2019 VICTORIAN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE AWARDS - Showcase - Health.vic
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2019 VICTORIAN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE AWARDS Showcase Quality. Innovation. Outcomes.
Premier’s message Every day and in every corner of our state, our doctors, nurses, midwives and allied healthcare workers change and save lives. These awards celebrate those remarkable individuals who are at the forefront of caring for our state. It gives me great pleasure – on behalf of our Government and every Victorian – to congratulate this year’s finalists and winners. Thank you for your truly extraordinary efforts in affording Victorian patients the very best of care. The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier
Minister for Health,
Minister for Ambulance Services
Every day, Victoria’s dedicated and hard-working The Victorian Government is committed to
health workers deliver world-class healthcare ensuring that all Victorians have access to
services for people across our state. the best quality healthcare, close to home.
While we continue to support our healthcare
Many are recognised as global leaders in their
workforce with better facilities, improved staff
fields, but many continue to do outstanding work
to patient ratios and more training, this year’s
without public acclaim.
finalists demonstrate the leadership that drives
Every year, the Victorian Public Healthcare improvements in clinical practice and health
Awards provide an opportunity to recognise outcomes for all Victorians.
and celebrate examples of quality care, service
Congratulations to all the award winners and
innovation and improved consumer outcomes
finalists for showing us what is possible.
from right across the state.
Congratulations to all the award winners and
The awards highlight the inspiring work being
finalists for showing us what is possible.
done across 18 categories, from women’s,
children’s and Aboriginal health to complex care,
clinical research and worker and consumer safety.
The doctors, nurses, paramedics, researchers,
allied health and healthcare workers featured
in this year’s awards provide great examples of
the sort of commitment and leadership that is on Jenny Mikakos MP
display throughout our public healthcare system. Minister for Health
Minister for Ambulance Services
Minister for Disability,
Ageing and Carers
The annual Victorian Public Healthcare Awards non-government sector. We are also welcoming
give us a wonderful opportunity to recognise the opportunities for reform to further improve
outstanding achievements in the delivery of the quality of aged care services in Victoria and
health programs and services to Victorians. strengthen the protections for older people.
Victorian health services play a vital role in This year’s nominations are outstanding and
providing quality public aged care. Through these highlight the dedication and expertise of our
awards we acknowledge excellent care provided workers who make our health system world class.
by these services to older Victorians.
I’d like to congratulate all the winners and
There are around 1.25 million people aged 60 and finalists of this year’s awards. Thank you to all our
over in our state. Older Victorians are a vital and healthcare workers who do such an incredible job.
important part of the community and deserve to
be treated with dignity and respect and to receive
the very best of care as they age.
We have the largest public residential aged care
sector in Australia and these services support
some of our most vulnerable older Victorians.
We are building for the future and investing in
public aged care, ensuring quality care for older
Victorians who require more specialised services Luke Donnellan MP
than those currently available in the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
Minister for Mental Health,
Minister for Equality
Every year, one in five Victorians experiences Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists
some form of mental illness. and thank you to all healthcare workers who do
such an amazing and important job.
It’s something which will affect us all.
This is all the more exceptional when we consider
Thousands of Victorians from all walks of life turn
that many people have also been helping us
to trusted mental health care professionals across
shape our sector’s future through the vital work
the state each day to help them and their families
of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental
stay healthy and well.
Health System over the past few months.
It’s work that often goes unrecognised but makes
Through the Royal Commission, we will build a
an enormous difference to people’s lives.
truly world-class mental health system that our
That’s why the annual Victorian Public Healthcare workforce, and Victorians deserve.
Awards are an important opportunity for us to
We’re already investing in this, with a total of
recognise and honour you - the valued, dedicated
$172.8 million included in this year’s state budget
workers of the mental health workforce.
to ensure Victorians get better mental health
This year, nominations are truly outstanding, and treatment and care.
I’m delighted to see so many people going above
Together, we’ll continue to build a brighter future
and beyond in their day-to-day care for people.
for all Victorians.
This includes work that is dedicated to improving
the health of LGBTIQ Victorians.
Martin Foley MP
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Equality
Contents
Introduction 2
Judges 3
Summary of awards 6
Premier’s Health Service of the Year 9
Primary Health Service of the Year 10
Small Health Service of the Year 12
Medium Health Service of the Year 14
Large Health Service of the Year 15
Key awards 18
Minister for Health’s Award for
improving maternal, child and family health 19
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Award for
excellence in public sector aged care 21
Minister for Equality’s Award for supporting LGBTIQ health 23
Minister for Mental Health’s Award for excellence in
supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Victorians 25
Secretary’s Award for excellence in culturally diverse health 28
Chief Health Officer’s Award for supporting healthy populations 30
Category awards 32
Excellence in women’s health 33
Improving Aboriginal health 35
Improving healthcare through clinical research 37
Improving integration of care for patients
with chronic and complex conditions 40
Improving workforce wellbeing and safety 42
Safer Care Victoria compassionate care award 45
Safer Care Victoria Award for excellence in quality and safety 47
Whole of hospital model for responding to family violence 49
1
Introduction Introducing our judges The judging panel comprised of 71 experts from across the healthcare sector. The panel included chief executives, board members, patient advocates, researchers, clinicians, general managers, directors, program managers and advisers. The Hon. Bob Cameron, chair of Bendigo Health board, was our chair of judges, and oversaw the judging process. In 2019, we congratulate the following judges on completing 10 years’ service as an awards judge: • Ms Pip Carew, Assistant Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria Branch) • Ms Liz Hlipala, Principal Search Consultant, Hardy Group International • Ms Jo-Anne Moorfoot, Executive Director, The Australian Centre for Healthcare Governance We sincerely thank all the judges for their continuous dedication to these awards. 2
Judges
Chair of Judges Ms Mary-Jane Stolp Ms Pip Carew
General Manager Assistant Secretary
The Hon. Bob Cameron
The Bridge Inc. Australian Nursing & Midwifery
Chair of Bendigo Health
Federation (Victoria Branch)
Board of Directors Dr Brett Sutton
Bendigo Health Chief Health Officer Adjunct Professor Cheyne
Department of Health Chalmers
Panel Chairs and Human Services (DHHS) Executive Director Residential
and Support Services/Chief
Ro Allen Associate Professor
Nursing and Midwifery Officer
Gender and Sexuality Tony Walker ASM
Monash Health
Commissioner Chief Executive Officer
Department of Premier Ambulance Victoria Ms Amanda Charles
and Cabinet Former Associate Director, Risk
Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward
Austin Health
Ms Rowena Clift Chief Executive Officer
Director Service and Australian College of Nursing Ms Kirstan Corben
System Integration Executive Manager
Western Victoria Primary Judges Programs Group
Health Network Ltd. Victorian Health Promotion
Ms Jane Auchettl
Foundation (VicHealth)
Ms Karella de Jongh Coordinator Education and
Chief Interpreter Training Programs, Cancer Mr Philip Cornish
St Vincent’s Hospital Information Support Service Consultant
Cancer Council Victoria P.K. Cornish Consulting
Ms Louise Greene
Director Ms Susan Biggar Ms Alison Coughlan
The Ideal Consultancy National Engagement Advisor Managing Director
Australian Health Practitioner Alison Coughlan Pty Ltd
Ms Liz Hlipala
Regulation Agency Dr Lynne Coulson Barr
Principal Search Consultant
Hardy Group Mr Peter Birkett Commissioner
Chief Executive Officer Mental Health Complaints
Hon Robert Knowles AO Commissioner
Hesse Rural Health Service
Chairman
The Royal Children’s Hospital Professor Christopher Bladin Mr Peter Craighead
Director, Victorian Stroke Chief Executive Officer
Mr Steven McConchie Latrobe Regional Hospital
Telemedicine Service
Group Manager, Clinical
Ambulance Victoria Ms Andrea Doric
Outcomes and Analytics
Epworth HealthCare Ms Lyn Bongiovanni Clinical Risk Manager
Manager Language Services Clinical Deterioration
Mr Gregg Nicholls Eastern Health
Western Health
Chairperson
Enliven Victoria Mr Harry Bryce
General Manager
Ms Merrin Prictor
Victorian Counselling &
Previous Executive
Psychological Services
Director of Primary Care,
Chief Allied Health Officer Mr Nick Bush
Echuca Regional Health Chief Executive Officer
Echuca Regional Health
3
Ms June Dyson Ms Wendy Hubbard Mr Robin Ould
Executive Director of Nursing General Manager Former Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Nursing Officer Australian Regional & Remote The Asthma Foundation of
Echuca Regional Health Community Services Victoria (Retired)
Dr John Elcock Ms Sue Huckson Adjunct Professor David Plunkett
Chief Medical Officer and Manager, Centre for Outcome Chief Executive Officer
Director Medical Services and Resource Evaluation Eastern Health
Goulburn Valley Health Australian and New Zealand
Ms Nicola Quin
Intensive Care Society
Professor Sue Evans Executive Director,
Director Ms Susan Kearney Social Policy Group
Victorian Cancer Registry Department of Premier
Ms Jackie Kelly
and Cabinet
Mr Peter Fitzgerald Chief Executive Officer
Consultant and former Deputy Moyne Health Adjunct Associate Professor
Secretary DHHS John Rasa
Ms Sandra Keppich Arnold
Director
Dr Simon Fraser Director Operations and Nursing
The Edge Management
Senior Executive Medical Director, Alfred Mental and Addiction Health
Consulting
Clinical Governance & Risk
Mr Allan Layton
Medibank Ms Anne Robinson
Life Governor and former
Divisional Operations Director,
Ms Jo Gatehouse Board Chair
Medical and Critical Care
Director, Quality, Planning Alexandra District Health
Goulburn Valley Health
and Innovation
Ms Fiona McKinnon
Eastern Health Ms Jacinta Russell
General Manager, Allied Health
Divisional Director Clinical
Mr Michael Graham and Community Services
Support Services
Chief Executive Officer St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Goulburn Valley Health
Victorian Aboriginal Health
Ms Jane Miller
Service Mr Simon Ruth
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Sabine Hammond The Royal Children’s Hospital
Thorne Harbour Health
Professor, School of Behavioural
Ms Jo-Anne Moorfoot
& Health Sciences Ms Meg Rynderman
Executive Director
Australian Catholic University Consumer Representative for the
The Australian Centre for
Australian Cancer Survivorship
Dr Jane Hendtlass Healthcare Governance
Centre (ACSC)
Research and
Ms Assunta Morrone Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Management Consultant
Project Lead, Strengthening
Rodie Research Ms Meredith Theobald
Hospital Responses to
Director of Nursing,
Ms Debbie Hsu Family Violence
Subacute (Bed Based)
Senior Advisor Western Health
Nursing Administration Qec,
COAG Education Council
Ms Lauren Newman Ballarat Health Services
Executive Officer, Health
Ms Therese Tierney
Accord Program
Former Chief Executive Officer
Southwest Victoria
Bairnsdale Regional Health
Service
4Ms Tracey Tobias
Director of Complex Care
Ambulance Victoria
Mr Danny Vadasz
Chief Executive Officer
Health Issues Centre
Mr Stephen Vale
Executive Director,
Community Services
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Dr Janney Wale
Consumer Advocate and
Consumer Representative
Melbourne Health
Professor Andrew Way AM
Chief Executive Officer
Alfred Health
Dr Margaret Way
Director, Safety and Quality
Barwon Health
Mr Dan Weeks
Chief Executive Officer
West Gippsland Healthcare
Group
Dr Pamela Williams OAM
Secretary
Cancer Action Victoria
Ms Jane Williamson
Program Manager
Victorian Paediatric Integrated
Cancer Service
Ms Janet Wood AM
Volunteer and Community Advisor
Aged Care Sector
5Summary of awards
Premier’s Health Key awards Minister for Equality’s Award
for supporting LGBTIQ health
Service of the Year Minister for Health’s Award
awards for improving maternal, Winner
VincentCare
child and family health
Premier’s Primary Health Rainbow Tick Accreditation
Service of the Year Winner for VincentCare Victoria
Austin Health
Winner
MumSpace – Digital hub for mums Highly Commended
Banyule Community Health
with depression and anxiety Cancer Council Victoria,
Highly Commended Thorne Harbour Health
Finalist Public Cervix Announcement
Merri Health
Dental Health Services Victoria campaign
Finalist Improving the oral health
Gippsland Lakes outcomes of pregnant Victorians Finalist
Community Health through the Midwifery Initiated Hepburn Health Service
Oral Health Education Program Hepburn Health: Inclusion
Premier’s Small Health and Diversity
Service of the Year Finalist
Banyule Community Health Minister for Mental Health’s
Winner
Numurkah District Health Service We Love Stories Award for excellence in
supporting the mental
Highly Commended Minister for Disability, health and wellbeing of
Yarrawonga Health Ageing and Carers Award Victorians
for excellence in public
Premier’s Medium Health sector aged care Winner
Service of the Year Barwon Health and
Winner Ambulance Victoria
Winner Goulburn Valley Health, Prehospital Response of Mental
South West Healthcare Albury Wodonga Health, Health and Paramedic Team
Premier’s Large Health North East Health Wangaratta, (PROMPT)
Service of the Year Nexus Primary Health,
NCN Health Highly Commended
Winner Community Interlink – a public Peninsula Health
Ambulance Victoria health aged care consortium The Wellness Clinic – Optimising
the physical health of clients
Highly Commended Finalist
Melbourne Health Finalist
Monash Health, Alfred Health,
Eastern Health, Northern Monash Health
Finalist
St Vincent’s Hospital Health, Western Health, Monash Promoting recovery and trauma
University, Office of the Public treatment in public health
Finalist Advocate (Victoria)
Bendigo Health Finalist
Guardianship in Hospitals:
Numurkah District
a health services/OPA
Health Service
pilot program
Dairy Industry Support project
6Secretary’s Award for Category awards Improving healthcare
excellence in culturally through clinical research
diverse health Excellence in women’s health
Winner
Winner Alfred Health
Winner
Monash Health Professor Paul Myles
Women’s Health West, cohealth,
Keeping mothers and babies
Centre for Culture, Ethnicity
together: a better way of Finalist
and Health, Maribyrnong
assessing sepsis risk The Royal Melbourne Hospital,
City Council, Western English
Monash Health and
Language School Highly Commended The University of Melbourne
Human relations education Western Health EXTEND: a game changer for
program for newly arrived Maternity Connect Program: ischemic stroke treatment
young people rural service sustainability worldwide
Highly Commended Highly Commended
Finalist
Merri Health, Wathaurong Aboriginal
Austin Health, Monash Health
Moreland City Libraries Co-operative, Koorie Maternity
Improving the management of
Word Play Service, Barwon Health
paracetamol overdose
Foundation, Barwon Health
Finalist Women’s and Children’s Finalist
Cancer Council Victoria
Excellence in Koorie women’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Bowel cancer screening
maternity health Avoiding major surgery for
campaign for the South Asian
patients with bowel cancer
community Improving Aboriginal health
Chief Health Officer’s Award Winner
for supporting healthy Western Health,
populations Mercy Hospital for Women,
The Royal Women’s Hospital,
Winner VACCHO and La Trobe University
Women’s Health West, Health
A culturally safe and collaborative
West, Western Bulldogs, IPC
model of midwifery care
Health, Hobsons Bay
Community champions take action Highly Commended
Lakes Entrance Aboriginal
Finalist Health Association, Gippsland
Hepburn Health Service
Lakes Community Health
The Cook, the Chef and Us
Djinbung – To breathe: a picture
Finalist is worth a thousand words
Merri Health, The University
Highly Commended
of Melbourne
Bairnsdale Regional
Count Me In
Health Service
Improving Aboriginal health
outcomes and healthcare
experience
7Improving integration Safer Care Victoria Whole of hospital model
of care for patients with compassionate care award for responding to family
chronic and complex violence
Winner
conditions
cohealth, Youth Support and Winner
Winner Advocacy Service (YSAS), Echuca Regional Health,
Monash Health North Western Melbourne PHN Rochester & Elmore District
Early Neurodevelopment and Green Cross Project Inc Health Service, Cohuna District
Clinic Team Mobile Health Access Point Hospital, Kerang District Health,
Program (MhAP) Northern District Community
Highly Commended
Health, Swan Hill District Health
The Salvation Army and Highly Commended
Murray SHRFV Cluster
St Vincent’s Hospital Sunraysia Community
Integrating primary health at the Health Services Finalist
Salvation Army’s 614 precinct Team Palliative Care Eastern Health
Everyone at Eastern Health is
Finalist Finalist
able to respond to family violence
St Vincent’s Hospital Monash Health
Physician home visits to patients Delivering a better quality of life Finalist
with advanced lung disease to patients with malignant ascites Bass Coast Health
with in-home paracentesis via an Bass Coast Health and the
Finalist
indwelling drain Change for Sam Initiative
Melbourne Health
Better health outcomes for Safer Care Victoria Award Finalist
diabetes patients: RAPIDS for excellence in quality Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
and safety Peter Mac Says No to
Improving workforce Family Violence
wellbeing and safety Winner
The Royal Children’s Hospital
Winner
RAPID model of care in The Royal
Western Health
Children’s Hospital ED
Improving safety: routine
emergency department risk Highly Commended
assessments. Austin Health
Optimising patient outcomes
Finalist
in hypogonadism
The Kilmore and District Hospital
REACHing for a positive Highly Commended
workplace culture Northern Health
Respiratory Care Unit
Finalist
Eastern Health
Creating a values-based culture
8Premier’s
Health Service
of the Year
9Winner Primary Health Service of the Year Banyule Community Health Banyule Community Health is a growing part of the first health–justice partnership in community health service with an increasingly Australia, integrating legal assistance within complex mix of services and programs that an existing and trusted community health are provided across the continuum of care. It setting. It has improved the quality of dual understands that its two biggest assets are its diagnosis care for vulnerable consumers by staff and its clients, and it invests in both. It has working closely with general practitioners who exceptionally high staff engagement, which allows provide psychosocial treatment for alcohol and it to balance a responsive service for vulnerable other drugs. To strengthen safety and quality, clients with providing a safe workplace for Banyule Community Health has undertaken staff. To support staff and client safety, Banyule major reviews across multiple systems, including Community Health has a person-centred, trauma- overhauling quality systems and ensuring the informed Code Black response team that is organisation remains aligned with the complex trained to respond to the appropriate level of compliance environment it works within. It distress, and that works with treating practitioners has also undertaken a number of prevention to ensure clients are clear on expectations. and health promotion projects to support its The organisation also focuses on vulnerable community. Overall, Banyule Community Health communities that face multiple barriers to has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to accessing services, including children in out-of- provide contemporary consumer-focused health home care, the local Somali-Australian community and community services that adapt to the needs and the Aboriginal community. In addition, it was of the people it serves. Contact Michael Geary michael.geary@bchs.org.au 10
Highly Commended Finalist
Merri Health Gippsland Lakes
Merri Health creates healthy, connected Community Health
communities through local health services for Gippsland Lakes Community Health is a not-for-
people at every age and stage of life. It is a not- profit organisation that has been helping East
for-profit community health organisation that Gippsland residents for more than 40 years. It
delivers integrated services across north and delivers high-quality, innovative wellness solutions
west metropolitan Melbourne and the Hume that align with the needs of its community.
region. Services include those for children and It sees its role as developing and delivering
families, young adults, carer support, chronic accessible, client-centric health and support
disease management, mental health, disability, services so people in the regional, rural and
dental, population health and aged care. Through remote communities it serves are supported to
community initiatives, peer-led models, and live well. It achieves this by sharing knowledge
educational and partnership programs, Merri and experience, understanding local health issues
Health addresses the medical, social, environmental and responding to community needs by delivering
and economic aspects that affect health. Its work high-quality, accessible services. Gippsland Lakes
is grounded in respectful and inclusive practice, Community Health is also acknowledged for its
innovative solutions and co-design approaches to leadership in a range of program and practice
ensure it meets the unique needs of its communities. deliverables by major peak bodies.
Contact Contact
Antoinette Mertins Sue Medson
Antoinette.Mertins@merrihealth.org.au suem@glch.org.au
11Winner Small Health Service of the Year Numurkah District Health Service Numurkah District Health Service is a leading employee engagement in the top quartile for four small rural health service in northern Victoria years in a row, achieving 100 per cent for overall that offers a range of services including an care in the past two quarters of the Victorian urgent care centre, acute admissions, operating Healthcare Experience Survey, having the highest theatre, radiology, aged care facilities, primary staff flu vaccination rate in Victoria, and having health services, general practitioner clinic, dental a budget in surplus for the fourth year in a row. services and specialist clinics. The organisation Throughout the process of re-building and has undergone a complete transformation since re-opening, Numurkah District Health Service has 2012 when its facilities were destroyed by a major demonstrated leadership, high performance and flood, and then two years later, when it was innovation, undertaking a number of partnerships affected by major bushfires. It was rebuilt and to deliver new services to meet community needs, re-opened in 2015. It has taken an enormous effort including mental health and respiratory services, to re-establish services, develop new services, and alternative community-based care models. retain and build the workforce and undertake Taken together, these efforts show just how far the planning. Numurkah District Health Service has organisation has come in the past four years, and not only met this challenge, but it has improved how deserving it is of the Small Health Service of its performance significantly. This includes having the Year award. Contact Jacque Phillips jacque.phillips@ncnhealth.org.au 12
Highly Commended
Yarrawonga Health
Yarrawonga Health provides care for the rural
border communities of Yarrawonga and Mulwala,
including lower-complexity acute inpatient
services, residential aged care, primary and
community health services. It has achieved
excellence across a number of significant projects,
including a consumer engagement strategy, and
systems for managing occupational violence
and aggression. It has undertaken innovative
projects to improve the management of patients
with sepsis and dementia, as well as sustained
improvement in staff flu vaccination rates.
Yarrawonga Health is working hard to improve
care for its community and in support of the
people who work for Yarrawonga Health.
Contact
Elaine Mallows
elaine.mallows@yh.org.au
13Winner Medium Health Service of the Year South West Healthcare South West Healthcare is the largest subregional all key measures, including increased inpatient health service provider in Victoria, with a footprint admissions for Warrnambool Base Hospital and spanning five local government areas, and managing a 41 per cent increase in acute patients hospitals in Warrnambool and Camperdown. It since 2015–16. At both Warrnambool Base Hospital is also the largest employer in the region. South and Camperdown Hospital, more than 95 per cent West Healthcare responds to demand through of patients rated the overall care they received as careful analysis of demographics and close ‘very good’ or ‘good’. In 2018–19, the organisation examination of public health issues. It actively excelled on nearly every indicator used to involves consumers in their health and treatment evaluate performance, including accumulated journeys, and it benchmarks its services against operating surpluses despite increased costs, the best in Australia. In the past 10 years, the being the only health service in the state to organisation has seen exceptional growth, exceed funded acute targets by well in excess contributing not only to better health for the of 4 per cent, and using efficiencies to treat more populations it serves, but providing significant patients, well above fully funded targets. On these economic benefits to the entire community. measures and more, South West Healthcare is 2018–19 was the final year in South West clearly an exceptional healthcare organisation Healthcare’s five-year strategic plan, and it met that is delivering strong results for its community. Contact Craig Fraser ceo-office@swh.net.au 14
Winner
Large Health Service of the Year
Ambulance Victoria
In 2018–19, Ambulance Victoria continued to Ambulance Victoria also finished implementing
deliver better outcomes for patients, staff and the the government’s $500 million investment in
Victorian community by investing in its people, its resources, which saw the recruitment of 450 new
infrastructure and its community. During the year, paramedics, delivery of 15 new and upgraded
it responded to more than 945,000 emergency branches and six super response centres, and the
and non-emergency cases, which is a 5.5 per deployment of 12 Paramedic Community Support
cent growth in demand. Despite this growing Coordinators to rural communities. In addition, it
demand, Ambulance Victoria’s performance levels has revised its clinical response model to ensure
and clinical outcomes are among Australia’s people calling Triple Zero get the right level of
best, and it responds to 83.9 per cent of Code 1 care for their clinical need, as well as redesigning
incidents within 15 minutes. It has a workforce its operations division with better alignment to
of 6,000 staff and volunteers, and it operates a local government areas in order to drive deeper
range of workplace programs to develop, support local community connections and engagement.
and protect its people. Ambulance Victoria’s Successfully tackling these significant changes
strategic plan is helping it to actively prepare for during a time of increasing demand and patient
the challenges of population growth, changing complexity demonstrates that Ambulance
community demographics and increasing Victoria is an organisation striving to provide the
patient complexity and expectations. In 2018–19, best possible emergency care to all Victorians.
Contact
Tony Walker
tony.walker@ambulance.vic.gov.au
15Highly Commended Finalist Melbourne Health Bendigo Health Since its early years as Melbourne’s first hospital, Bendigo Health serves the Loddon Mallee Melbourne Health has moved forward with purpose community, an area covering about one-quarter – always at the forefront, with all hands on deck, of Victoria. The organisation’s new strategic leading the way in improving quality of life for all plan was launched in July 2018, with the vision of Victorians. The organisation comprises The Royal ‘Excellent care. Every person. Every time.’, after Melbourne Hospital and NorthWestern Mental months of consultation with staff, volunteers, Health, and it cares for a population of more than consumers, partners and the community. Leaders 1 million living in the inner, northern and western are held to account on the organisation’s values corridors of Melbourne, as well as regional and rural of ‘caring’, ‘passionate’ and ‘trustworthy’ in their Victoria and southern New South Wales. Melbourne performance reviews. It has responded to the Health plays a key role within the broader Victorian particular challenge of attracting and retaining health sector as a major referral service for specialist a specialist workforce in regional Victoria by and complex care. Melbourne Health continues to investing in its own workforce and offering further provide world-class health care in the context of education opportunities for its staff. growing demand and increasing complexity. It is a service that all Victorians can be proud to call their own and it is always there when it matters most. Contact Contact Christine Kilpatrick Peter Faulkner christine.kilpatrick@mh.org.au pfaulkner@bendigohealth.org.au 16
Finalist
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne is ranked in
the world’s top 100 hospitals and fourth among
the best hospitals in Australia, reflecting
the organisation’s significant performance
improvement across a range of indicators.
This can also be seen in the esteem in which
patients, clinicians and the community hold the
organisation and its compassion and caring
culture. Three years ago, St Vincent’s Hospital
Melbourne embarked on a project to implement
organisation-wide continuous improvement, a
journey that is now delivering great improvement
in performance outcomes. Over the past 12 months,
continuous improvement has been embedded into
all areas of the health service.
Contact
Angela Nolan
angela.nolan@svha.org.au
17Key awards 18
Winner
Minister for Health’s Award for improving
maternal, child and family health
Austin Health
MumSpace – Digital hub for mums of Victoria’s perinatal health system. It was
with depression and anxiety implemented after a 12-month period of
MumSpace is a digital hub for mums with planning and testing, and the project puts
depression and anxiety. It provides a one-stop- ongoing research, user testing and feedback
shop of resources to support the mental health from consumers and practitioners at the centre
and wellbeing of pregnant women, new mums of development. MumSpace has delivered
and their families. Since its launch in 2017, it outstanding results, improving access to care
has attracted 35,000 visits. In particular, the and empowering women to manage their own
MumMoodBooster online treatment programs mental health, delivering patient satisfaction
for people with more severe symptoms have and positively impacting health and wellbeing
been shown to be as effective in the real-world outcomes. Most importantly, the online treatment
setting as in clinical trials. This is a significant programs are proving highly effective at reducing
accomplishment for Australian mental health depressive symptoms. MumSpace is bringing more
research translation. MumSpace grew from people closer to the care they need and providing
the need to integrate accessible services using an outstanding model of care, empowering women
digital resources to reduce the fragmentation to manage their own mental health.
Contact
Kate Ireland
Kate.Ireland@austin.org.au
19Finalist Finalist Dental Health Services Victoria Banyule Community Health Improving the oral health outcomes of We Love Stories pregnant Victorians through the Midwifery Banyule Community Health’s We Love Stories Initiated Oral Health Education Program program seeks to build strong parental The Midwifery Initiated Oral Health Education attachment and oral language skills, and to Program (MIOH) is a comprehensive online improve literacy outcomes for low socioeconomic training program delivered through Dental Health families. Low socioeconomic status is the Services Victoria that builds the skills of Victorian strongest predictor of language delay in midwives to promote oral health. Pregnant 0–3-year-olds, and this is the best time to impart women are at greater risk of dental disease, these fundamental early literacy skills. We Love which has been linked to premature birth and low Stories uses a trauma-informed approach to birthweight babies. Midwives are trusted sources activate families by making and sharing books, of information for these women. Since launching which are then printed and celebrated. The the program in 2012, 269 Victorian midwives have program is a preventive, long-term community completed the course. As a result, more pregnant initiative working to engage kids and vulnerable women are accessing public dental services – families in activities that promote early literacy. investing in their own oral health care and that of their families. Contact Contact Gillian Lang Alison Elliott gillian.lang@dhsv.org.au alison.elliott@bchs.org.au 20
Winner
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Award
for excellence in public sector aged care
Goulburn Valley Health, Albury Wodonga Health, North East
Health Wangaratta, Nexus Primary Health, NCN Health
Community Interlink – a public health This hub-and-spoke model allows for smooth
aged care consortium contract management, resource allocation and
The Community Interlink consortium consists of quality improvement. It also gives consumers
19 public health services across north and north- the opportunity to use their local public health
east Victoria operating Commonwealth-funded service to provide and coordinate their care at
home care through a lead agency model. It is the home, which was not previously an option. The
only public health service consortium operating initiative has seen constant growth in revenue
nationally in the home care environment. during the three years it has been in operation,
Members of the consortium support local and it supports smaller services to remain
consumers to access home care through local financially viable and to employ staff in member
public health services, and ensure local people agencies across the region based on demand. The
can connect to a quality continuum of care. consortium provides home care and coordination
Under the consortium agreement, Goulburn for more than 300 people through six local health
Valley Health as the lead agency provides single- services, allowing consumers to move around the
point contracting of services, and regional region and maintain consistent care.
services then contract with the lead agency.
Contact
Gordon Ross
gordon.ross@gvhealth.org.au
21Finalist Monash Health, Alfred Health, Eastern Health, Northern Health, Western Health, Monash University, Office of the Public Advocate (Victoria) Guardianship in Hospitals: a health services/OPA pilot program This pilot program helps reduce the time hospital patients with a cognitive impairment wait to be allocated a guardian advocate. These patients lack the capacity to make important lifestyle and personal decisions, and they rely on guardian advocates to ease the decision-making burden on their families. Delays in allocating a guardian are stressful for patients and costly to the healthcare system. Since the program started two years ago, the time patients spend in hospital from lodgement of guardianship order to allocation of a guardian has decreased from 46.5 to 16.2 days. This benefits vulnerable patients and improves access to health care and guardianship. Contact Fiona McAlinden fiona.mcalinden@monashhealth.org 22
Winner
Minister for Equality’s Award for
supporting LGBTIQ health
VincentCare
Rainbow Tick Accreditation for financial support, and social isolation and
VincentCare Victoria exclusion. Research shows that LGBTIQ+ people are
Gaining Rainbow Tick accreditation means an at greater risk of homelessness, poor mental health
organisation has achieved the highest standards and alcohol and drug misuse – and thus are more
of inclusive practice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, likely to need VincentCare’s specialised services.
trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) clients, staff The entire VincentCare community over five hubs
and volunteers. The Rainbow Tick sends the and 11 sites was engaged in working towards
message to the LGBTIQ+ community that they accreditation. The process was overseen by a
will receive inclusive services, and that volunteers Project Coordinator, Gender and Sexuality, and it
and staff will experience a culturally safe and involved consultation and engagement within the
supportive workplace. VincentCare Victoria organisation and the wider sector and community.
undertook the accreditation process to better In achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation,
serve the communities it works with in the areas VincentCare Victoria has created significant
of homelessness, family violence, alcohol and cultural change and implemented a wide range
other drugs, complex mental ill-health, disability, of new and innovative programs and practices.
Contact
Jac Tomlins
jacqui.tomlins@vincentcare.org.au
23Highly Commended Finalist
Cancer Council Victoria, Hepburn Health Service
Thorne Harbour Health Hepburn Health: Inclusion and Diversity
Public Cervix Announcement campaign In successfully achieving Rainbow Tick
Cancer Council Victoria and Thorne Harbour accreditation across the whole organisation,
Health joined forces to increase awareness about Hepburn Health Service has demonstrated a
cervical screening within the LGBTIQ+ community strong commitment to reducing barriers to
– and particularly among trans men. The accessing health care and community services
campaign included resources and social media for people of diverse sexualities and gender. After
engagement, and it arose through a co-designed gaining Rainbow Tick accreditation for its aged
approach with the community. It is one of the first care services in 2016, Hepburn Health Service
and only initiatives of its kind to focus on trans decided to expand the program to the whole
men, and it will help to reduce the incidence of organisation. It created a Rainbow Tick Project
cancer-related mortality within this community. Officer position, and formed a LGBTIQ+ advisory
The social media element of the campaign was group to provide input on inclusive practice
extremely successful and led to a more than across its five sites. The LGBTIQ+ community, staff
7,000 per cent increase in the number of visits and volunteers can now be assured that Hepburn
to the Cancer Council cervical screening website. Health Service is committed to inclusive practice
across all of its operations.
Contact Contact
Ayesha Ghosh Maree Cuddihy
ayesha.ghosh@cancervic.org.au mareecu@hhs.vic.gov.au
24Winner
Minister for Mental Health’s Award for excellence in
supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Victorians
Barwon Health and Ambulance Victoria
Prehospital Response of Mental Health unmarked sedan. They assess the patient in the
and Paramedic Team (PROMPT) privacy of their own home, and develop a care
PROMPT is a pilot initiative of Barwon Health and plan for them. The crew operates in identified
Ambulance Victoria that provides a paramedic periods of peak demand, from 1 pm to 11 pm,
response to patients experiencing low-acuity five evenings a week from Thursday to Monday.
social or mental health issues. In the past, They can be dispatched either by a referral from
paramedics would usually transport patients a paramedic crew on the scene or through the
with these issues directly to the emergency Triple Zero call centre. The pilot has been very
department because they may feel they lack the successful, diverting 80 per cent of patients
specialised knowledge and resources to manage seen from an emergency department admission,
problems at the scene. This can create additional and supporting patient privacy and reducing
distress to patients, as well as burdening already restrictive interventions. Instead, PROMPT allows
stretched emergency departments. As an patients to receive comprehensive mental health
alternative to this, the PROMPT crew, comprising support in the most appropriate setting for their
a senior mental health nurse and an advanced level of distress.
life support paramedic, arrives on scene in an
Contact
Rachel Tindall
Rachel.Tindall@orygen.org.au
25Highly Commended Finalist Peninsula Health Monash Health The Wellness Clinic – Optimising the Promoting recovery and trauma physical health of clients treatment in public health The Wellness Clinic provides holistic physical Public mental health patients often face health follow-up for people engaged with misdiagnosis, or are only treated for immediate Peninsula Health Mental Health Service to improve medical issues, rather than their underlying trauma. their physical health outcomes. The clinic’s This means patients’ symptoms often recur, and multidisciplinary community-based physical they re-present to health services. To reverse health and psychosocial interventions use a this trend, Monash Health launched a prototype recovery-oriented model to integrate physical program: the agile Recovery from Trauma (aRT) health within the existing model of care. The clinic clinic. The clinic trained 10 senior psychologists to provides specialist expertise in psychological, identity post-traumatic stress disorder and to treat behavioural, social and functional treatment for symptoms with cognitive processing therapy. The people with mental illness. In particular, it focuses 69 patients treated by the aRT clinic so far have on metabolic syndrome, which is common across experienced a 55 per cent improvement in their many mental health diagnoses, and which is a trauma symptoms, and as well as a 48 per cent major factor in increased morbidity and mortality improvement in depressive symptoms, both of among people with mental illness. The Wellness which are clinically significant results. Clinic aims to reduce this life expectancy gap. Contact Contact Steve Pearce Melissa Casey stevepearce@phcn.vic.gov.au Melissa.casey1@monashhealth.org 26
Finalist
Numurkah District
Health Service
Dairy Industry Support project
Numurkah District Health Service created a Dairy
Industry Support Worker role to support dairy
farmers with ongoing stress or health issues as
a result of changes to the dairy industry in 2016
and 2017. The worker engaged with members of
the dairy farm community, coordinated access to
health and support services, developed programs
and community events, and formed partnerships
with community groups, service providers and
other key stakeholders to respond to issues
affecting dairy farmers. The project was a huge
success, with more than 200 people attending
events including a Dairy Farmer Barbecue, Men’s
Health Night and Women in Farming Morning Tea
that provided opportunities for further support.
Contact
Jacque Phillips
jacque.phillips@ncnhealth.org.au
27Winner Secretary’s Award for excellence in culturally diverse health Women’s Health West, cohealth, Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health, Maribyrnong City Council, Western English Language School Human relations education program knowledge and resources to make informed for newly arrived young people decisions about their relationships and sexual Human Relations is an innovative and unique and reproductive health. These topics can be five-week education program about sexual and challenging for newly arrived young people, who reproductive health and respectful relationships are already contending with significant changes in for newly arrived refugee and migrant students their lives, in addition to the risks associated with attending the Western English Language School. It confidentiality, safety, trauma and disclosure that reflects the expertise of an enduring and effective come along with sexual and reproductive health 18-year partnership between Women’s Health education. The workshops are multilingual, and West, cohealth, Maribyrnong City Council Youth are delivered separately for boys and girls, with Services and the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and resources and referral pathways that students Health. Staff from partner agencies collaborate can follow up with. Evaluation of this longstanding twice a year to deliver weekly workshops to program demonstrates that participants gain students, engaging them in discussion and improved knowledge and understanding of sexual activities about puberty, sex, conception, and reproductive health and healthy relationships, health, respectful relationships and sexuality. in addition to increased confidence accessing the The program provides young people with skills, Australian healthcare system. Contact Susan Timmins susan@whwest.org.au 28
Highly Commended Finalist
Merri Health, Cancer Council Victoria
Moreland City Libraries Bowel cancer screening campaign
Word Play for the South Asian community
Word Play is a dynamic literacy learning model This very successful health promotion campaign
targeting newly arrived migrant families with low sought to increase participation of Victoria’s South
English literacy. It is a collaboration between Merri Asian community in the National Bowel Cancer
Health and Moreland City Libraries. The program Screening Program. Members of this community
uses songs, games and books to allow families access the screening program at rates that are
to learn together with the assistance of reading 11 per cent lower than the Victorian average,
buddies. The 2018 pilot delivered 23 sessions, which is concerning, given that 90 per cent of
engaging 35 families and three bilingual volunteers. bowel cancers are treatable if detected early. The
Overwhelmingly, parents said Word Play helped campaign involved community consultations to
improve their own English, and that participation identify barriers, and used a co-design approach
had improved their child’s English literacy. Other to develop a tailored health promotion campaign.
outcomes included building social connections, Work included a GP endorsement letter, videos
improving mental health for children and adults, with South Asian GPs and community members,
and creating opportunities for volunteers to boost media and communication activities and
wellbeing through their participation. educational workshops.
Contact Contact
Jillian Dent Ayesha Ghosh
jillian.dent@merrihealth.org.au ayesha.ghosh@cancervic.org.au
29Winner Chief Health Officer’s Award for supporting healthy populations Women’s Health West, Health West, Western Bulldogs, IPC Health, Hobsons Bay, cohealth Community champions take action online campaign, training workshops, a forum Women’s Health West works with women and their and written booklet. The project worked directly children, supporting them to lead safe and healthy with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) lives, by challenging the conditions that cause and community groups, faith groups, women with maintain inequity and injustice. Working with the disabilities, men’s and women’s groups, and Preventing Violence Together 2030 partnership, the online community. It provided training Women’s Health West undertook the Community and capacity building to empower community Champions project to enhance community-led members to take evidence-based primary violence-prevention activities across Melbourne’s prevention action. Outcomes included increased west. Gender inequality and men’s violence understanding of gender inequality as the against women are significant problems in the underlying driver of violence against women and region, and the prevalence of intimate partner increased ability to prevent violence against violence is above the state average. The project women. The project reached more than 500 active supported community activists to plan and participants and a further 1,676 people through the implement evidence-based violence prevention dissemination of a booklet supporting community activities. It used different methods, including members to prevent violence against women. community development strategies such as an Contact Erin Soutter erins@whwest.org.au 30
Finalist Finalist
Hepburn Health Service Merri Health,
The Cook, the Chef and Us The University of Melbourne
The Cook, the Chef and Us is a youth mental Count Me In
wellbeing initiative that Hepburn Health Service Count Me In is a sports participation program
delivers for Daylesford College students deemed for children and young people from refugee
at risk of school disengagement. The program and migrant backgrounds. It is a collaboration
aims to reduce the number of early school leavers between The University of Melbourne and
by involving students in alternative education Merri Health. Refugee and migrant families are
in the hospitality industry while obtaining supported to connect with mainstream sporting
certified qualifications. Industry professionals clubs, helping improve social inclusion and
provide a welcoming setting that encompasses wellbeing, and strengthen community cohesion.
community connectedness, positive role modelling A bicultural Community Support Coordinator
and mentoring, in order to increase student leads work at the community level to tackle
employment and personal skills, confidence and participation barriers and ensure the program
resilience. It has helped students reengage in is culturally appropriate. The program also works
education and learning, as well as enhancing with sporting clubs to create safer, more inclusive
employment pathways and reducing risk factors environments for refugee and migrant families.
for alcohol and other drug misuse. It has seen strong community uptake since its
launch in 2016.
Contact Contact
Belinda Buck Jillian Dent
belindab@hhs.vic.gov.au jillian.dent@merrihealth.org.au
31Category awards 32
Winner
Excellence in women’s health
Monash Health
Keeping mothers and babies together: treated with antibiotics than the actual incidence
a better way of assessing sepsis risk of NEOS. Analysis revealed that the primary driver
Monash Health was the first health service for these high rates was the initiation of short-
in Victoria to implement the Neonatal Early course intravenous antibiotics in well babies with
Onset Sepsis (NEOS) calculator, which provides risk factors for NEOS. The project implemented
individualised sepsis risk assessments to allow an online NEOS calculator, which is an innovative,
well babies to stay with their mothers, rather multivariate risk assessment tool, combined with
than having unnecessary blood tests, antibiotic universal group B streptococcus screening in
therapy and admission to the neonatal unit. Risk- pregnant women, to provide a more individualised
factor based algorithms have been used for many and specific risk assessment to reduce antibiotic
years to determine a baby’s risk of developing treatment without missing true cases of sepsis.
sepsis. Babies judged to be at high risk are The ‘Keeping mothers and babies together’
assessed through blood tests and are commenced initiative represents the integration of best
on intravenous antibiotics. However, traditional evidence, innovation and team engagement to
risk assessment algorithms were leading to improve the quality and safety of care for babies
200 times the number of newborn infants being and their mothers.
Contact
Ryan Hodges
Ryan.Hodges@monash.edu
33Highly Commended Highly Commended
Western Health Wathaurong Aboriginal
Maternity Connect Program: Co-operative, Koorie Maternity
rural service sustainability Service, Barwon Health
Regional health services experience difficulties Foundation, Barwon Health
maintaining their maternity service and enabling Women’s and Children’s
women and their families to access maternity
services close to home. The Maternity Connect Excellence in Koorie women’s
Program is a brokerage service for upskilling maternity health
the rural/regional maternity workforce across Barwon Health has worked hard to build a
Victoria. Western Health coordinates the program relationship with the local Aboriginal community,
in collaboration with the Department of Health including through the opening of its Koorie Birth
and Human Services. Participants’ experiences Suite. Getting maternity care right for Aboriginal
have been overwhelmingly positive, and there has and Torres Strait Islander women is critical to
been a significant increase in their confidence Closing the Gap, and this project brought the
when providing maternity care. Data indicates the cultural connection to Wadawurrung Country into
effectiveness of the Maternity Connect Program the birth suite, symbolically creating a safer place
for sustaining maternity services in rural and that is part of the integral connection between
regional Victoria. This has enabled women who live birthing, land and place of belonging. As part of
in these areas to safely give birth closer to home. the project, Barwon Health worked to increase
staff knowledge of Aboriginal Women’s business
and the important role that Aboriginal female
family members play in the birth experience.
Contact Contact
Kylie Martin Renee Owen
kylie.martin@wh.org.au renee.owen@barwonhealth.org.au
34Winner
Improving Aboriginal health
Western Health, Mercy Hospital for Women,
The Royal Women’s Hospital, VACCHO and La Trobe University
A culturally safe and collaborative model with improved clinical and psychosocial outcomes.
of midwifery care In particular, it results in fewer caesareans, fewer
Three health services in Melbourne (Western low birthweight infants and fewer neonatal special
Health, Mercy Hospital for Women and The Royal care admissions. Women also feel more satisfied,
Women’s Hospital), along with the Victorian safer, more supported emotionally, and are more
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health likely to commence breastfeeding. The model was
Organisation (VACCHO) and La Trobe University community driven, and is an exemplar of effective
have partnered on a project to improve the health partnering between the health, community and
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers university sectors. The findings demonstrate an
and babies. A new culturally safe model of care exponential increase in the number of Aboriginal
has been implemented for Aboriginal mothers and women receiving caseload midwifery at the
babies, proactively offering caseload midwifery combined sites (from 34 to more than 360 women
where women receive continuity of care from a since the project commenced). Women have
primary midwife through pregnancy, labour, birth reported very positive experiences of the model
and postpartum. This is considered the ‘gold including feeling safe and more trusting of their
standard’ in maternity care, and it is associated maternity care experience.
Contact
Helen McLachlan
h.mclachlan@latrobe.edu.au
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