Women+ for Western Health: Meet the 2024 Finalists
Next month, the Western Health Foundation will host its highly anticipated Women+ for Western Health Pitch Night. Held on 12 September 2024, this annual event promises an evening of inspiration, connection, and the chance to make a difference. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, hear compelling presentations from Western Health staff, and witness the announcement of the $50,000 grant winner.
The Women+ for Western Health Giving Circle provides a unique opportunity for its members to actively participate in shaping the future of healthcare in Melbourne’s west. With this sizable grant up for grabs, members, who receive complimentary attendance to Pitch Night, will vote on the most deserving project, making a direct contribution to initiatives that align with Western Health’s Strategic Directions and improving health outcomes for all patients.
On using her vote at last year’s Pitch Night, Zoe Goodhardt, member of the Giving Circle, and Head of Growth and Marketing at TAG says, “I look for several key factors. Firstly, the project's potential impact on the community is paramount – I seek initiatives that address critical needs and have a clear, measurable benefit. Additionally, I consider the sustainability of the project, ensuring it can continue to provide value long after the initial funding.”
Elizabeth Kennedy, also a member of Giving Circle, and Director at Western Health said “It was so hard to choose! They were all worthy of being given my vote, but in the end, I suppose I looked for the one that gave the greatest good to the greatest number.”
If you’re not yet a member, there’s still time to join and gain the right to vote on these groundbreaking projects. Alternatively, you can purchase a non-member ticket and be part of this special evening by visiting our ticketing portal.
Meet this year's Finalists
Dr Lea Foo, Addiction Psychiatrist, Custodial Health
Project: Unlocking Freedom - Transformative Breakthroughs in Solving Trauma Behind Bars
Lea Foo’s project focuses on addressing the mental health of female prisoners at the Western Health Addiction Medicine Clinic at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. By co-designing a trauma-informed intervention package, this initiative aims to break the cycle of trauma and reduce repeat offenses, offering a path to healing and transformation.
Marcelle Ghaly, Business and Performance Manager, Access and Patient Flow
Project: ECLIPS – Elderly Complex Long Stay Inpatient Prediction System
Marcelle Ghaly’s innovative system seeks to improve hospital efficiency by leveraging artificial intelligence to predict and prevent long hospital stays for elderly patients. The ECLIPS project aims to get patients home faster, reducing preventable illness and enhancing patient flow.
Kate Kerrisk, Project Officer, Western Health at Home and Lucy Webster, Aboriginal Liaison Offer at Sunshine Hospital
Project: Culturally Centred In Home Virtual Care
Kate Kerrisk and Lucy Webster's project focuses on remote patient monitoring, starting with First Nations communities. By co-designing a culturally centred service, this initiative aims to keep those with chronic diseases safe at home, reducing hospital visits and minimising preventable disease.
Dina Pogrebnoy, Clinical Research Lead, Physiotherapist
Project: Fast-Tracking Stroke Recovery through Representation and Inclusion
Dina Pogrenboy’s project aims to support stroke survivors in their rehabilitation journey with digitally enabled, ‘fit-for-purpose’ multilingual self-management resources. This initiative ensures that all patients, regardless of language, have the tools they need for effective recovery.
Dr Harriet Downing, Senior Clinical Consultant, Occupational Violence Prevention
Project: Empower patients with dementia and the staff caring for them through training in Teepa Snow’s “Positive Approach to Care”
Harriet Downing’s project is designed to empower both patients with dementia and the staff who care for them through specialized staff education and training in Teepa Snow’s “Positive Approach to Care.” By reducing frustration and violence, this initiative promotes a safer, more confident care environment.
Don’t miss out - Join us for an inspirational evening.
Pitch Night event details
Date: 12 September
Time: 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Location: Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club, 260 Nelson Place, Williamstown
Dress: Smart casual
Sign up today to be a part of this transformative journey and help shape the future of healthcare in Melbourne’s west.
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