Grampians Health HELP program wins Victorian Public Healthcare Award
Grampians Health is proud to announce that its Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) has won the Health Volunteer Team of the Year category at the 2026 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
The award recognises the exceptional contribution of HELP's dedicated volunteers, who work alongside clinical teams to help prevent delirium and improve outcomes for older patients during their hospital stay.
Since its introduction at Grampians Health in 2021, HELP has become a nationally recognised model of care, demonstrating how trained volunteers can play a meaningful role in supporting patient wellbeing and recovery.
Over the past 12 months, HELP's 30 volunteers have completed more than 7,200 visits and supported almost 2,000 patients across Grampians Health.
Grampians Health Chief Executive Officer Dale Fraser said the award was a fitting recognition of the volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting patients and families.
"Our volunteers make a remarkable contribution to Grampians Health every day, and this award shines a light on the difference they make in the lives of our patients and their loved ones," Mr Fraser said.
"The HELP program demonstrates the extraordinary impact that compassion, connection and community involvement can have on health outcomes and patient experiences.
"This recognition belongs to every volunteer who has given their time, energy and care to support older patients in our health service, and we thank them for their commitment."
To celebrate the achievement, Grampians Health hosted an afternoon tea for its dedicated volunteers to recognise their commitment and contribution to the health service. The event brought together volunteers, staff and Grampians Health leaders to thank those who have helped shape the program locally into an award-winning model of care.
HELP volunteer Margaret Bennett has been with the program since inception and has watched it grow to what it is today.
"We know how valuable this program is because of the reaction we get from the people we talk to," Margaret said.
"We (the volunteers) get just as much out of taking part in the program. It's incredibly rewarding."
The award also highlights the broader contribution volunteers make across Grampians Health. Volunteers support patients, residents, clients and their families across Ballarat, Horsham, Stawell, Edenhope and Dimboola, providing companionship, assistance and practical support that complements clinical care and strengthens connections between the health service and the community.
Director of General and Specialty Medicine and Continuing Care Dr Kerrie Shiell said the award highlighted the power of innovation, collaboration and community partnership in healthcare.
"HELP has shown what is possible when volunteers are supported to work as part of a multidisciplinary team with a clear purpose and evidence-based approach," Dr Shiell said.
"The program not only improves the experience of older patients in hospital but also demonstrates the value community members can bring to healthcare when they are empowered and appropriately trained.
"We are incredibly proud of the impact HELP has had at Grampians Health and of the influence it has had in supporting other health services to establish similar programs."
The globally recognised HELP program was first implemented at Grampians Health in January 2021. Grampians Health was the first Australian health service to be officially recognised by the American Geriatrics Society as a provider of the program and has since supported other health services, including Barwon Health, Eastern Health and Singapore's National University Hospital, to establish their own HELP programs.
The Victorian Public Healthcare Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across Victoria's public health system, recognising individuals, teams and services that make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
