West Moreton Health staff and teams have been recognised for their dedication to providing care for the community at yesterday’s Caring Better Together Awards.
West Moreton Health Chief Executive Hannah Bloch said the award finalists and winners in five categories were nominated by their colleagues, creating a holistic picture of the health service values in action.
“Congratulations to the Caring Better Together Award winners for 2023, who were chosen by an independent panel of judges from more than 170 nominations that were received,” she said.
“Winners are a mix of both frontline and operational staff, who make a difference in the lives of patients and their carers every day.”
The 2023 awards celebrated staff and teams who exhibited West Moreton Health values of connect, respect and excel. It also showcased current and emerging leaders with the #EveryoneIsALeader award.
A new award was added this year to recognise staff and teams who excelled in the development of services that support improved health outcomes for our First Nations community.
Connect award winner Boonah Hospital Assistant in Nursing Vivienne Cassidy
Vivienne’s personalised connection with patients and commitment to compassionate care at Boonah Hospital is well known. Whether it’s a handmade rug on the bed in winter, a quick game of cards or walk and a chat, Vivienne takes the time to support patients in a way that makes them feel comfortable.
Runner-ups: Mental Health and Specialised Services division, and Prison Health Service Peer Support Program team
Respect award winner Anaesthetics Department Staff Specialist Dr Jim McLean
Ipswich Hospital’s Dr McLean has been described by his colleagues as a ray of light, with his compassion for patients and mentoring of staff shining bright. Dr McLean is a highly respected and calming presence, and was nominated several times for his leadership, dignity and compassion.
Runner-up: Boonah Hospital administrative and operational staff
Excel award winner Preventative Integrated Care Service commissioning team 
The Preventative Integrated Care Service (PICS) began in November 2022 at Ipswich Hospital to reduce potentially preventable hospitalisations among people with complex conditions.
The service has achieved significant results through a multidisciplinary approach to care, receiving hundreds of referrals for care to June 2023. Along with fewer hospital and emergency department visits, patients say they are receiving care at the right time in the right place.
Caption from left: Thomas McInnes, Dr Adel de Klerk-Braasch, Dr Mei-Ching Freeman, Amanda Lewis, Callum Trevorrow and Shannon Wallis
Runner-up: Forensic and Secure Services Occupational Violence Prevention Coordinator Mark McHugh
Health Equity award winners the Ripley Satellite Hospital project team
Providing care in a culturally safe and appropriate manner is a key element of our Health Equity Strategy. The Ripley Satellite Hospital project team has ensured we do this at our newest facility by incorporating cultural elements into the project from the ground up.
The team engaged our local First Nations groups, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people, to work on co-naming the hospital. They gained input from Elders and staff on everything from design elements, such as front screens and window frosting; to a Yarning Circle with stones donated by a West Moreton Health staff member.
Caption from left: Maurice Woodley, Warren Brown, James Hall, Mitchell Petersen, Rebecca Helland and Jessika Johnston
Runner-up: The Jaghu Maternal and Infant Health team
#EveryoneIsALeader award winner Physiotherapist Jessica Bradbury
Jessica has been recognised for her open and approachable nature and leadership within the physiotherapy team. As a senior clinician she is regularly the first point of call for junior staff to discuss concerns. She supports staff through formal supervision, advice, mentoring and coaching sessions and leading by example.
Runner-up: Indigenous Disaster Recovery Co-ordinator Marlena Bishop