NSW Health staff and volunteers have been celebrated for their innovation, kindness and commitment to providing outstanding care at the 28th annual NSW Health Awards, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney last night.
The awards are a celebration of the people and teams across NSW Health enriching health in millions of ways every day, delivering great experiences and outcomes of care for patients, families and communities throughout the state.
Some of the innovative projects to win awards across the 15 categories included the introduction of artificial intelligence to support breast cancer screening, reforms improving access to ADHD care, and a pioneering emergency department model that is reshaping musculoskeletal care and helping reduce patient wait times.
The awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health Dr Michael Holland, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.
Awards were presented across 15 categories:
- Staff Member of the Year Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Small Acts of Kindness Award
- Secretary's Award
- Environmental Sustainability Award
- Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
- Excellence in Multicultural Healthcare Award
- Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
- Health Equity Award
- Health Innovation Award
- Health Research Award
- Keeping People Healthy Award
- Patient Safety First Award
- People and Culture Award
- Transforming Patient Experience Award
The full list of winners and finalists and their projects is available on the NSW Health website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"I want to congratulate the winners and all 45 finalists for their outstanding contribution to our public health system. Every day, staff and volunteers across NSW Health are finding new and better ways to deliver safe, high-quality care to the people of NSW.
"These awards showcase the incredible innovation and compassion demonstrated by people and teams in every corner of the state, from our largest metropolitan hospitals to our rural and regional communities.
"I would particularly like to highlight Professor Aaron Sverdlov from Hunter New England Local Health District, who was named Staff Member of the Year for his leadership in cardio-oncology and heart failure care, improving the lives of patients living with two of the world's most significant health challenges."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"I offer my congratulations to Northern Sydney Local Health District for winning the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award for Let's Talk About Voices, an innovative online toolkit co-designed by people with lived experience and clinicians.
"The quality of projects recognised in this category reflects the dedication of mental health professionals across NSW to delivering safe, compassionate and person-centred care. Every finalist should be proud of the difference they are making to the people, families and communities across our state."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research David Harris:
"I want to congratulate Sydney Local Health District for winning the Health Research Award for RESHAP-ED, which is helping reshape emergency department care through innovative physiotherapy-led treatment models.
"These awards highlight the outstanding work being undertaken by NSW researchers and clinicians, reinforcing our position as a global leader in health and medical research. It is a privilege to celebrate this incredible work and the people behind it."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:
"These fantastic awards celebrate the extraordinary people across our health system who are enriching health and improving people's lives every day.
"From volunteers who provide comfort and support to patients and families, to clinicians, researchers, administrators and support staff, every finalist should be incredibly proud of their achievements.
"The calibre of nominations this year reflects the exceptional talent and dedication of our workforce, and I thank all nominees, finalists and winners for the difference they make every day."
