Finalist – 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards
Published September 18 2024
We are thrilled to be a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards (VPHA)! Our free Chronic Pain Service (CPS) has been recognised in the ‘Care Closer to Home’ award category.
Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians over 45, often leading to mental health challenges, social isolation, and a decline in self-esteem.
CPS is improving long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for clients, helping them manage pain, regain independence, reduce care wait times, and ease the pressure on hospital waitlists.
Data from 2023 confirms CPS’s outstanding results:
- 100% of patients reported overall improvement (up 17% from the previous year)
- 100% reported improvement in their physical abilities (up 22.2%)
- 91.7% reported clinically significant improvement in pain catastrophising (up 41.7%)
- 80% reported improvement in depression
- 60% reported improvement in anxiety
- 67% reported improvement in how pain interferes with their daily life
"My attitude and mindset towards pain have changed significantly. I am calmer, and I understand how chronic pain works and how I can manage it. I don't feel as anxious or scared about my pain. I’ve now started going to the gym, taking long walks, and swimming." – CPS client.
Merri Health is proud of this achievement, which highlights the dedication of our team and the ongoing support of our funding partner, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
The VPHA celebrate excellence in public healthcare and acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s healthcare workers, volunteers, and public health services. Winners will be announced at the VPHA Gala Night on 19 November 2024.