Celebrating Excellence: Winners of the ACHS Quality Improvement Awards 2025 Announced

Each year, the ACHS Quality Improvement (QI) Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of healthcare organisations leading the way in improving care, safety, and outcomes for consumers.

The 2025 Quality Improvement (QI) Award winners were officially announced and celebrated at the ACHS Annual Awards Ceremony in Sydney. The evening brought together leaders and change-makers from across the sector to honour outstanding advancements in clinical care, sustainability, and data-driven improvement.

Dr Karen Luxford, ACHS CEO, presented awards across the three categories: Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety, Sustainable Healthcare and Service Delivery, and Healthcare Measurement. The winning organisations demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering innovation, strengthening patient safety, and improving outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.

Pictured: QI Award Winners 2025

Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety Award

Winner: Centre for Psychotherapy, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD)
Project: ‘TIATRA – Telehealth Increased Access to Treatment in Rural Areas’

HNELHD was celebrated for an initiative that has significantly improved access to evidence-based mental health care for people with Borderline Personality Disorder living in rural communities.

The TIATRA project introduced a hybrid telehealth model, combining virtual Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills groups with face-to-face individual sessions delivered locally.

This model broke down longstanding barriers to care by offering a flexible, patient-centred approach. Co-design with clinicians and patients ensured practicality, while rigorous evaluation validated the program’s effectiveness and scalability. The initiative now stands as a sustainable and evidence-informed model for rural mental health services.

Sustainable Healthcare and Service Delivery Award

Winner: Eastern Health

Project: ‘Improving Food Service Safety and Reducing Food Waste in Emergency and Short Stay Departments’

Eastern Health was recognised for an innovative project that reimagined food service delivery at Box Hill Hospital to prioritise patient safety, satisfaction, and environmental sustainability.

By introducing ad-hoc meal ordering and refining identification processes for dietary needs, allergens, and modified textures, the project improved patient safety while dramatically reducing food waste.

Consumer engagement played a pivotal role, with patient surveys conducted before and after implementation informing and shaping the improved service model. The result was a smarter, safer, and more sustainable approach to hospital food services.

Healthcare Measurement Award

Winner: Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD)
Project: ‘Healthy Beginnings for HNE Kids – From Pilot to HNE-wide Scale-Up'
HNELHD was honoured for its district-wide scale-up of a digital health program supporting families and children aged 0–5 years.

Focusing on the critical first 2000 days of life, the Healthy Beginnings program integrated evidence-based digital interventions into routine care. Leveraging existing infrastructure enabled a cost-effective, scalable model with strong engagement from families.

The team implemented a learning health system to continuously optimise the program, supported by co-design with parents and health services to ensure tailored support. This research-driven, technology-enabled approach has strengthened early childhood health outcomes across the region.

These projects show how collaboration and creativity can transform healthcare delivery. Each winner has demonstrated that quality improvement is not just about meeting standards—it’s about making a real difference to patients’ lives.

- Dr Karen Luxford, ACHS CEO

For further information about the winning submissions and other highly commended entrants please view the latest Quality Initiatives Publication on the ACHS Website.