When hospital assistant Laurie Denman went outside for a cigarette break during his
shift at Calvary one day, little did he know that he would suffer a heart attack shortly
afterwards.
Laurie’s heart attack was the impetus for Calvary Health Care Tasmania to change and
develop an innovative program aimed at addressing the wellness needs of staff.
Mr Denman is a changed man thanks to the health care initiative developed by Calvary,
which recently won the ‘People Innovation in Business Award’ as part of this years’
Community Achievement Awards.
“I haven’t had a cigarette since that day, I went cold turkey. It’s made me gain a better
outlook on life,” Mr Denman said.
“I went to the Heart Education Program provided by Calvary for seven weeks, four
hours-a-day, and learnt all about nutrition. I’ve also got a dietician now.”
Calvary Health Care developed a “Wellness” program in 2008, which fosters a culture of
health promotion to reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases and to increase productivity and
staff retention.
Calvary received the award for their innovative program which includes healthy food
options in the kiosk, changing vending machine options for healthier choices, and free
fruit provided in the dining room.
Stephen Porter was on the judging panel for the Community Achievement Awards and
said that Calvary had developed an innovative and well thought out program.
“It was a well thought through and well implemented program which produced obvious
results,” Mr Porter said.
“Good general health is really a cultural issue, and Calvary addressed that,” he said.
Calvary Health Care is Tasmania’s largest private health care provider. It is a not-forprofit
private hospital, which has operated in Tasmania since 1938.
Calvary Health Care Tasmania
