Premier's Award winner recognised for COVID actions
01 March 2021
5
min read
As the proud supporter of the Keeping Queenslanders Healthy category of the Premier’s Awards for Excellence, we were inspired by the stories of the 2020 nominees and applaud Gold Coast Health (GCH) as the winner for leadership in Queensland’s COVID-19 response.
When COVID-19 hit Queensland, GCH was quick to respond and helped shape medical practices to treat patients across the state.
They were the first Queensland health service to see a COVID-19 patient, the first to oversee a ventilated patient’s recovery, and they recorded Australia’s first natural birth to a mother who had tested positive to COVID-19.
More than 100,000 QSuper members work within the Department of Health and we’re grateful for their dedication in caring for our community.
With such a close link to Queensland’s medical sector, supporting the Keeping Queenslander’s Healthy award is one way we’re able to recognise the vital work of those who work in this industry. Chief of Member Experience Jason Murray (pictured above right) represented QSuper at the recent awards function.
Agile response to pandemic
Gold Coast Health’s chief executive Ron Calvert said GCH’s 10,000-strong workforce was agile during the pandemic, identifying the first patients and putting into place appropriate treatment plans.
"The response to the pandemic at Gold Coast Health demonstrated a level of professionalism and experience that deserves to be recognised. It involved every aspect of our service, from environmental services to infection control and IT expertise," Mr Calvert said.
During the pandemic, our ability to put into place existing plans and apply them to the emerging situation was vital, as patients were identified and admitted to hospitals.
"We had to stand up and do something that has never been done before. Gold Coast Health moved on COVID-19 before we were even declared in a state of emergency, so we were really on the forefront of the pandemic in Queensland."
Part of GCH’s initial mobilisation against the virus was producing and implementing more than 1,000 training modules to ensure staff received robust training in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and could conduct contact tracing.
Inspired by Queensland organisations
QSuper CEO Michael Pennisi said the award was about more than providing a medical service.
"We’re continually inspired by the Queensland organisations serving the community to ensure the health and safety of Queenslanders," Mr Pennisi said.
I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the 2020 award than the health service who were the first to mobilise against COVID-19 in Queensland.
"Congratulations also to the other finalists in this award, Queensland Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, and Queensland Ambulance Service. We are so grateful for your sacrifices to ensure the health of Queenslanders throughout 2020."
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The opinions expressed and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the QSuper Board. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of any of the information supplied and you should seek advice for your circumstances.