South West Hospital and Health Service recognise hard working staff at annual awards night 2023

Following a lavish awards night with nearly 100 nominations, some of South West Health’s hardest working staff have been revealed. See the full list of finalists.

South West Hospital and Health Service staff were recognised for their efforts at the annual staff excellence awards held at the Explorers Inn, Roma last Monday night October 23, 2023. Picture: Supplied.

South West Hospital and Health Service workers celebrated their achievements at the annual staff excellence awards held at the Roma Explorers Inn last Monday night October 23.

The annual Leading the Way in Rural and Remote Healthcare awards recognised quiet achievers and team efforts from across the region, with almost 100 nominees fighting for one of the 11 coveted awards.

The awards reflect the five core values of the SWHHS - quality, compassion, engagement, accountability and adaptability.

The five core value awards, which share the same namesake as the listed values, are supplemented by six additional special awards.

These are the long-standing Jim and Jill Baker Award which is presented to the employee or team who demonstrates excellence in their chosen field, the Community Volunteer Award, the Clinical Excellence Award, the Deadly Achiever Award, the Board Chair Award and the brand new Fiona Holmes Award unveiled at the ceremony.

The Fiona Holmes Award is in honour of Fiona ‘Fee’ Holmes a dedicated midwife whose

journey in the field of nursing and midwifery spanned more than two decades, during which she dedicated herself to the well-being of countless mothers and babies at Roma Hospital.

SWHHS chief executive Dr Anthony Brown said Fee’s untimely departure on

August 27, 2022, left a void that deeply saddened not only her colleagues, family, and friends but also the many families whose lives she touched.

South West Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Karen Tully said the annual awards night is the perfect opportunity to celebrate hardworking teams and individuals in the organisation. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Whether it was delivering babies, providing care during pregnancy, or assisting in the transition to a new family environment, Fiona’s impact was immeasurable,” Dr Brown said.

“Fiona wasn’t just a dedicated professional; she became an integral part of the Roma

community.

“Her commitment extended beyond the hospital walls to her own family, where she raised two wonderful daughters, both of whom are following in her footsteps as they train to become registered nurses.

“She was a true team player, advocating not only for her colleagues but for nursing as a whole and maternity services across the South West and beyond.

“Fiona’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the inspiration she provided.”

Board chair Karen Tully said providing quality health care in rural communities can be challenging and staff should be proud of their accomplishments over the past 12 months.

“It is always a significant challenge picking the winners. All our staff have a positive impact

within their teams and communities, and every year the awards exemplify this,’’ she said.

“There are always obstacles working in rural and remote settings, however the resilience of our staff and the communities in which they work always prevail.

“They say they breed them tough in the bush. This is on show every day with the South West HHS as no matter the challenge or demand placed on our staff the determination of delivering quality healthcare never waivers.”

See the full list of 2023 award winners:

Quality – We strive for excellence and do our best to deliver person-centred care:

Winner: Billie-Jo Hurle Project Manager - Office of the Executive Director of Nursing and

Midwifery Services | Executive Support

Compassion – We treat people with the same kindness, respect and dignity as we

would our own family:

Winners: Sophie Morris, Clinical Nurse Community Health; and Kamal Mustafayev, Social

Worker

Engagement – We work effectively and inclusively with others:

Winner: Suzanne Andrew – Clinical Nurse Child Health

Accountability – We are reliable and own what we do and do what we say we will do:

Winner: Steve Ralph – Strategy Management Officer

Adaptability – We learn, change and grow:

Winner: Dr Nikita Shanley, Roma Hospital Director of Medical Services

Community Volunteer Award:

Winner: Bridget Dickinson – Registered Nurse, Charleville

Fiona Holmes Award for Midwifery:

Winner: Brigitte Rathbone– Nurse Educator Midwife, Roma Hospital

Jim and Jill Baker Award:

Winner: Kelly Harms, Administration, Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected

Communities (TRACC) Program.

SWHHS Clinical Excellence Award:

Winner: Dr Michael McLaughlin – Rural Generalist Surgery, Roma Hospital

SWHHS Deadly Achiever Award - Recognises a staff member or team that has made

the biggest difference to Closing the Gap and supporting reconciliation during the

past 12 months:

Winners: Jo Turnbull – ATSI Liaison Officer, Women’s business

Board Chair’s Award - Recognises outstanding service, dedication, and commitment:

Winner: Kylie Keegan – Coordinator Operational Services

Originally published as South West Hospital and Health Service recognise hard working staff at annual awards night 2023