Emergency Department leader celebrated with Chief Executive’s award
Fiona Stanley Hospital’s (FSH) Head of Emergency Medicine, Dr Vanessa Clayden is well known for her commitment to providing the best possible patient care in one of Australia’s busiest emergency departments (EDs).
Her ongoing work and dedication were recently recognised at the 2022 South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) Excellence Awards, with Vanessa taking the prestigious SMHS Chief Executive award.
This award recognises the outstanding contributions of individuals who advance positive outcomes for patients, staff and the health service, and who embody leadership qualities and act as a role model for others.
And over the years, Vanessa has certainly done that. She has made strides in addressing emergency medicine challenges, nurturing system improvement and driving innovative frontline initiatives. Recently this included a virtual service to streamline emergency medicine pathways and collaborating on the development of an emergency care centre that creates ED capacity by redirecting ambulatory patients from the ED.
Vanessa continually ensures her staff are considered in the planning of changes, new initiatives and day-to-day service delivery, and was pivotal in establishing an ED excellence award to celebrate the incredible staff in FSH’s ED.
On Thursday 20 October 2022, Vanessa was recognised for her contribution to staff and patient outcomes, taking home the top prize in the ‘Chief Executive's Commitment to Excellence Award’ category at the 2022 SMHS Excellence Awards.
During an otherwise difficult year in the ED, Vanessa said it was really special for herself and the ED staff to be recognised for something so positive.
“It has been a difficult few years on the frontline,” Vanessa said.
“With health systems around the world being under so much pressure, the ED can sometimes be subject to a lot of negativity in the community, so it is really nice to take a moment and focus on all the things we’re doing well.
“it’s great to receive this award, but it’s important to emphasise it is not mine alone, it is thanks to the whole team in the ED and is testament to their hard work and dedication.”
SMHS Chief Executive Paul Forden said he is continually impressed by the high calibre projects, teams and individuals who are in the running at the SMHS Excellence Awards every year.
“We are privileged at SMHS to have a cohort of staff and volunteers who are so passionate and committed to further improving the patient outcomes for our community,” Paul said.
“Congratulations and thank you to all the winners, finalists and nominees.”
Read more about our finalists and winners.
