03 November 2008

Excellence in Northern Sydney health care recognised at State awards

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today congratulated the Northern Sydney Central Coast 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 their outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the community,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“In particular, I congratulate the Northern Beaches for their work on shared care between community services and GPs to improve access to health care outside the hospital.

“Their winning project - Alternatives to Acute Hospital - won the Strengthen Primary Health and Continuing Care in the Community category.

“This project gives GPs on the Northern Beaches the ability to directly refer their patients to the Acute Post Acute Care Service, allowing them to be treated at home or in a Residential Aged Care Facility, rather than being admitted to hospital.

“Not only do patients receive the care they need in a less stressful environment, the demand on Emergency Departments is reduced,” the Minister 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 in NSW.

“Not only do the Awards recognise hardworking health professionals, including doctors and nurses, they also facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge across the entire health system which leads to further improvements in health care delivery.

“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 entered.

“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 acknowle their achievements,” Mr Della Bosca added.

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