NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb 2025 quality and improvement awards Pages 4 & 5
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Honour for 40 years in spinal cord injury carE Page 8
Mona Vale UCC first in NSW to adopt ECAT protocols Page 11
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, I had the great pleasure of attending this year’s Administrative Professionals Awards celebrations at Royal North Shore Hospital and I extend my sincere thanks to all our administrative staff for the vital role you play in keeping our services running smoothly. With over 180 nominations, it’s clear just how deeply respected and valued you are across NSLHD. This year saw the launch of a special award, the Bronwyn Scully Young Emerging Leader Award. The award is open to staff under 35 with less than five years working in the district. It was a moving tribute to Bronwyn, who served NSLHD with commitment and care for more than 40 years. More about the awards can be found on page 3. Across our sites, we also celebrated NAIDOC Week. It is a time to recognise and honour the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Thank you to everyone who took part in events and activities across the district. Your participation helps to build a stronger, more inclusive health service for all. It was a pleasure to welcome Dr Teresa Anderson, Chief Executive of the NSW Health Single Digital Patient Record Implementation Authority, for the launch of the next phase of the SDPR program at NSLHD.
With over 50 NSLHD staff involved, we’re proud to be playing a leading role in shaping one of the largest quality improvement initiatives in NSW Health’s history. This is more than digital transformation. It is about delivering better, more connected care for our communities. Read more about SDPR here: https://bit.ly/4eiaXYt At NSLHD, we are committed to patient- centred care, but to do this effectively for our LGBTIQ+ patients, it is important to understand and respect diversity. NSLHD offers practical and engaging Respecting Diversity: LGBTIQ+ Awareness training sessions with Jemma Clifton, NSLHD’s LGBTIQ+ Project Manager. Jemma’s sessions are designed to make inclusivity simple by focusing on inclusive language, identity, and communication to help all of us feel more confident supporting LGBTIQ+ patients. You will learn how small changes can make a big impact by helping patients feel safe, respected, and empowered to share their health information. Search for Respecting Diversity on My Health Learning or contact jemma.clifton@ health.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Warm regards,
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 12| 11 JULY 2025
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Award winners at the Administrative Professionals Awards with NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri (far right)
Shining a spotlight on admin professionals across NSLHD Following the recent celebration of Administrative Professionals Day, staff gathered for the district’s annual awards ceremony. The event recognises staff who were acknowledged at their local site ceremonies, bringing them together for recognition at a district level. This year’s formal celebrations were hosted at Royal North Shore Hospital, with staff from across the district joining remotely to take part in the event. This year saw the introduction of a new award, the Bronwyn Scully Young Emerging Leader Award. This award is for staff under 35 and with less than five years in the district. It honours Bronwyn Scully, a former executive assistant who served NSLHD for more than 40 years. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri extended his thanks to all administrative staff for their dedication and professionalism. “There were over 180 submissions for these awards, which speaks volumes about the respect you all have from your colleagues,” he said. “Your work plays a key role in ensuring our services are organised, efficient, and productive.”
2025 Award winners
• District-wide Services – Penny Gomez MDS Business Administrator, Clinical Technology Service • Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital – Zoe Mol Integrated Booking Unit wait list coordinator • Mental Health Drug and Alcohol – Winnie Leung Executive Assistant to Director of Nursing, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol • Mona Vale Hospital – Hayden Ellem Administration officer, Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice • Primary and Community Health – Orville Moll
Administration officer, PACH Health Contact Centre • Royal North Shore Hospital – Benji Rengasamy Ward clerk, Short Stay Surgical Unit • Ryde Hospital – Mei Ying Ricci Chan Administration officer, Community Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service • The Bronwyn Scully Young Emerging Leader Award – Lauren Fouracre Administration officer, NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Support Services • Chief Executive Award – Laura Green, Executive Assistant, Hornsby Hospital
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2025 quality and improvement awards Staff across Northern Sydney Local Health District have been recognised for their outstanding efforts at the 2025 Quality and Improvement Awards. NSLHD had over 45 award submissions from hospitals and services across the district, 19 finalists and winners across eight categories. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said he is continually inspired by the dedication of staff to improve care and services. “At NSLHD, we are committed to delivering safe, high- quality, and person-centred care,” he said. “These awards are a valuable opportunity to recognise the innovation, collaboration and compassion that drive our people to improve outcomes for patients, families and communities.” To view the full list of winners and finalists, visit: https://bit. ly/44aWU3z.
People and Culture Award
Patient Safety First Award
Winner
Winner
Aggression Prevention and Minimisation Project
Facilitating Accelerated Stroke Transfer to CT Emergency Department, Royal North Shore Hospital
RNSH Emergency Department, Sydney Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, and Organisational Development and Capability
Health Innovation Award
Winner
DIAMONDS Digital Perioperative Pathway Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital
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Excellence in Multicultural Healthcare Award
Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
Winner
Winner
INSPIRE-RT, a mobile app enhancing access to radiation therapy breath hold techniques Radiation Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre
Behavioural Expectations in the Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Environment.
Brolga (Child and Adolescent Unit) MHDA
Transforming the Patient Experience Award
Winner
Risky Business: Eat and Drink with Acknowledged Risk. Speech Pathology, Ryde Hospital
Environmental Sustainability Award
Keeping People Healthy Award
Winner
Winner
Reducing the Use of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in ICU Intensive Care Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital
Oral Health Screening for Children with Special Needs
Oral Health, Primary and Community Health
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Neuropsychology registrar program wraps up first intake at RNSH The state’s first neuropsychology registrar available specifically for neuropsychology registrars in NSW.
program has officially completed its inaugural intake, with the first cohort of registrars finishing their two-year training to become endorsed neuropsychologists at Royal North Shore Hospital. Launched in 2023, the program was implemented to give early-career psychologists access to specialised training in clinical neuropsychology across a broad range of hospital settings including neurology, geriatrics, mental health, neurosurgery, general medicine, rehabilitation, vascular and intensive care amongst others. The program was designed to bridge a crucial gap between university graduation and independent practice, offering supervision, research and continuous professional development opportunities, and real-world experience in multidisciplinary teams. With the program wrapping up in May this year, clinical neuropsychology registrars Nicola McKern and Sally Byrne became the first clinicians to complete the program offered at RNSH and the only one currently
Reflecting on the experience, Nicola said the supportive and collaborative environment helped her build strong clinical foundations. “During my time as a neuropsychology registrar at Royal North Shore Hospital, I had the privilege of working with a wide range of complex presentations across both inpatient and outpatient settings,” she said. “The role was supported by excellent supervision within a warm and collaborative team, creating an environment conducive to my learning and growth.” Program lead and Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist Vince Oxenham said the completion of the first intake was a major step forward for neuropsychology in the public health system. “By embedding neuropsychology registrars in clinical teams, we’re building workforce capacity and improving access to high- quality care for patients with neurological and cognitive needs,” he said.
L to R: Neuropsychology Team Lead and Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist Vincent Oxenham, registrars Nicola McKern and Sally Byrne, Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist Olivia Munn, and Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist Associate Professor Heather Francis
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NSLHD staff involved in the Single Digital Patient Record program attend the official kick-off meeting
Next Step for NSLHD in Digital Health Transformation Northern Sydney Local Health District officially launched the next phase of the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) program. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri welcomed Dr Teresa Anderson, Chief quality improvement initiatives in NSW Health’s history,” he said. “As a co-chair of both the SDPR State
Configuration Management Committee, and the Allied Health and Food and Nutrition Council, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the system-wide transformation that the SDPR is delivering, not just in digital health and sustainability, but also in service delivery, quality improvement, and reducing unwarranted clinical variation.” “This is much more than digital transformation. It is a major step in changing how we deliver care.” The program is currently in the configuration phase, with testing and system readiness activities planned for early 2026. Find out more on SDPR here: https://bit. ly/4eiaXYt
Executive of the NSW Health Single Digital Patient Record Implementation Authority and her colleagues to the district, to initiate the next phase of the program, with a focus on the district’s go live readiness. Anthony acknowledged the involvement of staff who are driving statewide digital transformation and improving care across the system. “With more than 50 staff from NSLHD contributing to the state configuration build, we’re proud to be playing a key leadership role in shaping one of the most significant
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Professor Lisa Harvey within the Royal North Shore Hospital rehabilitation gym
International honour for Kolling researcher after 40-year service to spinal cord injury care A career dedicated to improving the
These resources can be found at www.elearnSCI.org and www. physiotherapyexercises.com
physiotherapy management of people with spinal cord injury has been recognised with the highest honour by the International Spinal Cord Society. Leading physiotherapist and researcher Professor Lisa Harvey was presented with the gold medal in front of the world’s best spinal cord injury clinicians and researchers in Belgium. Lisa, who works at the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research in close collaboration with the Spinal Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital, received the award for her outstanding contribution to the field of spinal cord injuries. Lisa has held many positions with the international society over the last three decades, including chair of the Education Committee. She has been instrumental in the development of online training for healthcare professionals treating people with spinal cord injuries and has overseen the development of freely available software to support physiotherapists prescribing exercises.
Lisa has taught physiotherapy management for people with a spinal cord injury in most corners of the world and has authored the leading textbook in the field. Along with colleague, Joanne Glinsky, Lisa runs online courses for up to 25,000 students. She is also an active researcher, and is currently leading one of the largest international clinical trials to examine the effectiveness of a type of physiotherapy in the early days after injury. Lisa said she was very grateful to receive the top honour. “I feel particularly proud to have received the International Spinal Cord Society gold medal on behalf of allied health professionals, especially physiotherapistseverywherewhohaveneverbeen recognised in this way,” she said. “I would like to pay particular tribute to Associate Professor Joanne Glinsky who has been instrumental to my career and who, along with Claire Boswell Ruys, nominated me for this award.”
Share your news and achievements. Contact the Media and Communications team on 9463 1722 or email NSLHD- media@health.nsw.gov.au to submit your news. SPREAD THE GOOD news
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 12|11 JULY 2025
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Staff enjoying the BBQ
Ryde Hospital staff BBQ marks end of early works To mark the end of early works for the Ryde Hospital redevelopment, staff came together for a well-earned BBQ celebration that was hosted by the project’s construction partner A W Edwards. The BBQ was a chance for staff to reflect on the progress so far, connect with colleagues, and look ahead to the next exciting chapter. NSLHD’s Chief Executive Anthony Schembri attended the celebration alongside Ryde Hospital General Manager Jennifer McConnell and Leisa Rathborne, Health Infrastructure’s Acting Executive Director (Northern). “The redevelopment will deliver modern, purpose-built facilities to support high-quality care for the Ryde community,” Anthony said. “Thank you to everyone who has played a part in getting us to this milestone in the redevelopment.”
NSLHD’s Chief Executive Anthony Schembri attended the celebration alongside Ryde Hospital General Manager Jennifer McConnell
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Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez (centre) with his research team
Unique online resource launched for Menière disease Researchers from the Kolling Institute and the University of Sydney have joined with international collaborators from Spain, America, South Korea and Brazil to develop a website to improve the genetic diagnosis and management of Menière disease.
representation of the population.” The genomic dataset lists all variants and genes found in 425 patients with Menière disease. “By examining the gene expression data through blood samples, we are able to determine the immune response in Menière disease patientsm,” he said. “This is a way to understand if the patient has a persistent inflammation associated with the disease, a finding observed in 50 to 60 per cent of patients.” He said researchers and doctors could search for genes and immune dysfunction, comparing data from one patient with the dataset to see if other patients have the same genetic mutations and type of immune response. In future, this may assist with tailoring therapy to each patient based on their genetic profile to reduce symptoms or cure the disease. “This is our goal, a personalised approach,” he said. “Practice can change quickly once most doctors perform genetic and immunological testing.” Patients who would like to have their genetic profile assessed can email meniereaustralia@ sydney.edu.au
The Menière Disease Atlas of Genes and Cells is a free, open resource which can be used by researchers and clinicians globally as a reference dataset for diagnosis and personalised medicine. It can also be used by researchers to better understand the molecular basis of hearing loss. Kiana Bagheri, computer science research associate in the Kolling Institute’s Menière Disease Neuroscience Lab, and several Masters students in data science at Macquarie University designed the web portal. World leading researcher and head of the lab, Professor Jose Antonio Lopez Escamez said the resource will provide information for diagnosis and management of triggers for the condition. “Our collaboration means it will be possible to generate data from patients from across the world to support the genetic diagnosis of the disease,” he said. “We are working to incorporate data from more countries so we have a broader
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All hands on deck at the launch day of the new protocols
Mona Vale UCC first in NSW to adopt ECAT protocols Mona Vale Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre (UCC) has become the first UCC in New South Wales to implement Emergency Care Assessment and Treatment (ECAT) protocols.
Over the first 24 hours of implementation, the centre adopted the protocols for 23 presentations. Mona Vale Hospital’s UCC nurse unit manager Heidi Stojic said early adoption of the system is helping streamline care and enhance the patient experience. “Patients are now receiving treatment faster, which helps reduce anxiety and improves their overall experience,” she said. “It’s been a really positive step for both staff and the people we care for.”
The protocols will allow nurses to begin treatment immediately after triage which ultimately helps to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes before a medical officer, nurse practitioner or physiotherapist takes over care. The milestone follows the successful implementation of ECAT protocols across NSLHD’s emergency departments last year.
MVH UCC staff on the launch day of the new ECAT protcols
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Cancer is one of the most urgent and complex health challenges of our time — but clinical trials are changing the future of treatment and care. Join us for an inspiring afternoon hosted by Sophie Scott OAM, ambassador for the NORTH Foundation, the proud charity partner of the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Hear from a panel of leading clinicians as they explore the breakthroughs emerging from cancer clinical trials — from cutting-edge therapies to innovations in personalised treatments. These advances are not only pushing the boundaries of science, they’re saving lives. Be part of the conversation about the research, people and partnerships driving the future of cancer care in Australia and beyond.
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