Monash Health’s Finance Team swept the Healthcare Financial Management Association Awards in September.
The awards recognise and showcase talent, commitment, and leadership across the Australian healthcare finance sector.
Members of our Finance Team received awards in six out of the eight categories.
Finance Leader Award
Winner: Caroline Whitten – Deputy Director, Acute Services; Hannah Ngu – Deputy Director, Aged, Community & Mental Health; and Adam Sacks – Deputy Director, Clinical Support and Corporate
The Monash Health Finance Business Partnering Team has transformed significantly over the past 18 months, evolving from a split team into a consolidated high-performing unit. Caroline Whitten, Hannah Ngu, and Adam Sacks, appointed as Deputy Directors, have been instrumental in this development, working closely with David Monaghan, the Director of Business Partnering, to foster a high-trust, value-driven team.
Team Award
Winner: Monash Health Mental Health FBP Team: Leanne Firman – Senior Finance Business Partner; Vithiya Yogeswaran – Finance Business Partner; and Sashreeka Abeysinghe – Finance Business Partner
Leanne Firman, Vithiya Yogeswaran, and Sashreeka Abeysinghe were recognised for clarifying and detailing the funding for Mental Health programs, a critical task tied to the Mental Health Royal Commission’s outcomes. They took over a program with little transparency, making pivotal decisions to enhance understanding and utilising available funds.
Contribution to the Sector Award
Winner: Mark Misquitta – Director, Strategic Finance and Governance
Mark developed a financial sustainability and action plan for Monash Health. His work involved researching best practices across industries and engaging with public sector organisations, contributing significantly to Monash Health’s transition out of COVID-19 and into a financially sustainable future.
Revenue Performance Award
Winner: Ross Crawford, Anthony Burton, Thomas Toh – Aged & Rehab Business Partnering Team; Stuart Cavill – Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aged and Rehab; and Dr Amelia Crabtree – Program Director, Aged and Rehab
Ross Crawford, Anthony Burton, Thomas Toh, Stuart Cavill, and Dr Amelia Crabtree were recognised for improving revenue performance by accurately documenting dementia, delirium, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores. Their work resulted in better data capture, improved patient care, and enhanced revenue for Monash Health.
Innovation Award
Runner-up: Stuart Donaldson – Director of Corporate Projects
Stuart Donaldson was recognised for his “Building Finance Capability” workshop. This two to three-day program trains participants in high-performing teams, strategy, personality types, presentation skills, and communication styles, simulating executive roles in an ailing health service to develop their capabilities.
Rising Star Award
Runner-up: Adam Kinross – Senior Business Partner, Surgery, Perioperative, Procedural, and Casey and Dandenong Hospitals
Adam Kinross joined Monash Health in May 2023 without a healthcare background but quickly identified and addressed financial acumen gaps among stakeholders. His efforts significantly improved stakeholders’ understanding and management of financial and operational outcomes, earning him the Monash Health quarterly STAR award for Managing Wisely.
Congratulations to all our winners and runners-up for their dedication, innovation, and excellence in supporting a sustainable health service and high-quality care for our community.