General manager Anthony Schembri said it was ``wonderful'' to receive a ``whole of hospital award''.

``The Baxter awards are judged on an objective set of criteria, including meeting triage times in the emergency department, clearing waiting lists for theatre, patient experience and financial management,'' Mr Schembri said.

``So it's really exciting that it's been a whole of hospital effort with hard work from everyone throughout the year.

``This is the second year in a row that we have received a NSW Health Award and it shows the dedication of all staff and volunteers at Fairfield Hospital.''

Mr Schembri said the results could also be attributed to this year's new ``fast track'' system in the emergency department, as well as to the clinical redesign of the hospital based on patient journey, and to the ambulatory care/home visit service.

Mr Schembri said the fact that the then local member (Cabramatta MP Reba Meagher) has also been former health minister put an ``interesting spin on things,'' but said the hard-working staff were the reason for the award.

New Health Minister John Della Bosca visited the hospital yesterday to congratulate the staff and to open the newly refurbished operating theatre.

Last week's mini-budget didn't make any notable cuts in funding to the hospital, with the sod recently turned and initial construction under way for the new Whitlam Joint Replacement Centre's 100-seat lecture theatre.

Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS) picked up six Baxter awards, including best overall performance by an area health service. SSWAHS is one of the biggest in NSW and serves 1.42million people.

See next week's Champion for the Health Minister's visit. See pages 10-11 for more mini-budget coverage.