The hospital was judged to have produced the best initiative to promote employee wellness in last week's Safe Guard New Zealand workplace health and safety awards, held in Auckland. It was one of two Otago winners.
CHF wellness co-ordinator Shelley Smith said the win was unexpected, but recognition that a simple wellness programme for staff was often the most effective.
After running a wellness week for three years, Mrs Smith and a small management group last year decided to revamp the programme and provide monthly topics, which included stress and relaxation, winter driver safety, fire safety, diet and eating, exercise and sport and ageing
and retirement.
Mrs Smith and CHF health and safety co-ordinator Jo Thomson attended the awards ceremony.
The hospital won a trophy, certificate and some office furniture.
The judges' comment on the Balclutha entry said the hospital was a comparatively small organisation with 85 staff, but it had made "a real effort'' to involve a wide group in its wellness activities.
"The judges liked this community focus because it can have real impact in a small centre like Balclutha.''
CHF manager Ray Anton said receiving a national award, up against much larger companies, was a credit to the effort and creativity of the staff.
The other Otago win was Alliance Pukeuri meatworks staff member Geoffrey Reed, who was named the most influential employee for his work in developing workplace safety policies.
