Some of our region’s most remarkable health staff have been celebrated at the annual Darling Downs Health awards ceremony.
The virtual event was a chance to pause and give praise to those who make a meaningful difference to the community every day.
Darling Downs Health Chief Executive Annette Scott said the awards recognise individual achievements which have collectively resulted in service-wide excellence.
“The past two years have been extraordinary and what I’ve seen our staff achieve is nothing short of heroic,” Ms Scott said.
“For many of us, it’s been a time to be reminded of why we chose a career in health, which was to serve others and keep them healthy, strong and well.”
More than 100 peer nominations were received across eight categories.
From bright ideas to unwavering support, the Compassion Award winner highlighted how crucial a conversation can be. Clowry Kennell has been integral in establishing the Cherbourg Community Wellbeing and Support Program – StaY (Sit Talk and Yarn) for First Nations People. His understanding and strong relationships ensure people at risk of suicide in Cherbourg are connected, referred and cared for.
The Integrity Award was given to Nathan Bugg, Principal Project Manager of Infrastructure at Baillie Henderson Hospital for his open and honest approach to everything he does. These qualities shone during the recent relocation of a department, when Mr Bugg was able to keep teams well informed in a consistent yet calm way.
The Dignity Award recipient was acknowledged for demonstrating her commitment to the Southern Downs community as it faced drought, flood and water shortages. Kristie Lambert is the Regional Adversity Integrated Care Clinician at Warwick Hospital, focusing on suicide prevention and awareness.
The next category was Innovation, awarded to Neil Dawson, Pathology Queensland Toowoomba Group Laboratory Manager for his work throughout the pandemic. Thanks to Mr Dawson, Toowoomba established a reputation for some of the fastest COVID-19 test results in Queensland.
Two staff members were recognised in the Courage Award category for their significant contributions to the prevention and intervention of domestic family violence. Kimberly Curr and Elissa Ryan both work at Toowoomba Hospital and demonstrate courage every day by supporting women and families in need.
Our Vision Award celebrated more collaborative efforts across Darling Downs Health. It was given to the Long Stay Working Party for their efforts to improve efficiencies in the long stay patient journey. The group includes Karen Gordon, Anthony Wilson, Bede Wilson, Clair Nunn, Ros Darracott, Ryan McVey, Sandra Costigan and Fiona Bain.
The Volunteer of the Year category was a chance to say thank you to those who give up their own time to help others. Julie Humphreys was this year’s winner and has been a volunteer with Darling Downs Health since 2010. She leads the Mental Health Pastoral Care team, as well as the Sunday morning worship for residents in the chapel at Baillie Henderson Hospital.
The final category was the Research Award which was given to both finalists for their ongoing commitment to their fields. Dr Devang Desai is a Urologist at Toowoomba Hospital and is growing the research culture and collaboration within Darling Downs Health.
Fellow winner Dr Chris Wall is Deputy Director of the Department of Orthopaedics at Toowoomba Hospital, and was recognised for his supervision of several publications and projects.
All award recipients, finalists and nominees have been congratulated for their ongoing hard work and dedication to the health service.
The full list of this year’s award recipients include:
• Compassion Award: Clowry Kennell, Cherbourg STaY Program – Indigenous Health Team
• Integrity Award: Nathan Bugg, Principal Project Manager of Infrastructure – Baillie Henderson Hospital
• Dignity Award: Kristie Lambert, Regional Adversity Integrated Care Clinician – Warwick Hospital
• Innovation Award: Neil Dawson, Pathology Queensland Toowoomba Group Laboratory Manager
• Courage Award: Kimberly Curr and Elissa Ryan, Clinical Lead and Project Officer, Domestic and Family Violence (Allied Health) – Toowoomba Hospital
• Our Vision Award: Long Stay Working Party: Karen Gordon, Anthony Wilson, Bede Wilson, Clair Nunn, Ros Darracott, Ryan McVey, Sandra Costigan and Fiona Bain – Toowoomba Hospital.
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Julie Humphreys, Volunteer Pastoral Care Services – Toowoomba and Baillie Henderson Hospitals
• Research Award: Dr Devang Desai, Urologist – Toowoomba Hospital, and Dr Chris Wall, Deputy Director Department of Orthopaedics – Toowoomba Hospital. (Joint Award)
