Lismore clinician named top allied health professional at NSW awards

LISMORE podiatrist Helen McGregor has been named Allied Health Professional of the Year at the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards.

The awards were held at the Art Gallery of NSW on March 26, recognising clinicians and support staff across the public health system.

McGregor, who works with Northern NSW Local Health District, was recognised for her role in the High Risk Foot Service at Lismore Base Hospital and her work improving access to custom footwear through a multidisciplinary clinic.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said allied health staff played a critical role across the system.

“Every day allied health staff are there for people at every stage of life by stepping up to meet complex challenges, delivering care that exceeds expectations and strengthens our health system,” he said.

The annual awards featured 35 finalists across seven categories, covering clinical care, leadership, research and education.

Other winners included speech pathologist Tia Croft from South Western Sydney Local Health District, social worker Nicole Gregoriou from Illawarra Shoalhaven, and physiotherapist Ryan Taylor from South Eastern Sydney.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the workforce made a strong contribution across a range of settings.

“The Allied Health Awards reflect the strength of our allied health workforce, whose expertise across many settings including mental health plays an important role in improving patient outcomes,” she said.

Radiation therapist Meegan Shepherd from Northern Sydney was named Allied Health Researcher of the Year for her work in cancer care and clinical trials.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce said the awards recognised the breadth of roles across the system.

“Allied health professionals, assistants, and support staff make a profound impact and enrich health every day in many ways through their professionalism and dedication towards delivering outstanding patient centric care,” she said.