Barwon Health named ‘regional health service of the year’

Barwon Health was last night named "regional health service of the year" in the 2011 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

CEO Dr David Ashbridge accepted the award from The Premier of Victoria, Ted Baillieu MP, on behalf of the organisation, at the ceremony held at the Sofitel Melbourne.

Dr Ashbridge said the award capped off a successful but challenging year for Barwon Health.

“After finishing the financial year with a surplus of $97,000, we have also continued to reduce the elective surgery waiting list and improve Emergency Department wait times.

“This award acknowledges and encourages the hard work of our staff throughout the past 12 months.

“It is an honour to receive such recognition and brings us one step closer to achieving our vision of becoming Australia‟s leading regional health service.”

Meanwhile, Barwon Health‟s JIGSAW Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service was highly commended in the Minister for Mental Health's Award for drug and mental healthcare and the Hospital Admission Risk Program HIV pilot project was highly commended in the self-managed healthcare category of the Better Health awards.

Media contact: Kate Nelson, 03 5226 7707