About
We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the 2024 CHA Individual Medal of Distinction is Dr Francoise Butel.
Dr Francoise Butel has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and innovation in her work, profoundly impacting the health and well-being of children, young people, and their families. Her contributions are not only felt within her immediate community but resonate across broader professional networks, setting a high standard for excellence in paediatric healthcare.
She is constantly looking for new initiatives to help support families, including adopting the Tracking Cube Project piloted in Western Queensland, and adopting it as a new triage model for the Child Development Services.
She has completely remodelled the School Youth Based Health Nurse Programs and Child Health Nurse programs on the Gold Coast. She champions out of the box initiatives, enabling the autonomy of her staff and following their lead to start new projects they come up with e.g. a new informative website for CDS, therapy websites by our Speech Pathology teams, ADHD Parent-Coaching workshops, Anxiety Groups, Feeding Therapy Programs and Pharmacy Co-Share clinics within Paediatrics. She looks for funding opportunities wherever possible, building co-share models with other health services e.g. Head 2 Health Kids with the Gold Coast Child and Youth Mental Health Service and also the Waijungbah Jarjums Child Health program where we provided Paediatric support.
Congratulations to Dr Francoise Butel on receiving this award!
The 2024 Individual Medal of Distinction Nominees
CHA would also like to recognise the outstanding contributions to child health made by the following nominees for this award. Each of these individuals goes above and beyond to create a positive impact on children and their families, serving as an inspiration to their peers and the entire CHA community. Congratulations, and thank you for your continued leadership.
Andrew Wilson
In recognition of tireless work to support children and families who experience significant disability, particularly children with chronic lung disease of prematurity, those who require respiratory support at home and those with complex neurodisability.
Vikki Doddamani
In recognition of exceptional leadership of the Grampians Early Parenting Centre which supports families to build emotional development, reflective capacity and genuine family connections.
Helen Irving
In recognition of pioneering work in children’s oncology and palliative care including the first formalised palliative care service for children including a 24-hour telephone support service for families.
Nitin Kapur
In recognition of the tireless work to improve the health of children with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and cystic fibrosis and bring equitable access to health care for Indigenous communities.
Heinrich Weber
In recognition of the dedication to providing comprehensive and holistic care for children with respiratory problems and their families in regional and disadvantaged areas of Tasmania.
Susie Gibb
In recognition of tireless work to promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people with medical complexity and empower families, children and young people to manage independently.
Anna van Beek
In recognition of excellent leadership as clinical lead of the PEACH project improving health access and outcomes for children and young people from priority populations.
Louise Mcdermott
In recognition of passion and tireless work to promote the safety & equity of access to medicines for infants and children in Australasia.
Monique Anninos
In recognition of outstanding leadership, collaboration, and advocacy to reduce childhood deaths and serious injuries
Gary Sholler
In recognition of research and leadership in childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) and dedication to improve holistic care and patient and family experiences.
Chris Barnett
In recognition of the innovative work with the Genomic Autopsy study which has significantly contributed to reducing pregnancy loss rates and shaping the future of healthcare practices in this area.
