Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 PVC (Health) Staff Excellence Award winners recognised for their excellent contribution to the Health Group:
Learning and Teaching – Vicki Wheeler
School of Medical Science
Vicki Wheeler is recognised for her dedication and expertise, working with the Deputy Head of School (Learning & Teaching), to manage the inaugural trial of the Flexible Foundation Year offerings and for contributing to the success of this initiative. Vicki’s excellent school and student administration encompassed up to 900 enrolments in the Foundation Year course, the submission of new courses, the very complex management of timetabling, enrolment and course administration and the organisation of deferred and supplementary exams within a tight timeframe. Her contribution ensured the Convenors and courses were well supported in preparation for the Flexible Foundation Year trial and she accomplished this while managing her standard School Administration Officer duties.
Research – Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
Menzies Health Institute Queensland
Sonia Marshall-Gradisnik is recognised for her remarkable achievements in funding success and the outstanding leadership and momentum of her research team. Sonya’s team have received sustained funding through the Queensland Government and more recently achieved a $4 million grant from the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation.
Staff Services – Natalie Frost
School of Dentistry and Oral Health and Griffith Health Clinics
Natalie Frost is recognised for her outstanding contribution to the management of the University Dental Clinic, in particular for her dedication to improving efficiencies in the Clinic and the establishment of an excellent work culture among staff. Nat’s team comprises dental assistants, administrative staff and staff working in specialised areas such as the Central Sterilisation Unit. In addition to a large team Nat manages the day-to-day operation of a bustling clinic and the challenges this sometimes poses. Nat’s work in the Clinic has translated to a high-level clinical learning and teaching environment within the School of Dentistry and Oral Health and this contribution cannot be overstated.
Staff Services – Sassy Braisby
School of Allied Health Sciences
Sassy Braisby is recognised for her outstanding contribution to the School of Allied Health Sciences. Sassy is the Senior School Administration Officer in a School comprising 6 disciplines, 24 programs and 7 new programs commencing in 2018. Her contribution to Staff Services has been outstanding: Sassy has overseen the seamless submission of 31 major program proposals in the last 12 months; she has supported a positive shift in how course costings are managed at the school level; and Sassy has been responsible for the administration of two major physiotherapy accreditation submissions in the last year, managing documents exceeding 3000 pages. Sassy is a key member of the Allied Health Sciences leadership team,. She has in-depth knowledge of Griffith administrative processes and has highly developed communication skills. Sassy goes over and above what is expected to ensure that the School meets its operational objectives.
Student Services – Gail Vince
School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Gail Vince is recognised for her outstanding contribution to the School of Dentistry and Oral Health as the School School Administration Officer. Gail provides a high level of administrative support to the School, with extensive knowledge of University policies and processes and their application to student services. Her industry, team work and friendly and efficient service to students and staff make her a highly respected and prized member of staff and deserving of this award.
Engagement – Mary Sidebotham
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Mary has won this award through her considerable work and dedication to the highly successful Primary Maternity Care program and the Bachelor of Midwifery program which has achieved several commendations through the accrediting authority Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Mary goes the extra mile in her work with students and program applicants, contributing also as a peer mentor in the University PACES program. Mary is an Associate Editor for Nurse Education in Practice and runs the Midwifery stream in this journal. Mary is a passionate and skilled leader in the School of Nursing and Midwifery and we value her dedication to the many areas in which she contributes.
International – Hazel Rands
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Hazel has achieved this award for her outstanding work in transnational education, in particular for her work in running the Laos program for Bachelor of Nursing students. Hazel has also contributed significantly to improving the quality of the Singapore nursing program and successfully achieving accreditation in Singapore for a second time. Hazel is very active in the area of international engagement and is an asset to the Group’s internationalisation portfolio.
Special category: Clinical Education – Leanne Carpenter and Peter Reher
Leanne and Peter have achieved this award today for their outstanding contribution to the national accreditation of the Griffith Health Dental Clinic. In 2015 the then Pro Vice Chancellor, Allan Cripps, sought the accreditation of the Griffith Health Clinics to ensure the Clinics had a robust clinical governance framework and to bring the clinics in line with other major health services. Leanne was tasked with the role of co-ordinating the Dental Clinic submission to meet the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. This necessitated significant organisational skill and the development and redesign of policies and processes in the Dental Clinic (in short, blood, sweat and tears!). Peter Reher’s commitment to quality improvement in the Dental Clinic and his leadership in supporting staff to work toward meeting these standards created the perfect team with Leanne and together both accomplished the Specialised Health Service Accreditation this month. The Dental Clinic is now nationally accredited for a three year period – a very significant outcome for the Health Group and made possible through the efforts of Leanne and Peter.
