Congratulations to the Monash Health Central Production Kitchen (MHCPK) and our Food Services team for being nominated in the Victorian Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare (IHHC) Excellence Awards 2023!
The national award program recognises employees in the Food Services or Support Services department of a health or aged care organisation, for excellence in their duties and work.
Learn more about our nominated colleagues below:
Shiyaamaa Fahme, Menu Administrator, Monash Health Central Production Kitchen – IHHC Brightest Star Award
Shiyaama has been with the MHCPK for around 10 years and is currently a Menu Administrator. Additionally, Shiyaamaa was the key contact to implement an enhanced menu management system and patient experience, across Monash Health campuses and community sites. Most recently, she supported the implementation of the menu management system at the Victorian Heart Hospital. With compassion and support for her team, Shiyaamaa has proven to be an effective and appreciated member of the team, which is why she is nominated for this award.
MHCPK and Latrobe Regional Hospital – IHHC Project of the Year Award
The MHCPK supported the provision of meals for the Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH), while the kitchen at LRH was undergoing major refurbishment and renovations. The collaboration lasted 7 weeks and enabled LRH to retain its hot meal service for patients while offering choices and meeting the dietary, nutritional, cultural and religious requirements of patients during this period. MHCPK and LRH are nominated for this award to recognise their innovative partnership to pursue excellence in all circumstances.
Paul Mattamana, Food Services Assistant, Food Services, Casey Hospital – IHHC Values in Action/ Exceptional Customer Service Award
Paul joined the Food Services team at Casey Hospital in 2014 having previously worked overseas and in military-based roles. Paul is well respected and recognised by many of his colleagues for his kindness and for being a great mentor to new employees. He is very patient taking new employees under his wing to teach them in a way that not only demonstrates Monash Health’s values but ensures patients’ needs are always put first.
Paul always ensures all these things are at the forefront of the service. His care and attention to detail are acknowledged in many personalised “thank you notes” from his patients. He is always the first to do the tedious jobs that no one else wants and has been the self-nominated group activity organiser, volunteering to make the team’s days more enjoyable. This generosity creates a sense of community in the team and helps build a positive work culture where people enjoy being at work. For these qualities, Paul is nominated for this award.
Monash Health Food Services and Central Production Kitchen – IHHC Sustainability Award (new in 2023)
MHCPK and our Food Services departments have been implementing steps towards managing waste sustainably and maximising opportunities to re-use and recycle. Each initiative was considered for Monash Health’s Sustainability Strategy 2022-2025, our large and complex waste streams, scale of operations, rigorous infection prevention measures, and impact on our organisation’s environmental footprint.
Monash Health’s Central Production Kitchen and our Food Services departments have implemented a number of environmental initiatives to assist Monash Health achieve its goal of sustained waste reduction while maximising opportunities to re-use and recycle across all campuses and community sites. Initiatives include swapping cardboard boxes for reusable plastic tubs, implementing organic waste disposal and a trial for recycling hair nets. For these efforts, the MHCPK and Food Services departments are nominated for the award.
Congratulations again to our employees and teams for their Award nominations and good luck at the Victorian IHHC Awards Night this week.
Approved by Sharon McNulty, Director, Support Services