Today, Northern Health’s third Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards ceremony for 2021, showcasing the brilliant achievements of our dedicated staff, was held online.

More than 110 nominations, for six categories, were submitted by the winner’s colleagues.

Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the virtual presentation. He said the awards recognised the “outstanding contributions by our employees and celebrate staff excellence.”

“Northern Health has over 5,700 staff who work across a wide range of areas who are committed to providing great care,” Siva said.

“Through these awards, we recognise staff for their hard work and dedication to our patients, staff and community. Award winners today are staff who exemplify a strong and positive workplace culture and commitment to our patients.”

Nicky Tully and Sue Hull, from the Community Monitoring Program, were awarded the Above and Beyond Award, for going above and beyond to provide care or support to a patient, family or work colleague.

They were nominated by Cassie Bramston, Project Manager, for their hard work on establishing the COVID-19 Community Monitoring Program during the 2020 outbreak.

The Clinical Excellence Award, for a person or team who are generous with knowledge, instil confidence in patients and colleagues, and achieve the best patient experience outcome, was presented to Broadmeadows Surgical Centre team.

They were nominated by Rochelle Sanchez, Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Dr Loren Sher, Head of Paediatric Emergency, won the Innovation Award, for implementing a better way to deliver care or service through a new idea or initiative. In Loren’s case, that was our successful Virtual Emergency Department, established in October last year. Loren was nominated by Dr Michelle Horne, Anaesthetist.

The Excellence in Safety Award was presented to our Rapid Antigen Testing team, for making Northern Health safer for patients, visitors and staff. The team was nominated by Yvonne Hersusianto, Head of Microbiology.

Michelle Brooks, Care Coordinator, won the Patient Experience Award, for making a significant achievement in improving the care experience, including showing kindness and compassion towards a patient, family or work colleague. In Michelle’s absence, the Award was accepted by Johanna Hayes, Divisional Director. Michelle was nominated by Hallie Silver, HARP Team Leader.

And lastly, Nicholas Caruana, Reception Manager, took home the Rising Star Award, for having potential to grow and develop his career at Northern Health. He was nominated by his colleague Elizabeth Anagnostou, Receptionist.

Congratulations to all the award winners!

The Staff Awards are sponsored by BankVic and Northern Health Foundation.

To watch the ceremony recording, please click here.

Featured image: L-R top row: Brylie Willson (accepting the Award on behalf of Broadmeadows Surgical Team), Nicholas Caruana, Johanna Hayes.

L-R bottom row: Nicky Tully and Sue Hull, Vi Nguyen (accepting the Award on behalf of RAT team), Dr Loren Sher.