An Australian first program developed in the Limestone Coast has been named a finalist in the 2024 SA Health Awards.
Together Limestone Coast Local Health Network Quality Risk and Safety coordinator Michelle Galli and local indigenous elder Uncle Ken developed the Listen Project.
“Traditionally, incident management looks at what happened and identifying gaps in care. But we wanted to approach it in a kinder way,” the duo said.
“After a serious incident, our priority is to listen to care, asking ‘Are you okay?’ first and foremost.
“We then listen to learn, asking ‘What do you need to be okay?’
“Next, we listen to heal and identify who is responsible for making the changes identified during our Listen Huddles.
“All of our team members who may have been affected are invited to attend a Listen Huddle — and everyone has an equal voice.”
The duo said by focusing on what team members need to be okay, they hope to increase the resilience and confidence whilst stimulating innovation.
“What makes the Listen Project unique is that it is our adaptation of Restorative Just and Learning Culture. Restorative principles are intrinsic to Aboriginal culture,” they said.
“We have combined the stories and feedback of our team members with Aboriginal principles to create a bespoke project that is unique to the Limestone Coast and, to our knowledge, makes it an Australian first.”
The SA Health Awards recognise and reward individuals, teams, programs or projects that have significantly improved the delivery of health services to the South Australian community.
They also honour the commitment of those who work to improve the performance of the public health sector.
The 2024 awards ceremony will be held as part of the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual General Meeting tomorrow.
Finalists, including Mrs Galli and Uncle Doug, have been invited to attend the ceremony, where award winners will be announced.
Each regional and metropolitan award winner will receive a trophy, presented by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, and a signed certificate acknowledging their contribution to public health excellence.
