Staff at Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (Justice Health NSW) have been named finalists in the 2024 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary efforts to improve the NSW public health system.
Now in its 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.
Justice Health NSW has been nominated finalists in two categories and is among 42 other finalists from across the state.
Transforming Patient Experience Award
Care Behind the Wall, The Forensic Hospital – Over five years ago, the Forensic Hospital faced challenges such as increased patient aggression and high staff turnover. To address these issues, several changes were made to improve safety, recovery, and rehabilitation. This led to a significant drop in the use of restrictive practices, increased participation in therapy, better patient flow, and higher staff retention. The Forensic Hospital now uses a patient-centred, trauma-informed care model that focuses on positive outcomes, ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and the community.
Health Innovation Award
NSW Dried Blood Spot Hepatitis C Validation Study – Over six months, NSW Health, and partners (including Justice Health NSW) collected and analysed 1286 samples to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test. The results are sent to the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) for validation. If approved, this will be the only HCV DBS test available in Australia. The partnerships between the NSW Health sector have been essential for the largescale validation in a short amount of time.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said it is really exciting to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways every day.
"These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers, across the public health system," Ms Pearce said.
"I congratulate the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the work being done across the system every day, by our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff."
NSW Health received 186 nominations across the 12 award categories.
Justice Health NSW Acting Chief Executive, Ing Yu, said he is proud of the achievements of our local finalists who have been recognised for their passion and commitment.
“Justice Health NSW plays an integral part of the NSW Health system,” Mr Yu said.
“While much of the work we do caring for vulnerable populations goes unnoticed, it is nice when we have the opportunity to recognise our people and services.”
“Our staff, from clinical to administrative services do a fantastic job and it’s great that we’ve been able to shine a light on a few projects that help to transform the lives of our patients.”
The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday 24 October at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. It will also be livestreamed from 6pm.
Further information on the 2024 NSW Health Awards, including a full list of finalists is available on the NSW Health website.
A new sustainability project will be piloted for First Nations patients at the Forensic Hospital in Malabar, giving patients the opportunity to foster a greater connection to country.
Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network NSW is delighted to announce the permanent appointment of Dr Gary Nicholls to the role of Executive Medical Director.
