Our awards
Our annual Western NSW Local Health District Awards are a highlight of the year for the District.
The Awards program brings health care professionals together, to share and celebrate achievements in innovation and delivering world-class health care to our communities. The program includes a symposium during the day and a presentation event in the evening.
The 2025 award program will be held in Dubbo on 14 August.
Sponsorship opportunities
Opportunities are now closed to sponsor our 2025 Symposium and Awards.
If you would like to know more about partnering with us for this special event, please email us for more information.
2025 award finalists
A massive congratulations to our award finalists in the following categories.
Bellies and New Life - a Partnership Approach
The Bellies and New Life program improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Warren, Trangie and surrounds.
The project was created after Aboriginal Health Worker, Mary Small identified poor engagement with Aboriginal families, many of whom did not use Child, Youth and Family services. As a successful collaboration between the midwife, Aboriginal health worker, child & family health nurse and local partner organisations, this program offers ongoing holistic care, engaging participants through art, language, music, dance and culture, and giving each mother the opportunity to share her story and journey.
This project has resulted in early detection of health concerns, increased referrals and utilisation of health services and improved vaccination rates.
Supporting Aboriginal Health Practitioners to Vaccinate Mob - recipient
This project aimed to provide culturally safe support and training for Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) in WNSWLHD, enabling them to confidently administer influenza vaccines to vulnerable populations.
A blended learning pathway, localised procedures and a mentoring system were developed to guide and support AHPs to become qualified. By May 2025, six AHPs were qualified vaccinators, with three more in training. In April–May 2025, AHPs vaccinated 277 people.
The initiative’s resources and pathways were shared with the Ministry of Health, supporting the training of AHPs across the state. The program successfully empowered AHPs to use their clinical skills to deliver safe, effective influenza vaccinations, reducing disease burden and strengthening culturally appropriate care in communities.
Greenify Medical Imaging - recipient
The Greenify Medical Imaging project aimed to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency in contrast-enhanced CT scans by replacing single-use contrast injector systems with a sustainable, multi-use alternative.
A three-month pilot at Bathurst Hospital retrofitted existing equipment with a low-cost consumable. Results showed a 79% reduction in plastic waste and emissions, 69% faster equipment set-up, and a 40% drop in consumable costs. Radiographers performed 1–2 more scans daily, reducing wait times and enhancing patient care.
The project demonstrates a practical, cost-effective, and scalable solution for regional hospitals, offering significant environmental, financial, and clinical benefits.
Sustainable Analytics - Knowledge is Empowerment for Change
The Sustainability Development Unit developed a tracking system to capture key data, using the Australian National Greenhouse Accounts Factors for calculations. Data captured includes carbon emissions, kilograms of waste diverted and financial savings. The system has resulted in more accurate monitoring of WNSWLHD’s carbon footprint and supports improved reporting and recognition of sustainability efforts.
The Clothing Connection
The Clothing Connection project at Bathurst Hospital, in partnership with the Sustainability Development Unit and Downer, aimed to reduce uniform waste by reusing, repurposing, and recycling textiles.
A one-week pop-up shop in January 2025 redistributed 300 uniform items and established a Uniform Pool with 150 more, saving over $12,500 in potential costs. An additional 72kg of unusable textiles were recycled, preventing 8.6 tonnes of carbon emissions (equivalent to 6 car trips around Australia).
The initiative encouraged staff engagement, highlighted sustainability in healthcare, and addressed textile waste—one of WNSWLHD’s strategic priorities. Future plans include regular collection events and repurposing items into bags, promoting long-term sustainable uniform management.
Putting the 'Partnership' into Care Partnership - Diabetes
The Care Partnership – Diabetes (CPD) program addresses the complex challenges of Type 2 Diabetes, through a collaborative approach that strengthens system coordination, workforce capability and patient access.
Delivered through a formal partnership involving WNSWLHD, Rural Doctors Network, Primary Health Network, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and general practices. CPD features innovations such as a Diabetes Hub, virtual case conferencing, group consultations, mentoring and use of system tools like INCA and HealthPathways.
With 29% Aboriginal participation, CPD has expanded access to specialist care, improved workforce skills and fostered integrated care models, offering a replicable, sustainable model for culturally appropriate chronic disease management.
Prioritising culturally safe care, the program employs Aboriginal Wellbeing Coordinators and supports Aboriginal Health Practitioners.
Navigating the Aged Care System Program
The Navigating the Aged Care System program was developed to address extended hospital stays and unnecessary social admissions among older adults in the Weddin Shire.
Many over-65s were confused or hesitant about accessing My Aged Care and needed support to understand available services. The program takes a holistic approach to educate and empower older community members to plan for their ageing journey, make informed choices and access care early.
Delivered in partnership with local services, the program provides practical information on My Aged Care, legal and care planning and support options. Over six years, more than 80 participants have benefited, leading to reduced social admissions and improved understanding and use of aged care services.
Sustaining Small Rural Communities (4T’s) for Holistic Patient Healthcare Delivery
The Sustaining Small Rural Communities (4Ts) project was developed to address critical gaps in primary healthcare across the towns of Tottenham, Tullamore, Trundle, and Trangie.
Faced with a significant lack of GP services in these communities, the project piloted a networked, whole-of-healthcare model, using a single-employer mechanism to engage Rural Generalist Doctors and support staff.
This integrated approach delivered comprehensive primary, acute and emergency care, co-located with Multipurpose Services. The model has improved access to timely, 100% bulk-billed GP appointments, enhanced chronic disease management and reduced avoidable emergency department visits.
Now embedded into business-as-usual operations, the 4Ts model offers a sustainable, replicable solution for small rural communities.
The Virtual Early Talking Group - recipient
The Virtual Early Talking Group, a telehealth group therapy model, was introduced to improve access and reduce long wait times for Speech Pathology for children in Dubbo, Mudgee and surrounding areas.
This project aimed to address the risk of delayed early intervention, by providing therapy within three months of referral, for children under 3.5 years who experience early language difficulties.
After establishment, the program expanded to a District-wide trial with 46 families across nine sites, achieving an 85 per cent engagement rate and showing promise as a scalable solution for early intervention across western NSW.
Bringing Brains to the Bush - Inaugural WNSWLHD Neuropsychology Symposium
The District’s inaugural Neuropsychology Symposium was established to provide clinicians in western NSW with access to the latest research, developments and evidence-based practice, delivered by leaders in the field.
The two-day Symposium was held at Orange in March 2025, attracting 79 attendees across diverse disciplines and sectors, from Western NSW, Murrumbidgee and Far West LHDs, as well as other Government and private agencies.
Five Clinical Neuropsychologists from Macquarie University and Royal North Shore Hospital delivered presentations on their research and innovations, providing interactive opportunities for in-depth learning and engagement.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Keeping up Aperients: a Proactive Approach to Clozapine-Induced Constipation - recipient
This project aimed to improve the management of Clozapine-induced constipation caused by creating clear clinical guidelines and empowering patients to take a more active role in their care, to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital admissions.
The team drew on literature reviews and consultation with Gastroenterology Specialists to inform best practices, and conducted extensive surveys and investigations with staff and patients to assess existing knowledge and management.
Also adapting international protocols, a new one-page clinical guidelines was integrated into District-wide Clozapine protocols, a patient-focused ‘Constipation Action Plan’ – modelled on the Asthma Action Plan – was created, and daily bowel charts were introduced for all patients taking Clozapine.
These new tools are now utilised across Bloomfield Hospital rehabilitation wards, including during patient leave and discharge.
Staying Healthy While Taking Antipsychotic Medications
This project aimed to fill a resource gap for people living with mental illness by creating a consumer-friendly, educational resource, appropriate for all ages and levels of health literacy, to explain the physical health impacts and side effects of antipsychotic medication.
The team, made up of Allied Health Clinicians from Dietetics, Pharmacy and Exercise Physiology, created an easy-to-understand brochure, which is now available across all mental health services in the District and provided to consumers starting antipsychotic medications.
The brochure’s development was underpinned by extensive reviews and refinement, including health literacy assessment, and consultation with consumers, the District’s Communications Team, and the Drugs and Therapeutic Committee.
Communication for Safe Care Project
This project developed a practical, scalable model to improve healthcare access for people with communication support needs. The goal was to embed inclusive communication into everyday practice across diverse healthcare settings.
The project worked closely with consumers, staff, and leaders to identify barriers and co-design site-specific solutions, including communication tools, staff training, environmental changes, and system-level improvements like updated triage and documentation processes.
Consumers were empowered to actively participate in their care, while staff confidence and capability in supporting communication needs improved. Evaluation showed improve consumer experience, and significantly reduced risk of communication breakdown.
Community Partnerships: How Meaningful Engagement is Transforming Patient Experience - recipient
The District launched the Meaningful Engagement Strategy to strengthen community partnerships, build trust, and improve healthcare experiences by enabling co-designed service solutions tailored to local needs.
Through a range of initiatives including; Sub-Regional Health Planning Committees; the online Western NSW Engage platform; Community Conferences and more than 95 place-based projects since establishment, evaluation shows strong results.
Engagement has increased significantly, with more than 80 community members involved in committees more representative of our communities, more than 21,000 platform views so far and over 3,000 contributions, and more than 220 attendees at community events.
This strategy is delivering tangible outcomes, especially for remote, Aboriginal, and migrant communities, and is driving equity and innovation in service delivery. WNSWLHD remains committed to working alongside communities to transform healthcare across the region.
With Women - The Centre of Clinical Handover
This project was designed to significantly increase the amount of bedside handovers on the Dubbo Maternity Ward, to improve communication and patient experience, also empowering patients to play an active role in their care.
Additionally, handover time reduced from 39 minutes to 22 minutes on average, while patient experience and ratings also improved significantly, and compliance with National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards rose dramatically.
The success has since expanded to the birthing unit, with patients reporting a more connected and informed care experience.
WNSWLHD ARFID Clinic Pilot
The ARFID Virtual Clinic pilot aimed to improve care for individuals with suspected avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in rural Western NSW, by improving access to and delivery of assessment and treatment while building local clinician capability.
Delivered from Orange, a team of a Psychologist, Speech Pathologist and Dietitian provided virtual, multi-disciplinary support to clients and clinicians at remote sites under a hub-and-spoke model, and is the only public-based virtual clinic doing so.
Clients and clinicians completed pre- and post-treatment experience surveys and underwent independent interviews, with strong results outlining improved outcomes for clients and increased skills and confidence in clinicians.
The project demonstrated that specialist care can be effectively delivered virtually, improving outcomes for clients and strengthening rural health services.
"It’s all in the DETAILS"
DETAILS: Documentation Encounter Templates Assisting with Integrating Linked Services
This project aimed to improve the quality and consistency of clinical handover and documentation compliance through standardised encounter templates, while supporting patient-centred care and increasing awareness of rural support services.
Standardised encounter templates were introduced to guide high-quality documentation and prompt consideration of patient needs, while staff were provided training on templates along with standards, and support services to enhance care planning.
The templates have also expanded to other areas such as imaging and pre-treatment counters, improving patient safety and access to equitable care.
Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting - recipient
This project aimed to improve patient safety by reducing medication charting errors at hospital admission, through the introduction of the Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) model.
Under the PPMC model, specially-trained and credentialed hospital pharmacists work alongside senior doctors to review patients and directly chart medications into the electronic medical record.
It aligns with the WHO’s Medication Without Harm initiative and offers a scalable, sustainable approach to improving safety at a critical point in patient care.
The Quiet Zone. Modifying the Medical Ward to Improve Patient Experience
The Quiet Zone (Q-Zone) was created to improve care for patients who may be sensitive to noise and activity, such as those with dementia, delirium, disability, or other cognitive or neurological conditions.
Based on research highlighting how the environment affects the patient experience, the Q-Zone is an 8-bed area in the medical ward that has been adapted to reduce stimulation.
This calm and quieter setting helps promote comfort, safety, and wellbeing for patients who need extra support, including those receiving palliative care or living with mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities.
The Dubbo Emergency Department triage redesign project has led to systemic, sustainable improvements by embedding structural and procedural changes into daily operations. The introduction of clearly defined roles (triage nurse, wait room nurse, and administrative officers), window triaging, and a dedicated wait room nurse has created a repeatable and resilient model that does not rely on individual performance but on a consistent team-based approach.
Timely Triage - Improved Patient Safety in the Dubbo Emergency Department
The Dubbo Emergency Department triage redesign project has led to systemic, sustainable improvements by embedding structural and procedural changes into daily operations. The introduction of clearly defined roles (triage nurse, wait room nurse, and administrative officers), window triaging, and a dedicated wait room nurse has created a repeatable and resilient model that does not rely on individual performance but on a consistent team-based approach.
WNSWLHD Nursing Pathways
This project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the District’s nursing workforce development programs in attracting and retaining skilled nurses in rural and remote areas, by conducting retrospective analysis.
Extensive reviews of six nursing programs from 2023 to 2025, including cadetships, scholarships and transition-to-practice pathways, assessed and analysed recruitment, retention, graduation rates and employment outcomes.
The project’s findings showed extremely strong retention and recruitment outcomes, including a 100 per cent employment rate for Enrolled Nurse cadets, and 100 per cent retention rate for both the Aboriginal Cadetship and RUGS Scholarship.
The District’s New Graduate Registered Nurse program also showed high success with an average completion rate of 91 per cent employment rates above 80 per cent in following years, helping to build a stable, skilled and diverse workforce across the District.
Fly-In Fly-Out Workforce Initiative.
In response to maternity vacancies in 2023, Dubbo Hospital developed and implemented a unique, innovative workforce model as a temporary measure to ensure the delivery of safe, quality care was not compromised.
Inspired by models in other industries, Dubbo Hospital introduced a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) program for Midwives, offering flexible rosters to appeal to experienced metropolitan staff seeking rural experience in an approach not previously trialled in the nursing industry.
After 80 enquiries in the initial 48 hours of advertising, six Midwives started in the first Maternity intake. The program has been so successful, it has now expanded to Emergency, ICU, Coronary/Stroke Unit, and Theatres, and proven an effective recruitment strategy.
Practical Alignment of Regional I-131 Therapy Services with Best Practice
Orange Health Service via a local multidisciplinary effort reviewed their process for I-131 therapy (radioactive iodine therapy) for thyroid cancer to ensure best practice.
A site visit by a nuclear medicine physics expert and collaboration between local teams led to practical improvements.
As a result, upskilled and empowered staff are now able to better manage the service in line with principles of radiation protection and patient safety, ensuring the ongoing delivery of safe and effective cancer treatment for the Central West NSW community.
Rejuvenation of the NSW Remote X-Ray Operator Program - recipient
Remote X-Ray Operators (RXOs) are trained to perform limited x-rays when radiographers aren’t available in rural or remote areas, allowing for the timely imaging of emergency and inpatient cases and avoiding delays in treatment or unnecessary patient transfers.
However, the RXO Program has stalled across NSW in recent years, due to limited training options and discontinued course materials. WNSWLHD’S project team aimed to relaunch the program, on behalf of NSW Health.
In partnership with HETI, this project was designed to refresh course content discontinued by previous providers, refine the eLearning platform and rejuvenate the program, to ultimately increase access to imaging services in remote areas.
Since December 2023, four courses have been run and the number of RXOs in WNSWLHD has doubled from 14 to 28, across 12 facilities compared to nine previously.
Additionally, RXO examinations in WNSWLHD have increased 51 per cent, from an average of 33 to 62 per month, and eight nursing staff from five other LHDs in NSW have completed training and obtained RXO licences.
Dubbo Nursing Journal Club
While journal clubs are a well-known way to support evidence-based practice and professional development, Dubbo Hospital trialled a new approach tailored for nurses. Unlike traditional, unit-specific models, this journal club welcomed nurses from all areas of the hospital to encourage interdisciplinary learning and broader engagement.
The innovation focused on creating a safe, welcoming space where nurses could build confidence in understanding and discussing research. Guided discussions replaced formal presentations, using a validated critical appraisal tool to support learning. Articles were chosen to help nurses explore different research methods, results, and statistics, and to ask thoughtful questions about how studies were conducted and what that meant for the validity of the findings.
Charles Sturt University lecturers supported and mentored the journal club, helping guide participants through the research and critical thinking process.
By breaking down barriers to research, this model empowers nurses to confidently apply evidence-based practice and improve patient care.
Help Make Virtual Care Better for People with Intellectual Disability - recipient
This research project looked at how virtual care works for people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers across NSW. It explored whether virtual care is practical, well-received, and effective. Using a co-design approach, the project involved people with lived experience, clinicians, and community partners to help shape the work. Together, they developed resources to help consumers access virtual care confidently and support clinicians to deliver it safely and effectively.
The project was a partnership between Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, Charles Sturt University, and the South Western Sydney LHD Specialised Intellectual Disability Health Team, working together to improve inclusive healthcare.
Ultrasound Mapping in Heated Environments Improves Arteriovenous Fistula Creation Outcomes - recipient
This research on heating the scanning environment during ultrasound upper limb mapping has significantly improved patient experience and clinical outcomes in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. The project evaluated four heating methods—warm gel alone, or combined with a heated blanket, electric throw, heater, or warm water bath.
The study fostered strong partnerships between the Ultrasound and Renal Unit at Orange Hospital and the University of Sydney. It highlights how a simple, low-risk change to clinical practice can make a big difference.
The study shows how a simple change can deliver safer, more effective, and patient-centred care.
Protecting Our Multicultural Communities from ‘Flu' - recipient
This project aimed to increase access to, and ultimately coverage of influenza vaccinations for culturally-diverse communities in Dubbo and surrounding regions, who may not otherwise get the vaccine.
In partnership with ORISCON and Mission Australia, the District’s Public Health Unit and Community Engagement Team held community vaccination clinics open to anyone, which were designed to provide welcoming spaces which allowed families to be vaccinated together.
As a result, the number of people vaccinated at the clinics multiple by more than 250 per cent between 2024 and 2025, a trend which is continuing to develop as the partnership continues to grow.
Identifying and Responding to Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of the Older Person
This project involved the creation of a partnership between the WNSWLHD Aged Care Team and the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), to address reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people.
Through joint investigations, including home visits by clinicians and ADC representatives, the partnership ensures risks are assessed, urgent needs are addressed, and supports are implemented. The initiative promotes interagency collaboration, drawing on NSW Health resources to prevent early residential care entry and hospitalisation.
Recognised at the state level and is expanding to include adults with disabilities. Staff wellbeing is prioritised through structured debriefs.
SANE Assist Model
The SANE Assist Model of Care, co-developed by Dr Tim McCrossin and Maria Woods, is an innovative initiative aimed at improving child sexual assault responses in rural and remote areas of the Western NSW Local Health District.
It provides real-time advisory support from experienced Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to local Paediatricians, enhancing their ability to deliver timely, trauma-informed forensic care for children aged 14 and under. By reducing the need for transfers, the model minimises trauma, preserves forensic integrity, and strengthens cultural safety.
Developed collaboratively and structured using a quality improvement framework, it has shown early success and is gaining interest for statewide expansion due to its sustainable, scalable design.
Shark Cage Program - Building on Women’s Strengths & Reducing Self-Blame
The Shark Cage program is an eight-week, evidence-based group intervention designed to support women who have experienced abuse, either in childhood or adulthood.
Led by WNSWLHD PARVAN services, it aims to prevent re-victimisation by equipping participants with tools for self-care, resilience, boundary-setting and assertive communication. The program helps reduce self-blame, promotes understanding of human rights and fosters emotional and physical wellbeing.
Participants consistently report improvements in confidence, boundary-setting and recognising abusive behaviours. By addressing the long-term impacts of domestic and sexual violence, the Shark Cage program also eases demand on counselling services and enhances access to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (VAN) services across the region.
The ADHD and Behaviour Management Service: Enhancing Rural Child Health Equity - recipient
The ADHD and Behaviour Management Service was developed to address long waiting times for ADHD assessment within the WNSWLHD.
In partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, the pilot introduced a family and school supported telehealth model that offers multidisciplinary team assessments.
Assessments are conducted in schools, with carers joining via telehealth, and GPs engaged from the outset to support ongoing co-management.
The model has reduced wait times, improved access to care, and strengthened collaboration across health, education and primary care sectors.
Dubbo Health Service Hysteroscopy Clinic - recipient
The Dubbo Health Service Outpatient Hysteroscopy Clinic is a major innovation in women’s healthcare, offering a safer, faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital-based procedures.
Using minimally invasive techniques without general anaesthesia, the clinic allows for same-day assessment and treatment of conditions like abnormal uterine bleeding and early pregnancy loss. Patients benefit from quicker recovery, fewer complications and reduced pre-operative appointments.
This outpatient model increases procedural capacity, shortens wait times and avoids use of operating theatres and hospital beds. It also achieves significant cost savings, making it a sustainable, patient-centred solution for gynaecological care.
Innovations and Adaptability to Establish Regional PET-CT Scanning - recipient
The establishment of a PET-CT service in Western NSW, has significantly improved access to advanced diagnostic imaging for rural communities. Introduced at the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo in 2022, it is the first PET-CT scanner west of the Blue Mountains.
Through innovative workforce planning, digital support and shared infrastructure with Radiation Oncology, the service continues to grow, despite resource barriers and the geographical challenges of remote supervision and transporting isotopes over 400km.
It has delivered 2,581 scans, with a 43.5% increase in capacity over three years, reducing patient travel and improving cancer care outcomes.
Driven by a dedicated team and strong district support, this model exemplifies scalable, equitable and innovative diagnostic care in rural Australia.
I've Got a Fast CAR: Efficient Signoff for Redevelopment Procurement
The "I've Got a Fast CAR" project transformed a traditionally manual, paper-heavy procurement process into an efficient, fully digital workflow for hospital redevelopments.
Each Commitment Approval Request (CAR) form (required for thousands of equipment purchases) previously needed multiple physical signatures, causing significant delays and paper waste.
Commercial e-signature platforms were explored but deemed too costly. Instead, the team created a low-cost, automated system using existing NSW Health tools: SharePoint, Power Automate, Teams, and Outlook. This solution enables remote, sequential approvals, reduces turnaround times, eliminates printing and increases transparency.
Designed for scalability and ease of use, the workflow modernises procurement approvals across WNSWLHD and is now being considered for broader implementation state-wide.
L.I.V.E.R. SABR: Leading Innovation in Versatile and Effective Radiotherapy – Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy
The Leading Innovation in Versatile and Effective Radiotherapy project (L.I.V.E.R.) project successfully implemented Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for liver lesions across WNSWLHD, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to rural communities.
While options such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are usually considered first for the treatment of liver lesions, these are relatively contraindicated in larger lesions. SBRT is an excellent alternative option, with studies suggesting it may have superior local control compared to RFA for lesions greater than 2cm.
Comprehensive training and new clinical protocols enabled safe, local delivery of this complex treatment. The initiative enhances access, maximises existing equipment and improves health outcomes for patients in regional NSW.
Dr Andrew Caldin
Dr Andrew Caldin has shown a strong passion for patient care throughout his time working as a Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) practitioner for the district. He consistently goes above and beyond to make sure every patient gets the best possible treatment and support. His combination of kindness and clinical skill has made a real difference to many patients and their families. Andy’s compassionate approach helps people feel cared for and supported during difficult times, reflecting his commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care.
Dr Georgia Pace - recipient
Dr Georgia Pace, ICU Resident at Dubbo Hospital, shows compassion, advocacy and cultural respect in all that she does. A Dubbo local, Georgia returned to her community in 2023 and has been making a real difference ever since.
Her care goes beyond the bedside, supporting grieving families, following up with patients from remote areas, and even helping overwhelmed carers with food or transport. She once arranged a haircut for a socially isolated man awaiting aged care, showing her deep respect for dignity.
Georgia works closely with nurses and allied health teams, promoting teamwork and cultural safety. She’s not only a skilled clinician but a true role model for rural healthcare, leading with kindness, fairness and heart.
Ollie Mulcock
Ollie has led the delivery of Australia’s first mobile CT service designed for emergency care in remote hospitals. Unlike other units, this service supports urgent clinical needs in rural emergency departments, helping patients access timely, high-quality diagnostic care close to home. As the clinical lead, Ollie’s dedication has been key to its success.
He is also leading research with Charles Sturt University to evaluate the service’s effectiveness, including outcomes for Aboriginal patients, to help inform similar models across rural Australia and beyond. A strong advocate for rural health innovation, Ollie represents WNSWLHD at national and state forums, helping lift the standard of care in underserved communities.
His work reduces unnecessary transfers, speeds up access to care, and supports patients by bringing essential imaging services directly to them.
Niall Fingleton
Niall joined Bathurst Medical Imaging in 2022 as the senior radiographer for a new MRI unit. In just two years, he has built a service known for its kindness and efficiency. He has also run information sessions for hospital staff and referrers to raise awareness and promote the MRI service. Niall is a valued and well-liked team member, known for his friendly nature and strong teamwork. He coordinates a general anaesthetic paediatric MRI service with theatre, paediatrics and a paediatric radiologist offering a vital local service for young patients who would have otherwise needed to travel for care. He is a clear and thoughtful communicator, earning regular praise from both referrers and hospital staff for his professional and approachable manner. Niall’s leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on the quality of care within WNSWLHD.
Medical Imaging Admin team, Bathurst
The introduction of a new district-wide RIS/PACS system in Medical Imaging brought major changes.
The Centralised Bookings Project was trialled to manage these changes. One team in Bathurst now remotely books appointments, manages paperwork, and prepares patients across several sites including Forbes, Gilgandra, and Condobolin. This freed clinical staff to focus on their core duties and removed the need for admin staff at every site.
The Bathurst admin team quickly adapted to new systems, supported each other, and even trained other sites. This collaboration has strengthened connections across the district and created more consistent patient booking experiences.
After 18 months, the team leads this change district-wide, with plans to make centralised booking permanent due to its success.
Virtual Drug and Alcohol Service
The Virtual Outreach Drug and Alcohol (VDA) Service has expanded into the northern corridor of WNSWLHD, improving access to specialist care in remote towns. This aligns with the NSW Regional Health Strategic Plan 2022–2032 by supporting equitable, integrated, and sustainable rural health services.
A hybrid virtual care model was introduced, using Telehealth and local facilities like MPSs and Aboriginal Health Services. Strong partnerships with NGOs, GPs, Justice Health, NSW Ambulance, and Police ensure coordinated care.
Local engagement built trust and supported referrals. The service strengthens the rural workforce, improves timely access, and delivers innovative, tailored care.
SIM INSITU Team
In 2025, the SIM INSITU Team at Bathurst Health Service expanded from a one-person initiative to an interdisciplinary team of six. This growth has enhanced the delivery of scenario-based simulation education focused on teamwork, communication, and patient safety.
Staff joined through self-nomination, creating strong ownership and collaboration. Leadership and cross-department support ensured the program remained sustainable and responsive.
The team reshaped simulation culture, moving from performance-based assessments to safe, team-focused learning. Pre-briefings and clear communication helped build psychological safety and engagement.
Despite competing priorities, strong planning and communication doubled simulation delivery and strengthened team performance across the service.
Orange Women's and Infant Unit - recipient
A significant achievement the Women’s and Infants Unit has accomplished is reducing the percentage of planned births before 39 weeks. While this was the primary goal, the project has also led to many other measurable improvements, including a significant reduction in late preterm and early term births, inductions, caesarean sections, post-partum haemorrhages, third- and fourth-degree tears, and admissions to the special care nursery. It has also improved spontaneous birth rates and exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge.
This project has inspired the Women’s and Infants Unit to continue driving change and working collaboratively to achieve better patient outcomes. The team recognised the need for change and worked together to achieve these goals. One of the most important strategies for fostering teamwork was strong leadership that clearly communicated the goals from the outset, ensuring the team was aligned and understood their individual roles in achieving the shared vision.
Fay Angel - recipient
Fay Angel has played a key role in creating and maintaining the beautiful gardens at the Western Cancer Centre Dubbo (WCCD). She coordinated the design, materials, funding and volunteers, bringing her vision to life with strong community and staff support. Fay knew that a welcoming garden could lift the spirits of patients, families and staff, and worked to make the space culturally inclusive, native and low maintenance. She continues to care for the garden by weeding, watering, pruning and cleaning. Patients and carers often comment on how special the garden is and how lucky they feel to have such a caring community. Fay’s efforts have helped create a space that brings comfort and joy to those going through tough times.
Jacqui Rudge - recipient
Jacqui has been a committed consumer and carer representative with Western NSW Local Health District for over six years. She uses her personal experience to help improve healthcare by contributing to a range of committees, projects, and working groups. Jacqui plays a key leadership role as Chair of the Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) District Consumer and Carer Consultancy Meeting. She also co-chaired the Western NSW LHD Community Conference, helping to ensure that the voices of consumers and carers are heard. Through her involvement, Jacqui continues to be a strong advocate for positive change in the health system.