Meet Raelene Heaney - Administration & Business Support Coordinator at the Assessor Division

Welcome to our Staff Spotlight where we introduce our great teams who work tirelessly to support ACHS Members and the broader healthcare community.

In this edition, we learn more about Raelene Heaney who is our Administration & Business Support Coordinator at the Assessor Division. 

1. Tell us about your journey with ACHS, how long have you been working here?  

I started at ACHS in April 2015 coming from a large public hospital. I began in the survey bookings team which has now evolved into the Assessor Division. Upon moving into ACHS, I was enveloped into a lovely family-like environment and knew I would be here for a while. I work within a very close-knit team which I have the utmost respect for. 

2. How does your role support ACHS Members? 

In terms of support for Members from an assessment perspective, we coordinate with Member organisations regarding the assessment team to ensure suitability for their needs and provide all necessary requirements for a smooth on-site assessment process. Additionally, I offer support to both Members and Non-Members through my involvement in consultancy. 
 

3. What do you find most rewarding about working in the healthcare sector?  

For me, it is the relationships I have gained with our assessor cohort. This is such a rewarding part of my job. I also believe in ongoing improvement in healthcare, so sharing feedback from assessors about sites, which range from big hospitals to small remote community hospitals and centres - knowing they provide expert guidance to improve the care for all people is very rewarding.  

4. Describe an interesting project that you have worked on. 

Moving across to mandatory short notice assessments has been an interesting project. Since its inception in July 2023, we find ourselves adapting to the change and making improvements along the journey. My team and I become very flexible and accepting of many changes all at once. 
 

5. What comes to mind when you think of healthcare quality improvement? 

I think of safe care for all. I think of a place where anyone can go, and they will feel comfortable with the knowledge that they will be well looked after and provided the best care possible, wherever they may be located.  

6. Which healthcare figure or organisation most inspires you?   

Professor Roianne West who was part of the team that assisted ACHS with the facilitation of the Commission’s Cultural Safety training that was undertaken in 2023. Roianne has done extraordinary and extensive work in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, and when I had the pleasure to listen to her present I was deeply moved. I simply had no idea of some of the huge gaps in care and was extremely grateful to Roianne for bringing these to the fore so that we can all learn to do things a differently. This is the way of improvement. 

7. How do you practise self-care?  

I am currently training for a triathlon, and I know if I miss a session this will be detrimental for me, so this is all the motivation I need. I have decided to swim all winter this year outdoors and so far, have found this to be really beneficial in looking after my own well-being. Fingers crossed I make it through winter.  
 

8. What healthcare topic most interests you?  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

Thank you, Raelene, for sharing your insights and experience with us. We look forward to bringing you further Staff Spotlight articles in the future and showcasing the incredible talent that we foster at ACHS.