Allied Health Professions Day

Eastern Health is proud to celebrate Allied Health Professions Day (October 14), an important occasion that highlights the outstanding contributions of our Allied Health Teams.

As part of the celebrations, Eastern Health awarded recipients across nine award categories that reflective the Eastern Health values and help deliver on our promise to be Healthier Together.

We’re grateful to our partner HESTA for their support of these Awards.

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Chief Allied Health Officer Award –

Rebecca Nicks, Occupational Therapist

Above: Rebecca Nicks

Bec has led the development of the Hand Therapy Led Fracture Clinic (in conjunction with the Hand Therapists), which has led the state in diversions and outcomes for this group of patients. Bec has been instrumental in establishing the OT in ED role (GEDI OT) which has provided many diversions and great patient experience in its first few months of its development. And Bec has been actively involved in supporting the Stroke Unit In Reach Rehab model – providing updated bench marking numbers and recent best practice literature to support the Business Case. And importantly she has been shaping and supporting the positive culture of the acute OT teams in managing the large demands and challenging work environment – making acute OT a positive and safe place to work.

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Clinical Excellence –

Stephanie Paul, Radiographer

Stephanie consistently demonstrates clinical excellence, she leads this specialised imaging modality in providing industry best practice diagnostic and interventional breast imaging and procedures. Stephanie has overseen the implementation of CEM (contrast-enhanced mammography) and CEM-biopsy services at Maroondah Medical Imaging. These advanced and relatively new applications contribute to Eastern Health’s leading Breast Imaging service, providing expert care to patients with high-risk breast conditions.

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Excellence in Inter professional Collaboration –

Jess McKenzie, Mel Mason, Occupational Therapists 

Jess and Mel exemplify Excellence in inter professional collaboration, developing and delivering an innovative OT service aligned with the GEDI program. These OTs provide leadership in assessment, care and discharge planning demonstrating agility in identification of patients who can be diverted from ED, SSu and the waiting room. The GEDI OTs enhance patient and hospital outcomes through integrated teamwork and collaboration

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Leading Improvement,Research Translation and Innovation –

Sabrina Hernandez, Physiotherapist 

 

Above: Sabrina Hernandez

Sabrina strives to enable other clinicians to develop their skills and experience in research projects, as well as implementing research into clinical practice through direct research translation and participating in clinical education. Sabrina has coordinated clinical education courses with external presenters at Eastern Health. Sabrina’s passion for evidence-based practice in neurological physiotherapy will leave a long-lasting impact on clinical practice at Eastern Health.

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Promoting & Demonstrating Excellent Patient Experience –

Ella Monaghan, Dietitian Residential Aged Care

Above: Ella Monaghan

Ella consistently demonstrates empathy, respect and responsiveness to ensure that residents at Eastern Health are heard, respected and supported throughout their care journey. She plays a key role in providing a safe and inclusive environment for all residents/families/carers and regularly uses consumer feedback to positively shape the landscape of food service and the dining experience. She exemplifies Standard 1 of the ACQS (Consumer Dignity and Choice).

Some standouts include:

• Implementing a first of its kind visual menu to promote inclusion and dignity,
• Provision of texture modified Easter Eggs
• Implementing new meals for the older people in residential aged care

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Rising Leader –

Miles Gough, Laboratory Assistant Pathology 

Above:Miles Gough

Miles came to this role from an out-patient administration role 12 months ago. He has demonstrated strong leadership potential and support of his colleagues. During a trainer’s leave, he proactively stepped into a training role, coordinating and streamlining training for three staff members at varying stages of development. He also created a tailored training plan for a new team member.

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Staff Engagement and Wellbeing –

Ben Munt, Podiatrist

Above: Ben Munt

Ben is supportive and accommodating in how he manages both staff and patients, he creates a supportive environment whilst encouraging you to be the best you can. Since joining EH Ben has consistently created welcoming and supportive spaces, which has allowed me to develop further as a clinician and a person. By demonstrating positive leadership within the Podiatry team Ben continually fosters a culture of inclusion, balance, equity, learning and development and resultantly, his actions positively influence employee engagement and experiences.

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Teamwork – Jenny Ocone, Poornima Jakumar, Merryn Gould, Cardiac Physiologist Educators 

Above: Merryn Gould (Left), Poornima Jaikumar (Right), Jenny Ocone (Not pictured)

Since July 2024, a dedicated team of 3 part-time clinical educators has been developing a multi-faceted education program driven by profession guidelines. Junior cardiac physiologists are mentored with hands-on training and written resources adapted to meet the individual trainee’s needs, preparing them for postgraduate qualification whilst ensuring superior patient care. In little over a year, this outstanding team has created an in-house education program that strives to provide learning opportunities for all staff.

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Outstanding Contribution to Health Equity and Access –

Brian Majonga, Social Worker and Team Leader of Eastern Homeless Outreach Psychiatric Service  

Brian champions safety for both staff and consumers and tirelessly advocates for marginalised individuals, ensuring they access services within the system and beyond. He expertly supports consumers with complex social challenges and high-risk needs, working relentlessly to secure the treatment and care they require.

He leads a flexible, consumer-led team supporting some of the most stigmatised members of the community. His team often manages referrals that other services struggle with, delivering effective, safe, and compassionate interventions that increase access, reduce risks, and strengthen recovery outcomes.

Brian’s skill, compassion, and leadership make him a true role model for staff, consumers, and families alike.

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