We had some great candidates nominated for the April monthly Shining Star Awards last month.

As you know all of our monthly winners will automatically be nominated for the annual Shining Star Award as part of the Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Awards 2022.

Please continue to nominate your peers each month for this important award by emailing a short 50-100 word nomination submission of why they go above and beyond to coh-communications@health.qld.gov.au

Nominations for April

COH Emergency Operations Centre A/Safety and Quality Facilitator – Casey McCoist

“Casey is a high performer, diligent and flexible in meeting the needs of those she works with and the directorate. Casey has played a pivotal role in the Emergency Operations Centre, demonstrating all the Metro North Values.

“Casey has been a key player in supporting staff and will go the extra mile on her own initiative. It is always a pleasure to work alongside her.”

COH Nurse Navigator, Kirsten Howie

“Kirsten consistently goes above and beyond to advocate and get the best outcome for her patients – truly values and understands each person she deals with to help them navigate the health and aged care system.

“True to Kirsten’s nature and passion for her role, she always goes out of her way to assist anyone struggling to navigate aged care and services.”

COH Quality and Safety Co-ordinator, Elissa Neilson

“For recognition of her ongoing commitment, support and leadership in reinvigorating the TSCAU team in having a meaningful quality and safety plan within the unit.

“While TSCAU sits under Health, the scheme is managed and run by the Transport department so is not a “perfect fit”.

“Elissa’s pleasant enquiring nature has created success with the ongoing development of the unit’s plan. She has been genuinely interested in learning about the service.

“Elissa takes the time to listen, makes sure everyone is included in the conversation and then returns with a thoughtful and inclusive suggestion/decision.

“All the staff feel absolutely supported, respected and engaged, leaving our meetings with a smile.”

COH Pharmacy Assistant, Kathryn Sheppard

“Kathryn is one of our pharmacy assistants who goes above and beyond all the time and always does it with a smile on her face.

“She is completely reliable and never shies away from hard work. Her attitude is always “Can Do!”

Community Palliative Care Service Social Worker, Anita Gear

“Anita is very professional and compassionate. She works with patients who are at their end-of-life and their families when they are going through the worst of times and emotions are heightened.

“Anita remains calm and provides the best service possible and she genuinely cares. Anita has supported me in my role in Hospital in the Home on many occasions without hesitation.

“Her support has been appreciated by patients, staff and by me as it is nice to be able to count on an amazing colleague.

“I would really like to see Anita recognised for the amazing job she does – over and above and always with a smile!”

And the winner is:

Please take the time to congratulate our April 2022 Shining Star:

• COH Nurse Navigator, Kirsten Howie

And, please continue to send in those important nominations, our staff and teams deserve them.

Glynis Schultz
Executive Director
Community and Oral Health