March 5, 2024This morning, Northern Health hosted its very first Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards for 2024, virtually coming together to honour and appreciate the exceptional contributions of our devoted staff.
We were overwhelmed by the remarkable participation of our staff, receiving numerous nominations spanning across seven categories.
Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the incredible work of our staff across the health service.
“Among our award winners today are staff who demonstrate a strong and positive workplace culture, live Northern Health’s values of “Safe Kind Together”, and show a genuine commitment to their patients,” she said.
“As always, the number and standard of nominations for these awards were very high. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all staff who received this recognition, along with those who took the time to nominate them.”
Plastics Clinical Nurse Specialist, Tessa Bruno, won the Clinical Excellence Award and was nominated four times for this award.
Andrew Li, one of the nominators said, “Tessa is one of the most clinically proficient, kind and supportive senior nurses I have ever worked with in my career. In her Clinical Nurse Consultant role, she has actively and enthusiastically contributed to the more efficient running of clinics and the minor procedure room, enabling record numbers of patients to be seen and treated in a safe and timely manner.”
Joseph Dukic, Security Guard, won the Patient Experience Award for his willingness to go above and beyond for a non-verbal patient in Ward 4 with Autism and complex behavioural issues and therefore requiring security guards and additional support at all times.
During the course of looking after this patient, Joseph learned sign language, used de-escalating strategies, engaged in activities such as playing soccer and conversation, and over time this resulted in a special patient-security guard bond.
The Excellence in Safety Award went to Angela Axiak, Site Manager, Administration – Mental Health Services and OHS rep, for her great teaching skills and for always being on top of everything ‘safety’ in her role as an OHS representative.
“Angela will always be the first person who shows up whenever a code grey is called and will always be there to support anyone and everyone. She definitely upholds the safety C.O.D.E. by bringing up any issues with the higher authorities, should someone’s safety be jeopardised”, said her nominator, Alefiyah Khilawala.
Nicola McKay, Community Development Officer, won the Innovation Award for implementing the Victoria’s container deposit scheme by starting a container bin in the Hume Community Mental Health office space.
“Nicola very observantly noticed that our team drinks a lot of canned and bottled drinks throughout the day and with this in mind, she started the initiative and shortly after, all staff embraced it! In just over a few weeks, we’ve reached about $30 in Coles vouchers (that’s 300 recycled bottles/cans!). We plan to use this money for our mental health consumers to help promote the 5 ways to Wellbeing,” said her nominator, Dzeneta Ameti.
Atif Khawaja, Talent/Recruitment Partner, won the Rising Star award for his positive attitude and for being empathetic, kind, incredibly patient and very knowledgeable of systems and processes.
His nominator, Carolyn Baker said, “Atif has worked by my side, teaching me and helping me navigate recruitment and people matters as a newcomer to Northern. He really does an outstanding job and has a great, positive attitude that is infectious. Thank you Atif.”
Dr Rachael Coutts, Director of Medical Education and Emergency Physician, won the Education Award for working tirelessly while leading the implementation of the Australian Medical Council, a new prevocational and mandatory training program for junior doctors.
“This has been a huge piece of work which started two years ago, and Dr Coutts has had the foresight from the very beginning about the best way to approach the implementation. She has inspired the Medical Education Unit to perform at their best by working together and collaborating with multiple units within the hospital,” said her nominator, Carol Chong.
Associate Director, Stephen Tucker, won the Excellence in Leadership Award for actively cultivating an inclusive workplace that supports working mothers through flexible hours and work arrangements. His outstanding leadership is evidenced by the creation of a family-friendly environment and the enthusiastic promotion of research and supervision, effectively moulding the department into a preferred workplace.
“Stephen’s leadership has played a pivotal role in positioning Northern Health as an employer of choice within the industry,” said his nominator, Belinda Baines.
Huge congratulations to all the recipients of the awards today!
The Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards are proudly sponsored by BankVic and Northern Health Foundation.
To watch the ceremony, please click here.
