Week 2 recap: NBMLHD celebrates staff achievements at annual awards

The ceremonies honoured the contributions and everyday efforts of staff, that make a lasting difference. Each service and facility hosted its own special celebration, where winners were announced.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Educate Together

Educator of the Year

Thomas Finn

Tom is an outstanding clinician and educator whose visionary leadership, tireless commitment to teaching, and transformative educational initiatives have profoundly elevated the learning culture within Nepean ICU and across the NBMLHD since his appointment as medical lead for education in ICU.

Tom holds a substantive education leadership role as the Supervisor of Senior Resident Medical Officers in the ICU, where he provides mentorship, guidance, and structured learning opportunities that support junior doctors in their clinical and professional development. He has also developed a comprehensive ICU education roster, ensuring regular, high-quality teaching across all levels—from JMO teaching and fellowship preparation to in-situ simulation and departmental teaching sessions for both medical and nursing staff. This initiative has fostered a strong, consistent culture of learning within the ICU, making education a visible and valued part of daily clinical practice.

One of Tom’s most impactful achievements is his complete redesign of the SAFE (Strategic Approach to the Fellowship Exam) course. Under Tom’s leadership, SAFE has evolved into a cutting-edge, immersive simulation-based experience. Since Tom took over as ICU education lead, Nepean ICU’s Fellowship exam pass rate has improved to 100%, a testament to the effectiveness of his teaching and mentorship.

Beyond formal courses, Tom is developing an innovative online educational platform focused on transvenous pacing wire insertion and management.

Developing and Supporting our People

Barbra Monley

If passion, wisdom and a great sense of humour walked into a hospital, chances are they’d find Barb Monley already there, probably mid-conversation, mentoring a staff member while gently guiding another toward a career they didn’t know they were capable of. With nearly 40 years as a Registered Nurse and over two decades shaping education in NBMLHD, Barb has become a cornerstone of professional support, career growth, and positive workplace culture.

Her reach is wide and her influence deep. Whether she’s mentoring new grads, working with universities to strengthen placement models, or advocating for interprofessional education at the state level, Barb ensures professional support isn’t an afterthought, it’s the foundation for developing and supporting our staff.

New Health Care Worker Initiative

Maya Shrestha, Georgia Stark and Lisa Maree Hill

This General Medicine Education team have demonstrated outstanding performance. They have developed a structured orientation and education plan, that includes workshops, in-services, Competency Assessments, SMITs and bedside teaching to support an unprecedented 67 new staff members.

During this time the number of education episodes for staff significantly increased. The effect on staff culture has been astounding, with testimonials from staff, patients and caregivers, providing evidence of the positive impact of this education initiative.

Teaching Excellence (Early Career Educator)

Toni Pears

Toni embodies educational leadership by actively supporting colleagues at both local and broader levels. Her collaborative approach and willingness to assist have been invaluable, as has her dedication to continuous professional growth through her modern, innovative teaching methods that make learning engaging and accessible.

Toni’s impact on learning and teaching within the service over the last 12 months is profound. Her efforts have not only enhanced the knowledge and skills of her interprofessional colleagues but have inspired a culture of curiosity and collaboration that benefits the wider community health sector.

Excellence in Interprofessional Education

Mark Salter and Colleen Neilly (EMET)

Emergency Medicine Education & Training (EMET) is an Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) funded program that delivers education and training to doctors and other health professionals working in Emergency Departments (ED) and Emergency Care services – particularly in rural, regional and remote locations in Australia.

Mark, Colleen and other Nepean ED Staff Specialists from Nepean, deliver weekly online teaching sessions on a range of ED presentations and regularly visit the peripheral sites to deliver face to face teaching sessions based on local identified need through communication with the interprofessional team.

This delivery of regular standardised education and training has fostered a culture of interprofessional collaboration and support, with a more wide-reaching co-ownership of initiatives like procedure development and resource sharing.

Excellence in Education Innovation

Aged Care and Rehab Clinical Nurse Educators

The Aged Care and Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs) at Nepean Hospital have demonstrated outstanding innovation in education through the development and delivery of a collaborative, interactive orientation program for new graduate nurses. This initiative reflects a deep commitment to enhancing learning experiences, improving workplace culture, and fostering professional growth.

Central to their innovation is the replacement of traditional PowerPoint presentations with a purpose-built board game, designed to engage learners through gamification. This creative approach transforms passive learning into an active, enjoyable experience, encouraging participation, critical thinking, and teamwork. The board game format allows learners to explore clinical scenarios, policies, and procedures in a dynamic and memorable way, significantly improving knowledge retention and confidence.

Excellence in Consumer Engagement

Megan Budek

Due to her extensive experience in Emergency Care nursing, Megan identified a gap in consumer engagement in December 2024. Megan then convened a Nepean Hospital Emergency Department Consumer Committee which meets monthly and discusses new models of care, new ways of working, cultural appropriateness, accessibility, sharing of information, changes to state policies that mean change at a local level, and most importantly provides a forum for consumers to share their experiences which inform areas that could be improved or areas of opportunity for Nepean ED.

The information shared at the meetings is invaluable and has been used extensively over the last year and has been imbedded into staff education, to ensure that our patients, consumers and carers are considered in everything we do. The feedback from the consumer group about information sharing supports the waiting room dashboard, consumer feedback about Nepean ED and compliments for staff.

Excellence in Educational Research/QI

Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre (PECC) Mental Health Nursing Team

The PECC Mental Health Nursing Team designed a QI project, focused on improving de-escalation training and reducing clinical incidents.

The initiative led to significant improvements including: 40% increase in staff confidence to manage behavioural escalations, the number of reported behavioural escalation incidents decreased by 25% within six months post-intervention, staff reported feeling more supported and better equipped to deliver trauma-informed care during crises, enhancing workplace safety and morale.
 

Together Hawkesbury

Outstanding Professional Support Staff Member

Jennifer Williams

Jennifer plays a key role in coordinating rostering and staffing, often acting as the bridge between clinical and non-clinical teams. While she works behind the scenes, her ability to keep things running smoothly makes a noticeable difference to both patient care and staff wellbeing. She regularly steps in to assist when challenges arise without prompting or hesitation.

Outstanding Clinician

Noura Beheiry

With the introduction of journey board rounds across our clinical teams at Hawkesbury Hospital, Noura has wholeheartedly embraced this initiative, demonstrating exceptional preparation and commitment. At every session, she brings a thorough understanding of her patients, delivering clear and concise updates that guide the team forward. Her collaborative approach within the multidisciplinary team ensures care remains coordinated, effective, and truly patient‑centred. Noura’s dedication exemplifies the spirit of these rounds, transforming change into meaningful impact for both colleagues and patients.

Inspiring Leader Award

Leniece Mace

Leniece consistently exceeds expectations in her role as Nurse Unit Manager, setting an exemplary benchmark for leadership, safety, and the delivery of high‑quality healthcare. She has fostered a robust safety culture within the unit, while offering steadfast support to her staff, nurturing both their professional growth and emotional wellbeing.

She plays a pivotal role beyond the unit, driving hospital‑wide improvements such as championing the rollout of resuscitation trolleys across all wards. Through her meticulous analysis of the Clinical Emergency Response System (CERS), Leniece has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for enhancement and strengthening patient safety. In addition, her dedication as co‑chair of the Standard 8 committee over the past year has been invaluable, reflecting her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in care.

People Focused Award

Robyn Knowles

Robyn is often the welcoming “face” and “voice” of Hawkesbury services, playing a vital role in the first connection patients have with our team. She approaches every interaction with kindness, patience, and a genuine commitment to understanding the needs of the person on the other end of the phone, even in challenging circumstances.

Her human‑centred approach ensures that patients feel heard and supported from the very beginning. With her exceptional knowledge of Hawkesbury’s services, Robyn not only guides patients seamlessly but also directs them to the right support when our services are not the solution. By simply being that reassuring presence on the line, she sets the tone for a positive patient experience. Robyn’s dedication makes her an invaluable asset to the allied health team and to the patients we serve.

Volunteer of the Year

Jenny Gilder

Jenny is a dynamic presence across Hawkesbury, actively contributing to numerous committees and earning the deep respect of staff. She champions the consumer voice with passion and conviction, ensuring that the perspectives of Hawkesbury residents are heard to make positive change.

Allen Bouveng

Allen exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through his unwavering commitment to improving patient care and supporting the broader community. His involvement with Hawkesbury Health Executive Committee (HHEC) ensures that the consumer voice remains at the forefront of hospital practices.

Allen’s positive and helpful attitude uplifts those around him, fostering collaboration and driving meaningful discussions. His dedication, reliability, and passion for enhancing healthcare outcomes make him an outstanding candidate for Hawkesbury Volunteer of the Year.

Collaborate for Success

Hawkesbury District Hospital Emergency Department

The Hawkesbury District Hospital Emergency Department (ED) team has exemplified collaborative excellence, driving improved KPIs while upholding the highest standards of patient safety. By recognising and leveraging each member’s unique strengths, skills, and experiences, the ED team has empowered individuals to contribute meaningfully toward both personal and collective goals.

Together NBMLHD (District Support Services)

Aboriginal Employee of the Year

David Gillett

David is a devoted clinician who supports his community when there is often a distressing emotional element. He provides companionship, community and trust to his patient's while working as an invaluable team member within the team, acting as the integral glue between the patient and the clinical team. He is clearly passionate and driven, going above and beyond to support people in times of crisis and throughout their palliative care journey.

David participates in Warami Nula (Aboriginal Staff meeting) and is confident in reporting areas where Aboriginal Health Workers are required. David was successful in putting forward a business case to create an Aboriginal Health Worker position in cancer care to support Aboriginal patients receiving chemotherapy. David is always looking out for the needs of patients.

Outstanding Professional Support Staff Member

Nikki Caldwell

Nikki has been a cornerstone of the NBMLHD for an incredible 36 years, beginning her journey with the District in 1989. Over the decades, Nikki has contributed her expertise, dedication, her enduring commitment and wealth of experience made her a valued mentor and role model within the ICT community. Nikki has recently decided to retire noting she leaves with many fond memories.  

Inspiring Leader

Leah Lownds

Leah has dedicated over 23 years to the NBMLHD, demonstrating a deep commitment to healthcare excellence and innovation. She began her career as a Registered Nurse, quickly advancing to the role of Clinical Nurse Educator, where she played a pivotal role in mentoring and developing nursing staff.

Leah then transitioned into digital health, serving as an eMeds Change Manager for two years, leading critical initiatives to enhance medication management systems.  Currently, she holds the position of Chief Nurse Information Officer within the ICT team, where she bridges clinical expertise with technological advancement to drive transformative healthcare solutions across the District.

People Focused

Karen Alexander

Karen has diligently worked for NSW Health since 1989. Karen joined NBMLHD in 2004 as a senior occupational therapist in the (then) brand new aged care ward.  Karen quickly progressed as the Deputy Manager of Nepean Hospital Occupational Therapy Department.  In 2018, Karen moved into the District NDIS Transition Lead Role within the Allied Health Directorate, and in 2021 she was appointed to the role of Disability and NDIS Manager. 

She is a tireless advocate for improving the health care experience and health outcomes for people with disability, continues to provide support and guidance for all our services in managing the most challenging situations, and to build relationships with partners to continuously improve the care we collectively provide to vulnerable communities.

Karen is always focused on the person who needs our care, their wishes and priorities, and how she can support our services to keep the patient and their family at the centre of all we do. She is an exemplary role model for person centred care, and a highly valued and respected leader who is frequently sought out for her expert guidance and support. 

Collaborate for Success

Don Ferrolino

Don has been a valued member of NBMLHD for the past four years, and in 2024, he stepped into the role of Maintenance Supervisor at Lithgow Hospital. Since then, Don has continued to exemplify dedication, professionalism, and a can-do attitude that inspires those around him.

Known by his peers as someone who consistently goes above and beyond, Don brings energy and engagement to every task. His collaborative spirit spans both Lithgow and Portland sites, where he ensures maintenance operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Don’s commitment to excellence and his unwavering support for colleagues make him a standout member of the team. This award is a testament to his hard work and the positive impact he has on our workplace.  

People Focused

Lithgow Hospital Medical Imaging Team

The Lithgow Hospital Medical Imaging Team have exemplified strength of unity and professionalism, during a challenging time.  This close-knit group demonstrated unwavering commitment to patient care. Their ability to maintain uninterrupted services during such challenging times speaks volumes about their teamwork, compassion, and determination. They are not just colleagues—they are a family, and their efforts have made a lasting impact on the community they serve.

Collaborate for Success

The Activity Recovery Project Team

The Activity Recovery Project team has delivered an outstanding result for the District, exceeding the activity target for Financial Year ending 2025. This is a first in many years. These outcomes are the result of a bold, district-wide initiative to improve clinical coding and documentation quality.

This success was only possible through genuine collaboration between the District IM&A, Nepean clinical coders, Nepean HIM, and our clinicians, particularly the dedication of our coding team and Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (CDIS)—to deliver a shared outcome. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with an acknowledgement that our frontline staff's workload is now more accurately reflected in the data.