Staff from Northern NSW Local Health District have been named as finalists for the 2024 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary efforts to improve the NSW public health system.

Now in its 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.

The Rheumatic Heart Disease Project and the Rural Paediatric Complex Care Coordination Project are among 42 finalists from across the state competing for the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award and Health Innovation Award, respectively.

The Rheumatic Heart Disease Project aims to address the significant public health issue of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD among Aboriginal communities in Northern NSW.

Aboriginal Health Nurse Manager Emma-Jane Davies led the project, which was supported by Robin Auld, Sally Adams, and Daniel Ashton. Aboriginal Medical Service partners, particularly Scott Monaghan from Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, provided valuable advice and advocacy.

The Rural Paediatric Complex Care Coordination Project improves care coordination for children, reduces family costs and disruptions, and improves outcomes for families in regional NSW. This is a joint project with Northern NSW, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Western NSW local health districts, together with the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) also partnered with Justice Health, the Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health Pathology and NSW Health in the NSW Dried Blood Spot Validation Study, which has been named a finalist in the Health Innovation Award.

This project is the first of its kind. It aims to make Dried Blood Spot testing a standard diagnostic tool and, if successful, change how testing is offered for people at risk of hepatitis C.

NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey praised the achievements of local finalists who have been recognised for their passion and commitment.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our NNSWLHD staff on having their outstanding contributions to our health system recognised,” Ms Maisey said.

NSW Health SecretarySusan Pearce AM said it is really exciting to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways everyday.

"These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers, across the public health system," Ms Pearce said.

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

NSW Health received 186 nominations across the 12 award categories.

The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday24 October, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. It will also be live streamed from 6pm.

Further information on the 2024 NSW Health Awards, including a full list of finalists is available on the NSW Health website.