’s proactive communication with vital departments such as security and hospital coordinators are instrumental in ensuring the safety of all those who are onsite.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude for the inspiration you provide to students who aspire to pursue a career in health, a testament to the impact of your dedication beyond the hospital walls.
Volunteer Visitor Guide – Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Peter has been a volunteer at Footscray Hospital since 2005. In that time, he has supported patients in numerous ways, including delivering newspapers and taking the Patient Support Trolley around the wards, enabling the purchase of low-cost personal items. As a Visitor Guide, he delivers birthday cards directly into the hands of lonely patients, giving them an unexpected boost. One of Peter’s main strengths is the respectful way he works with students and younger volunteers; he asks questions, is interested in their motivations to volunteer, and encourages them to pursue their dreams and goals.
A tour of the Footscray site with Peter takes longer than you might imagine. Firstly, he knows all the nooks and crannies that most of us are unaware of. Secondly, there are the greetings and the quick chats with all the various people from every department – relationships built over years and decades. His network extends across the road via the morning mail run between the Western Private Hospital and Footscray.
Peter’s knowledge is excellent, but he demonstrates compassion by accepting people for who they are. His reliability and commitment are second to none. Peter will be at his post at the Eleanor St entrance on Friday morning before 8am this week, next week, and the week after that. His work has significantly improved the hospital community, making it a better place for patients and staff.
Registered Nurse – Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Pranita consistently demonstrates compassion in her interactions with consumers, visitors, staff, and volunteers. She ensures everyone feels welcomed and comfortable, recognising and responding sensitively to their experiences and needs. Her ability to balance human warmth with professional technique creates an empathetic environment conducive to healing.
As a mental health nurse, Pranita embodies accountability by taking responsibility for her decisions and actions. She openly admits mistakes, productively challenges unacceptable behaviour, and focuses on solutions rather than dwelling on limitations. Pranita actively engages with consumers and staff, offering assistance and goodwill while promoting a responsible and sustainable approach to resources and the environment.
Respect is fundamental to Pranita’s approach to nursing. She communicates respectfully in all situations, listening attentively to consumers and their representatives and valuing the opinions and contributions of others. Pranita’s inclusive attitude fosters a diverse and supportive environment where everyone’s rights, beliefs, and choices are respected.
Pranita inspires excellence in her colleagues through her commitment to quality standards and continuous learning. She sets a high example of professionalism, consistently striving for improvement and sharing her knowledge and expertise. Her dedication to excellence extends beyond her immediate team, as she actively engages with stakeholders to enhance consumer care outcomes and promote innovation.
Safety is paramount to Pranita’s everyday practice. She vigilantly protects consumers and others, taking proactive steps to improve safety measures and speaking up if unsafe practices occur. Pranita’s unwavering commitment to prioritising safety ensures a secure and nurturing environment for all within the workplace, particularly when supporting consumers who are acutely dysregulated.
Clinical Support Nurse/Educator – Medical/Surgical Unit – Bacchus Marsh
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
A positive workplace requires a compassionate, respectful, and understanding individual who encourages and inspires others. In my short time working at Western Health, Priscilla has stood out as a key figure in fostering a welcoming environment for learning and growth as a nurse. She creates a welcoming and warm atmosphere that fosters a culture of learning and development. She gets along well with staff and is always willing to offer assistance when needed.
Priscilla leads by example by providing safe, patient-centered care and fostering open collaboration and communication between staff. Priscilla’s positive attitude and commitment to her work have made her a standout in the nursing community. Priscilla embodies Western Health values, demonstrating dedication to helping nurses and students grow in their careers while fostering confidence and pride in nursing. She exhibits compassion for co-workers and patients, acting with integrity and empathy.
Priscilla respects the privacy and dignity of those around her and works well with individuals at different career levels. She values each person within the team at Bacchus Marsh Medical Surgical Unit (MSU), ensuring they feel heard and respected within the workplace. Priscilla works hard to create many opportunities for staff to achieve their goals within nursing while highlighting their contributions. She has been instrumental in inspiring and motivating staff towards their goals and achievements. Her work at MSU is commendable, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to excellence.
Priscilla demonstrates empathy and grace towards patients, showing respect for the decisions about their care. Her respect for patient beliefs and choices reassures both patients and colleagues, instilling confidence in her patient care. She also works closely with students and staff to demonstrate innovation in nursing care. Priscilla prioritizes safety for patients and co-workers, ensuring it is an essential part of everyday practice. She keeps staff updated on the new nursing strategies and any new WH forms on the ward. Her dedication to patient care and innovation has been evident throughout her time at MSU.
Priscilla is a dedicated nurse who ensures education is available for all nursing staff, focusing on individual growth and development. She encourages staff to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, even when mistakes occur, and does not discriminate or judge others. Priscilla is compassionate and respectful and takes accountability for her actions. She strives towards creating a positive workplace environment with a positive attitude and is always seen with a smile on her face. Her personality, dedication, and loyalty are evident in her hardworking nature.
Speech Pathologist – Speech Pathology
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Rebecca fosters a positive workplace by consistently turning up to work every day striving for ‘Best Care’ for all patients requiring speech pathology intervention and management in the West. Rebecca not only works and cares for the patients of Western Health but is proactive in reaching out to the wider Western adult speech pathology community to improve and share knowledge, expertise, and networking throughout. Rebecca consistently demonstrates compassion, understanding, and excellence in her care, and she motivates and encourages more junior staff members to leave their comfort zones and promote career growth.
Rebecca’s strong advocacy for patient safety and autonomy is a source of reassurance and confidence for all. We are so lucky to have Rebecca as part of the Western Health CBR team, and she is an asset and valued member of the Speech Pathology (SP) Department who inspires all clinicians, even outside of SP, to be the best they can be.
Radiographer – Radiology
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Ryan has taken on one of the lead roles in a new project that began development in Medical Imaging in 2023: Preliminary Image Evaluation. In this role, Ryan coordinates with many other junior staff members to contribute audits, quizzes, educational content, and more, allowing our department to move into a space we have never done before. By leading this project, Ryan is contributing enormously to the safety of patients and the accountability of radiographers by creating a pathway and platform for them to escalate urgent and unexpected findings through the correct channels in a timely manner. Ryan has demonstrated excellence in this project through his high-quality work produced both at work and in his own time and the fast-tracking of his knowledge to ensure the framework he is helping to develop is robust and well-considered.
Radiographer – Radiology
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Sarah consistently puts her hands up to volunteer for projects that foster Best Care and service improvement. Her main project is working on the reject analysis for general X-ray repeats. In this project, Sarah demonstrated excellence and safety measures by discovering patterns and statistics that enable us to tailor staff education. Her efforts have significantly reduced the reject rate of our imaging and the radiation doses given to our patients, reassuring us about the quality of service. She shows accountability in meeting deadlines and engaging senior staff when required.
Chief Pharmacy Informatics Officer – Digital Health
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Steph is a quiet achiever. She is among the hardest workers within the Digital Health Team, and her commitment is second to none.
Steph contributes to a positive workplace by never letting anyone feel unappreciated. She is a team advocate and can always gauge when someone needs their voice heard. Steph has always maintained accountability in Digital Health, ensuring she reviews every medication paper and request and, of course, every Riskman. She considers each change in relation to these as a positive step towards reducing medication errors.
Steph respects each person she interacts with, always with a smile. She remembers something about everyone she meets to make them feel they are listened to and important. Her commitment to increasing medication safety cannot be underestimated. She will answer any question presented to her, and if she does not know the answer (which is not very often), she will seek out those who do and get the requested information to you. Maintaining the safety of our patients in relation to medications is always upfront and central to her.
Enrolled Nurse – Ward 3B – Footscray Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Suzy is a remarkable nurse committed to ‘Best Care’ and delivering patient care that exceeds the expectations of employers, professionals, and the community. Suzy is a positive, kind, compassionate person who genuinely cares about people. She provides exceptional person-centred care that meets the needs and preferences and always upholds dignity and privacy.
Suzy always cares for her patients to ensure they are left feeling and looking their best. She will spend time with families and other visitors, listening to concerns and stories. She speaks to patients, visitors, and colleagues with respect and kindness. I have observed Suzy spend large amounts of time sitting with and speaking gently to patients with cognitive challenges. She will build a rapport through listening, talking soothingly, using soft words, holding a hand, or providing a smile. Suzy will then use that professionally established relationship to safely shave, assist with hygiene, and change clothing, creating a safe environment for herself and the patient. She believes in preserving dignity and working with patients and families to ensure patients receive care that reflects what consumers and families expect. I would be exceptionally happy to have any of my nearest and dearest cared for by Suzy. I am confident they would be safe, receive excellent care, and be treated with respect and compassion. Her rooms are spotless, boards updated, and she verbalizes the importance of an environment that reflects the exceptional care being provided. Suzy recognizes that an episode of care is not only for the patient but also for those who love and care for them. Knowing who is caring for their loved one and walking into a clean, neat, and tidy environment assists with reducing concerns and fears. Well done Suzy; your efforts do not go unnoticed.
Director – Best Care Governance and Support Division
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Suzie has a remarkable ability to extend respect not only to our consumers and their families but also to every team member. She has a unique talent for making every staff member feel valued, respected, and included, creating an environment where collaboration and mutual respect thrive.
Suzie is often described as a “pocket rocket,” a testament to her boundless energy, passion, and dedication to her work. What truly sets Suzie apart is her selflessness. Her kindness knows no bounds and transcends titles or roles. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, or going the extra mile to support her colleagues, Suzie consistently demonstrates unwavering kindness and empathy. She prioritises well-being above all else and embodies the essence of respect by recognising each team member’s unique strengths and contributions, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the team. In addition to her exceptional interpersonal skills, Suzie is a dedicated advocate for “Best Care.” Her commitment to excellence and ability to inspire others to strive for greatness make her a true asset to our organisation.
Suzie’s contributions to the Best Care Governance and Support team and her unwavering commitment to Western Health’s core values make her highly deserving of an INSPIRE award.
Diet Monitor – Food Services – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Tanya always addresses staff, patients, visitors, and others with kindness, patience, and respect. She assists people in a manner that promotes dignity and will spend time speaking with patients and escalating needs or requests to clinical staff. Tanya adds positively to the wards whenever she attends. She remembers people’s names and previous conversations. Tanya always has a smile or kind words for everyone.
Tanya always escalates issues and informs staff of safety issues or concerns; she genuinely cares about patients’ and visitors’ safety, comfort, and dignity. On days when you are struggling with challenges, seeing Tanya’s smile and hearing her kind words can have a significant and positive impact. Tanya continuously checks, rechecks, and raises any concerns with orders. She recognizes the dangers associated with incorrect meals and always ensures that all care is taken to ensure the safety of Western Health Patients. Tanya is well known throughout Western Heath wards for her respectful, inclusive, and kind nature. Everyone should have occasion to cross paths with someone as wonderful as Tanya.
Radiographer – Radiology / MRI
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Taylah is a joy! MRI is in great demand, and with that comes the immense pressure to get the job done, which can be very stressful. Taylah deals with this so well, smiling and always with the patient at the forefront of her mind. Safety and Compassion are shown in spades by Taylah, but recently, she showed what she was made of when she came up against a difficult situation. I was impressed with her respectful nature, maturity, and, ultimately, the dignity she demonstrated. She certainly sets a fine CARES example for everyone around her, and we are lucky to have her as part of team MRI!
Personal Assistant – Drug Health Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Tracy is a constant positive force in the workplace. She is focused on supporting others and taking accountability for completing a task. She regularly checks in with managers and peers to see if there is anything she can help with. Tracy’s leadership in organising workplace wellbeing initiatives is truly inspiring. She initiated a lunch event focused on a theme, where staff shared pictures of their pets and participated in pet-themed games, significantly boosting morale. She also successfully led the organisation of an end-of-year event for all staff. As a daily Drug Health Services DOS huddle member, Tracy started sharing a music video at the end every Friday to give us some cheerleading into the weekend – this has now become a regular spot.
Her ability to work well with others across the system and her drive to understand and resolve problems through utilising her positive relationships with stakeholders across the organisation is commendable. For instance, she identified an issue with MAPS/Power Bi reporting leading up to accreditation and worked to understand and resolve it – then communicated the outcome/learnings to the management team. Tracy is a dedicated and integral member of the Drug Health Services team.
Patient Services Assistant Supervisor, After-Hours – Health Support Services
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Vane, the After-Hours Patient Services Assistant Supervisor in Environmental Services, is a model of excellence and effectiveness. His actions always result in a positive difference to our hospital. When we need something done for the ward or patients, we can always count on Vane to get it done safely and without any issues, regardless of how busy the hospital is. Nothing is too much trouble or too difficult for Vane. His ‘can do’ attitude and respectful and pleasant demeanor, especially during phone conversations, is a testament to his effectiveness and makes a massive difference to our working day.
Medical Registrar – Complex Care Unit, RACER Clinic
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Yousef was an excellent mentor and supervisor in the month I worked with him. He provided outstanding and thoughtful teaching and encouraged me to review patients on my own and together in a way that helped me immensely with my clinical skills. Yousef is incredibly kind and compassionate, treating patients with respect and dignity. All the patients he saw expressed gratitude for his time and thoughtfulness. He is an excellent teacher and mentor, and I feel grateful to have had him as my supervisor for a month.
Volunteer Visitor Guides – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
This 37-strong team of dedicated and exceptional Sunshine Hospital visitor guides, with their unwavering commitment, offers over 215 volunteer hours weekly to support our staff, patients, visitors, and community. Their voluntary role is not just busy and varied, but also deeply impactful. Some shifts commonly witness over 15,000 steps of helpfulness! The visitor guides inhabit a positive workplace by not only being the cheerful first impression (or face) of Western Health but also by helping direct patients and visitors to various areas to reach their appointments, visit family members, and assist with locating amenities. The Visitor Guides demonstrate compassion by helping their ‘customers’ sensitively and cheerfully and bespoke their support to meet their needs. The visitor guide’s presence and good wayfinding and car-parking exiting promote healing, reducing stress, anxiety, and fear.
The Visitor Guides are accountable for their dedication to continuous improvement. They constantly keep up to date with changes and movements at Sunshine Hospital so that nobody goes without help or gets lost. The Visitor Guides demonstrate respect and play a massive part in supporting our diverse cohort of patients and visitors by treating everyone equally and fulfilling their needs or seeking guidance from staff when appropriate. The Visitor Guides are committed to excellence by sharing knowledge with their fellow volunteers to benefit the team as a whole and displaying a positive and personalised interaction with people entering Sunshine Hospital and our staff. They also pay more attention to those in need by offering a comforting chat to those who might need to take their minds off the situation and keep them relaxed. The Visitor Guides are also a great asset to new volunteers by very warmly making themselves available to be a buddy to help train and coach them along. Thanks for all your help, Visitor Guides – we would be “LOST” (literally) without you all!!
Scott Withy, Cameron Moffitt, Monika East, Mirjana Mihoc, Henry Lieu, Vincent van Steenbergen and Kylie Tebbatt
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
The Drug Health Services Intake Team provides assessment, formulation, and treatment plan development for new clients referred to Drug Health Services Community and Residential programs, a highly stigmatized and marginalized client group. The team displays the values of compassion and respect in their calm and gentle approach to sometimes agitated individuals. The team displays the values of safety in considering and mitigating a range of risks resulting from substance use, considering risks to staff health and safety, and consistently working with clients and staff to plan treatment to minimize risks. The team also contributes to fostering a positive workplace in their collaboration with multiple teams to whom they refer clients; they bring energy, humour, respect, and consideration to these interactions while remaining client-centered in their focus.
Sonia Savanovic, Roneth Roa, Carmelina Djordjevic, Helen Klymenko, Vicki Wilkinson, Karen Pruszak and Connie Privitelli
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
In a year of massive growth within the Drug Health Services team, the administrative team, led by Connie Privitelli and Carmelina Djordjevic, who had to act up at various times, worked under increased pressure to ensure that the service continued to operate. With no additional FTE, and while watching the rest of the service grow, especially our medical workforce and in-patient beds, admin provided high-level front-of-house care to our patients, managing large daily clinics across multiple sites.
The Administration team at Drug Health Services operates almost entirely separately from the rest of Western Health. They complete their own scanning, billing, and admissions while managing a huge volume of daily telephone calls, often from distressed clients. Amid all this, Connie and her team have also helped to set up a new clinic in Melton and an uplift of 10 beds at West Side Lodge Dual Diagnosis unit.
The Administration team provides safe care in relation to patient information, is compassionate towards the patients who are some of the state’s most marginalized and is often the first in the building and the last to leave. Finally, they support each other as a team and genuinely care for the patients and their colleagues.
Kim Dennis, Kimberley Gehlhar, Sarah Holden, Lauren Lawty, Jessica Xi and Sheree Spiteri
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
This team of Dietitians has embraced the development of this new service with a ‘can do’ attitude. Despite working remotely, they communicate regularly and provide support whenever needed. The women they assist, who have newborn/young babies, benefit from the team’s compassion and flexibility in supporting them to make positive lifestyle changes. The team’s respect for different cultural diets is a testament to their cultural sensitivity, and their ability to offer practical advice that suits the young family is commendable. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the time they spend entering clinical data for all patients into RedCAP, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the service.
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
The Sunshine Theatre PACU team is always smiling and ready to assist the patients and their colleagues with anything. They are always asking if we need anything or how they can help. They are compassionate and passionate about their patients and would do anything to help them. Regardless of the patient’s background, they respect their unique life experiences and how this might influence their recovery. They always work to achieve excellence, strive to provide ‘best care’ for the patient, and optimise everyone’s safety. They are often pulled in many directions as the room gets full of patients requiring medications, blood transfusions, airway support, and signed paperwork. There is usually blood, sweat, and tears, but there is always a smile, a good laugh, and some music to keep everyone’s spirits up.
Eugenia Pedagogos, Adam Flavell, Andrew Talbot, Leny Hidayati, Kate Robson, Khai Ooi, Jamie Cheong, Shannon Kokoszka, Jason Bennier, Xiaodan Qiu, Ava Bachari and Valerie Frattaroli
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
The Renal Research Unit has grown considerably over the last five years thanks to this team’s hard work and dedication across several disciplines. By establishing a global reputation in the pharmaceutical industry, they are now able to offer many novel and emerging treatment options to our renal patients that previously were not available. This team strives for a positive workplace ethic. Every single day, they all work to support each other with respect and a compassionate, team-based approach in the care they provide to our clinical trial patients. Their excellence in service delivery is measured by maintaining a high level of patient satisfaction. Their patients are always happy to see them, providing the team with pride and motivation for future success.
Volunteers – Maternity Wards
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
The maternity volunteers also provide social support, a friendly chat, and the acknowledgment that the mum is not alone in this journey. Whether it’s a first-time mum or someone welcoming their third child, the volunteers create a safe space for sharing experiences and emotions. These small interactions make a big difference.
These volunteers play a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace. They express compassion by consistently show empathy and kindness towards patients, families and fellow staff members. They listen attentively, offer emotional support, providing a cuppa and create a warm environment. They demonstrate accountability by taking ownership of their responsibilities. They arrive promptly, fulfill their duties diligently, and follow protocols. Their reliability ensures smooth operations, which positively influences the overall atmosphere. They treat everyone with dignity and courtesy, and by fostering an inclusive environment, they contribute to a workplace where everyone feels valued.
This team demonstrates safety by adhering to infection control measures, maintaining cleanliness, and promoting a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. In summary, the Maternity Volunteer Partners, through their Tea and Coffee Trolley service, create moments of warmth, connection, and joy. They weave threads of compassion and support, making the maternity unit feel like a community where new moms find solace and smiles.
MRI Radiographers – Radiology – MRI
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Pempe, Mercy, and Cindy are currently looking into the process of booking outpatients with pacemakers when they require an MRI scan. MRI is a unique environment (powerful magnetic field), and it can be dangerous for patients with pacemakers and other cardiac devices if the proper precautions are not taken. Pempe, Mercy, and Cindy do this very involved task with great care for our patient’s safety.
They demonstrate excellence while collating the required information and collaborating with other units, including those outside Western Health. Sometimes, this process can take a little while, but they always respectfully communicate with the patients, keeping them updated, which is appreciated. Safety is always the priority in MRI, and these lovely ladies ALWAYS make sure the job is done with this in mind but, importantly, recognising it’s not just the pacemaker we are dealing with but the person who happens to have this device and who is probably very nervous and need to be shown a little bit of compassion to help them through their experience. Pempe, Mercy, and Cindy embody the Western Health CARES values!
Sukhveer Bains, Debra Nichols, Emma Watson, Aimee Drever, Mack Malhotra, Jasjeet Maan, Vanitha Lalwani and Livia Cremona-Bellizia
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Michael and the team have worked to exceptional standards in leading the implementation of a new HRIS, PeopleHub. The team has strived to deliver the best solution possible, always maintaining a goal of enhancing and creating efficiencies across the people management experience of all at Western Health, including managers and employees, through automation. The team has engaged a wide range of stakeholders, facilitated multiple high-quality training sessions, invested significant time and effort in responding to questions and communicating changes, and demonstrated incredible effort. The implementation partner and system vendor have both commented on how well the project has been managed.
The planning has been extensive, and despite various challenges that come with such a significant project, the team has always demonstrated Western Health values in all interactions, communication, and decision-making. Their teamwork has been impressive; each team member has and continues to play a critical role, consistently going well above and beyond expectations in pursuit of high-quality solutions.
Max East and the Cath Lab Team – PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Max East with Radiographers Grace Liu and Ngan Nguyen – PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
A graduate paramedic had the following to say about Max West (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and the Radiographers and Cath Lab team that was working on Thursday, 18th April:
I was extremely appreciative of the team’s kindness and willingness to teach as my patient was undergoing a PCI procedure. I had never seen a PCI performed before, and it was incredible to see the difference in perfusion levels before and after a stent was placed. The radiographer was very kind, talked through the different areas/planes of the heart we saw on the imaging (which was confusing at first!), and explained each step occurring with the contrast dye/stent placement.
Max East was also exceptional, as he took the time to explain my patient’s initial ECG so that I could better understand what was occurring physiologically to my patient (as this was my first STEMI!). He demonstrated a high level of excellence with his teaching skills by explaining the associated arteries with each area of the 12-lead ECG. He was very patient and was willing to answer all of my questions. I now feel better prepared to recognise cardiac events pre-hospital, which will improve my management and overall patient outcome with early identification and transport. As a fellow healthcare professional, I was very impressed by the respect and professional manner in which the team performed. It was a positive workplace, with respect and dignity between staff members.
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
The Digital Health Training Team showcased Excellence when delivering nearly 500 training sessions over 14 weeks to over 6,000 staff at Western Health for the EMR Phase 2.1 Project in 2023. On average, the team received a score of 4.5 on the content and delivery of training.
The Digital Health Training team showcased Compassion by improving the experience of others and making sure all EMR training being delivered met the needs of the learners. The team offered some training on weekends and evenings to make sure it was as accessible as possible to all staff.
The Digital Health Training Team showcased Accountability by taking feedback from learners on a training program and continually updating their content to ensure different learning styles are being met, producing printed materials and training videos. The team has recently updated their Welearn modules to make training more accessible and easy to complete. They produced nine additional Welearn modules for other staff who still needed to have EMR training available for them. The team showcased safety by making sure the training delivered met the standards and recommendations of Western Health through the continual review of all training materials by subject matter experts, managers, and industry leaders.
Gayle Berger, Peter D’Cruz, Noela Hayes, Robert Hill, Patricia Irving, Ismael Llorico, Nora Refahi, David Torres Lara, Krystyna Wisniewski, Holly Zhou, Alexandra McNeill, Aditya Ayachandran, Sonia Ann Sabu and Sony Sabu
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Over the last 12 months, this team has learned about restocking trolleys used for procedures in the Children’s area of Sunshine Emergency Department, which has required patience and attention to detail. It contributes to the doctor’s role in caring for infants and children as they can prepare faster when intravenous access is needed. In addition, for those moments when it can wait a while, the role of the volunteers allows the procedure to be more efficiently prepared, as we can assume that the equipment we need is right there, at the patient’s side. The doctors can then focus on performing the procedure as comfortably as possible, understanding that they generally won’t have to pull together all the equipment too.
During their volunteer shifts, this volunteer team embodies the Western Health Values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Safety. From making cups of tea for visitors to being that listening ear for patients who have had no visitors for 24 hours and want to have a friendly chat with someone, our volunteers consistently demonstrate Compassion in all of their interactions. They are personally accountable in all interactions, constantly engaging positively with others and putting their hand up to help when they can, demonstrating Accountability. These volunteers communicate Respectfully with others, are open-minded, and always aim to deliver service of the highest quality and excellence. Additionally, they raise any concerns or ask for advice on how best to manage certain situations, demonstrating their commitment to the Safety of patients, visitors, and staff at the Hospital.
They are dedicated to ensuring that the patient experience at Western Health is of the highest quality, safe, and person-centred.
Ward Clerk – GC ward – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
Donna is a very kind, caring, respectful, and compassionate person who goes above and beyond to assist all staff, patients, and family. She is very supportive of staff and always works together with our staff to create a positive Workplace. Donna has been working toward change and improvements in our ward to increase efficiency and safety, all of which are to achieve better outcomes for the patients entrusted with our care. We at GC admire Donna for her kindness, compassion, and integrity. She is always approachable, greets you with a warm and radiant smile, and is always ready to listen to you, whether a patient, staff, or family member.
Donna always lends us a hand, giving us feedback, thanking us whether it relates to patient care or improving the environment, and organising tasks to make things better for our ward. Donna is a valued team member of our unit GC. It is so humbling to have someone care about us and our well-being. Donna always reminds us that we are in this together; she constantly motivates our staff, encouraging us to make a difference as we face daily challenges and reassuring us that we will get through by being there for one another and helping one another. Donna is s very caring and humble, and everyone here at GC looks up to her, admires, and respects her. Donna is an inspiration not only to our staff but also to the patients and their families.
We are very grateful to Donna for her unconditional support and encouragement and for lifting our spirits when we feel low. She always leads by example and empowers us. We are truly blessed and honoured to have Donna in our ward.
Nomination 2:
Donna is unwaveringly dedicated and profoundly committed to excellence. She consistently goes above and beyond in her role, positively impacting our team and the individual patients on the ward.
Donna’s role extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. She is a true team player and a source of inspiration to those around her. Her willingness to share knowledge and expertise and her positive attitude foster a sense of camaraderie and unity within our team.
Volunteer – Sunshine Emergency
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Patricia is a Volunteer who prioritises listening and respects interactions with all individuals at Western Health. She approaches all situations non-judgmentally and with kindness and compassion. Patricia’s impact on others is profound. A patient’s daughter shared how Patricia’s assistance in locating their mother, who was brought into the emergency by ambulance, was a turning point. Her kindness, respect, and empathy not only alleviated their distress but also left them deeply grateful for her timely help.
Patricia’s readiness to go beyond her duties is commendable. When a distressed patient needed companionship while waiting for a bed, Patricia, despite the end of her shift, didn’t hesitate to offer her help. Patricia sat outside with this individual, responded sensitively to their needs, and radiated her warm persona as she does in all of her volunteer interactions. While acting within the scope of her role as a volunteer and not medically assisting the patient, Patricia did what could be done at that moment with the individual, having a friendly chat with them to put them at ease.
Patricia also volunteers in the Palliative Care Unit as a Social Support/ Ward assistant and JKWC Level 8 as a Maternity Volunteer Partner. She is an excellent mentor in all three roles and regularly “buddies” with new volunteers to introduce them to Western Health. She is kind, patient, and professional.
Patricia delivers a volunteer service of the highest quality and excellence. She always aims to go above and beyond to ensure patients and visitors receive the care and support they deserve, providing a reassuring presence at Sunshine Hospital.
Below is what a patient’s daughter shared with us about Patricia:
“My mother had been brought to emergency by ambulance. When my brother and I arrived at the triage desk, the clerk could not locate where Mum had been taken. Pat was in the triage area and could see we were anxious and upset. She calmly approached and said, “Come with me; I’ll find your mum.” She then took us into the patient area and approached several staff members, giving them Mum’s name. After a few moments, she returned and said, “We’ve found her!” Pat then walked us to the cubicle where Mum was. At no time during our encounter with her did she make us feel like we were overreacting or being a bother. Pat treated us with kindness, respect, and empathy, and she was calm and respectful to the staff. Pat greeted Mum warmly when we arrived at the cubicle and asked if we needed anything else before she went on with her work. She went above and beyond, and we are grateful she was there when we needed help.”
Associate Nurse Unit Manager – GC Ward – Sunshine Hospital
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
Tess is a wonderfully supportive person who takes time to educate, support, and guide anyone who asks for her assistance. Ward SGC cares for some of the most vulnerable healthcare consumers. Patients living with dementia are often challenged by their diagnosis, which is compounded by the stressors of an episode of care. Tess takes the time to listen to, sit with, and spend time with patients, showing kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect. She supports families and carers by allowing them to express their concerns and challenges, offering time and patience. Tess will advocate to ensure their questions are answered, they are directed to support, and other multidisciplinary team members are called or paged to address concerns beyond her scope. She keeps significant others updated throughout the episode of care.
Tess has several portfolios, including roster, IP, and Quality, and supports the ward on others as required. Tess supports others within each portfolio to develop and grow, ensuring she takes the time to educate them on the why and not just the how. Tess recognizes patients’ vulnerability to further adverse outcomes secondary to an episode of care and takes measures to ensure risks are identified, addressed, and reviewed further. She educates others on how to do this and its significance. Tess is accountable and responsible, never attempting to offload or justify errors. She understands the difference between identifying a contributing factor as part of the reflective process and an excuse. Tess is also a great listener and offers well-thought-out advice. She can always see things from others ‘ viewpoints, clearly articulate them, and bring attention to what others may miss.
Nomination 2:
Tess is an exceptional leader who promotes respect, accountability, and a positive workplace for Ward GC. Tess treats all staff with respect and dignity and partners with consumers and their families to ensure a positive healthcare journey. Tess addresses concerns as they arise and adopts a win-win solution. Tess ensures that consumers and their families are well informed throughout their hospital stay and advocates for them and their healthcare needs. Tess promotes a positive workplace, ensuring each individual working in GC feels like they belong and are part of a team. Tess promotes teamwork and inclusiveness and always leads by example – often setting time aside to help each team member out. Often going above and beyond to ensure the team feels supported.
Tess demonstrates admirable dedication to individuals living with dementia. She devises innovative strategies to address responsive behaviours and actively educates and inspires others to think creatively. Tess emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for this specific group of individuals, ensuring the provision of ‘best care.’
Dr Lincoln Lim
Radiologist – Radiology
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
Nomination 1:
Lincoln not only exemplifies the core values of CARES that we aim to strive towards each day in our workplace, but he also plays a significant role in fostering a positive environment. His outstanding medical skills are matched only by his approachability and understanding, particularly towards his junior colleagues. His positive and friendly attitude encourages junior staff to confide in him without fear of judgement, creating a positive environment with a focus on accountability. He has a keen eye for excellence, particularly through research, and actively supports junior doctors in their research pursuits. He listens attentively and offers non-judgmental advice when sought, tailoring his approach to each individual’s needs. Lincoln’s contributions to Western Health extend beyond his medical expertise; he fosters a safe, respectful, and nurturing workplace environment and empowers junior doctors to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the organisation.
Nomination 2:
Dr Lincoln Lim is one of the kindest people I know. He gives his all at work to ensure patients get the best care they need. He is always very supportive and a great teacher to his junior doctors. His positive energy and personality always brighten up the room, and I’m in awe of the way he communicates with his patients with compassion, empathy, and respect.
Nomination 3:
Lincoln treats all his colleagues with respect and as if they are his equals. He eliminates the typical ‘hierarchy’ and speaks and acts towards his juniors as he does with his seniors. He continually respects them by considering their opinions, asking for feedback, and doing what he can to involve them. Lincoln embodies excellence through his continued commitment to his field and involvement in research and teaching. Not only does he demonstrate this ‘on paper,’ but even in conversations with Lincoln, you can sense his excitement and passion towards reaching higher goals and improving his field and, consequently, the health of others. He demonstrates excellence when he sticks to his high goals and values and keeps himself and others accountable. Compassion is one of Lincoln’s core values in his personal life and work. From volunteering his time as part of an organisation to ensure radiology teaching is made available to developing nations (radiology across borders) to taking the time to understand and support his juniors during the classic struggles of trying to get onto training programs, Lincoln is always relatable, supportive and attentive to others feelings and needs. Lincoln works extremely hard both towards his Western Health commitments and his further commitments to research and teaching at Unimelb. He cracks on with his work and holds himself accountable for helping the department manage the workload flow. Lincoln holds himself accountable in other domains, such as research, by setting high goals, motivating others around him to be involved, and celebrating wins. One other inspiring experience Lincoln brought to my time at Western Health is that he always made me feel involved, motivated, and encouraged. He would always celebrate joint wins, no matter how small, such as getting a publication, which reminded me and others of what we were working towards. He always encouraged those around him to be their best.
Nomination 4:
Dr. Lincoln Lim’s impact on our workplace has profoundly shaped a culture of support, growth, and excellence. Dr. Lim’s dedication to fostering a positive workplace was unparalleled as a clinical and research supervisor. He actively cultivated an environment where learning and collaboration flourished. For instance, Dr. Lim’s initiative in organising tailored tutorials for first-year trainees facilitated skill development and fostered a sense of camaraderie and confidence among team members. Moreover, his establishment of the ultrasound-guided cannulation training program significantly improved workflow and patient care, underscoring his commitment to enhancing staff and patient experiences. In demonstrating the values of compassion, Dr. Lim consistently exhibited empathy and understanding, especially towards those facing challenges. His genuine care for the well-being of his colleagues and students created a supportive atmosphere where individuals felt valued and motivated to excel. Furthermore, Dr. Lim’s accountability was unwavering; he held himself to the highest standards of integrity and excellence, ensuring accuracy in research and success in educational endeavors. His meticulous approach to teaching and involvement in cutting-edge research projects exemplified his commitment to excellence, serving as a source of inspiration for others. Dr. Lim embodied the core values of compassion, accountability, and excellence through his leadership, leaving an indelible mark on our workplace culture. His contributions have enriched the professional growth of those under his guidance and elevated the overall quality of care provided to our patients. Dr. Lim’s legacy of compassion, integrity, and dedication will continue to resonate within our workplace for years to come.
Nomination 5:
Dr. Lincoln Lim has made outstanding contributions as a radiologist and researcher. I had the privilege of working closely with him on a research project, and his commitment to excellence, compassion, and accountability was truly exemplary. Dr. Lim’s compassion shines through in every aspect of his work. He consistently demonstrated empathy and understanding towards patients and colleagues. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone involved in his research project had their concerns listened to and promptly responded to. Accountability is a clear core value for Dr. Lim. He approaches every task with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all aspects of our research project are conducted in a timely manner with the highest standards. He was able to identify and solve issues before they affected progress. He is always striving to deliver accurate and scientifically rigorous results. Excellence is the hallmark of Dr. Lim’s professional practice. He consistently demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Since I’ve known him, he has published multiple papers and is on top of the latest developments in radiology research. His dedication to excellence is evident in the quality of his work, which consistently exceeds expectations and sets a high standard for others to follow. In summary, Dr. Lincoln Lim embodies the values of accountability, respect, and excellence in everything he does, and his contributions to our research project were invaluable.
Ward 3B Patient Services Assistant Team
Marissa Giudetti, Ma Fatima Poblete, Elnora Dugas & Elizabete Beshah
PICTURE CREDIT: Penny Stephens – www.bypennystephens.com
The Ward 3B Patient Services Assistant team are some of the most positive, kind, supportive and generous people to work at Western Health. No matter how busy they are, they always have a kind word and smile for everyone. They work with the broader 3B Family to ensure patients receive ‘Best Care’ and are treated with dignity and compassion. While attending to their daily tasks, they always take time to speak with patients and families, adding joy and happiness to what can often be an otherwise uneventful day.
These remarkable ladies are always looking for anything that may cause harm and immediately spring into action to address the area of concern. They take time out of their busy days to ensure everyone has a kind word and is considered, comforted, and included. They take time to introduce new staff to the ward, the ward process where everything is, how it works, and who can fix it! They greatly support new and casual staff and are often the first to help, guide, and explain. I am very grateful to have these remarkable humans as part of the Ward 3B Team and for everything they do daily.