Caption: Staff who collaborated on the establishment of the Symptom Urgent Review Clinic for patients undergoing cancer treatments, were presented with a Clinical Excellence Award at the WDHS AGM
Western District Health Service (WDHS) celebrated its staff who make it a great place to work, reflected on another busy year and set the agenda for the future at its 24th Annual General Meeting.
The AGM provided an overview of the Health Service’s 2021/22 highlights and financial performance, in a year where COVID-19 again dominated the landscape.
WDHS Board Chair, Anna Sweeney said although COVID was a huge focus for the organisation, much was achieved in other areas of the Health Service.
“Despite a significant amount of resources devoted to our COVID-19 response, a number of important projects kicked off, including the $6.8 million Penshurst redevelopment, the MRI project and Birches garden upgrade.
Much was achieved, notwithstanding a huge number of competing pressures. The teams at all WDHS campuses have done an outstanding job in continuing to deliver an exemplary standard of service to their community,” Mrs Sweeney said.
Corporate Services Director, Nick Starkie delivered a snapshot of the financial performance of the Health Service, which achieved a relatively small operating surplus (0.50 percent) in the context of the organisation’s $102 million budget.
Coleraine and Penshurst District Health Service Advisory Committee representatives Anna Watson and Shannon Raymond also provided updates about the great work happening in their facilities.
Chief Executive, Rohan Fitzgerald presented several awards for excellence to staff, volunteers and community members.
The ‘Community Award’ for 2022 was presented to the MRI for U&I project, recognising the significant efforts of staff, volunteers, businesses and community members in making the MRI dream a reality.
An award for clinical excellence and innovation was presented to staff who collaborated on the Cancer Symptom Urgent Review Clinic. The clinic supports patients who are experiencing side-effects during cancer treatment by providing a specialist oncology nurse to coordinate care requirements with other members of the oncology team.
The Non-Clinical Excellence Award went to the National Centre for Farmer Health, ‘Gear Up for Ag’ team. ‘Gear up for Ag’ connects with secondary students in a practical, fun and interactive way about preventative safety actions to build knowledge and understanding of farm hazards and safe farm practices, including in their own home.
Individuals were also recognised at the AGM, including retired Diabetes Educator, John Kearney, Professor Susan Brumby and former Board Chair Darren Barber, who were made honorary WDHS ‘Life Governors’ for their contributions to the Health Service over many years.
A number of staff and volunteers were presented with badges for their years of service, with six employees, Sally Hicks, Paul (Tony) Dyson, Leonie Eales, Kim Hearn, Karin McRae and Beverley Robinson recognised for each contributing an impressive 40 years to WDHS.
Three founding members of the Aged Care Trust, Jenny Gubbins, Sue Gaussen and Mary Willsher received a special mention for an incredible 30 Years of service fundraising for local aged care projects.