Alicia’s Extraordinary Service Recognised

A much-loved Murrumburrah-Harden MPS team member has been recognised at the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s (MLHD) 2023 Excellence Awards.

The Leisure and Lifestyle Officer at Murrumburrah-Harden MPS, Alicia Madden was a finalist in the Allied Health Staff Member of the Year category.

She was nominated by Nurse Unit Manager, Leah Whitehead. “I nominated Alicia because of the difference she has made to our residents here,” Ms Whitehead said.

“They trust her, they love her, their faces light up when she’s there. If they have a problem, they go to her first. The quality of their lives has improved immeasurably since Alicia has been here.”

Ms Whitehead said that the atmosphere of the aged care wing, and the way they spent their days, had changed dramatically since Ms Madden joined the team.

“Our residents are actively involved in activities; going out, having special meals and lunches, cooking, games and exercise programs. They go out to picnics at Chinamans Dam, they go out for lunch and go op-shopping. She spends time with them as a group, and time one-on-one. It’s a busy, lively, active place now. She has made such a difference.”

Ms Madden has worked in aged care for 22 years, mostly in activities roles, and started at the MPS about 16 months ago.

“It’s lovely to be recognised,” Ms Madden said. “I think activities is a really important role in aged care, so I am over the moon. There’s lots I enjoy about my role, but what I really love is getting to know the residents as a person and listening to their life stories.”

“There is so much we can learn from them. They think we teach them, but really they teach us to appreciate what we have today, and what they never had when they were growing up.”

Ms Madden tailors her program of activities to suit the interests and desires of the residents. “With activities, we have a group discussion and talk about what we’d like to do for the next month. Everyone gets a say in what they want, we have a vote and majority rules. We’re very flexible, too.”

“If what we’ve planned doesn’t suit on the day we go with whatever the residents want to do. We try and get our exercises done in the morning and we’ll head outside for a walk as well if the weather’s nice. We mix it up, using therabands, noodles and music. They love a bit of boxing, too. We have cultural days as well.”

MLHD District Chief Executive, Jill Ludford said the 2023 MLHD Excellence Awards attracted 84 nominations across nine team award categories and four individual award categories.

“The Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams for their pursuit of excellence and commitment to improving the lives of others,” Ms Ludford said.

Winners were announced at a gala evening on Friday, June 16.

• Topics:

• Awards
• Health & Wellness