2024 Together Educate Awards

The Together ceremony was an opportunity for staff to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Education & Training staff, highlighting genuine appreciation for their daily efforts.

Winners of the awards were announced in a special ceremony on Wednesday 20 November 2024.

Congratulations to:

Developing and Supporting our People

Stephanie Ford

Stephanie, a senior physiotherapist at Lawson Community Health has made significant contributions to professional development and team culture.

She has completed various teaching courses and worked closely with universities to initiate student placements, enhancing both student learning and team engagement.

Stephanie also mentors and supervises junior physiotherapists, bolstering their confidence and skills. Her leadership in training sessions has fostered a supportive, collaborative team environment.

Additionally, she spearheaded a quality improvement project for allied health assistants and developed accessible resources, further demonstrating her commitment to growth and excellence.

Stephanie's dedication to both professional and personal development makes her an exceptional recipient for this award.

New Health Care Worker Education Initiative

The VET in Schools Team 

The VET in Schools Team leads or co-coordinates numerous new entrant healthcare worker initiatives in NBMLHD. Some of these initiatives include:

• Careers Fairs
• Koori Kids Futures
• Health Inspirations
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program
• Aboriginal and Disability Traineeships
• Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadets
• VETiS program

These initiatives are evidence of well-considered programs that not only provide learning and recruitment opportunities but also demonstrate evidence of the support provided to new entrant health workers to become integrated into the healthcare setting through clinical support and reflective practice meetings.

The Teaching Excellence Award for the Early Career Educator

Riley Bugeja

Riley has shown exceptional skill as a novice educator, using innovative strategies to enhance his colleagues' learning and development. He tailors his teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and actively seeks participant feedback to refine his sessions. This allows him to adjust content in real-time for maximum effectiveness.

Riley also fosters a collaborative learning environment by encouraging experienced staff to share insights with newer team members. His sessions are highly rated, with participants praising his engaging style and ability to simplify complex concepts.

Excellence in Interprofessional Education Award

Niall Scully

Niall has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in interprofessional education, significantly enhancing collaboration and practice across NBMLHD. He leads a variety of programs, such as the Aspiring Managers Program and Manager Career Programs, integrating professionals from diverse specialties to foster teamwork and development.

Niall is also dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive digital learning opportunities, earning the reputation as the go-to person for digital technology support across the district.

Feedback from his workshops consistently scores high levels of satisfaction, with attendees praising his engaging and innovative approach to education.

Excellence in Educational Innovation

The Blue Mountains Hospital Emergency Department and Anaesthetic Group 

This innovative team at Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital, includes Anaesthetists, Emergency Physicians, Paediatricians, Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Educators, and a Clinical Nurse Consultant. Together they have developed a comprehensive training program to equip the staff with the skills to effectively intubate and ventilate patients across all age groups—from newborns to adults—when dealing with a variety of pathological conditions.

The training day aimed to address the diverse patient cohort seen at the hospital, provides medical and nursing staff from the Emergency Department, Operating Theatre, and Maternity Ward, with the opportunity to practice advanced airway and intubation techniques. The event also fosters collaboration and supported a positive workplace culture.

Excellence in Consumer Engagement

Acute Mental Health - Clinical Leadership Team

Regular feedback sessions with consumers have been integral in refining educational content and delivery methods. This feedback has led to adjustments in training programs, improving staff interactions and patient care.

 For example, trauma-informed care modules have enhanced staff support for patients, while patient-centred approach training has improved patient involvement in decision-making, leading to a higher level of satisfaction and improved outcomes.

The focus on consumer engagement has fostered a more inclusive, empathetic workplace culture, resulting in increased job satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose among staff, who feel better equipped to meet the needs of patients and families.

Excellence in Educational Research or Quality Improvement

Kathy Holton

Kathy has launched a project in the Physiotherapy Department aimed at identifying and addressing barriers to staff initiating and completing Quality Improvement (QI) projects. Her initiative seeks to increase the number of QI projects, boost staff knowledge and confidence in leading these projects, and implement a formal governance structure for overseeing Physiotherapy Quality Initiatives.

While still in its early stages, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 13 projects currently underway this year. Kathy has provided one-on-one support to staff, helping them navigate challenges and offering guidance on next steps, therefore ensuring ongoing progress and success in these initiatives.

NBMLHD Educator of the Year

Richard Gilfillan  

Throughout his career, Richard has had a profound impact on Midwifery practice, benefiting midwives, students, patients, families, and educators. His passion for education is evident in his numerous contributions, leading to improved outcomes for women and families in care:

At NBMLHD:

• Richard coordinated and cared for the Bachelor of Midwifery (BOM) and Graduate Diploma of Midwifery students.
• He offered mentoring, support strategies, and reflective peer support.
• He developed the Acacia Clinics for Student Midwives in the Antenatal Clinic.
• Co-created the "Labour of Love," a paramedic training program in the Birthing Unit.

State-wide:

• Richard served as the NSW Education Standards Authority Chief Examiner for the Human Services Curriculum Framework.
• He was an active member of the Midwifery Leaders Network, influencing midwifery initiatives.
• He contributed to the midwifery curriculum development at Western Sydney University (WSU) and other institutions.
• He developed the "Introduction to Neonatal Nursing" course in collaboration with the University of Wollongong.
• Developed and supported the virtual attendance for Perinatal Safety courses for rural and regional Local Health Districts (LHDs).

Nationally and Internationally:

• He has presented midwifery initiatives to promote safer maternal and child outcomes.
• Conducted training in China and the Pacific Islands, supporting maternal and paediatric care, with reciprocal staff visits and clinical placements.

Richard’s commitment to midwifery education and practice extends far beyond the local level. He is currently pursuing his PhD, and his legacy of excellence and dedication to improving care for women and children is a testament to his lifelong contribution. We proudly commend Richard for this award and thank him for his outstanding service to midwifery and the broader community.