Congratulations Greg Wilkie - 2019 Jim Watkins Award Winner

Congratulations to Greg Wilkie, Executive Director, Manufacturing and Quality at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, who was awarded the 2019 Jim Watkins Award, presented at the AME Leading Through Excellence and Innovation Conference.  In his current role and previous role of National Lean Manufacturing Manager (2014-2016), Greg's leadership has transformed the Blood Service.  The results and outcomes attributed to Greg’s leadership is the transformation of operational performance on a day to day basis at the Blood Service. 

The Blood Service has transformed its operations in such a manner that lean manufacturing principles and processes are a part of day to day life.  This approach has delivered significant improvements in quality, safety and cost which has benefited both the blood sector within Australia and the broader healthcare sector. 

Greg Wilkie was instrumental in the Blood Service developing a manufacturing mindset within an operational environment that previously aligned itself with public sector healthcare principles.  A focus on reducing waste through all areas of operations was integral to the ongoing ability of the Blood Service to provide its life saving products as the organisation moved to an output based funding model several years ago.  Greg has partnered with many external organisations and professional bodies to learn from others and also to allow others to learn from the Blood Service. 

Warmest congratulations go out to Greg on this well deserved honor!