Four Allied Health professionals at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) have been recognised in the 2022 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards for the contributions they make every day to delivering exemplary patient care.

The NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards acknowledge the outstanding impact and contribution of allied health professionals to support the health outcomes of patients, families and communities across the state.

Congratulations to Physiotherapist Simone-Cherie Holt, Associate Director of Education and Training (Non-Medical) Amanda Jenkins, Child Life and Music Therapy Assistant Angelica Anna Torrijos, and Operations Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre Nicole Wright, were this week announced as finalists in the prestigious awards.

The second annual event has 35 finalists across seven categories. To be named among the state’s finalists is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the valued input Allied Health professions have in delivering patient-centred care at the Network.

Simone-Cherie is a genuine, proud and passionate Indigenous physiotherapist who has been recognised as a finalist in the Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year category.

She has initiated Acknowledgement of Country in department meetings, with an emphasis on researching and individualising these moments. She was also a clinical educator for more than a decade at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW), where she still works today.

Angelica, who works within the Oncology Treatment Centre (OTC) and the Child Life and Music Therapy Department at CHW, is in the running for the Allied Health Assistant, Technician or Support Person of the Year.

Through her humility, enthusiasm, and joyful smile, she has had an undeniable impact on the treatment journey of countless patients and families. Her tireless support extends throughout the unit, empowering all OTC staff to deliver the best service possible.

Amanda has been nominated for the Allied Health Educator of the Year award, with 14 years of experience in this field.

During this time, she has demonstrated passion, collaboration and leadership to drive Network priorities in education.

As the former Allied Health Educator, she has recently been recognised for her excellence in education by being elevated to the position of SCHN Associate Director for Education (Non-Medical) representing allied health, nursing and non-clinical staff.

Nicole has been recognised as a finalist in the Allied Health Leader of the Year category. As the Operations Director of NSW Poisons Information Centre, Nicole works closely with NSW Health on toxicovigilance projects to minimise poisoning risk. 

She also collaborates with the University of Sydney as a clinical lecturer, as well as with organisations to help improve education of medical and pharmacy professionals and students.

These collaborations have led to some great initiatives which will continue to have long-term impacts on poisoning management and prevention across the country.

“Our Network is proud to be represented by Simone-Cherie, Amanda, Angelica and Nicole at this year’s awards. Having four finalists demonstrates the calibre of the Allied Health professionals that work across SCHN,” Bobbi Henao Urrego, Director of Allied Health at SCHN, said.

“Congratulations to our finalists on their deserved recognition, their achievements are a reflection of the outstanding work that is being done by Allied Health in delivering patient-centred care to the children, families, and communities we service.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held at Luna Park on Thursday 23 February.