There were puppy cuddles, food trucks and plenty of reasons to celebrate as Bayside Health Service recognised its allied health professionals at Redland Hospital.

The Allied Health Professions Day celebrations recognised staff achievements in patient care, innovation, research and teamwork.

Metro South Health Executive Director Allied Health Dr Kellie Stockton described Bayside's allied health workforce as "small but mighty", praising the team's achievements.

"Bayside are doing impressive work in innovation and research, including being the first site in Metro South to introduce a dedicated interprofessional clinical education support officer role," Kellie said. "The team's partnership approach to helping prevent delays for discharges of older persons is a great example of how people are working together to improve patient care."

Kellie said Metro South Health's more than 3000 allied health staff were also embracing new ways of delivering care, with telehealth engagement exceeding previous levels.

"It's about providing care in the way our patients want to receive it," she said.

Bayside Health Service Director of Allied Health Michael Harris said the awards recognised the people behind the care.

"Our allied health professionals bring expertise, compassion and commitment to their work every day," Michael said. "These awards celebrate individual achievements, but also the teamwork that makes a real difference to our patients."

Metro South Health Board Member Julia Hodgkinson joined staff for the celebrations and presentation of six awards.

The 2026 award recipients were:

Better Together: Speech Pathology and Dietetic Paediatric Feeding Team: Naomi Scolari, Madeline Tanzer, Meagan Wallace and Lizzie Judson
Excellence in Leadership: Jessica Waite, Occupational Therapy
Putting People First: Nutrition Assistant Workforce
Quiet Achiever: Emile Jaye, Podiatry
Spirit Award: Sarah Fulton, Speech Pathology
Karen Besgrove Award: Kiara Rodrigues, Clinical Education Support Officer