Victorian Healthcare Innovation & Excellence Celebrated: 2023 Award Winners
The Victorian government recently honored outstanding achievements in public healthcare with its annual awards,recognizing programs and individuals driving positive change across the state. These awards spotlight innovation, dedication, and a commitment to delivering remarkable care to victorian communities. This article details the 2023 winners, offering insight into their groundbreaking work and the impact they’re making.
general Award Recipients: Pioneering Improvements in Patient Care
A diverse range of initiatives received recognition under the general awards, showcasing the breadth of innovation within Victoria’s public health system. Here’s a look at the winning programs:
* Care in the Community: Mercy Health Victoria Limited expanded its Paediatric and Neonatal Hospital in the Home (HITH) Service, bringing hospital-level care directly to families. This approach prioritizes family comfort and strengthens parental confidence in their child’s care.
* Enduring Healthcare: Your Community Health’s “Our Climate, Our Health” initiative embeds sustainability and equity into community healthcare practices. This demonstrates a commitment to a climate-resilient health system.
* Mental Health & Wellbeing: Peninsula Health achieved the elimination of seclusion practices, a significant step towards compassionate and respectful mental healthcare.
* Aged Care Excellence: Barwon Health’s Specialist Dementia Care Program restores dignity and improves quality of life for individuals with severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
* Value-Based Healthcare: Northern health transformed asthma care through a co-designed digital pathway, delivering value-based care and improved patient outcomes.
* Women’s Health: Western Health pioneered addiction medicine support for women in the custodial setting, addressing a critical and often overlooked need.
* Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing: The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, in partnership with Mo Works Creative Agency, launched “FLIP THE VAPE,” a campaign tackling vaping among Aboriginal youth.
* Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Eastern Health and Rahma Health collaborated on “A Blueprint for Community-led Multicultural Health Resources,” starting with the Arabic-speaking community.
* Workforce Sustainability: Eastern Health boosted social work capacity through AHA roles within RACS/TCP pathways, strengthening the healthcare workforce.
* Healthcare Partnerships: The Royal Women’s Hospital fostered a Public Fertility Care Partnership, increasing access to vital fertility services.
Premier’s Health Service of the Year Awards: Recognizing System-Wide Excellence
These prestigious awards acknowledge the outstanding performance of healthcare services across different size categories.
* Premier’s Primary Healthcare Service of the Year: Oral Health victoria.
* Premier’s Small Health Service of the year: Heywood Rural Health.
* Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year: Dhelkaya Health.
* premier’s Large Health Service of the Year: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
Volunteer awards: Celebrating Dedicated Service
Volunteers are the backbone of many healthcare facilities. This year’s Volunteer Award recognized:
* Health Volunteer Team of the year: Volunteer Services Team (Bendigo Health) – for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions.
Spotlight on Innovation: Werribee Mercy Hospital’s HITH Program
Werribee Mercy hospital’s Neonatal and Paediatric Hospital in the Home (HITH) program, winner in the ’Care in the Community’ category, exemplifies the power of patient-centered care. Dr. Kathy mcmahon, Director of Paediatrics, explained the program’s core benefit: “It delivers true hospital-level care in the place where families feel the safest: their own home.”
This approach not only keeps parents close to their babies but also empowers them with the knowledge and confidence to provide optimal care.It’s a testament to the hospital’s dedication to family-focused healthcare.
Further Facts & Resources
Want to learn more about the winners and finalists? you can find a thorough list and detailed information on the Victorian government’s website: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-healthcare-awards/winners-finalists.
These awards demonstrate the ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence within Victoria’s public health system. They highlight the dedication of healthcare professionals and volunteers working tirelessly
