Today, Northern Health virtually held the first Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards for 2023, to formally celebrate and acknowledge the amazing work of our staff.

We had an outstanding response from our staff, with a number of nominations received across seven categories. Today’s ceremony awarded winners from 2022 Quarter 4 (October – December).

Debra Bourne, Acting Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the contributions of the more than 7,500 staff across the health service.

“Our staff work a wide range of areas, departments and sites and are all committed to providing great care to our community each and every day,” she said.

“I would like to thank all of our staff, who show up every day to care for our community and deliver excellent service to the northern catchment.”

“The number and standard of nominations for these awards were very high. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all staff who received a nomination. Your work is appreciated and valued by all of us at Northern Health.”

Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, presented the winners with their awards.

“I am extremely proud to work in an organisation where staff are passionate and kind and turn up to work every day to provide outstanding care to our patients and community. We thank you all for your hard work,” she said.

Kristin Southwell, Senior Respiratory Scientists, was presented with the Above and Beyond Award, for providing extra care or support to a patient, family or work colleague.

The Clinical Excellence Award, which recognises a clinician or clinical team who are generous with knowledge, instils confidence in patients and colleagues, and achieved the best patient outcomes, was presented to Vikki Hannah, Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner.

The Patient Experience Award, presented to an individual or team who has made a significant achievement in improving the care experience, including showing kindness and compassion towards a patient, family or work colleague, was awarded to Dennis Espinosa, Respiratory Nurse Consultant.

Midwives Melanie Alcorn and Melanie Riseley, took home the Excellence in Safety Award, for making Northern Health safer for patients, visitors or staff.

Debra Hutchinson, Junior Medical Workforce Manager, Kel D’Acri, Junior Medical Workforce Coordinator and Josh Wallace, Decision Support, were jointly awarded the Innovation Award for implementing a better way to deliver care or service through a new idea or initiative.

The Rising Star Award, presented to a staff member who has great potential to grow and develop in their career at Northern Health, was won by Daniel Cazon, Emergency Mental Health Clinician.

Lastly, the Education Award was presented to Nicole Psaila, Postgraduate Program Coordinator/Perioperative Clinical Nurse Educator, for having exceptional skills and passion to pass on knowledge to others either in a clinical or administrative environments.

During the presentation, viewers sent messages of congratulation to our award winners.

“Congratulations Kris! Thank you for all that you do for us!” – Lauren Tampaline.

“Congratulations Vikki!” – Alison Davies.

“Congratulations to the Medical Workforce Team – improved satisfaction for our JMOs greatly. Proud of the team!” – Kean Kuan.

“Congratulations Mel and Mel!” – Kate Duggan.

“Congratulations Dennis!” – Madonna Sanchez.

“Fantastic role model, well done Nicole!” – Yvette Sage.

“Congratulations Daniel! We are proud of you as our rising star!” – Belinda Scott.

Congratulations once again to all our award winners and nominees! The Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards are proudly sponsored by BankVic and Northern Health Foundation.

To watch the ceremony recording, please click here.

Featured image shows our winners. L-R top row: Kristen Southwell, Vikki Hannah, Kel D’Acri, Josh Wallace, Debra Hutchinson, Melanie Alcorn and Melanie Riseley.

L-R bottom row: Dennis Espinosa, Nicole Psaila and Daniel Cazon.