NORTHERN Health has been recognised as the Large Public Health Service of the Year at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards ceremony last Wednesday.
The healthcare provider was lauded for its shift towards a value-based, digitally enabled model, offering more people timely access and care closer to home.
The prestigious recognition celebrates the dedication, compassion and commitment of Northern Health staff, volunteers and teams who work tirelessly to care for one of Victoria’s fastest growing and most diverse communities.
Reflecting on what makes Northern Health special, Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Debra Bourne said it is the people behind the care who define the organisation.
“When I think about Northern Health, I don’t think first about buildings, services or statistics. I think about people,” she said.
“I think about the nurse finishing a challenging shift, the doctor taking extra time with a worried family, the cleaner who brightens a patient’s day with a smile, the volunteer helping someone find their way, and the many teams working together behind the scenes to make exceptional care possible.”
“These awards are a reflection of your dedication, compassion and commitment to our community.”
Debra also acknowledged former Chief Executive Siva Sivarajah, for his vision and leadership and the board for their ongoing guidance, support and stewardship.
Special recognition was given to Northern Health’s Nurse Unit Managers Michelle Myers, Seda Kiroglu and Kate Lambert, who represented the organisation as judges for this year’s awards, along with everyone who contributed to the award submission.
Northern Health also took home the award for Excellence in Value Based Healthcare thanks to its Outcomes for Impact (OFI) strategy which aims to shift care from volume to value.
According to Northern Health, OFI integrates lived experience, outcomes data, digital care pathways and workforce capability to improve the outcomes, experience and efficiency of healthcare visits.
Northern Health operates half a dozen locations across the northern suburbs of Melbourne and beyond, including the Mernda Community Hospital and Kilmore District Hospital.
