Injune Hospital staff (from left) Ashlea Debnam, Donna Lamberth, Kirsty Doonan and Leanne Schmidt
Summary
The South West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff satisfaction survey, Culture Compass, has been sparking meaningful change across facilities, helping teams strengthen communication, collaboration, and workplace culture.
The South West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff satisfaction survey, Culture Compass, has been sparking meaningful change across facilities, helping teams strengthen communication, collaboration, and workplace culture.
At Injune, Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Kirsty Doonan said the survey provided a structured way to hear directly from staff and understand what mattered most to them.
“In small rural facilities, relationships and resources are everything,” Kirsty said.
“When people communicate openly, feel supported, and know they’re safe to do their jobs, culture naturally strengthens.
“Culture Compass gave us a way to listen to staff and act on their feedback.
“It helped us improve communication, share information more consistently, and create more opportunities for development across the team.”
Kirsty emphasised that the results should be seen as a shared team outcome, not a personal scorecard.
“Managers should remember it isn’t a reflection of one individual; it captures the collective experiences of the whole team. Everyone contributes to the culture we create together.”
She said one of the most noticeable changes had been increased collaboration across every role in the service.
“This place doesn’t run without everyone - administration, operational teams, nurses, medical officers, cleaners, cooks, gardeners. When we work together, the whole service lifts,” she said.
For Kirsty, the most meaningful outcome has been seeing staff reconnect.
“Watching the team laugh together over our 10 am cuppas and genuinely support one another - that means everything. I love seeing people grow.”
Executive Director People and Culture, Katie Eckersley, said the next Culture Compass survey will take place in mid-2026, providing another opportunity to build on the progress already made.
“As a team, we are continuously looking for ways to enhance and improve how we collect staff insights, and I am excited about the new survey changes that will make it easier to use and help us act their feedback“The last survey gave us invaluable insights into how staff were feeling and what mattered most to them,” Katie said.
“We listened, and we’ve acted on those learnings. From improving communication to creating more opportunities for collaboration and development.
“Now, with the next survey approaching, we have the chance to go even further.
“Culture doesn’t stop at a survey - it evolves every day. This is about continuing the conversation and enhancing our workforce culture for the future.
“Every voice matters. By sharing your experiences, you help shape the culture of our health service.
“Together, we can build a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and proud to be part of the team.”
While Culture Compass has been a useful tool, both Kirsty and Katie emphasised that the mindset and attitude staff bring each day has the greatest influence.
“When you choose to come to work with a positive attitude, it has a massive impact on your team. That energy spreads,” Kirsty said.
Katie agreed, adding how culture is built in the everyday moments.
“In how we listen, how we support one another, and how we celebrate successes. The survey helps us measure progress, but it’s the daily actions of our people that truly shape who we are,” she said.
With the next Culture Compass cycle approaching, South West HHS is looking forward to continuing the journey of strengthening workplace culture - together.