This week has been a milestone moment for our organisation.

I am incredibly proud to share that we have successfully achieved accreditation, with a very positive outcome. This is a significant endorsement of the care we provide, the standards we uphold, and, most importantly, the people who make this organisation what it is every day.

Across the week, assessors consistently reported highly positive feedback, highlighting a strong, authentic culture where staff are visibly living Northern Health values across all sites. Care standards and processes were seen to be well aligned and consistently applied, supported by friendly, welcoming teams and strong teamwork. Patient interviews were overwhelmingly positive, with kindness and compassionate care emerging as a clear and recurring theme.

Assessors were impressed by the integration of services across acute, community and mental health settings, strong executive visibility, and staff feeling genuinely connected to the broader organisation. Particular strengths noted included clinical trials governance, emergency and flow initiatives (including VVVED and the Timely Emergency Care Collaborative), multi‑disciplinary practice, and innovation and data use, with the Colonoscopy Dashboard singled out as award‑worthy. While a small number of opportunities for follow‑up were identified, assessors provided constructive suggestions, reinforcing an overall impression of a high‑performing organisation committed to continuous improvement and high‑quality, patient‑centred care.

Accreditation results like this do not happen by chance. They are earned through professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and a deep, shared commitment to safe, high‑quality care. I want to thank each of you for the way you prepared, collaborated, reflected, and showed the very best of who we are. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of Maree Glynn, Marisa Argetto and team, not only for their outstanding commitment during the past week, but for ensuring we were as ready as we could be for this survey.

On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere thanks and congratulations. The Board is immensely proud of this organisation and of the calibre, dedication, and integrity of our people. This outcome gives us confidence not only in where we are today, but in the strength of our foundation for the future.

This week reminds us of what is possible when we work together with purpose and pride. Let us take a moment to celebrate this achievement, and then carry this confidence forward as we continue to serve our community with care and compassion.

I hope you all enjoy a well-deserved rest this weekend.

Adj. Prof Debra Bourne (she/her)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE