EAST Grampians Health Service has recognised the dedication of its staff and volunteers.
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The health service held its annual general meeting last week, where it announced Matthew Wood as the recipient of the 2018 Life Governor award.
Mr Wood joined the East Grampians Health Service board in 2011 and served as chair from 2014 to 2018.
During his tenure the health service was named Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) and received $4.12 million in state government funding to expand the community health centre.
Mr Wood names both of these as highlights of his tenure.
“(It) is a reflection of the fantastic work the chief executive officer, executive and staff do delivering great health care to the Ararat community,” he said.
Mr Wood also said that more broadly, a highlight of his tenure was being able to serve the community.
“Being able to deliver great healthcare to our community, being able to absorb the pressure of government policy, cost, and being able to continue to deliver affordable health care to our community. The other (highlight) is having a really heavy focus on clinical governance to make sure the healthcare we deliver is safe,” he said.
Mr Wood said it was time for him to step down and let someone else take up the role.
“Seven years on the board, in my opinion, is long enough and it allows for board renewal,” he said.
“The hospital’s in a fantastic position – I’m very comfortable that the board and the hospital is in a great position to move forward to meet the challenges of the future.”
Mr Wood said receiving the award was unexpected.
“I didn’t expect it – I didn’t do the job for that type of recognition, I did it because because I’ve got an interest in governance and our community’s health. I’m very honoured and humbled,” he said.
Nancy Panter has taken up the role of board chair.
Mr Wood has also been an active and dedicated member of the community, serving on the board of the Ararat YMCA, as Stewardship Council member of Marian College, and as an AFL football umpire.
Mr Wood arrived in Ararat in 2005, taking up the role of Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge at Ararat Police Station.
A police officer for 33 years, he resigned in 2012 and took up the role of Manager of Risk, Emergency Services and Local Laws with Ararat Rural City Council.
He is currently the Acting General Manager Corporate Services with council.
Other awards were also presented at the annual meeting.
Staff were awarded bursaries and scholarships to upskill and ensure they can provide the best care to the community.
The Epworth Healthcare bursary, worth $15,000, went to Shae Hannett who will be undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery.
The East Grampians Health Service’s Building for the Future Foundation has awarded two bursaries to Rebecca Peters and Nicole Carlyle worth $15,000 each.
Ms Peters will undertake a Masters in Leadership and Management in Healthcare, and Ms Carlyle will undertake a Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing.
The Angela Laidlaw Clinical Scholarship was awarded to Michael Hermosilla, who will undertake a Graduate Certificate in Nursing – Acute Care.
The Angela Laidlaw Clinical Scholarship is donated by the Laidlaw family in memory of Angela whose love and commitment to the Health Service inspired Angie’s family to commemorate her in this way.
Long service was also recognised, with awards given to:
- 40 years – Susan McAdie;
- 35 years – Dayle Smith, Robyn Oliver and Maree Potter;
- 30 years – Alison Pennycad, Cheryl Shiells, Allison Woods and Lorine Paterson;
- 25 years – Nicole Neil;
- 20 years – Andrea Cerato, Ann Alexander, Phillip Ralph, Tanya Haslett, Lynette McKenzie and Helen Roche
- 15 years – Tacey O’Brien;
- 10 years – Helen Rudolph, Briony Coad, Carla Baker, Eva McCarron, Merryl Woolley, Kaye Stewart, Kylie Murphy, Jo Summers, Mario Santilli, Allyson Wallace, Terri-Anne Lewis, Teresa Townsend, Kerryn Legget, Julie Chick, Nelfe Blackie, Ruth Strauja and Karen Armstrong.
Seven graduate nurses were also officially welcomed into the organisation. They are Alexandra Lavery, Emma Harris, Zacara Flockhart, Karen Zala, Hannah McDonald-Fenwick, Macala Brennan and Natalie Wohlers.
