Grafton Base Hospital staff have been named finalists in the 2025 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary contribution to the NSW public health system.

Now in its 27th year, the awards showcase the excellence delivered by so many people and teams across NSW Health every day.

The Grafton Base Hospital Day Stay Joint Replacement Program is among 41 finalists from across the state, and among three finalists competing in the Transforming Patient Experience category. The Grafton team has been recognised for their work in supporting eligible knee and hip replacement patients to return home on the same day of their operation, with support.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said she was incredibly proud of the staff, volunteers, and health programs that make up another remarkable group of finalists.

"The NSW Health Awards recognise the great work our staff do every day to improve the lives of our patients and the communities they serve," Ms Pearce said.

"I congratulate all the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the exceptional work being done across the system every day by their colleagues – our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff."

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said she was immensely proud of the achievements of the Grafton Day Stay Joint Replacement team, who under the guidance of Orthopaedic Care Coordinator Andrew Wong and Head of Department, Clarence Physiotherapy Brenton Sahlqvist have been recognised for their passion and commitment.

“Patient experience is at the heart of everything we do at NNSWLHD, so for our Day Stay Joint Replacement team at Grafton Base Hospital to be recognised as a finalist in this category is particularly rewarding,” Ms Maisey said.

“Well done to everyone involved in this innovative model of care, which allows eligible hip and knee replacement patients to return home on the same day as their surgery, where they can recover in the comfort of their own surroundings, with no adverse outcomes compared to non-day stay patients.”

The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney and via livestream on the NSW Health website.

The full list of finalists is available on the NSW Health website.