Today, Northern Health virtually held its first Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards ceremony for 2022, showcasing the great work of our staff.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions that were in place over December and January, today’s ceremony recognised 2021 Quarter 4 winners, as well as 2022 Quarter 1 winners.

More than 200 nominations, across six categories, were submitted by the winner’s colleagues.

Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the virtual ceremony. He said the awards had been designed to formally recognise the outstanding contributions by our employees and to celebrate staff excellence.

“Northern Health has over 6,300 staff who work across a wide range of areas and who are committed to providing great care,” he said.

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

The Paediatric Nursing staff at La Trobe Kids in Care and Recruitment and Payroll teams were presented with the Above and Beyond Award, for providing extra care or support to a patient, family or work colleague.

The Clinical Excellence Award was given to Dr Mikael Dunlop, Paediatric Registrar, and Dr David Langsford, Renal Consultant. Both staff showcased generosity with their knowledge, instilled confidence in patients and colleagues, and achieved the best patient experience outcomes.

The Innovation Award, for a person or team that implemented a better way to deliver care or service through a new idea or initiative, was presented to Keith Stockman, Director of Service Design and Innovation, Hospital Without Walls, and the COMET Team (COVID Early Therapies).

Melissa Sajeva, Operations Manager Coding and Casemix, and the Falls Committee, won the Excellence in Safety Award for making Northern Health a safer place for our patients, visitors and staff.

The Patience Experience Award, for making a significant achievement in improving the care experience, including showing kindness and compassion towards a patient, family or colleague, was presented to Christine Nunn, Enrolled Nurse Antenatal and Gynaecology, and Julius Quiring, Nurse Unit Manager of the Palliative Care Unit.

And lastly, Aaron Woods, Health Information Manager, Data Integrity, and Vanessa Dicianni, Paediatric Speech Pathologist, both took home the Rising Star Award. This award represents growth potential in developing a career at Northern Health.

Congratulations to all our award winners!

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

To watch the ceremony recording, please click here.

Featured image (left to right top row): Barbara Rischitelli, Sharyn Schon, Dr Kristen Pearson, Melissa Sajeva; (bottom row) Falls Committee – Paula Dimakos-Pugliese and Uyen Phan, Julius Quiring, Aaron Woods.