Excellence in innovation
This award recognises the achievement of a productive, innovative and environmentally sustainable team/project.
Meet our 2026 finalists
AMU labelling solution for IV safety – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
This project tackled a long-standing safety issue with a simple, thoughtful redesign of intravenous line labels that makes the safest action the easiest one.
Combining two labels into a single prompt at the point of preparation improved patient safety and helped ensure patients receive clear and consistent. Developed in collaboration with teams across the health service, the solution is easy to use, cost neutral and fits seamlessly into everyday workflows, avoiding extra tasks or training burden.
Within a short timeframe, the project achieved significant improvements that have sustained over time, reflecting real behaviour change. Most importantly, it demonstrates how small, staff-led innovations can have a big impact on patient safety, reliability and confidence in care.
Digital theatre schedule project – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
This project transformed day-to-day theatre planning by replacing a paper-based system with a live digital schedule easily accessible by teams across the hospital.
By providing a single source of up-to-date information, teams can better coordinate theatre bookings, staffing and equipment, reducing delays and last-minute changes that can be stressful for patients. The approach saves time, cuts down administrative work and improves communication, helping care run more smoothly throughout the day.
Importantly, it supports forward planning, allowing teams to make the most of the available capacity and minimise cancellations. For patients, this means clearer scheduling, fewer disruptions and improved flow through their care journey.
The project shows how innovative use of digital tools can create a more reliable, responsive and patient-focused experience while supporting staff to work more efficiently.
Escape room for emergency trainees – Rockingham Peel Group
This project reimagined training for emergency medicine through an engaging, hands-on learning experience that builds strong teamwork, communication and decision-making skills.
Bringing staff together in a shared problem-solving ‘escape room’ environment, the activity helps trainees practise working calmly and collaboratively under pressure. The interactive format encourages clear communication, leadership and mutual respect, which directly supports safer, more coordinated care for patients.
Aligned to learning outcomes from the Australian College of Emergency Medicine, the training is delivered efficiently using existing spaces and equipment, without adding extra pressure to busy services. Participants say they feel more confident and better prepared after the training, which translates into smoother care and improved patient experiences during critical moments.
The project demonstrates that innovative education and training does not need to be complex or costly to make a meaningful difference for both staff capability and patient-centred care.
See other 2026 Excellence Award finalists and read about our sponsors.