Bathurst’s brilliance recognised at WNSWLHD Awards

Bathurst Health Service, Service Transformation and General Manager Jo Holden said it is fantastic to see the excellent work at the hospital being recognised at a District and now state-wide level.

“We know that our staff are some of the best of the best and now everyone else knows too. I am incredibly proud of our fabulous team and the work they are doing for our community,” Ms Holden said.

The Greenify Medical Imaging project received the Environmental Sustainability Award. The aim of the project was to reduce the environmental impact and improve efficiency in the contrast-enhanced CT scans by replacing single-use contrast injector systems with a sustainable, multi-use alternative. 

Over a three-month pilot, results showed a 79 per cent reduction in plastic waste and emissions and a 40 per cent drop in consumable costs. Radiographers were also able to perform more scans daily and reduced the wait times for patients.

The Clothing Connection Project was also a finalist for the Environmental Sustainability Award. Its aim was to reduce uniform waste by reusing, repurposing, and recycling textiles. The initial pop-up shop redistributed 300 uniform items and established a Uniform Pool. 

The Clothing Connection Project was also voted to receive the People’s Choice Award, while Senior MRI Radiographer Niall Fingleton, was named a finalist in the Staff Member of the Year Award.

“Niall, has made a significant impact on the MRI department at the hospital. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of our team,” Ms Holden said.

“He has built a service known for its kindness and efficiency. He also plays a pivotal role in the general anaesthetic paediatric MRI service, offering a vital local service for young patients who would have previously had to travel elsewhere for care”.

The Medical Imaging Administration Team were named finalists for the Inspiring Team of the Year Award.

Following the introduction of a new district wide system across the Medical Imaging Departments, The Centralised Bookings Project was developed and trialled in Bathurst. The Bathurst Admin team, quickly adapted to the new systems and now remotely book appointments, manage paperwork and prepare patients across several sites.

Bathurst Health Services’s other finalist in the Inspiring Team of the Year Award, was the SIM Insitu Team - a great example from little things, big things grow. What started out as a one person initiative has expanded to an interdisciplinary team of six, delivering scenario-based simulation education focused on teamwork, communication and patient safety.

Bathurst Redevelopment Project Director Amy Wells was also awarded the prestigious Senior Leader of the Year Award, presented by WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal.

“I am extremely proud of our staff and the work they do every day. These individuals and projects are great examples of how we are striving to provide the best care possible for our community,” Ms Holden said.