April 2025
April Falls Day Uncle Phil Visits Ryde
The first of April is April Falls Day. This year Ryde hospital celebrated with a visit from Uncle Phil. As part of Falls Prevention awareness and education, Uncle Phil and his carer visited the wards asking questions in a fun and interactive way with staff. There were chocolates and pens for staff who participated.
A/General Manager’s Message It has been wonderful to see so many familiar faces in the four weeks I have been back at Ryde, and to meet those of you who are new to the hospital. It has been an action packed month with the traditional ANZAC Day ceremony very well attended and the hospital’s first Quality Café. This is a great opportunity to learn about service improvement ideas and techniques and I encourage you to attend the next event. The amazing Ryde Hospital culture was on full display with the number of nominees we have for the Exceptional People Awards (page 7). Congratulations to everyone who was nominated by their colleagues, with a special mention to Diane McPhail, and the People and Culture Team. After just two days of the ‘flu vaccination clinic being open, 33% of Ryde staff have had their vaccines – thank you! Please remember to get yours in the next few weeks – dates and times on page 8.
Contents Uncle Phil Visits Ryde
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Focus on Allied Health: Dietetics
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A/General Manager’s Message
2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9
Neurodiversity Awareness
10
Ryde Redevelopment
Integrated Bookings Unit Moved
11 11
Adopt a Seedling
Sustainability Corner
Our New Redevelopment Manager
CSSD Day
12 12 13 13 14 15
ANZAC Day Service
Welcome to Ryde Library Update
Exceptional People Awards Quality & Safety Corner
Just for Fun Photo Gallery Noticeboard
2025 Flu Vax Program
Nursing News
Newsletter is for Ryde Hospital Staff by Ryde Hospital Staff. Please email items of interest to: Catherine.jones3@health.nsw.gov.au
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Ryde Redevelopment The final staging move paves the way for the exciting next stage On Wednesday 7 May, the Interim ICU/CCU will officially open, marking the completion of the projects major staging works. This is a significant milestone for the redevelopment, as it enables the construction of the new Acute Services Building to begin. A/General Manager Jennifer McConnell said excitement was building around the campus, but also anticipation of what comes next. “The hospital executive is now shifting its focus to the operational side of the redevelopment and preparing for what needs to happen,” she said. “We are looking at models of care and what we need to do before the redevelopment is complete.” Orientation tours for staff working in the interim ICU have begun with environmental services the first to see the new space. During orientation and familiarisation, staff are walked through the unit and educated on how to respond to emergencies within the new space. A/Redevelopment Manager Allana Thompson expressed her gratitude to the Ryde Hospital staff for their support throughout this important transition. This has been a period of significant change, the staff’s flexibility, resilience and cooperation has been commendable. "We are incredibly grateful for the acceptance, flexibility, and support shown by Ryde Hospital staff during this major period of change. Your ongoing collaboration has been vital in helping us reach this milestone, and we look forward to continuing this journey together” she said.
Make sure to tune into the staff Town Hall meeting on Friday 2nd May at 11am to find out more updates on the redevelopment. You can join the meeting here.
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Adopt a Seedling The Ryde Hospital staff band together the support the Blue Gum High Forrest. Around 200 staff and community members came to collect a seedling, as part of the project’s Adopt-a- Seedling. This initiative supports the restoration works in the BGHF, which included native replanting. Thanks to the builder AW Edwards and contractor Total Earth Care, the seedlings were donated to support the staff and community initiative. For the next six months, eager green thumbs will care and grow the seedlings at home, before returning them to the BGHF for a special planting ceremony later this year.
Our New Ryde Redevelopment Manager
Welcome to Sarah Sullivan. Sarah is an accomplished healthcare leader with a background in nursing and midwifery and extensive experience across operations, governance, and strategic management. She has held a variety of senior leadership roles in both public and private healthcare settings, including within Western Sydney Local Health District, where she led initiatives to optimise clinical service delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and embed robust safety and quality systems. Her work has involved overseeing operational performance, managing risk, driving quality improvement programs, and leading cross-functional teams through complex change. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style, Sarah has consistently delivered results in high-pressure environments. She now looks forward to bringing this expertise to her new role as Redevelopment Manager at Ryde Hospital, supporting the transformation of healthcare infrastructure to meet future community needs.
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ANZAC Day Service
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old; age shall no weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.
Lest we forget The Ryde Hospital ANZAC Day Ceremony was held on Thursday, 25 April at 11:00 AM, in the hospital front near the flag poles. All staff were encouraged to attend and observe a minute’s silence to pay tribute to the ANZAC spirit and those who have served our nation. The service was opened by Jenny McConnell (A/GM) with an acknowlegge of country and recognition of the Aboriginal ANZACS. Janine Steel provided an overview of the significance of the day, followed by the invocation and prayers led by Rev Jean Bell. Mark Flemming from the Ryde RSL delivered a moving speech and laid a wreath under the flags. The children from Clovell Childcare Centre also laid a wreath they had made, making the day a wonderful multigenerational and truly local ceremony.
The pink ladies made sure we were all dressed for the occasion with knitted poppies and rosemary . The ceremony was an opportunity for staff, residents and visitors to observe a moment of reflection and respect to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women, past and present.
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Exceptional People Awards
Finalists from Ryde Congratulations to the following staff and teams from Ryde who are finlaists in this year’s NSLHD Exceptional People Awards. Ryde Hospital is extremely pround of all our exceptional people.
Partnering with Consumers
Safe & Connected Care
Engaged & Supported People
Diane McPhail
Graythwaite Rehabilitation Team
Rachel Anderson Victoria Arfaras
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Ryde Redevelopment Team
Diane McPhail
Ward 7
Bee Rau
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Sandra Lever
Niketan Patel
Research, Innovation & Digital Health
CORE Values & Behaviours
Leadership
Dr Mary Webber
Diane McPhail
Matthew St Clair
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• • •
• • •
Discharge Liaison Team
Anna Butcher Karen Jones
Ward 6
Awards Ceremony The EPA Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday 29 April at the State Library. Ryde was very well represented with all our exceptional finalists. Congratulations to Diane McPhail who won the Partnering with Consumers and CORE Values Awards. Diane is the chair of the Ryde Consumer Participation Committee and a Pink Lady. Congratulations to Katie Fox and Lucy Barrett who were part of the NSLHD People & Culture Team who won the Board Chair Commendation Award.
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Quality & Safety Corner Thank You Letters Here are some great responses from recent patients in the RTPES feedback Great service, I’m so happy thank you so much for all the Medical team and nurses they were around all the time with lovely heart and smile. Your service is much appreciated Great level of care given overall. Also of a very thorough checking up medically. Felt that each of the staff engaged well with me. Food was fantastic! Cleaning staff also willing to engage.
The professional, caring staff explaining every step in the process of getting me back to health was beyond my expectations of Ryde Hospital. From Pre-opp. Operating theatre, recovery unit to the ward. Explaining all the steps along the way to re assure to me that I was in safe hands, not just a number to be pushed through the Hospital System. I saw first hand how a patient was verbally abusing the very staff members trying to help this man. The way the several staff members reacted to this abuse was with calming words, finding a way forward, never re acting in any negative manner. That takes patience and professionalism. With thanks and gratitude
I was looked after so well. Fabulous nurses and drs. I was treated exactly the same as a private patient. I I had no fault with anything
Nurses effort to make you feel at ease. Not to worry about anything.
The doctors & nurses were very caring, The diagnostic tests were thorough & fairly rapid. The inpatients were all treated as if very young, this impressed me. As some other hospitals treat older patients, as if it's time to die. Ryde Hospital is tops in my opinion. Quality Cafe This month Ryde held it’s first Quality Café (with biscuits!). There were presentations on two excellent quality projects, followed by the opportunity to discuss individual quality improvement project ideas and queries.
1. BEFAST in ED – Simpy Arora (Stroke CNC) 2. Personal Alarm Clinic – Kat Hood (CAReS)
Jodie Marteau said, “I found the Quality Cafe very valuable - both the presentations to hear the inspiring work other teams are doing here at Ryde but also to be able to discuss our new Vestibular QIP with you. Thanks for your insights and advice”. Next Quality Café on Tuesday 12 August 1pm – all welcome
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2025 Flu Vax Program
Staff roll up their sleeves for flu vax The annual Influenza Vaccination Program began on Monday 14 April, offering all NSLHD healthcare workers access to the 2025 flu vaccine. So far, 32.8% of Ryde Hospital staff members have received their flu vaccination — a fantastic result after just the first two weeks of the program. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your colleagues, and our patients from influenza and its complications. Healthcare workers are more than three times as likely to be exposed to flu, and 75% of those affected require time off. With flu cases already rising across NSW, early vaccination is especially important this year.
Ryde
32.8%
Mona Vale
21.1%
HKH
21.0%
PaCH
20.2%
RNS
17.2%
MHDA
16.9%
District
15.1%
Total
18.7%
The program is open to all NSLHD staff and will be delivered across all hospital sites through our Occupational Staff Health Clinics and in-reach vaccination services. As per the current Policy Directive PD2024_015 (Occupational Assessment, Surveillance and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases), influenza vaccination is required for Category A staff by 1 June 2025, and it is strongly recommended for Category B staff. To support staff participation at Ryde Hospital, we will have extended operation hours in our clinic. Location: Occupational Staff Health Service (OSHS) Clinic, The Blue Gum Lodge, Building 21
Days: Monday (28 th April, 12 th & 26 th May), Wednesday & Thursday (16 th April – 29 th May)
Time: 7:45am – 3:45pm
Booking: No appointment required – walk-in service.
Before attending: •
Complete the online consent form
• Bring your Medicare Card If you’re vaccinated outside of NSW Health, send your evidence to NSLHD- OccupationalStaffHealth@health.nsw.gov.au so your VaxLink record can be updated.
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Nursing News Nurse Manager Workforce Ryde would like to welcome Natalie Lyall to the Acting Nurse Manager Workforce role. Natalie has commenced on a full-time basis and will cover until April 2026, whilst Theresa is on parental leave. Natalie worked as a Regional Nurse Manager in the Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network and has undertaken senior managerial positions including Acting Service Director, After Hours Nurse Manger and Nurse Unit Manager. Natalie also has experience working in education and has postgraduate qualifications in Medical and Health Leadership and Management. Natalie can be contacted at natalie.lyall@health.nsw.gov.au Focus on Allied Health: Dietetics Protected Mealtimes
Protected Mealtime refers to a period on the ward when all non-urgent clinical activity is limited allowing staff to prepare and assist patients at mealtimes and for patients to focus on their meals. The Nutrition and Dietetics department completed the QARS Nutrition Audit in March and the average compliance rate against the set protected Mealtime criteria across our wards are as follows:
• Ensuring patient is in a safe and comfortable position to eat: 90%
• Offering Hand hygiene to the patient prior to eating: 83%
• Ensuring tray table is cleared of clutter and moved close to the patient: 73%
• Ensuring that the patient has been correctly identified if feeding assistance is required via a RED / Blue mat tray aside / Blue mat deliver tray meal ordering alert in eMR : 45% • Ensuring that the patient receives a meal tray with the correct coloured placement as appropriate: 100%
• Ensuring assistance is offered to all patients with opening food packages: 66%
• Ensuring that all identified patients are provided with the correct level of feeding assistance as per the placemat criteria: 92%
• Ensuring an uninterrupted mealtime with no non urgent activity: 96%
• Ensuring all patients are allowed adequate time to consume their meal: 100%
The nutrition audit results have been disseminated to the individual wards to develop an action plan to improve compliance as appropriate.
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Neurodiversity Awareness Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities. Knowledge about neurodiversity and respectful language is also important for clinicians, so they can address the mental and physical health of people with neurodevelopmental differences.
Neurodiversity resources recommended by NSLHD Library and featured on the NSLHD Intranet page for Disability Adjustments - (NSLHD-Disability Adjustments and Strategies) 1. Integrated tailored approaches in perioperative care strategies for neurodivergent individuals (research article) https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589- 5370%2824%2900425-5/fulltext 2. The Canary Code: a guide to neurodiversity, dignity, and intersectional belonging at work (book) https://nslhd.intersearch.com.au/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=277873 3. Unmasking Autism: the power of embracing our hidden neurodiversity (book) https://nslhd.intersearch.com.au/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=277933
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Integrated Booking Unit Moved On Wednesday 2 April, the Integrated Booking Unit, previously located on level 1 of Building 5, moved to front of house on the ground floor of building 5 (the former executive unit). All functions of the unit will remain the same. The IBU will remain in this location until the new hospital building is complete. If you have any questions about the new location, please contact switchboard on 9858 7888. This move is an important part of the staging works needed to free up the construction footprint for the new Acute Services Building. Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding as we work to progress the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment.
Sustainable Health Corner
Uniform Swap Portal Northern Sydney LHD initiated a uniform swap group across our sites. This is a channel that staff can post their used uniforms to be handed over to a new owner. The channel is for free swaps/offers only, not for sale. The uniforms are to be in good wearable condition, washed and cleaned prior to exchange. Only staff uniforms are in scope, no other items. Photos and location for collection needs to be shared, or item posted. This initiative was so successful in NSLHD, that it has been shard with Central Coast and Hunter New England LHDs. Please utilise these options to swap your unwanted uniforms! Uniform Swap
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CSSD Day
Celebrating in Style Thursday 10 April was CSSD Day when we recognize the dedicated professionals in Sterilization Services Departments (SSD) and their tireless work, often unseen, is essential for patient safety and the delivery of quality healthcare. We thank you for your commitment to providing sterile and safe medical devices, ensuring the well-being of patients and the success of every surgical procedure. Welcome to Ryde Ryde Hospital welcomed the following new staff to join our wonderful teams. Welcome to you all.
Name
Position
Name
Position
Emelda Capaycapay Brooke Matheson Gabriells Velasco
Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse
Natalie Cook
Occupational Therapist
Sarah Sullivan
Redevelopment Manager Administrative Officer Administration Officer
Haeley Soriano
Emily Aouchan
Lily Cameron
Ann-Marie Bennett
Leonie Lui
Carer Support
Anna Gritsanova
Arianna Atienza
Administration Officer
Lisa Luong
Administration Officer Administration Officer
Natalie Lyall
Nurse Manager Workforce
Sushmita Jha
Alhyza Fortuito
Assistant In Nursing Assistant In Nursing Dock Support Officer
Robin Perumpalli Olickal Raju
Nurse Manager
Jenny Hu
Karan Singh
Operating Theatre Assistant
Chirag Dave
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Library Update For more information about AI and literature searches visit the AI Essentials with NSLHD Libraries. You can Register for education sesssions: • Visualise the Literature with AI Tools - Thu 1 May 12-12.30pm • Systematic reviews in the age of AI - Thu 22 May 12-12.30pm • Evidence to action - OpenEvidence AI, UpToDate and BMJ Best Practice - Tue 3 June 12-12.30pm
2025 Annual Statewide Showcase week: 19 to 23 May 2025 - Safety and Quality Essentials Pathway Learning Program - hosted by the CEC. The showcase week aims to celebrate and share a range of learning from the Safety and Quality Essentials Pathway, including Graduates and faculty. To register or visit the CEC SharePoint site.
Just For Fun
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Photo Gallery
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Noticeboard
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Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference face-to-face training 2025 - February to July Hornsby
Royal North Shore Hospital Auditorium & Wallace Freeborn Rooms – Kolling, L5 Dharug Rooms 1 & 2 – Community Health Building • Tues 29 th April: Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Tues 6 th May: Wallace Freeborn – 12pm to 4pm • Mon 12 th May : Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm • Mon 19 th May : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 26 th May : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 2 nd June : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 16 th June : Wallace Freeborn – 12pm to 4pm • Tues 1 st July : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Fri 11 th July : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 14 th July : Wallace Freeborn – 12pm to 4pm • Tues 22 nd July: Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Tue 29 th July : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Thurs 5 th Dec: Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm • Thurs 12 th Dec: Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm • Thurs 19 th Dec: Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm
Program Overview - course code: 428003510 Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference (RTD: BTD) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and cultural awareness training, enhances our organisation’s capacity to provide respectful, responsive, and culturally safe services. RTD: BTD builds upon existing knowledge and skills of staff. The face- to-face session is presented in a safe and responsive environment, with interactive workshops and scenarios on conscious and unconscious bias, Aboriginal English, Aboriginal health, social and emotional well-being, and healing. RTD:BTD follows on from the Respecting the Difference: Know The Difference e-Learning module. Audience: Mandatory for all NSW Health staff Duration: 4 hours Enrol via My Health Learning ENQUIRIES: melinda.flower@health.nsw.gov.au or NSLHD-DACinfo@health.nsw.gov.au Hornsby Hospital – Meeting Room 1 – Bldg 60, level 5 • Thurs 17 th April: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Mon 5 th May: Meeting Room 1 - 12pm to 4pm • Thurs 22 nd May: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Tues 3 rd June : Meeting Room 1 - 12pm to 4pm • Thur 19 th June: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Fri 27 th June: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Thurs 24 th July : Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm Macquarie Hospital – Yellamundie Room – Building 61 • Thurs 15 th May : Yellamundie Room - 12pm to 4pm • Wed 4 th June : Yellamundie Room – 8am to 12pm • Wed 2 nd July : Yellamundie Room - 8am to 12pm Mona Vale Hospital – Beachside Resort Unit- Large Room • Wed 14 th May : BRU Room – 12pm to 4pm • Wed 9 th July: BRU room – 12pm to 4pm
Ryde Hospital – ELCA Training Room - Main Bldg L1 • Tues 8 th April : ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm • Tues 27 th May : ELCA Room - 12:30pm to 4:30pm • Tues 25 th June: ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm • 30 th June : ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm
8th July: ELCA Room- 8am to 12pm
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Enrolments via My Health Learning - https://www.heti.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/my-health-learning
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