2024 Excellence in Allied Health Awards finalists Four allied health professionals from across the district have been selected as finalists in the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards. This recognition is a significant accomplishment for the Workforce Planning and Talent Development – Allied Health portfolio, in collaboration with the Chief Allied Health Officer. The awards serve as a commendation for the unwavering passion, dedication, and invaluable contributions made by allied health professionals and their support staff across NSW. The award event will be held on the February 28.
Kerry Crannis, Child Life Therapy, Child and Adolescent Award, finalist for Allied Health Professional of the Year Kerry has worked as a child life therapist at RNSH for six years, where she said her role has been to make the whole hospital journey as positive as possible. She does this through educating and supporting children about procedures, which can include medical play activities in the playroom. “I love my job,” she said. “If I can put a smile on a child’s face, even if it’s for five seconds, I can walk away and think I’ve made a difference to that child and that family on that day.” Avindu Vithanage, Senior Orthopaedic/Fracture Clinic Physiotherapist at Hornsby Hospital, finalist in the Allied Health Educator Award A physiotherapist with NSW Health for nine years, Avindu said education was vital for the future of the profession. “It ensures we’re striving for the best possible care standards for patients.” He also loved his job as he was able to help people going through a hard time in their life. “To see them come in with essentially sometimes life-changing injuries but being able to make a big difference in their outcome, both from a physical, mental and emotional point of view as well, is really rewarding.” Mia Whitehall, speech pathologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, finalist in the Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year category. Mia has been at Royal North Shore Hospital for two years. “It’s really nice to be recognised and it’s also a confidence boost knowing that I’m doing a good job,” she said. “I have always wanted to work in the acute hospital setting and I think recently going into cancer care and working with such a vulnerable population, has been really rewarding — helping them achieve their goals and supporting them through treatment as well.” Meryl Abao, allied health assistant and finalist in the Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year category Meryl has worked as an allied health assistant in the physiotherapy department at Royal North Shore for four years. She said while it can be a tough job, she finds it fulfilling and has enjoyed working in various wards, including neurology, spinal and aged care. “Every area has different treatments and I like having the opportunity to see and treat patients in each one,” she said.
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