Tenterfield a finalist in NSW Health Awards

10 October 2008

Tenterfield Health Service has been named a finalist in the upcoming NSW Health Awards, in the section titled Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle in a Small Country Community.
A premier event on the NSW Health calendar, the 2008 NSW Health Expo and Awards Night Dinner will be held on 31 October at the Australian Technology Park, Sydney.
The Tenterfield Health Service team is being recognised for their role in establishing From Little Things Big Things Grow, a program which incorporates three different lifestyle and exercise programs and involves more than 300 people.
The program – originally launched as a walking group - started 10 years ago after community health staff noticed approximately 50 per cent of clients were overweight. Health staff were also noticing an increasing number of referrals for patients newly diagnosed with diabetes.
The program was successful after partnerships were developed with local government, non-government and community organisations. The organisations worked together to plan healthy lifestyle programs which highlighted obesity as a major cause of chronic diseases.
The same program received recognition at the Hunter New England Health Quality Awards in September.
Tenterfield Health Service Manager Julie Kirk said securing a position as a finalist in the NSW Health Awards really was an honour for all involved.
“It’s a tribute to the hard work and commitment of staff members as they work towards improving the health, fitness and wellbeing of people in the community,” Ms Kirk said.
“As a finalist, Tenterfield Health Service is in the running to secure the night’s major award. Our staff are excited about the nomination and we are all looking forward to hearing to result.”
The NSW Health Awards acknowledge doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, ambulance officers and other health service staff who have worked to achieve excellence and innovation in health care.
The inaugural NSW Health Awards were established in 1999 to recognise the outstanding contributions of NSW Health professionals and showcase commitment to quality, innovation and excellence.

(HNE-1570)

Contact: Carisa Josephs

Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183