Geraldton named most outstanding regional hospital in Australia for the second year in a row

Geraldton Health Campus has been named the country’s most outstanding regional hospital for the second year in a row following the Australian Patients Association (APA) awards overnight.

The APA, an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the rights and interest of patients across Australia, said the Midwest hospital had consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to listening to patients and implementing strategies to ensure patient centred care.

According to the WA Country Health Service’s Jeff Calver, while the facility had faced some bed pressure throughout the year, staff commitment to providing safe, high quality care remained unwavering.

“It goes without saying that I am exceptionally proud of the entire team at Geraldton Health Campus,” Mr Calver said.

“Facing some tough circumstances – particularly around bed pressure – they’ve proved that they are responsive and agile in the way they deliver health services,” he added.

Mr Calver said  while the hospital was constantly engaging with the general public, it was only in 2015 they began using the Patient Opinion model.

“We were originally part of the pilot program and liked that the platform allowed our patients the opportunity to provide feedback outside of traditional methods,” he said.

“For us it was about facilitating honest and meaningful conversation and then developing strategies around areas we could improve,” he continued.

Mr Calver said since inception, the region had received more than 273 stories via the service and provided 349 responses.

“We genuinely care about the Midwest community and have taken full advatange of their feedback,” Mr Calver said.

“Operating a health service that puts our community and their health first will always remain our number one priority,” he added.

To find out more about what is happening at Geraldton Hospital please visit www.facebook.com/myhealthymidwest.