Charles toured the 215-bed metropolitan acute general hospital to learn more about its services in general surgery and medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, aged care, rehabilitation and palliative care.
Charles said he was "extremely impressed" with the efficiency of the Hospital, the diversity of the staff and how this reflected the local community, and the range of staff initiatives and projects aimed at improving patient care and comfort.
"General Manager, Ann Kelly, introduced me to the two inaugural winners of the Hospital's STAR program – a new staff recognition program that invites members of the public to nominate staff who demonstrate the values of a STAR employee – Service, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect," he said.
"The STAR program is part of the Hospital's ground breaking new communication strategy to improve patient care, satisfaction and safety, and staff satisfaction.
"I am told staff are enthusiastically embracing the new initiative because they can see the benefits for them, their patients and their families."
Mr Casuscelli said the Hospital had also recently refurbished its Emergency Department entrance.
"The addition of a two-door airlock now provides much-needed protection from inclement weather when the automatic doors open, making a .big difference to the comfort of patients and staff,"
"This State Government provides much-needed funding to support excellence in healthcare delivery within our Hospitals.
"So often it is our clinical staff who care for their patients on the wards every day who introduce innovative approaches that help make a real difference to people's lives."
"I was heartened by the efforts of the staff to help bring a Christmas feel to the patients, especially the children."
Photograph 1 – Dr Andrew Watson , Staff Specialist Emergency Department, Claire Harris- Director Nursing and Midwifery Services,
Charles Casuscelli, Wendy Fitzgibbon, NUM emergency Department, Ann Kelly General Manager.
Photograph 2 – STAR (staff recognition program) winner Charlie Brown, Cleaner/Porter, with General Manager Ann Kelly and Charles Casuscelli.