Health Minister visits WDHS to congratulate staff on Premier's Award win
18 September 2007
Victoria’s Health Minister Daniel Andrews congratulated the Western District Health Service staff for receiving Victoria’s top regional health service award, during a visit to Hamilton Base Hospital on Tuesday.
Mr Andrews toured the HBH acute facilities, before addressing the staff at HBH and by videolink to Penshurst, Coleraine and The Grange; acknowledging their contribution to the Premier’s Award for Regional Health Service of the Year, which recognises WDHS as one of Victoria’s leading regional health services.
Mr. Andrews praised the achievements of the Health Service on their quality and range and the significant support it received from its community
Innovative projects such as Virtual Visiting which unites aged care residents with family and friends through the use of video technology, a water recycling program that has slashed annual water use by more than three million litres, 10 MMM Youth program and Sustainable Farm Families were highlighted when WDHS received the honour at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards in Melbourne last week.
WDHS Chief Executive Officer Jim Fletcher said this Award is in recognition of the leadership, innovation and quality of services and programs provided across Western District Health Service. Every Board, Staff and Community member of the Southern Grampians Shire can feel justifiably proud of their health service on this outstanding achievement.
Board President Mr. Richard Walter said that Board Members and staff greatly appreciated the recognition and the visit to Hamilton by the Minister for Health to recognise the work of staff and tremendous support received from the community evidenced by their continuous generous donations and their willingness to act as volunteers.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the Western District Health Service was one of Victorian’s leading regional health services, providing support to the communities of the Southern Grampians region.
TOP: Victorian Minister for Health Daniel Andrews tours Hamilton Base Hospital with WDHS CEO Jim Fletcher, when he visited to congratulate the Health Service on taking out the Premier's Award.
MIDDLE: WDHS staff and board members were extremely proud to accept the Premier's Award for top regional health service.
ABOVE: Minister Andrews and Jim Fletcher with surgical unit manager James Smith.