03 November 2008

Excellence in Western Sydney health care recognised at State awards

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today congratulated Westmead Hospital and the Sydney West Area Health Service for their winning entry in the 10th Annual NSW Health Awards held last Friday evening (31 October).

“The NSW Health Awards provide an opportunity to thank all health staff for making an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the community,” the Minister said.

“In particular, I congratulate Westmead Hospital for their award winning project - HealthCare for Older Persons Earlier (HOPE) - aimed at improving emergency health care for older people.

“The project won the Create Better Experiences for People Using Health Service category, and also took out my personal award for innovation, excellence and commitment to the health system.

“It addressed the growing number of older patients presenting to the Emergency Department at Westmead by providing them with fast-tracked access to skilled clinicians.

“As a result of this project, waiting times from triage to treatment for older people have improved significantly,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“The NSW Health Awards highlight the talent and passion of health care workers who have developed initiatives to improve the quality of care delivered to patients, the health of the population and performance of the health system.

“Not only do the Awards recognise our hardworking health professionals, including doctors and nurses, they also facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge across the entire health system which will improve the delivery of services.

“I was impressed by the high level of innovation, skill and excellence demonstrated at the NSW Health Awards, which attracted a record level of interest with more than 350 local projects reviewed.

“Individuals and teams have worked tirelessly to develop initiatives which address the challenges of the health system and these Awards are a fitting way to acknowledge their achievements,” Mr Della Bosca said.

For more details on the winners and finalists of the 2008 NSW Health Awards go to www.awards-expo.health.nsw.gov.au.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au