Excellence in clinical care
This award recognises excellence in the delivery of safe, high quality clinical care and service by a team.
Meet our 2026 finalists
Safer stays for patients with diabetes – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
A coordinated approach over the last decade is demonstrating improvements in inpatient diabetes care and safety outcomes.
With a strong commitment to multidisciplinary and cross‑functional collaboration, the program’s data-driven, evidence-based and outcome-oriented approach supports the frontline workforce in delivering care.
Access to robust data and subject matter experts has contributed to a stronger culture of safety, accountability and shared ownership of diabetes-related outcomes. Innovative, practical tools were developed to support clinicians in delivering safe and effective care, as were resources to empower patients for diabetes self-care.
Sustained systemwide improvements in hospital-acquired hypoglycaemia – a significant complication which impacts inpatient safety and is a key patient-related outcome measure – were achieved across both Fiona Stanley Hospital and Fremantle Hospital.
Short stay arthroplasty project – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
This patient-focused hip and knee replacement model of care supports next-day-discharge and a smoother, safer and more empowered patient journey.
Clinician-led and evidence-based, this short stay model embeds best practice across pre-admission, perioperative care, inpatient recovery and post-discharge follow-up, setting clear milestones and reducing unwarranted variation. Dedicated joint replacement nurses strengthen patient preparedness and confidence through consistent education and shared expectations about recovery milestones, mobilisation and symptom management.
In just eight months, next day discharge rates improved from 6 to 62 per cent. Reductions in the average length of stay saved over 600 bed days, improving access for other patients awaiting hip or knee replacement. Patients presenting to an emergency department within 28 days post-discharge also reduced, confirming earlier discharge does not increase emergency presentations.
WA lead extraction program – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
Battery-powered electric cardiac devices and leads are often removed and replaced due to mechanical wear and infection. Many patients with these devices are elderly, most have septicaemia, and the procedure itself has a high risk of perioperative complications.
In response to increased demand for lead extraction, a multidisciplinary team developed this program to deliver safe, coordinated and timely care. Operators were provided specialised training in various state-of-the-art technologies. Team preparation and communication to avoid and treat potential life-threatening perioperative complications proved crucial.
The outstanding results achieved in this high-risk patient cohort over the last three years has exceeded international benchmarks. Wait times also improved and patients no longer need to travel interstate for their procedure. The program demonstrates best practice in action and has evolved to a statewide service caring for both public and private patients.
See other 2026 Excellence Award finalists and 2026 sponsors.