The 2024 Metro South Health Staff Awards Gala, held on Friday 22 November at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane, was an unforgettable evening celebrating the dedication, passion, and innovation of Metro South Health’s extraordinary workforce.
With a record-breaking 488 nominations submitted and nearly 500 attendees, this year’s gala proved to be the largest celebration of our people to date.
The event brought together staff from across Metro South Health to reflect on the tremendous achievements made over the past year. From groundbreaking healthcare initiatives to tireless patient care, the evening was a testament to the invaluable contributions of the Metro South Health team.
Metro South Health Chief Executive Noelle Cridland said it was wonderful to share the special occasion with so many staff from across our health service. said.
“This year’s gala was not only a celebration of our past successes, but also a recognition of the incredible work happening every day in our hospitals, clinics, and communities.
“These awards are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the dedicated multidisciplinary teams who make a meaningful difference to our patients, our communities, and to each other.”
Metro South Health’s 2024 Staff Awards Gala was a resounding success, reaffirming the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for improving healthcare across the region.
“We thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations and congratulate all of our deserving finalists,” Ms Cridland said.
Award winners
Values Award
Honouring individuals and teams who exemplify the core values of Metro South Health – integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, engagement, and excellence.
Winner: Dr Arvind Gunasekaran, Director, Metro South Palliative Care
Spirit Award
Celebrating individuals or teams who inspire a positive workplace culture, demonstrate exceptional teamwork, and go above and beyond in service to others.
Winner: Allison De Tina, Assistant Director of Nursing, Metro South Forensic Nursing Service
People Focus Award
Recognising those who put people at the heart of everything they do, ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are always the focus of their work.
Winner: Southern Moreton Bay Island Community Partnership Service, Community and Oral Health Service
Excellence in Leadership Award
Acknowledging leaders who inspire and guide others, making a significant impact through their leadership.
Winner: Dr Geoffrey Playford, Director, Infection Management Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital
Ambitious Innovation Award
Honouring those who use creativity and innovation to drive positive change and improve patient care.
Winner: Integrated Theranostics Centre, Princess Alexandra Hospital
Better Together Award
Celebrating collaboration, this award recognises individuals or teams who work together to achieve better patient and community outcomes.
Winner: Penny Wright, Assistant Director of Nursing, Medical and Emergency, Bayside Health Service
Health Equity Award
Recognising individuals or teams who work to improve healthcare access, outcomes, or opportunities for all communities, ensuring equity in care.
Winners:
- Chronic Disease Team, Community and Oral Health Service
- Midwifery Group Practice – Birthing in Our Community (BiOC), Bayside Health Service
Partnering with Consumers Award
Acknowledging individuals or teams who actively engage with patients and their families to improve decision-making and healthcare service delivery.
Winner: Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program, Princess Alexandra Hospital
Volunteer Award
Celebrating the invaluable contributions of a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment.
Winner: Michael Begeda, QEII Jubilee Hospital
Chief Executive Award
The highest recognition, given to individuals or teams who have made a lasting, positive impact on Metro South Health, as nominated by the Chief Executive.
Winner: Patient Access Coordination Hub (PACH) Team, Metro South Health
Board Chair Award
The ultimate accolade, recognising individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional and lasting contributions to Metro South Health, as nominated by the Board Chair.
Winner: Gathering Circle, Beaudesert Hospital
A big thank you to the sponsors who made the awards possible: QSuper part of Australian Retirement Trust , PA Research Foundation, Griffith University, Remserv Leasing, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland and Alumni Global.