Western health researchers and staff were acknowledged for their contributions at an awards ceremony last month, held at Sunshine Hospital.
Western Health said the event recognised the remarkable contributions of individuals and teams driving innovative research and improving health outcomes across Melbourne’s west.
Numerous awards, research fellowships and grants were awarded on the day.
Of the awards, Sunshine intensive care unit (ICU) nurses Karen Pena and Luke Surman as well as Footscray ICU nurses Ali Alharbi and Alanah Rossi received Plenary Health ICU nursing grants.
Dr Alex Besson and Dr Michael Fogarty each won Arlene Wake Chronic Disease Fellowships for their research related to rectal cancer and osteoporosis care respectively.
Western Health chief executive officer Russell Harrison said the future impacts of research projects won’t just benefit the west of Melbourne.
“We will be able to translate this to other health services,” Mr Harrison said.
The community health organisation said the event was also an opportunity to thank donors and sponsors for their contributions to community health.
BankVic chief executive officer Anthony DeFazio said the company’s partnership with Western Health is incredibly important.
“You are on the front line of caring for our community, and we are privileged to support you, especially through awards that recognise your innovation, research and service to others,” Mr DeFazio said.
Chair of the New Footscray Hospital Project at Plenary Health Kelvyn Lavelle also acknowledged Western Health’s role in the community and noted her respect and admiration for the work the organisation does.
The full list of award recipients can be viewed here: tinyurl.com/vh8wh6te
