Physiotherapist Ella Cameron has been recognised as the 2023 ACT Allied Health professional of the year at the ACT Allied Health Excellence Awards.
The awards, which were announced at a ceremony last night, honour significant contributions by ACT allied health professionals, assistants and teams to improve and innovate services, particularly in the areas of practice excellence, leadership, research, education and teamwork.
Allied health professionals and assistants play a key role in the health and wellbeing of all Canberrans.
They are a diverse and essential workforce representing more than 35 professions who provide a range of diagnostic, technical and therapeutic services which are highly valued in our health system, and in the broader community.
Ms Cameron was awarded for her outstanding clinical leadership, high levels of ethical awareness and personal sensitivity in developing and delivering innovative pelvic health physiotherapy care.
This year the awards eligibility was broadened to include allied health professionals and assistants working across the health system in acknowledgement of the value they provide in supporting healthier Canberrans. We welcomed nominations from those working in private practice, non-government organisations as well as the public sector.
A new category was also introduced this year to specifically allow consumers to recognise allied health professionals and assistants demonstrating excellence.
2023 Allied Health Excellence Awards Winners:
2023 Allied Health Professional of the Year and Practice Excellence: Ella Cameron (Canberra Health Services)
Ella is recognised for bringing exception levels of innovation, intelligence, investigation and problem-solving capabilities to her work. Her exemplary professional dedication to delivering outstanding patient-centred care has ensured her patients are heard, understood, supported and facilitated to achieve their best physical and psychosocial outcomes.
Allied Health Management and Leadership Excellence: Emily Diprose (Canberra Health Services)
Emily embodied integrity, profession and collaboration in the implementation of the Digital Health Record and the Pharmacy Inventory Management System at North Canberra Hospital.
Allied Health Team Excellence: Sustainable, Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care and Engagement (SPICE) Implementation Team (Canberra Health Services)
The SPICE Implementation Team fostered a positive and respectful culture for people with dementia and are committed to improving the quality of life, health and wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers.
Allied Health Early Career Excellence: Imogen Cesarin (Canberra Health Services)
Imogen is recognised for her exceptional patient-centred care and investing in herself and others to build a supportive and collegial working environment.
Allied Health Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Suzanne Clarke (Canberra Health Services)
Suzanne demonstrated generosity of knowledge and collaboration through supporting consumers and staff within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Specialist Service.
Allied Health Research Excellence: Elizabeth Webb (Australian National University)
Elizabeth has led ground-breaking and internationally recognised research into assessing the impact of compression therapy on recurrent cellulitis and chronic oedema.
Allied Health Assistant Excellence: Deanne Benton (Canberra Health Services)
Deanne is recognised for leading with patience, kindness and exceptional communication skills to support the North Canberra Hospital Pharmacy Technician Service.
Allied Health Education Excellence: Jessica Barnard (Canberra Health Services)
Jessica led, developed, and delivered the Canberra Hospital Pharmacy Residency Program, providing foundational training for newly registered Pharmacists and supporting their transition to practice.
Allied Health Consumer Recognition – Individual: Kate Dean (Education Directorate)
Kate provided support to a consumer and their family to improve communication and confidence, allowing the consumer to feel confident in their interactions with the Education Directorate.
Allied Health Consumer Recognition – Team: High Risk Podiatry Service (Canberra Health Services)
The High Risk Podiatry Service team provided a professional, knowledgeable and friendly approach to a consumer’s treatment.
