Team at vaccination centre wins accolade.

Sydney Local Health District has been recognised at the 2021 NSW Premier's Awards, for setting up and managing the NSW Health Vaccination Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The District was named the winner of the Putting the Customer at the Centre category for its entry – Welcome to the NSW Health Mass Vaccination Centre.

"The award is testament to everyone's commitment to work together to achieve a common goal, helping to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, across NSW," Dr Teresa Anderson, the District's Chief Executive, said.

"The community was at the heart of all of our decision-making, and this award recognises that, by putting the customer at the centre, we can achieve great results.

"Our recognition is a reflection of the dedication our staff show – in caring for patients, their families and the community 24-hours a day, every day of the year," Dr Anderson said.

The District-managed NSW Health Vaccination Centre at Sydney Olympic Park is capable of vaccinating up to 10,000 people every day.

The Centre's welcoming environment ensures a positive experience for everyone being vaccinated.

Its operation involves more than 400 staff and collaboration with other Local Health Districts, government agencies, universities, private health services and companies.

"This would not have been possible without the amazing can-do attitude of District staff and the leadership from NSW Health Deputy Secretary Susan Pearce, Deputy Controller at the State Health Emergency Operations Centre (SHEOC) Joanne Edwards, and the SHEOC team," Dr Anderson said.

More than one million vaccines have been administered at the Centre since it opened its doors in May.

The Centre's Medial lead, Dr James Edwards said it was an honour to work there.

"I've been in health for 25 years but I can't really think of a time where I've seen a team came together [so well]. Not just medical and nursing but Pharmacy, IT, administrative staff, security, there are so many people who've made this vaccination centre what it is," Dr Edwards said.

"This place has been fantastic and the feedback from the community has been incredible and it's a real honour to have been a part of it," he said.

The District would also like to acknowledge its finalists in other categories:

Excellence in Digital Innovation – Turning the other cheek on COVID-19 quarantine testing;

Tackling Longstanding Social Challenges – Innovations in Sydney District Pregnancy Family Conferencing;

And, Bradley McEntee who was an Anthea Kerr Award finalist.

"I'd also like to acknowledge our staff who have worked in the state's hotel quarantine program –a collaboration involving the District and a cross-section of partner agencies. The program was the winner of the Recovery and Resilience category," Dr Anderson said.

In his remarks, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet acknowledged the significant role health workers have played during the pandemic.

"I particularly want to thank our frontline health workers who have put in an unbelievable effort under such immense pressure," he said.

In a message to staff, NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff congratulated the finalists and winners.

"This level of acknowledgement is testament to the outstanding work we have achieved together this year," she said.