Prime Minister’s tick of approval for Blacktown Hospital project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NSW Government’s expansion project at Blacktown Hospital has been nominated for a Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management for its outstanding change management, consumer engagement, and communications program.

The award recognises the innovative approach to consumer consultation and co-design, where patients and carers were directly involved in designing the new facilities. Change management commenced well before the capital project began and has continued after the completion of stage 1 expansion of services.

“Strong and ongoing engagement with consumers and clinicians was at the heart of the project’s success, making consumers and staff essential co-designers resulting in a better outcome for everyone,” said WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor.

Mr O’Connor said the nomination reflects the changing role of the consumer in the healthcare industry which is gaining national and international acclaim.

“From 39 projects around the country, we are one of only 13 to progress to the final stage and we are thrilled to be recognised for our achievement,” he said.

The change management and co-design program was supported by a creative communications strategy to tell local success stories and manage the impact of construction and change.

The project also tracked areas for improvement, which are now being factored into its stage 2 expansion.

Health Infrastructure Chief Executive Sam Sangster said that collaborative, respectful partnerships between stakeholders and partners also contributed to the project’s success in delivering an iconic hospital design which was responsive to patient, carer and staff needs.

“The NSW Government has more than $7.7 billion invested in creating new health infrastructure, so recognising and documenting the success of a project like Blacktown Hospital helps us improve our approach across all our 70 plus projects,” Mr Sangster said.

The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management is a national awards program run annually by the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA).This year’s awards will be announced on 14 November.

The awards aim to encourage and recognise better practice and innovation across all levels of Government in Australia. They focus on specific initiatives and are based on organisations demonstrating success against four demanding criteria.