NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb Exceptional People awards Celebrating our team: meet the Exceptional People Awards winners Pages 4 and 5 Read more on Page x
Staff urged to vaccinate Page 3
RNSH launches medical plastics recycling Trial Page 6
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, An organisation is only as good as its people, and it is clear we are an organisation that has many wonderful, talented and caring people who are making a difference to their colleagues and to our patients, every day. Our Exceptional People Awards were held and it was an honour to be among so many of our people who were recognised and celebrated for their contribution. We were fortunate to host NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, who presented an award and who was impressed by the calibre of people we have working here at NSLHD. I would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners of the awards. You should feel very proud of your achievements, just as much as we are. A special mention to Dr Kanika Chaudhri who received the Chief Executive’s Commendation for her work on perioperative care. The Board’s Commendation went to the People and Culture team, for its exceptional work in driving change, supporting our staff and ensuring our workforce is a place people want to be part of. I would like to thank the judges and organisers of the awards. These are big events that would not be possible without the support of teams of people. The colder weather is approaching and this year, NSLHD will participate in the Winter Warmer Collection Drive in collaboration with our Workplace Giving charity partner, Dignity. This drive gives staff the opportunity to donate winter essentials such as adult tracksuits, winter blankets, kids’ pyjamas, adult and kids’ socks and underwear. It will run until Friday 30 May. Each site will have a collection point so please keep an eye out for more information.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to get your flu vaccination. I rolled up my sleeve, along with NSLHD Board Chair Trevor Danos, to receive our flu jab. It is pleasing to see that we have already had about 16 per cent of staff take up the call to action in the first two weeks of our district’s flu vaccination campaign. We will be tracking the progress of our vaccination uptake and providing regular reports to ensure we can reach our target. It is so important that as healthcare professionals we are protected against the flu, to help protect our colleagues and our vulnerable patients. Please visit the NSLHD intranet staff flu vaccination page (https:// bit.ly/4izMb6D) to register. I also encourage you to support your family and friends to protect themselves. At NSLHD we are committed to addressing the health needs of vulnerable and priority populations. I am pleased to share with you the NSLHD Statement of Intent Regarding the Healthcare of Children and Young People (https://bit.ly/4iMwb1j) Evidence consistently demonstrates that childhood experiences have long-lasting impacts on health and wellbeing throughout life and tells us about the importance of early intervention. This Statement of Intent sets out our strategic direction and commitments for the future. I encourage you to review the statement and reflect on how your own work contributes to our overall goals. I look forward to working with you all to deliver on our commitment to our community. Warm regards, Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 7| 03 MAY 2025
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NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri and Board Chair Trevor Danos receive their vaccinations from Gigi Kwok and Sue-Anne Chemali
Get Vaccinated, Stay Protected. Flu Shots Available Now The 2025 influenza vaccine is now available for all Northern Sydney Local Health District helping to reduce the spread of flu and support the delivery of safe, uninterrupted care across our hospitals. Community
healthcare workers. Staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated by 1 June, ahead of the peak flu season, which has begun earlier in recent years. Chief Executive Anthony Schembri and Board Chair Trevor Danos recently rolled up their sleeves at Royal North Shore Hospital to receive their flu shots, urging others to do the same. Anthony emphasised the importance of vaccination. “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 the flu, and 75 per cent of those affected require time off,” he said. “With flu cases already rising across NSW, early vaccination is especially important this year.” The vaccine is particularly important for Category A staff, who are required to be vaccinated
members across Northern Sydney are also encouraged to get vaccinated to avoid flu- related hospital visits.
by 1 June under NSW Health policy. Enhanced influenza vaccines are also available for people aged 65 and over. “It’s important that we get vaccinated to protect ourselves and the patients we care for,” said Gigi Kwok, Nurse Unit Manager, Occupational Staff Health Service. By getting vaccinated, staff are
Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, rolled up his sleeve to receive the vaccination from Sue-Anne Chemali
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Exceptional People Awards 2024 The 2024 Exceptional People Awards took place on 29 April to honour and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of staff and volunteers throughout the district. Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners, whose exceptional efforts make a meaningful impact on people’s lives every day.
Safe and Connected Care Presented by Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM
Individual Award Whitney Brown
Team Award _________ Perinatal Infant Mental Health Service, Nurturing Connections
Volunteer Winner Dean Mckeough
Consumer Nominated Award Dr Cameron Gofton
CORE Values and Behaviours Presented by Executive Director Finance and Corporate Servicess, Jacqueline Ferguson
Consumer Nominated Award Northern Sydney Cancer Centre Radiation Oncology Brachytherapy Teamheumatology
Individual Award Marija Separovich
Team Award Herbert Street Opioid Treatment Program
Volunteer Award Diane McPhail
Partnering with Consumers and Carers Presented by General Manager, Royal North Shore Hospital, Alison Zecchin
Team Award Top Ryde Dental Clinic - Dental Anxiety Pilot Team
Individual Award Lyndal Sherwin
Consumer Nominated Award Andrea Firgau
Volunteer Award Diane McPhail
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Youth Achievement Award Presented by Youth Advisory Board Co-Chairs Eamon O’Callaghan and Rhi Campton
Leadership Presented by Chief Executive Anthony Schembri AM
Sustainability and Planetary Health Presented by Director of Population and Planetary Health Paul Klarenaar
Individual Award Dr Lucy Lutze
Team Award NSLHD Emergency Department Green Teams
Gwen Hickey
Samantha Chapman
Research, Innovation and Digital Health Presented by Executive Director, Research, Naomi Hammond
Engaged and Supported People Presented by District Director of People and Culture Kerrie-Ann Pryke
Individual Award Tracy Samuel
Team Award Senior Medical Workforce Unit
Team Award RNSH Clinical Genetics
Individual Award Nicole Steep
Healthy and Well Communities Presented by Director Mental Health Drug & Alcohol, Andrea Taylor
Chief Executive Commendation Presented by the Chief Executive
Board Commendation Presented by Board Chair Trevor Danos AM
Individual Award Christopher Fung
Team Award Lorikeet Clinic Team
Awarded to Dr Kanika Chaudhri
Awarded to NSLHD’s People & Culture Team
Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsor
A big thank you to our sponsors for 2024
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Chef Phil Recognised for Impactful Work Chef Phil Gilroy has been honoured with a Parliamentary Community Recognition
meals.” “If we can make a patient or family member feel welcomed knowing that the food we offer is made with love then we have done our job,”
Statement for his outstanding contribution to the AYAH community. Phil is the in-house chef, who provides delicious meals at all times of the day, tailored to each patient’s needs. A short excerpt from the statement delivered in Parliament stated “Chef Phil ensures that every meal meets the nutritional and texture needs of patients while still honouring their personal preferences and those of their families and carers. He creates moments of joy, comfort, and connection. His fresh-cook menu isn’t just about nourishment, it’s about care, flexibility and dignity.”
The award came as a surprise to Phil. “I just feel I’m doing my job,” he said.
Phil’s food philosophy is simple. Meals made with seasonal produce, focusing on patient input, and creating a communal environment in the dining room. “My food philosophy is to produce meals which are not overly complicated and contribute to the communal atmosphere. I like to work with the patients to produce their
Chef Phil with his Parliamentary Recognition Statement
RNSH launches medical plastics recycling program trial Royal North Shore Hospital has introduced a trial initiative aimed at recycling single-use medical plastic waste. “Implementing programs like Arjo’s ReNu program at RNSH, can demonstrate how
working with suppliers helps to reduce waste, lower emissions, and save money as we strive to continue leading the way in planetary health as a district.” This is just one of many supplier-supported opportunities that NSLHD is planning to evaluate and implement on our journey as the leading district in planetary health in the state. The program supports the goals of the NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024–2027, particularly around improving recycling and participating in supplier-led sustainability efforts.
Over a 12-month period, more than 14,000 compression sleeves made by manufacturer Arjo, were used across the district as part of the standard deep vein thrombosis prevention strategy, resulting in nearly three tonnes of plastic waste. In what is the first of its kind program for a NSW public hospital, RNSH has now partnered with Arjo and joined their ReNu recycling program. Staff will be provided with biodegradable collection bags to place used sleeves during routine care in post-operative wards. The new program presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impact and will improve how clinical waste is managed at RNSH. The bags will be picked up during regular waste rounds and transferred to a central bin at the hospital’s loading dock, where Arjo will collect the contents for recycling on a weekly basis. NSLHD Sustainable Procurement Implementation Manager David Russell said the program marks an important step in planetary health. “Our clinical products and plastic waste are a big part of our emissions, and we’re aiming to cut those emissions in half by 2035,” he said.
Staff at RNSH with the new green bins
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NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 7| 02 MAY 2025
‘Uncle Phil Falls’ helping Ryde Hospital staff learn about falls risks for older patients
Celebrating 20 years of orange falls prevention promotion For 20 years Northern Sydney Local Health District has raised awareness about preventing falls through the annual April Falls promotion. Coordinated by NSLHD’s Population Health’s Falls Prevention and Healthy Ageing teams, the initiative uses an orange theme across various sites to highlight the importance of preventing falls. Falls prevention committees across the district work hard each year to raise awareness through fun and engaging initiatives. Promotional stalls, giveaways, balance test activities and falls knowledge quizzes were some of the activities that have been held across April. Another special guest made an appearance to raise awareness this year - Uncle Phil Falls from Essential Helpcare. In keeping with this year’s theme of Falls Prevention is Everyone’s Business, the character put staff at Ryde, Hornsby, Mona Vale and Northern Beaches hospital’s through their paces. Admitted to hospital, staff worked together to identify his falls risks and ways to make him safer while in hospital and beyond. Speaking on the importance of raising awareness of falls, NSLHD Falls Prevention Coordinator Margaret Armstrong said falls in the hospital and community settings, can be both predictable and preventable “It is estimated that 30 per cent of people aged 65 and over will fall each year,” she said. “We know that many falls in the hospital and community settings can be avoided by implementing falls prevention initiatives.” First developed by NSLHD in 2005, April Falls was soon adopted by other health services and now forms an annual NSW wide promotion coordinated by the NSW Falls Prevention & Healthy Ageing Network. For more information on April Falls visit https://nshp.com.au/AprilFallsDay
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
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Associate Professor Naomi Hammond
Large grant to reduce the devastating impact of septic shock The district’s Executive Director of Research Associate Professor Naomi Hammond will lead a first-of-its-kind study investigating a combination steroid therapy to reduce deaths and improve recovery following septic shock. Close to $5 million has been awarded to the study through the Federal Government’s Clinical Trials Activity program. Dubbed FINESSE, the clinical trial will explore the impact of fludrocortisone on its own and combined with hydrocortisone on critically ill patients with septic shock. A/Professor Hammond said sepsis is a global public health challenge which claims 11 million lives a year, including around 9,000 people in Australia alone. “Sepsis research has been characterised by many failed trials, with over 30 per cent of people losing their lives to the condition over the last 10 years,” she said. “This mortality rate remains unacceptably high, demonstrating the need for further research.” Some studies suggest combining hydrocortisone with fludrocortisone can reduce the risk of death, however, without substantial evidence, many doctors are unsure about its use and proper dosage. “The use of steroids has been controversial for over 70 years,” she said. “Our study however, has the potential to reduce death and long-term disability. “By answering the lingering question of whether fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone are effective, we could make a huge impact globally on patient survival, recovery and the economic burden.” These medications are both low-cost, widely available medicines. Improving recovery time by just one day for 55,000 patients in Australia would save $122 million a year in healthcare costs. The trial will be supported by RNSH’s Intensive Care Unit clinicians A/Professor Anthony Delaney, Dr Chris Anderson, Dr Lachlan Donaldson and Frances Bass. Key collaborators will include The George Institute of Global Health and Sepsis Australia.
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Braiden Abala,Deputy Director of Aboriginal Health at NSLHD
Braiden Abala Appointed Deputy Director of Aboriginal Health We recently welcomed Braiden Abala who has been appointed Deputy Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service. Braiden brings a wealth of experience, having worked in state, territory and commonwealth governments, with a focus on public policy, social reform, workforce development and First Nations health. With a career dedicated to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Braiden has played a significant role in shaping programs that enhance access to healthcare services. He is particularly known for working with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to assist in the establishment of the six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander standards, advocating for culturally safe and responsive care. “I’m excited to join NSLHD and work with the team to improve healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and focus on accessibility and community- driven outcomes,” said Braiden. “Braiden brings vast knowledge and expertise to the role” said Chief Executive, Anthony Schembri. “I would also like to thank Tavia Bernsdorff for her exemplary service while acting in the role prior to Braiden’s appointment,” he said. Before joining NSLHD, Braiden was the Director of Aboriginal Health Strategy at Western Sydney Local Health District, where he led initiatives to improve participation of First Nations people in the healthcare workforce and strengthen models of care to enhance cultural safety and healthcare accessibility for First Nations peoples. In his new role, Braiden will focus on advancing health and workforce development initiatives while ensuring ongoing engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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
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Spotlight on the long-term impact of road traffic accidents Researchers at the Kolling
Institute have spent close to 20 years assessing the true impact of road traffic injuries and the best way to help people recover well after a crash. The work by the team from the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research has not only highlighted the lingering effect of road accidents, but directly influenced reforms to the CTP injury compensation scheme in NSW. Centre Director Professor Ian Cameron said catastrophic injuries like brain and spinal cord injuries are well recognised, but there is less understanding of the long-term impact following less severe injuries. “From our research, we know that most people recover well in the early months after a less severe road traffic
Professor Ian Cameron and Dr Annette Kifley
effects, importantly, it also informed legislative changes in NSW. “Our investigations showed that protracted and stressful injury compensation processes compounded the impacts of the crash,” he said. “We also found that the reforms to the CTP compensation scheme like early access to care, treatment and income support regardless of fault in the crash, were reducing psychological distress and pain. “Our research helped to develop best practice guidelines which included early interventions for people who were more vulnerable and at greater risk of poor outcomes. “We’re pleased to see that a 20-year collaboration with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority has contributed to a scheme with better health outcomes for those injured in crashes.”
injury, but others struggle to recover and go on to develop chronic health problems, psychological distress and impairment,” he said. “Our studies have shown that long-term challenges like pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression are common two years after a non-catastrophic road traffic injury, and even in groups where there were no similar problems before the accident.” The findings show that 21 per cent of people reported clinically significant pain two years after their injury, while 25 per cent had depressive symptoms and 9 per cent had ongoing psychological distress. “Just over 80 per cent of people had returned to work on full duties, but that meant close to 20 per cent weren’t able to return to what they were doing before their crash. This represents a significant loss,” said Ian. While the research measured the ripple
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Brendon Neuen, Associate Professor, Royal North Shore Hospital
new funds to improve heart and kidney disease treatment Royal North Shore Hospital’s Associate Professor Brendon Neuen will establish an international consortium to support those with both heart and kidney disease. potential to shape how future clinical trials are designed for those with heart and kidney disease, and improve outcomes for people with both conditions.
The nephrologist and Director of Kidney Trials will lead the collaboration after being awarded close to $500,000 from NSW Health through a program to drive groundbreaking projects in heart disease. The grant will support the establishment of the ROCKET Consortium, a global initiative to determine the best way to assess kidney disease progression in people with heart failure. The collaboration will bring together the team at Royal North Shore Hospital with world leading experts at Harvard Medical School and Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The project will analyse data from 12 landmark heart failure trials involving more than 50,000 patients to confirm the best approach to track the loss of kidney function in heart failure trials. As researcher with the Kolling and The George Institute, Brendon said their work has the
“Nearly half of those with heart failure also have chronic kidney disease, which means they generally do worse overall and are admitted to hospital more often,” he said. “However, without a standard method of measuring loss of kidney function in heart failure trials, we are potentially missing opportunities to identify treatments which could protect the heart and kidneys.” He says the international team is excited by the broad interest in their work to date. “Our research is already drawing attention from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as it has the potential to inform regulatory standards and the development of new medications for both heart failure treatments and kidney disease. “With a large share of the community living with heart and kidney disease, we are hopeful our work will improve the long-term health and wellbeing of people affected by both conditions.”
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APRIL 2026
RUN WITH PURPOSE. MAKE YOUR MILES MATTER.
SIGN UP TODAY Run one of the world’s most iconic marathons through the heart of Paris. This is your chance to raise funds for a healthcare cause that matters to you. Whether it’s mental health, cancer care, pediatrics or something else, every step you take will support life-changing healthcare through the NORTH Foundation, the official charity partner of the NSLHD. Spots are strictly limited - don’t miss out!
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