Moorditj Dookoorniny Award
In Noongar language Moorditj Dookoorniny means to make well and this award, chosen by the SMHS Chief Executive and Board, recognises an employee who goes above and beyond their normal duties to embody the organisation’s values and proactively works to improve outcomes. This category is open to all staff working across SMHS.
2024 finalists
Associate Professor Vinicius Cavalheri, Allied Health Research Director – Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG)
As Allied Health Research Director, Vin has been pivotal in leading the change in research capacity and culture of allied health professionals across South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS).
In the last five years, Vin created the first Western Australia Allied Health Research Unit, in partnership with Curtin University. Consisting of a range of allied health researchers, including an honorary research consultant in social work, postdoctoral research fellows, senior researchers and PhD candidates, the unit identifies the unique research needs of SMHS allied health departments and works with external partners to ensure they are met to improve patient outcomes.
Through Vin’s leadership, the unit has become a model in research excellence nationally.
Vin is active with his own research and has made outstanding contributions to improving patient care and clinical outcomes through pioneering work in the fields of lung cancer and chronic lung disease management.
Mirko Hessel, Clinical Nurse Coordinator Radiation Oncology – Rockingham Peel Group (RkPG)
Mirko Hessel has single-handedly worked with local radiology clinics on a public/private partnership so that cancer patients in the Rockingham/Peel catchment area can receive care closer to home.
He has developed clinical pathways, built relationships with varying providers and clinicians to promote seamless referral pathways, supported and advocated strongly for the patient cohort and commenced multi-disciplinary team meetings with a host of specialities.
He has also become an excellent clinical resource for staff within Rockingham General Hospital and has developed an app that patients can access to assess whether their symptoms are expected, or if they need to attend hospital.
Mirko has an incredible work ethic and persistence to get the job done and, above all, shows great compassion when caring for patients and their families.
Nicole Slavin, Nurse Unit Manager Emergency – RkPG
As the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) in the emergency department (ED) at Rockingham General Hospital, Nicole has led and championed quality improvement for culturally safe care for Aboriginal patients.
She has achieved this by advocating for RGH to be the first hospital in WA to have Aboriginal Health practitioners in the ED. She also works closely with Aboriginal health liaison officers to ensure their visibility in the ED and has worked with community partners and clerical staff to ensure the ED is a culturally safe place to be.
This work has been instrumental in increasing the number of Aboriginal patients who stay in ED to receive care.
See other 2024 Excellence Award finalists.