Psycho-Oncology service wins health service excellence award

The University’s Manawatu campus Psycho-Oncology Service won the award for Excellence in Quality Health Service Provision at the MidCentral District Health Board Health Awards last Friday night.

The winning citation said: “This service provides evidence-based psychological screening and targets interventions according to the needs of the consumers. Emphasis is also given to the development and maintenance of networks, quality improvement, the measurement of outcomes and capacity building.”

Applicants needed to demonstrate a strong commitment to quality improvement within their organisation and clearly show how quality systems have contributed to an improvement in health outcomes.

Board deputy chief execiutive and awards’ sponsor Mike Grant, who chaired the judging panel, said: “The award applications we received this year were of an excellent standard and demonstrate how a number of projects and services throughout our region are making huge contributions to the health outcomes of the community through the innovative and integrated work they are doing.”

This year’s health awards attracted over 40 entries from health providers throughout the district. More than 500 guests attended the awards ceremony including finalists, board members and community leaders.

The campus Psychology Clinic was runner-up for the supreme award and one of two entries to receive a special commendation for excellence in the delivery of innovative and integrated health services and its ability to demonstrate improved health outcomes.