Workplace ‘vision’ recognised

West Wimmera Health Service staff have won acknowledgement for leadership by the Institute of Public Administration Australia.

The health service was a state finalist in the Leadership in the Public Sector Awards for ‘leading the way in health, safety and wellbeing’.

The annual awards, hosted by IPAA, celebrate outstanding achievements and practices within the Victorian public sector.

The ‘leading the way in health, safety and wellbeing’ category recognises innovation in meeting occupational health and safety responsibilities while helping to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.

West Wimmera Health Service chief executive John Smith said the organisation collaborated with Worksafe Victoria and the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research in 2016 to implement a health and wellbeing project for staff at Rainbow Hospital and residential aged-care unit.

The project introduced activities for staff, such as walking around the oval and a short lunch-time exercise program focused on increasing core strength and decreasing muscle tension.

Mr Smith said the program had two significant benefits – it reduced health conditions that affected muscles, bones and joints – along with increasing workplace morale.

“I congratulate the staff who were integral in the vision to implement such an important program, and to all the people who made it a success by participating,” he said.

“We are passionate about continually improving the health and wellbeing of our staff, so we can provide the best care for our patients and community.”

Mr Smith said the awards were a great opportunity to share an excellent program at a state level.

The health service was one of two finalists in the award category, won by Ambulance Victoria.

“To be commended at that high level and in the same category as such a large public health organisation as Ambulance Victoria is testament to the vision and dedication of our staff to be leaders in our industry,” Mr Smith said.

“I am proud that we have an incredible team of professionals across our entire health service, who are committed to finding new and improved ways to make our service more efficient at all levels.

“We will continue to deliver innovative and exceptional projects for a better lifestyle for our staff and our communities.”

CELEBRATION: From left, West Wimmera Health Service director of nursing, Rainbow, Julie Mclean, Rainbow chef Fay Martion, return to work co-ordinator Tenille Gould and corporate and quality services executive director Darren Welsh receive a certificate...