Chief Executive Office Janine Holland said the results, from the recent Nursing Practice Solutions audit, demonstrated that Benalla Health had continued to perform at a very high standard in the hospital, the Morrie Evans Wing and also in the community through its home nursing services.

“The audit, which has been undertaken annually for the past six years, includes assessments of acute inpatients, residents living in Morrie Evans Wing and home nursing clients,” she said.

“Data has been collected which identifies the prevalence, type, assessment of and management of wounds.

“With pressure injuries, the prevalence across our hospital was 40% in 2012, 10% in 2013, 4% in 2014, 3% in 2015, 2% in 2016, 4% in 2017 and 3% in 2018.

“Over the past six years the trended data has continued to be low and we are thrilled that staff are implementing processes which assist greatly with overall improved outcomes for our patients.

“With our home nursing service, wounds in the community have reduced from 19% in 2012 to 6% in 2018.

“These outstanding results confirm that  nursing and allied health staffs are providing exceptional standards of care in our hospital, Morrie Evans Wing and in the home.

“I commend all staff because these excellent results have been achieved because of their clinical skills and expertise and their absolute commitment to the people they care for.”

Ms Holland said she was thrilled with the feedback the auditor had included in the report.

“The ongoing dedication in the leadership team has demonstrated strong sustainability within the health organisation,” the report read.

“Satisfactory clinical outcomes for patients have remained a high priority driven by management and the executive in the delivery of appropriate expectations.

“Not only has there continued to be radical changes altering the current wound prevention and management delivery of care, but the dedication has remained strong and driven the clinical outcomes.”