Health professionals recognised for improving health care in WA

• Winners in WA's Health Excellence awards announced
• Minister for Health Award recognises lifetime achievement of Dr David Speers
• Two health teams jointly win 'WA Health's Director General's Award'
• New award category gives patients the opportunity to nominate a healthcare worker

Eleven healthcare workers, teams, and projects from across the State's public health system have been recognised at the prestigious 'WA Health Excellence Awards 2023'.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate outstanding health professionals who are passionate and driven to provide the best care to all Western Australians.

Forty finalists competed for top honours across nine categories including mental health, Aboriginal health, rural and remote health care, and safety and quality.

Recognising an exceptional health professional's lifetime achievement, the 'Minister for Health's Award' was presented to Dr David Speers, Head of Department at PathWest Microbiology, and an Infectious Disease Physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Dr Speers was also acknowledged for his leadership and commitment to community health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He had an integral role in implementing diagnostic methods, including PCR testing, serology and genomics, which directly contributed to controlling spread of the virus and ensuring public safety across the State. 

A new award category provided patients, colleagues, and the community an opportunity to nominate a healthcare champion.

Out of almost 100 nominations received, the inaugural '7News Health Hero Award' went to Senior Pharmacist Allan Jones from Perth Children's Hospital, who is known for building a fantastic rapport with patients and families – with an amazing memory for each-and-everyone.

Finally, the 'WA Health's Director General Award' went to two outstanding teams, the Hospital Emergency Access Response Team from North Metropolitan Health Service, and the Probiotics Research Group from Child and Adolescent Health Service – for contributing to better health outcomes in Western Australia.

The winners were announced at the 'WA Health Excellence Awards 2023' ceremony last night.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"Congratulations to all the very worthy winners and finalists – your commitment, passion and contribution to our community is what underpins our incredible public healthcare system.

"The 'WA Health Excellence Awards 2023' is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the outstanding work our healthcare workers do day in, day out.

"We value our healthcare workers and the important work that they do, and I thank them for their continued dedication to WA patients."