The Allied Health Professional of the Year and ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards have today been awarded to a number of Canberra's highly regarded health professionals.
John Wsol, Lead Pharmacist for Education at Calvary Public Hospital is the 2021 ACT Allied Health Professional of the Year for his work achieving high-quality learning environments and patient outcomes. He is also the winner of the individual Allied Health Education Excellence category, recognising his responses to complex clinical challenges.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith congratulated the award winners, who were named at a virtual ceremony today.
"International Allied Health Professionals Day provides a great opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the achievements of allied health professionals in Canberra and across the world," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Here in the ACT we have a workforce of more than 1800 allied health professionals across 35 distinct professions working in the ACT's public health system. They are highly valued and play a key role in providing therapeutic, scientific and person-centred care to the Canberra community.
"The ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards highlight the breadth and depth of allied health, and the commitment of allied health professionals to clinical excellence, research, innovation and teamwork. John Wsol is an outstanding Educator who demonstrates a creative approach to ensure education is engaging and meets the needs of learners.
"Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you for your vital work, particularly during the challenges of the past 18 months."
The annual Allied Health Excellence Awards celebrates the outstanding contribution of exceptional and outstanding individuals and teams in the ACT public sector.
2021 Allied Health Excellence Awards winners:
John Wsol, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce: 2021 ACT Allied Health Professional of the Year/ Allied Health Education Excellence
John is recognised for his outstanding ability to respond to complex clinical challenges with individual and service level responses. John is a committed mentor who demonstrates a creative approach to ensure education is engaging and meets the needs of learners.
Andrew Slattery, Canberra Health Services: Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence
Andrew continuously role-models high-level respect for the cultural beliefs and practices of consumers and staff which has resulted in achieving innovative and inclusive initiatives at Canberra Health Service.
Renata Kiss, Canberra Health Services: Allied Health Clinical Excellence
Renata contributes significant innovations to the development of new health service initiatives. Renata has demonstrated leadership in implementing and sustaining the Strengthening Health Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV) program at Canberra Health Services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengthening Health Responses to Family Violence Team, Canberra Health Services: Allied Health Team Excellence
The SHRV team has developed, implemented, and evaluated an innovative program to manage health responses to family violence, requiring significant training and practice change. The team is recognised for collaboratively creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment for a complex and sensitive topic that is based on best practice.
Laura Triggs, Canberra Health Services: Allied Health Early Career Excellence
Laura demonstrates initiative in leading innovative projects and activities to promote the Pharmacy profession, contribute to the care of vulnerable groups, and in promoting Canberra Health Services as an employer of choice. Laura's commitment to innovation shows the incredible value of Early Career health professionals to our health services in the ACT.
First Nations Menu Team, Canberra Health Services: for Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
The First Nations Menu team has demonstrated excellence through design and implementation of an innovative, progressive, and sustainable culturally sensitive food menu across Canberra Health Services.
Team members are recognised for their ongoing collaborative engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer representatives to ensure respect for culture and connection with food and health.
Rosalyn Stanton, Canberra Health Services: Allied Health Research Excellence
Rosalyn is recognised for innovation in practice, directly through evidence-based practice and indirectly through providing professional development and growth opportunities for staff and students.
Carol Manga, Canberra Health Services: Allied Health Assistant Excellence
Carol demonstrates excellence by using innovative, equitable and creative ways to engage personally and respectfully with clients, build rapport and trust, provide tangible support, and develop an effective therapeutic relationship with consumers.
