Heather Black, Director of Clinical Services at Linacre Private Hospital, represents the very best of who we are. She brings care and leadership together with strength, humanity and purpose.
Heather creates environments where teams thrive, patients receive exceptional care and people feel safe to learn and grow. Her ability to inspire, connect and lead with integrity makes her a powerful example of The Ramsay Way and a leader shaping a bright future for our organisation. Read on for more about Heather’s achievements along with all of this year’s National Ramsay Way Awards winners.
CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE LIVING THE RAMSAY WAY EVERY DAY.
Every day I meet people across Ramsay who bring our purpose to life through the way they care for patients, support their colleagues and strengthen our teams. The National Ramsay Way Awards give us a moment to pause and celebrate that. They remind us that our greatest strength is our people. This year, a record 450 people were nominated. That says a lot about who we are. It shows our pride in one another and the many acts of care, leadership and teamwork happening across our hospitals, clinics and services.
Our judges certainly had a difficult job. The nominations were thoughtful, detailed and filled with examples of people going above and beyond. Creating a shortlist was challenging and choosing the winners was even harder. That in itself is something to celebrate. It reflects the depth of talent, innovation and commitment across Ramsay.
To our finalists and winners, congratulations. You have made a real difference to the people you work with and the communities you serve. And to everyone who was nominated, thank you. Your dedication, your kindness and your leadership reflect the spirit of Ramsay in a very real way.
I am proud to share this celebration of our people with you and I’m looking forward to what we will achieve next, as we continue to strengthen Ramsay and shape the future of care together.
Natalie Davis
Group CEO Ramsay Health Care
JUDGES: People Caring for People Award
Innovation and Excellence Award
Ramsay Cares Sustainability Award
Stuart Winters Michelle Fichmann David Butler Chief Operating Officer Australia Director, Learning & Organisational Development Clinical Nurse Specialist 2024 Ramsay Way Award Winner
Dr Brindan Suresh Alex Ledger
Juliet James Group Executive Health & Strategy Head of Analytics, Insights & AI Physiotherapy and Day Rehabilitation Services Manager 2024 Ramsay Way Award Winner
Colleen Harris
Sue Panuccio Group Executive People & Sustainability National Environment Manager
Siobhan Leach
Annie Edmonstone Group Sustainability Officer Nurse Unit Manager 2024 Ramsay Way Award Winner
Congratulations
PEOPLE CARING FOR PEOPLE AWARD
This employee is innovative, collaborative, creative and prioritises strong healthy relationships. They go above and beyond to personify the Ramsay purpose of ‘people caring for people’. To win this Award, they had to bring the legacy of Paul Ramsay to life in their work each day. This employee understands that care is a critical part of the way we work to meet the expectations of our patients, customers, employees and health care partners.
WINNER Heather Black, Director of Clinical Services, Linacre Private Hospital, Vic
FINALISTS Jessica Southwell, Clinical Nurse/Midwife, Port Macquarie Private Hospital, NSW
INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE AWARD
Jack Reid, Patient Services, Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital, Vic
This employee has demonstrated excellence and innovation in service delivery. They do things the right way, enjoy their work and take pride in their achievements. They have a transformation mindset and are not afraid to challenge the status quo to find better ways of working.
FINALISTS Debra Maslen and Maree Nawer, Chief Executive Officer and Nurse Unit Manager, Tamara Private Hospital, NSW
RAMSAY CARES SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Dalia Moreno Medina, Regional Neurostimulation Coordinator, Ramsay Clinic Northside, NSW
At Ramsay, we seek to grow sustainably. This employee cares about our people, our community and our planet. They reflect our commitment to responsible impact and prioritise long term value for our organisation.
WINNER Ben Watty, Facility Manager, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Qld
FINALISTS Amit Chauhan and Jodie Mallia, Clinical, Environmental Services Team, Joondalup Health Campus, WA
CARING FOR PEOPLE AWARD
Where care and leadership combine
Heather Black brings ‘people caring for people’ to life in a way that is both practical and deeply human. Her colleagues describe her as motivated, humble and the person who quietly steps in whenever someone needs help. Whether she is supporting a busy ward, guiding someone through a heavy workload or even carrying a car park bollard in the rain to keep people safe, Heather shows that care is something she does, not just talks about.
Relationships sit at the centre of how Heather works. She invests in people, builds trust quickly and gives others the confidence to grow. Many describe how she believed in them before they believed in themselves, offering mentorship and advocacy that changed the course of their careers. Her leadership creates a culture where people feel respected, supported and proud of the work they do.
Soon after taking on the Director of Clinical Services role, Heather was asked to lead Linacre through accreditation with just three weeks to prepare. She brought her team together with clarity, calm and a sense of shared purpose, achieving an excellent result with minimal issues. Since then, she has strengthened theatre utilisation, attracted new surgeons and expanded services, always keeping patient experience and safe, thoughtful care at the centre.
Heather began her career at Ramsay as a graduate nurse and has carried the same compassion and work ethic through every role she has held. She embodies the Ramsay Way through her kindness, resilience and commitment to doing things the right way, even when it is difficult. Heather brings Paul Ramsay’s legacy to life through the remarkable way she leads and cares.
Winner
Heather Black Director of Clinical Services
Linacre Private Hospital, Vic
Courage when it counts
Jess Southwell is a steady, compassionate presence on the medical surgical ward at Port Macquarie Private Hospital. She is the person colleagues turn to in busy moments, the nurse who patients trust instinctively and someone who quietly lifts the standard of care around her. Jess recently completed her Ramsay-supported Nurse Practitioner qualifications in orthopaedics, a reflection of her commitment to growing her skills and supporting her team.
That same calm capability was evident earlier this year while Jess was on holiday in France. She came across a man in cardiac arrest and immediately stepped in. She organised bystanders, worked through language barriers and used a defibrillator with French instructions to revive him. Her courage and clinical skill saved his life.
For those who work with her, this moment simply showed the person they already know so well. Jess brings the same composure, kindness and strength to her work and patients every day.
Finalist
Finalist
Kindness that lifts everyone
Jack Reid’s impact at Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital starts with the simplest moments. A warm greeting. Remembering a patient’s name. Seeing when someone needs help before they ask. He brings an ease and positivity to his role as a porter and that energy spreads quickly through the people around him.
Patients often talk about how Jack encouraged them during recovery or lifted their spirits on a hard day. Colleagues describe him as someone who steps in without being asked and makes the hospital feel more connected. His way of caring is natural, steady and grounded in genuine interest in others.
Jack has also strengthened the “Hello my name is…” campaign by seeking feedback across departments and helping shape more personal communication throughout the hospital. He approaches improvement with curiosity and respect and he brings people with him in an authentic way.
Jack’s contribution shows that ‘people caring for people’ is not always about big gestures. Sometimes it is small, consistent actions that leave a lasting impression.
Jessica Southwell Clinical Nurse/Midwife
Port Macquarie Private Hospital, NSW
Jack Reid Patient Services
Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital, Vic
AND EXCELLENCE AWARD
Transforming safety through innovation
Maryanne Georges has reshaped the way perioperative teams work at Strathfield Private Hospital through her leadership of the ‘Ninety Second Check’ trial, a nurse-led initiative that has transformed patient safety and improved accuracy in surgical documentation. What began as a pattern of recurring specimen and form errors became an opportunity for Maryanne to rethink how teams communicate and support one another during procedures.
Maryanne designed a simple but powerful solution. She introduced a structured ninety second pause in every surgical case, giving scrub and circulating nurses uninterrupted time to verify critical documentation together. This idea challenged long-standing habits in theatres but Maryanne’s approach made change feel achievable. She supported teams through education, real-time guidance and open collaboration, creating a culture where safety and teamwork came first.
The results were exceptional. Incidents fell from weekly occurrences to only a few per year, each linked to external factors rather than the process itself.
The ‘Ninety Second Check’ is now embedded as standard practice at Strathfield.
Through her leadership, insight and commitment to continuous improvement, Maryanne is the very deserving winner of the Innovation and Excellence Award.
Winner
Maryanne Georges
Education Coordinator
Strathfield Private Hospital, NSW
Innovation strengthening regional care
Maree Nawer and Debra Maslen transformed after hours care at Tamara Private Hospital by leading the implementation of ‘My Emergency Doctor’, a telemedicine service that gives regional teams direct access to emergency specialists. Their vision came at a time when limited medical cover created real challenges for patients, nursing teams and Accredited Practitioners.
They navigated technical barriers, cultural resistance and complex stakeholder needs to bring the service to life. Maree and Debra developed clear processes, educated their teams and worked closely with Accredited Practitioners to build trust and confidence in the new model. Their leadership has strengthened patient safety, reduced unplanned transfers and given the team greater support and reassurance after hours.
Maree and Debra have shown what outstanding innovation looks like when it is powered by courage, collaboration and a genuine commitment to better care for regional communities.
Finalist
Dalia Moreno Medina
Regional Neurostimulation Coordinator
Ramsay Clinic Northside, NSW
Finalist
Debra Maslen and Maree Nawer Chief Executive Officer and Nurse Unit Manager
Tamara Private Hospital, NSW
Leading change with vision and care
Dalia Moreno Medina is helping shape the future of mental health care at Ramsay, leading some of Australia’s most progressive work in psychedelic assisted therapy and neurostimulation. Her leadership has given hope to people with treatment resistant depression and strengthened safety and consistency across multiple sites.
Dalia brings people together in a way that feels respectful and purposeful. She collaborates with psychiatrists, professors, nurses, counsellors and administrators, creating clear, evidence-based systems that support both patient safety and seamless service delivery. She develops protocols, navigates governance and still remains hands on in clinical care, ensuring every improvement is grounded in real patient experience.
Colleagues describe her as humble, determined and deeply collaborative. She challenges old processes, solves complex problems and removes barriers so people can access the care they need.
Dalia shows what is possible when innovation is guided by empathy and a genuine commitment to better mental health care.
RAMSAY CARES SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Building a greener tomorrow
Ben Watty has become a catalyst for sustainable change at Greenslopes Private Hospital. He cares deeply about people who attend the hospital, the community it serves and the longterm health of the planet. That mindset shapes every project he leads and has delivered the largest projected energy and carbon emission savings across Ramsay Australia for FY25.
Ben has helped modernise Greenslopes in ways that will make a difference for decades. He has delivered new chillers that save more than $200,000 in annual energy costs, replaced twelve ageing cooling towers with six efficient units, led one of the largest lighting upgrades in the network and reduced nitrous oxide leaks. He is also championing a 1,350 kW rooftop solar proposal, the largest ever put forward at Ramsay, which would make renewable energy a core part of the hospital’s power supply.
As impressive as the results are is the way Ben achieves them. He is known for his collaborative style, his technical insight and the pride he takes in doing things the right way. He works closely with people across Greenslopes as well as site partners, building trust and helping others understand the long-term value of sustainable choices. Colleagues describe him as supportive, driven and guided by a strong moral compass.
Ben’s work has helped transform Greenslopes into a modern, energy efficient and environmentally responsible site. His commitment to growing sustainably, caring for community and choosing long term impact over short term convenience reflects the essence of this award.
Winner
Ben Watty Facility Manager
Greenslopes Private Hospital, Qld
Rewriting the rules on waste
Amit Chauhan and Jodie Mallia have helped reshape the way Joondalup Health Campus manages waste, creating a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable future for their hospital community. Their leadership has supported the introduction of 30 waste streams and helped the campus achieve a 44 per cent landfill diversion rate, with a goal of reaching 50 per cent by 2026. Their work reflects a long-term commitment to caring for people, community and planet.
Amit and Jodie have driven a range of impactful initiatives, from redirecting surplus food to the charity OzHarvest and eliminating single use plastics, to creating new recycling options for departments such as ICU and Emergency. Their approach is hands on and collaborative. People across the campus now actively seek their guidance and the hygiene team plays a vital role in making sure every waste stream is used correctly.
Through education sessions, practical tools, newsletters and events like Environment Day, Amit and Jodie have helped sustainability become part of everyday practice at Joondalup. Their work has been recognised at both state and national level through the Hospitality in Healthcare Excellence Awards.
Amit and Jodie show how thoughtful, persistent action can change the way a hospital operates. Their commitment to reducing waste and strengthening environmental stewardship makes a meaningful difference to their community and the world around them.
Finalist
Clinical, Environmental Services Team
Joondalup Health Campus, WA
Amit Chauhan and Jodie Mallia
Congratulations
to all of the Ramsay team members who were shortlisted in the 2025 National Ramsay Way Awards.
PEOPLE CARING FOR PEOPLE AWARD
HOSPITAL OR SITE
Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital
Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital
Frances Perry House
Glengarry Private Hospital
NSW Head Office
Southport Private Hospital
Hillcrest Private Hospital
Hollywood Private Hospital
Joondalup Health Campus
Joondalup Health Campus
Joondalup Health Campus
Linacre Private Hospital
Nambour Selangor Private Hospital
Port Macquarie Private Hospital
Ramsay Clinic Caloundra
Ramsay Pharmacy Services
Mt Wilga Private Hospital
Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital
St Andrew's Ipswich Hospital
St George Private Hospital
NOMINEE NAME/S
Jack Reid
Robyn Taylor
Simone Gleeson, Christine Murphy, Megan Whittle & Alexandra Ryan
Vikas Chandra
Kylie Prideaux
Megan Donnelly
Deborah Cox
Narelee Gibbs
Martina Montgomery, Megan Terry & Robert Bew
Victoria Topping
Elaine Johnson
Heather Black
Denise Jones, Stacee Middleton, Alessandra Zafra, Cherise Buchbach, Meah Whelan, Dianne Slater, Penelope Hasted & Emma Blue
Jessica Southwell
Johanna Whiteley
Annette Schulz
Nicole Griffiths
Douglas Brown
Nancy Shaji
Christopher Page
RAMSAY CARES SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
HOSPITAL OR SITE
Baringa Private Hospital
Beleura Private Hospital
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Hillcrest Private Hospital
Hollywood Private Hospital
Hollywood Private Hospital
Hunters Hill Private Hospital
Joondalup Health Campus
Mt Wilga Private Hospital
Peninsula Private Hospital
St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital
NOMINEE NAME/S
Brooke Bennett
Claire Wilson
Ben Watty
Christopher Turnbull
Deborah Scholtz
Lana Kelly
Anne Ballesty
Amit Chauhan & Jodie Mallia
Annette Whall
Ruth Rehfisch
Catherine Codd
INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE AWARD
HOSPITAL OR SITE
Mt Wilga Private Hospital
Mt Wilga Private Hospital
North Shore Private Hospital
Pindara Private Hospital
Ramsay Clinic Northside
Strathfield Private Hospital
Tamara Private Hospital
NOMINEE NAME/S
Lynette Saul
Annette Whall
Anita McKay
Catriona Calvert
Dalia Moreno Medina
Maryanne Georges
Maree Nawer & Debra Maslen
You’ve got to look after the patients and be the best at that. If you look after the patient first, then everything else will follow.
