MidCentral healthcare professionals honoured
Te Whatu Ora MidCentral has recognised the backbone of the healthcare system by awarding Nga¯ Tohu Whakama¯ nawa Pou Toiora Allied Health Awards.
MidCentral employs more than 40 professional groups across allied therapy, scientific, and technical areas of work. The name of the awards was gifted by Pae Ora Paiaka Whaiora Hauora, and means to honour those who guide people to the pinnacle of health and wellbeing.
“These awards honour and celebrate the skills, knowledge, successes and the invaluable experience that allied health professionals bring to the healthcare services across our rohe,” executive director for allied health Gabrielle Scott says. “I was very pleased to present them to our staff on International Allied Health Professionals Day.”
The winners across seven
categories were:
● Lucy Rowe, clinical dietitian specialist diabetes and endocrinology, Te Pirere Award for Outstanding New Entry to Practice
● Lisheng Liu, primary care support pharmacist, Te Rapunga Award for Research
● Emma Westberry, head of pre-treatment radiation therapy,
Te Toitoi Manawa Award for Outstanding Leadership
● Mandy Smith, associate director allied health scientific & technical, Te Aka Matua Award for Dedication to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
● Andrea Howard, social worker child development, Te Putiki Award for Outstanding Allied Health Practitioner
● Pharmacy team, Te Ngakau Tapatahi Award for Outstanding Team or Service as a Champion for Collaboration.
● John Carruthers, medical imaging assistant, Te Atawhai Tonu Award for Outstanding Assistant
Liu completed a Master of Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Auckland last month. His research involved the development of a triage tool to identify older patients taking multiple medications, who were most at risk of medication-related harm.
Lucy Rowe received two nominations for her relationship-building skills, her friendly nature and her strong work ethics.
“One thing I love most about my job is taking the . . . medical evidence-based guidelines and turning them into interventions. By tailoring them . . . it’s realistic and sustainable for patients long term.”