NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Ray hollings Surgical excellence awards
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Message from the board chair Trevor Danos AM
Dear colleagues, Children and young people were at the centre of the District’s Board Strategy Day held recently, where a collective force of health professionals came together to share ideas on how to best help this cohort. With 275,000 children and young people aged under 25 – or a third of the population - living in NSLHD, the Board is committed to prioritising their health needs. We know that early intervention and equitable access to high-quality healthcare services can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Renowned paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey, from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, podcast host Pop Culture Parenting and founder of Guiding Growing Minds, painted a sombre picture of the mental health issues our young children are grappling with. We also heard from our own clinicians, including paediatricians Dr Anna Gill and Dr Karen Ziwi on what our services are doing – and aspire to be doing - to support children and young people. There is much work to do with our vulnerable populations, such as children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, Indigenous communities, those in out-of-home care, our LGBTIQ+ young people and those with complex
medical needs who often experience barriers to accessing the health system. Within these populations, a substantial proportion experience chronic conditions, mental health concerns, and social disadvantage, requiring us to take a proactive, coordinated, and compassionate approach to their care and wellbeing. The Board is deeply committed to supporting the district in achieving change and to improve the health outcomes for our youngest community members. As one of the first actions, NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri will be leading a newly created out-of-home taskforce set up to prioritise and coordinate whole-of-person health services for the 300 children who are living in out of home care in northern Sydney. It was an incredibly informative and powerful day that has given the Board and the District Executive much direction and guidance. I look forward to seeing where it goes. Warm wishes,
Staff, patients, and supporters at Royal North Shore Hospital cutting the ribbon to officially launch the Mighty Trek Walk for Prems Mighty Trek Walk for Prems launched at RNSH Life’s Little Treasures Foundation recently kicked off the inaugural Mighty Trek Walk for Prems challenge at Royal North Shore Hospital, marking the beginning of an incredible journey. The foundation, celebrating its 20th anniversary, supports families that face the challenges of having a premature or sick baby by providing easy access to critical information and community support to make a difference. The challenge will see families, hospital staff, friends and supporters push the NICU incubator the 900km in 20 selected locations on the route from Sydney to Melbourne in October. The challenge aims to raise $1 million to allow the foundation to continue supporting families during their most difficult moments. As part of the launch day celebrations, the hospital was paid a special visit by baby Zenon and his parents Handuni and Sumal Perera. Zenon spent months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after being born at just 24 weeks and five days. Speaking at the launch, Handuni expressed her gratitude to Life’s Little Treasures Foundation and RNSH NICU staff who helped treat Zenon. “Without the support we received from the hospital staff, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, family and friends, we definitely wouldn’t have been able to be as strong as we were during that time,” she said. RNSH will be the first stop of The Mighty Trek Challenge where supporters will walk laps at the neighbouring Gore Hill oval. For more information, to sign up or to donate to the challenge, visit: www.walkforprems.org. au.
Trevor Danos AM Board Chair
Anthony Schembri, Tish Bruce, Dr Billy Garby, Mary Chiarella and Trevor Danos at the Board Strategy Day.
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Research officer Yolanda Liu from the Kolling Institute’s Meniere Disease and Neuroscience Laboratory
Researchers identify new gene linked to Meniere’s disease In a crucial step towards a better understanding of Meniere’s disease,
Dr Ray Hollings
Dr Hari Prakash Sritharan, Dr Stephen Lyons and Dr Brendan Steinfort
genetic testing. “Many people will say that they don’t have the genetic form of the disease, but this research indicates there are many more people whose disease is directly linked to their genetic make-up,” he said. “This is important as it will inform how we treat the disease going forward, particularly given the different forms of the disease and the exciting advances with gene therapy. “Groundbreaking gene therapy is already being adopted internationally to treat hearing loss, and we anticipate this approach will be developed further to treat Meniere’s disease in the years to come.” The latest research by Jose and his team also identified a connexin (or connecting protein) linked to the GJD3 gene in the tectorial membrane of the organ of Corti – or the hearing organ. “This is the first time that a connexin has been found in this part of the ear, and it may support the view that connexins regulate the microenvironment in the ear and influence hearing,” he said. “We believe the mutated gene is impairing the function of the connexins within the ear and impacting hearing ability.”
The 2025 Dr Ray Hollings and Dr Harry Cumberland Awards The Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) recently honoured surgical excellence and research at the 2025 Dr Ray Hollings Surgical Excellence Award and Dr Harry Cumberland Travelling Scholarship ceremony. Hosted by the Royal North Shore Hospital Surgical Education, Research, and Training (SERT) Institute and the Department of gastroenterology, the event celebrated the legacy of Dr Ray Hollings and Dr Harry Cumberland, whose combined service of over 100 years transformed surgical outcomes and patient care. The ceremony in the Kolling building auditorium welcomed key leaders, including the NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri AM, Board member Trevor Danos AM, and Professor Tom Hugh. Aunty Sue Pinckham, NSLHD Cultural Advisor, delivered the Acknowledgement of Country. In his opening address, Anthony Schembri reflected on the impact of Dr Hollings and Dr Cumberland. “Their dedication has shaped the future of surgical excellence at Royal North Shore Hospital,” he said. Both awards were established through generous philanthropic donations from the surgeons they are named after to promote surgical innovation, research and quality improvement. This year, the Dr Ray Hollings Surgical Excellence Award was presented to Dr Stephen Lyons for his study “Opportunistic Diagnosis of Endometriosis at Laparoscopy for Presumptive Acute Appendicitis”, and to Dr Brendan Steinfort for his work “Enhancing Door-to-Puncture Times for Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Measurement and Simulation-Based Improvement Initiative.” The Dr Harry Cumberland Travelling Scholarship was awarded to Dr Hari Prakash Sritharan for his research on “Prediction of Early and Long-Term Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Australia: A Machine Learning-Based Risk Prediction Model.” The SERT team was honoured to have Dr Ray Hollings in attendance to present recipients with their awards.
researchers at the Kolling Institute and the University of Sydney have discovered a gene mutation which could greatly inform future treatment of the disease. Meniere’s is a rare inner ear disease associated with sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo and debilitating tinnitus. There is currently no cure with treatment largely aimed at managing symptoms. Meniere’s can be an inherited condition with approximately 10 per cent of patients having one or more relatives affected by it, but the latest research, led by world leading investigator Professor Jose Antonio Lopez- Escamez, indicates the inherited or genetic form of the disease may be more common than first realised. The team has discovered a rare mutation of the GJD3 gene in both patients with and without a genetic history of the disease. It is the first time this gene has been linked to any disease. More than 400 people with Meniere’s disease were involved in the study, with 18 people or 4.4 per cent of the group found to have the genetic mutation, a statistically significant percentage. Jose said this new understanding could lead to a greater number of patients undergoing
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Nanette Dela Cruz Lacson, Narae Kim, Ambily Mathew, Emily Wolfe and Kim Somerville
Gilbert Lorquet, Hayley Harris, Narae Kim and Chief Executive Anthony Schembri
Scholarships building our clinical trial capabilities The NORTH Foundation hosted a special event to honour 10 students who are extending their clinical trial expertise through a partnership between Macquarie University, NSLHD and the foundation. As part of the arrangement, a total of 20 scholarships have been awarded to staff to complete a graduate certificate in clinical trial operations. These scholarships have been funded by the NORTH Foundation. Faculty Executive Director at Macquarie University Hayley Harris said the graduate certificate was designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the clinical trials space, and provide both experienced staff and those aspiring to work in the field with a formal qualification. “We are thrilled to welcome the scholarship recipients to our university community and look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration,” she said. Scholarship recipient Ambily Mathew said the scholarship was a wonderful opportunity. “I am now able to receive a formal education in clinical trials, something I never thought possible,” she said. “The scholarship has given me a unique opportunity to grow in my field and contribute to the success of clinical trials in the district.” NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet celebrated the outstanding achievements of the scholarship recipients. “We are proud to support this initiative as we believe that investing in education and research is pivotal to driving medical innovation,” he said. “By supporting your academic journey, we are working to foster a new generation of leaders who will contribute significantly to healthcare advancements. “The importance of clinical trials can’t be overstated. They are essential for developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes. “All these gains could not be possible without this valuable partnership which is driving innovation and expertise in clinical trials, and creating impactful opportunities for staff to enhance their skills.”
Rania Salama, Shazia jan and Hayley Harris
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Associate Professor Jenny Wang (front right) and her Kolling Institute cancer and stem cell research team
grant accelerates research at the Kolling Institute A two-decade long commitment to reducing
“These cells are resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and are believed to be the primary cause of treatment failure and relapse. “Currently, more than 80 per cent of people with this type of blood cancer will experience a relapse, and the majority will have a poor outcome. “Our research is working to develop stem cell-targeted therapies where we eliminate the leukaemia stem cells altogether. “Encouragingly, this would potentially replace intensive chemotherapy with more targeted treatments. “This wonderful funding boost will enable my team and I to progress these promising new therapies and offer hope to people with this aggressive cancer. “We expect this funding will lead to renewed optimism for improved outcomes in the fight against acute myeloid leukaemia and other deadly blood cancers.”
blood cancers has delivered coveted national funding to Associate Professor Jenny Wang to progress her vital cancer research. As the head of the Kolling Institute’s Cancer and Stem Cell Laboratory, Jenny has secured a $2.95 million investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council to advance her pioneering research into acute myeloid leukaemia. Jenny said she was overwhelmed by the grant success. “I was thrilled to hear the news,” she said. “To secure a large National Health and Medical Research Council grant is challenging, so I’m really pleased to be able to accelerate our research with this funding boost.” Acute myeloid leukaemia is the deadliest form of blood cancer, with only 27 per cent of patients surviving more than five years after treatment. “Our research aims to revolutionise treatment by targeting leukaemia stem cells,” she said.
Tim Pickering
From tragedy to triumph: Tim’s path to becoming an emergency nurse
the Australian Catholic University and graduated at 47 years old in 2021. Tim now works as an emergency nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital where he said he finds fulfillment in caring for patients and giving back. “I know firsthand the difference a simple interaction can make, and I strive to provide the same compassionate care I received,” he said. “Although working in the emergency department can be challenging, the culture that has been built at the RNSH ED is one of professionalism and is very supportive. I feel blessed to be working with some exceptionally amazing people.” Whilst balancing his own health challenges, including chronic nerve pain and fatigue, Tim remains active in the gym and said he leans on the resilience he developed through recovery. “I always remember what one of my neurologists told me—it’s not about what happens to you in life, but how you respond,” he said.
Tim Pickering’s life changed overnight in 2015 when what he thought was the flu turned out to be a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome. This syndrome causes the body’s immune system to attack the peripheral nerves and often requires urgent treatment. Tim, who is a former ironman triathlete, personal trainer and aviation firefighter, spent over nine months in the hospital and 103 days in an intensive care unit where he was intubated and his neck was completely paralysed. “I was a prisoner in my own body,” he said. “I had no control over anything and was fearful, terrified and in pain 24/7. “The doctors, nurses, and therapists were the ones who ensured I survived.” Despite gruelling rehabilitation, Tim was left with permanent bilateral foot drop and essential tremor. Though he could still perform his duties, he was medically discharged from his role as an aviation firefighter in 2019. Inspired by the nurses who had saved his life, he pursued a Bachelor of Nursing at
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS 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.
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Tiny and Mighty Café Brings Comfort to Families The Royal North Shore’s neonatal intensive care unit recently launched the Tiny and Mighty Café for parents of babies who need specialised care. It’s a tiny gesture that goes a long way to comfort families with sick newborns.
“Being at the NICU can be one of the hardest times of parents’ lives. It’s good we can do a small part to help them,” he said.
In collaboration with Northbridge Rotary, the café now provides free breakfast items, drinks, and snacks to NICU families. The name of the café, Tiny and Mighty Café, was chosen through a voting system where NICU parents selected their favourite name. RNSH NICU Nurse Manager Claire Blackburn, who led the initiative, was proud of the response. “An overwhelming number voted for the Tiny and Mighty Café,” said Claire. A NICU graduate mum also designed the café’s logo, adding a personal and meaningful touch. To ensure continued support, Northbridge Rotary will deliver snacks to parents on a fortnightly basis and has secured donations from local businesses. Peter Russel, President of the Northbridge Rotary Club said that the community had been eager to support the families at RNSH.
Planetary health in focus at Climate Action Week Sydney Climate Action Week Sydney was recently celebrated across the district, with film screenings and panel discussions taking place to educate and provide a forum for staff to share their ideas. curricula. At Hornsby Hospital, the discussion The planetary health team hosted a film screening and panel discussion at Hornsby Hospital, which was chaired by General Manager Simon Hill (far right)
Northbridge Rotary Club, parents and staff from the NICU stand with the new sign
highlighted how the haemodialysis unit is recycling water to minimise waste, along with ongoing efforts to reduce supply chain emissions through collaboration with suppliers. Acting Planetary Health Manager Dr Toby Bankole said the week was a great opportunity for staff to showcase their work and get involved in planetary health initiatives. “This was the first time our district celebrated Climate Action Week Sydney and it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase key projects that are contributing to our journey to net zero, which we encourage all staff to be part of,” he said. One simple action all staff can take this Climate Action Week is to complete a short survey to help the district understand the collective knowledge of planetary health and environmental sustainability. The survey should take only four minutes to complete and can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/ planetary-health-survey-2025.
Royal North Shore and Hornsby hospitals hosted two special film screenings from the Global Climate and Health Alliance, who collaborated with BBC StoryWorks to produce “The Climate and Us,” a series of short films exploring how climate change impacts health and wellbeing worldwide. The screenings were followed by panel discussions where staff were able to share updates on locally-led initiatives they are working on that are helping the district become more environmentally sustainable. At Royal North Shore Hospital, the focus was on improving sustainability in asthma care by educating GPs and patients about low- carbon inhaler options and trialling an inhaler recycling program. The discussion also covered the rise of climate doctors as an emerging health profession and how universities are embedding planetary health in medical
Honouring Bodhi at Sydney Mardi Gras Bodhi, a valued friend and patient of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), was known for his strong advocacy for accessibility and inclusion.
From a young age, Bodhi campaigned for positive change, including writing to Prince Harry about the need for an accessible lift on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As his health declined, the staff at AYAH had the honour of helping Bodhi fulfil his end- of-life wishes, including participating in the 2024 Sydney Mardi Gras. Before he passed, he had one final request: for AYAH to march again in his memory. This year, AYAH staff members, volunteers and Bodhi’s family proudly joined People with Disability Australia (PWDA) in the Sydney Mardi Gras parade, carrying signs and symbols to honour Bodhi’s legacy. Marching alongside PWDA, the group carried signs and symbols reflecting Bodhi’s commitment to inclusivity and advocacy. Many participants reflected on their previous interactions with Bodhi. A local business, Sydney DPS, provided large-scale Remembering Bodhi signs for the event.
AYAH staff, friends and family marching with their Remembering Bodhi signs
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS 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.
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