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1. As you prepare to conclude your term as Board Chair, what would you most like to say to AWH staff?

Thank you for all that you do. In my face-to-face discussions and interactions in my three years as the chair, I have only ever been treated with kindness and courtesy by our staff and volunteers. Many of you work in cramped or sub-optimal conditions, with constraints. But you still give your very best.

I have noticed the increasing sense of self AWH has. Seeing the evolution of the Staff Excellence Awards over the journey has been a joy. I think AWH as a young organisation has lacked that sense of self over the years, but it is rapidly gaining that. That comes from the pride AWH’s people have in their work, and there is so much good work going on at AWH.

2. When you reflect on your time as Chair, what stands out most to you about the people of AWH?

AWH people are thought leaders, problem solvers, and passionate about what they do. The best outcomes I have seen are the ones led by ideas and leadership from the coal face of patient care, or from within another service within the organisation. Patient and family centred initiatives championed by our people, like PATCH to name one of many, lead to materially better outcomes for those under our care. There are many incredible leaders at AWH, at all levels. You don’t need to have the title ‘manager’ or ‘director’ to be a leader. If you lead with initiative, kindness and passion, you will do profound good and bring people with you.

3. What are you most proud of from your time as Board Chair?

The necessary change that has occurred in the face of a tough macro environment. I know opinion is divided, but the absolute power of work done on the Albury Hospital Redevelopment will be a generational change for good for AWH, and in time that benefit will be realised and seen by the community. From a Board perspective, improvements in clinical governance are a source of great pride, especially after the 2022 Colonoscopy Recall, which was a significant turning point for AWH. I am also extremely proud of the AWRCC transition. I think it is the constant, workmanlike and professional advocacy of the organisation that happens day after day, when it pays dividends, is extremely gratifying.

4. As you step away from the role, what are your hopes for AWH’s future?

AWH goes hand in glove with the community. AWH has 3,500 staff and volunteers. Everyone in the region either works at AWH, has a family member that does, know someone that does, or has been a patient at AWH. It is a ubiquitous presence in the lives of border residents, and beyond. With that, the community need to band together and dialogue on solutions, on evidence, and on achievable outcomes. What happens outside of AWH as almost as important as what goes on within AWH, and I hope that the communities AWH serves can really back AWH in.

5. Is there a message of thanks or encouragement you would like to leave with staff?

Thank you. Thank you for the work you do every day, often under pressure and often without huge recognition, to care for our community. Over my time as Chair, I have seen firsthand the professionalism, compassion and resilience of AWH staff and volunteers.

I know it has not always been easy. Many of you have worked through significant change, uncertainty and constraint, while continuing to show up for patients, families and each other. That is something to be proud of.

My encouragement is to keep backing yourselves, keep backing one another, and keep taking pride in the contribution you make. There is extraordinary talent, commitment and leadership across AWH at every level of the organisation. The future of AWH will be shaped by that dedication, and I have every confidence in what you can achieve together.