Northern Sydney Local Health District
A YEAR IN REVIEW 2024
Message from the Board Chair It was another exceptional year for Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) marked by many achievements and milestones.
The district’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment remained a focus. This year saw the rollout of the psychosocial risk management training which is part of a broader set of initiatives to ensure the wellbeing of staff and foster a safe work environment. The training initiative aims to educate staff on identifying psychosocial risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them. It focuses on fostering a culture of psychological safety, improving staff resilience, and promoting mental health awareness. In addition, this year saw the launch of the Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Safety Plan which also underscores the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive workplace by providing tools to address harassment, discrimination, bullying, and intimidation. Celebrating the achievements of our staff is something we hold dear, and 2024 was no exception. Professor Michael K. Nicholas and Professor Sue Kurrle AO were added to the NSLHD Board Honour Roll, which recognises exceptional service given to the district over an extended period. Several staff also received Australian Honours. RNSH’s Professor Georgina Long AO was named Australian of the Year, alongside Professor Richard Scolyer AO, for their groundbreaking work in melanoma research. Professor Paul Roach, Clinical Director of Nuclear Medicine, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to nuclear medicine and medical research. Additionally, staff members Diane Elfleet, Rachael Marlow, and Emma Tan received a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the Australia Day Honours, while Dr Penny Browne (OAM) and Associate Professor Elisabeth Murphy (PSM) were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for their dedicated community care work. The district’s commitment to innovation and excellence was also reflected with three of our teams nominated as finalists in the 2024 NSW Health Awards. Our staff’s dedication and achievements were also recognised at the district’s Exceptional People Awards and the Quality and Improvement Awards. Furthermore, Associate Professor Naomi Hammond was named a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Awards in the Public Servant of the Year category. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every member of our staff and our volunteers for their continued hard work and dedication. Your efforts play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional care to our patients, their families, and the broader community. Also, heartfelt thanks to our generous donors, whose support enables us to enhance the healthcare services we provide. As we look ahead to 2025, we anticipate another remarkable year filled with exciting projects and initiatives, building upon the successes of this outstanding year. Trevor Danos AM Board Chair, Northern Sydney Local Health District
We continued to focus confidently and proudly on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as planetary health, and celebrating staff excellence. Our planetary health efforts ramped up in 2024. We launched the new 2024-2027 Planetary Health framework, following the success of the inaugural Planetary Health Framework 2021-2023. This new framework outlines the next stage of our journey to net zero and details the plans in place to help us get there. Another important sustainability milestone we achieved was to quantify and identify the current level and sources of carbon emissions of the district. This important process tells us our current position as a district and what the pathway needs to be to get to net zero. The district also held its first Planetary Health Showcase this year, where sustainability champions and net zero leads were able to highlight their different projects. It was incredibly inspiring to see how much effort is going into making our district a leader in sustainability. The Board is committed to ensuring the district has a diverse, equitable, inclusive workforce and there is so much happening to continue our fantastic momentum. Our focus on gender equity continued with targets set for the number of senior female medical leaders to be represented in our district, one of the first districts in NSW to do this. We also held two Advancing Women in Medical Leadership workshops, which were attended by hundreds of staff members. These workshops featured prominent business and health leaders and provided valuable insights, further solidifying our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable workforce. We were also proud to establish the Youth Advisory Board this year to provide a forum for young staff members between 18 and 35-years-old to have a connection to and to provide input to the district’s senior leadership team and the Board. There are now 12 members on the Youth Advisory Board from various clinical and non-clinical roles and I look forward to following the progress they will continue to make in 2025 to ensure that the district is a place where our staff feel involved and represented. The district also achieved a Bronze Award at the 2024 Australian Pride in Health and Wellbeing Awards, marking another significant milestone in LGBTIQ+ inclusivity. This recognition was evaluated through the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index and underscores the district’s commitment to fostering inclusivity for individuals with diverse sexualities and genders. Special thanks to the Pride+ Employee Network for their hard work in fostering inclusivity for our LGBTIQ+ staff, patients, and community. The district also launched a six-month mentoring program to support career development for our culturally and linguistically diverse staff. Twenty mentees were paired with mentors, and two participants have already advanced to higher roles, highlighting the program’s success in fostering leadership and growth.
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Message from the Chief Executive
It has been an extraordinary year for Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made in improving patient care, expanding services, and advancing our infrastructure. Throughout the 2023/24 financial year, our dedicated staff worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional care across all areas of our district. Over 35,000 surgical procedures were performed, more than 232,000 presentations were made to our emergency departments, and 4,300 babies were delivered through our maternity services. These numbers reflect the extraordinary efforts of our team to meet the healthcare needs of our community. Our commitment to patient- centred care has been further demonstrated through over 4,000 hospital-in-the-home admissions, allowing patients to receive care in their own homes while staying connected to the services they need. This year, we celebrated a major milestone with the official sod-turning ceremony for the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment. This project is progressing ahead of schedule and will deliver a state-of-the-art emergency department, intensive care unit, and cutting-edge operating theatres to support the growing needs of our community. In addition to our infrastructure developments, NSLHD has continued to lead in the field of research and we made significant strides as we renewed our focus on clinical trials. Mona Vale Hospital completed its first accreditation under the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework. The learnings from this accreditation are now being applied across other district facilities. We launched Australia’s first total body Position Emissions Tomography (PET) facility with open-access research and clinical use at RNSH. This revolutionary technology significantly reduces radiation doses and cuts scanning times from 20 minutes to just three, enhancing patient outcomes and improving the efficiency of care. We also celebrated the establishment of the North Sydney Trials and Research Van Norton Poche Centre (NORTH S.T.A.R VNP), a world-leading clinical trials centre developed in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York. This centre will offer patients access to international cancer therapies, reinforcing our district’s reputation as a leader in research and clinical trials. Our efforts to advance the Sydney North HealthCARE Precinct have made considerable progress, with the precinct set to become a major hub for healthcare, research, and education. This precinct will play a key role in fostering innovation in clinical trials, AI, digital health, and musculoskeletal and cancer research. Our partnership with the NORTH Foundation has been vital in supporting the Sydney North HealthCARE Precinct, with a capital campaign aiming to raise $55 million to advance its capabilities. I would like to express my gratitude to the NORTH Foundation for the important role they play in fostering philanthropy across our district. The Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) initiative has been another significant area of focus for NSLHD. This
transformative project, which will create a unified and centralised digital health record for all patients across NSW, aims to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and security of patient data. Our role in supporting the implementation of this initiative is critical, ensuring that it meets the needs of our district while enhancing patient care across the state. The district’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Committee was also established to oversee the responsible use of AI across our operations. An AI Community of Practice has been established to foster collaboration and innovation among clinicians and researchers, exploring how AI can improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. We are also incredibly proud of the achievements of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), which has made a tremendous impact in its first year, providing compassionate care for young people with life-limiting illnesses. In our mental health services, the Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) team successfully completed its Short Notice Assessment (SNAP) accreditation this year, receiving praise from assessors for the care and compassion shown to consumers. This accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The Safe Haven initiative was launched at Macquarie Hospital and Brookvale Community Health Centre, which offers vital after-hours support for individuals at risk of suicide. These centres, part of the Government’s Towards Zero Suicide program, provide care in a safe and welcoming environment. Our commitment to keeping frail and elderly people well and out of hospital was recognised Internationally. Our Collaborative Commissioning for Frail and Older People Program was highly commended at the International Hospital Federation Awards. This program has supported over 6,700 patients since 2022, reducing hospital admissions and improving care for older residents in our district. As we move forward into 2025, I am filled with excitement and optimism. Our Clinical Services Plan for 2024-2029 has been completed and will provide a strategic direction for the district, ensuring we continue to deliver world- class care. I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our staff. Your dedication, compassion, and innovation are the driving forces behind our success, and I am privileged to lead such an incredible team. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our patients and community. Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive, Northern Sydney Local Health District
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Australian of the Year honour for RNSH Professor Georgina Long
Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO
Royal North Shore Hospital medical oncologist Professor Georgina Long AO and her colleague, Professor Richard Scolyer AO from NSW Health Pathology and Sydney Local Health District, were jointly named the 2024 Australians of the Year. In a rare dual-win, this recognition
“With immunotherapy, we stimulate the immune system in a very specific way so that the immune system can see the enemy, that is the cancer, and kill it,” said Georgina upon receiving her award. They have both also been at the forefront of public education on sun-smart behaviour and skin cancer prevention. Their collaborative efforts extend beyond melanoma; more recently they adapted this successful treatment to address brain cancer, prompted by Richard’s diagnosis of incurable Grade 4 brain cancer in June 2023. This was a world-first treatment for
Initiated by his colleague Georgina, the idea was to apply the knowledge gained from melanoma research to assist her colleague. Richard became the inaugural recipient of pre-surgery combination immunotherapy for brain cancer. This marks an incredible breakthrough in brain cancer treatment. Upon receiving the joint accolade, Georgina said the duo was honoured to receive the recognition and credited the supporting team for the honour. “Our thoughts are always with those families where our breakthrough treatments came too late,” she said.
was bestowed upon them for their significant contributions to melanoma research. The co-directors of the Melanoma Institute of Australia have played a pivotal role in advancing the treatment of advanced melanoma through their work in immunotherapy. Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma had a fatal prognosis. However, Georgina and Richard’s immunotherapy approach, which activates the patient’s immune system, has shifted the narrative, making the disease curable for over 50 per cent of patients and saving thousands of lives.
brain cancer based on their melanoma breakthroughs.
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The team behind ACACIA celebrated with a morning tea
Drug and alcohol treatment for adolescents on the north shore
A new youth drug and alcohol community treatment service opened on Sydney’s north shore for young people dealing with substance-use-related challenges. The Alcohol & Other Drug
ACACIA’s inception stems from the Specialist Addiction Service for Adolescents (SASA), which began as a part-time staff specialist consultation service and expanded to include a registrar. Recognising SASA’s success, the NSW Ministry of Health granted a significant $1 million budget, leading to ACACIA’s evolution. Now, the service boasts a multidisciplinary team, case management capacity, and a child and adolescent and/or addiction psychiatry advanced training registrar position. ACACIA medical lead Dr David Gordon said the success of model was based on partnerships with other youth drug and alcohol services.
“Part of the success of the SASA and now ACACIA models has been our collaborative approach to care with the local child youth mental health service teams and local non-government organisations (NGOs),” he said. “Particularly successful has been our partnership with the Sydney Drug Education and Counselling Centre (SDECC), an NGO of youth drug and alcohol counsellors, to whom we have provided adolescent addiction psychiatry input for direct client consults and to their case review meetings.” ACACIA can manage vulnerable young individuals with complex issues who might have otherwise fallen through service gaps.
Consultation, Assessment, Care & Intervention for Adolescents Service (ACACIA) opened its doors, marking a pivotal development for the district. Servicing the entire local health district, the inaugural ACACIA team is based at Royal North Shore Hospital and Brookvale community health centres, with expansion expected as the service grows. ACACIA is a multidisciplinary service that accepts referrals from clinicians for adolescents aged under 18 in the Northern Sydney Local Health District with moderate to severe issues related to problematic substance use.
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Australia’s premier cancer clinical trials centre recruits patients
Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC (front centre) with dignitaries for the launch of NORTH STAR VNP
Three cutting-edge clinical trials have begun following the launch of a world-leading cancer clinical trials centre at RNSH.
Her Excellency Governor General Sam Mostyn AC joined more than 200 people for the historic launch of NORTH Sydney Trials and Research Van Norton Poche (NORTH STAR VNP), which was made possible by a $20 million gift from the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO and her husband Greg. It was Kay’s vision to establish a clinical trials centre to ensure equitable access to the very latest treatments for all Australians, especially those in rural, regional and Aboriginal communities. The centre is a ground-breaking partnership between NSLHD and the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York. It is based across both Royal North Shore and North Shore Private hospitals.
NSLHD Chair of Research Professor Bruce Robinson said the centre can fast-track access to international clinical trials, offering hope to patients and their families across the country. “We’re looking to improve collaboration between hospitals, doctors and allied health professionals so every patient can participate in clinical trials, no matter where they live,” he said. “Encouragingly, the centre will help to accelerate research progress and help find a cure for cancer in this lifetime. “The initial trials will aim to improve outcomes for people with head and neck cancers, breast cancers and upper gastric cancers. “NORTH STAR VNP will be moving quickly to expand enrolment of
patients from Sydney to other parts of NSW including Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Dubbo.” NSLHD Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony Schembri said the district had some of the best cancer survival rates in Australia and had been at the forefront of research for more than a century. “NORTH STAR VNP will increase survival rates for Australians living with cancer and accelerate the work already underway at NSLHD alongside other premier institutes,” he said. NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said Kay and Greg’s passion for philanthropy and their deep empathy for people had set a standard of giving that would hopefully inspire others for years to come.
Australians can build upon this legacy and help create a future without cancer by donating to the NORTH Foundation today: https://northfoundation.org.au/northstar
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RNSH unveils Sorry plaque
RNSH Deputy General Manager Jennifer McConnell, NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce, Aunty Jeanie, NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, NSW Health Centre for Aboriginal Health Executive Director Geri Wilson with the new plaque
In a moment of profound significance, a plaque has been unveiled at Royal North Shore Hospital as a lasting acknowledgement of the deep regret to victims of the Stolen Generations and members of the Aboriginal community.
The plaque prominently displays the NSW Health Apology made by NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce in her 2022 formal apology - a message of sorrow and responsibility to those who survived the painful legacy of the Stolen Generations. Her words, now etched in history, extend to all Aboriginal community members impacted by the devastating policies of the past. As part of the unveiling, a touching Welcome to Country was provided by local Aboriginal Elder Aunty Jeanie followed by an address from NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri and NSW Health Secretary
Susan Pearce, who were joined at the unveilin’g by district Board members and staff. Anthony said the plaque was an important acknowledgement of the past. “This plaque displayed is a lasting acknowledgment of deep regret over past practices and policies which have impacted on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people,” he said.
“We hope the apology embraces truth-telling and the ongoing process of healing for our Aboriginal communities for generations to come.” The plaque at RNSH is one of many displayed across the district’s hospitals and services.
“While past government policies very much still impact the health and wellbeing of our Aboriginal families today, we hope the NSW Health Apology marks a significant milestone in our history.”
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Discovering Coonabarabran: allied health deployment
A Hospital in the Home (HITH) physiotherapist recently embarked on a rural deployment supported by the Ministry of Health. Belinda Kelly, physiotherapist, undertook this pioneering endeavour, spending four weeks in Coonabarabran (Gamilaroi Country). During her deployment, Belinda had the privilege of engaging with patients ranging from seven to 93 years old, addressing a diverse array of physiotherapy needs. The face-to-face outpatient sessions were particularly valued by patients, offering them personalised care and support that virtual consultations couldn’t match. Belinda said one notable success story involved a gentleman in his 70s diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Through targeted exercises and educational interventions, Belinda helped improve his mobility significantly, reducing his risk of falls and enhancing his overall quality of life. Similarly, a young athlete recovering from ACL reconstruction benefited from tailored rehabilitation under Belinda’s expert guidance, enabling a safe return to sports.
Belinda Kelly (R) and friend enjoying a hike in her downtime
“For me this was a great opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life,” said Belinda. “This has been a great opportunity to use the broad range of physiotherapy skills and begin to understand some of the challenges faced by regional healthcare.” The NSW Health Deployment
Program offers short-term opportunities spanning two to 13 weeks for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals across regional, rural, and remote NSW. Participants receive accommodation, meals, travel, and incentives, fostering professional growth and providing a chance to explore new environments while contributing to essential healthcare services.
Find out more information here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/Pages/deployment-program.aspx
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Hornsby Hospital’s new water recycling project helping to green the grounds
HKH A/Engineering Manager Lucas Woodford and HKH Corporate Services Manager Rizwan Rahiman
The haemodialysis unit at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (HKH) began recycling water to help reduce water wastage. Dialysis treatments require ultra-pure water that is created by a process called reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis contaminants
The decontaminated water is then used in dialysis treatments, while the leftover water is often sent down the drain. The haemodiaylsis unit introduced a way to reclaim the leftover water. A 10,000 litre tank captures and stores the water so some of it can be used for irrigation across the site. Approximately 1200 litres of recycled water from dialysis treatments at HKH is deposited into the tank per day.
HKH Engineer Lucas Woodford said the hospital aimed to be environmentally sustainable and use the water for other purposes. “We have installed hose taps which we use for external washing of paths and buildings across the hospital,” he said. “The recycled water also helps water garden beds and plants. “We will be continuing to see what other uses we can put any excess recycled water to across the campus in the future.”
are removed from water by pushing it through a semi-permeable membrane.
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Innovative musculoskeletal program heads to the bush
In a further sign of the strength of the district’s clinical and research capabilities, Professor Trudy Rebbeck has been awarded a $2.5 million grant to offer a musculoskeletal care program in rural and remote parts of Australia.
Professor Trudy Rebbeck
As a professor of allied health and a physiotherapist, Trudy will lead the collaborative project involving University of Sydney, NSLHD and Kolling Institute researchers Michael Nicholas, Ian Cameron, Annette Kifley and Claire Ashton-James. She is excited to launch the initiative which has been funded as part of a $20 million boost for improved primary care and chronic pain treatment. Trudy said an increasing number of people are experiencing chronic musculoskeletal conditions like back, neck pain and arthritis, but few people in rural and regional areas are being offered evidence-informed care involving good advice and an exercise plan. “Instead, they are quickly stepping up to higher-cost and
often unnecessary care such as imaging, surgery and preventable hospitalisations,” she said. “We know that people in these communities have poorer access to appropriate care and ultimately poorer musculoskeletal health. “Our large-scale program, named PACE RURAL, will be offered across the country for the first time, providing a high quality and yet low-cost solution.” It will involve a simple online tool at the point-of-care to identify people who may recover well and those who may not. Those who are likely to recover well can be guided by the online resource (Mypainhub.com) which provides accurate advice and exercises to aid recovery. People needing extra care will receive early virtual access to an
expert allied health clinician. “For many people living in rural and remote parts of Australia, one of the biggest challenges is access to specialised healthcare, so we hope that through this program, we will broaden access to evidenced-based, effective care and importantly, improve long-term musculoskeletal health,” she said. “We know from our work in metropolitan regions that increasing support from allied-health clinicians delivers better health outcomes for higher risk individuals, so we expect this project will now provide a cost- effective solution in rural and remote Australia too.”
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Outdoor gym unveiled at Mona Vale Hospital
Mona Vale Hospital’s Outdoor Seniors Gym offers a breath of fresh air to the community.
Addressing the heightened risk of falls and frailty in Australia’s ageing population, the outdoor gym, supervised by physiotherapists, has transformed rehabilitation programs and enhanced community wellbeing. The initiative emphasises the crucial role of targeted exercise programs, including strengthening and balance activities, aimed at preventing falls and reducing frailty-related health risks. The goal is for patients to gain confidence and motivation, and continue their exercise routines upon program completion. Lorna, an 86-year-old with severe arthritis, has used the gym and improved her balance. “I really enjoy coming to the Fresh Air Fitness Classes in the gym. They are fun but challenging, and I love being outdoors,” she said. Physiotherapist Tina Shimeld observed positive changes in participants, citing Lorna’s infectious joy. “Lorna has been a very enthusiastic and energetic participant in the outdoor classes. Her positivity and joy are infectious,” Tina said. “She absolutely beams when she is outdoors and conquers challenging exercise tasks. She is very appreciative of the changes she has seen in her everyday life after attending the Fresh Air Fitness Classes.” The construction of the Outdoor Seniors Gym was made possible through a grant from the NSLHD and the NORTH Foundation Grants Program.
Community members embracing the gym
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NSLHD and Cancer Institute win 2023 Multicultural Health Communication Award
NSW Deputy Secretary Deb Willcox, Heidi Roland Kenn, Jessica Ly, Lisa Woodland
Translated resources designed by consumers and clinical experts to help head and neck cancer patients won a top award at the 2023 NSW Multicultural Health Communication Awards.
Northern Sydney Local Health District won the “Transforming the patient experience” Award for the project, Nourishing Our CALD Head and Neck and Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients . The project was funded by the Cancer Institute and used a co- design approach with consumers and volunteer groups to develop culturally and language appropriate diet, nutrition, and speech-related resources for patients with head and neck, oesophageal, and upper-GI cancer. Cancer Innovation and Strategy
Manager, Heidi Roland Kenn, and Multicultural Health Service Manager, Cathy Butler, supported speech, diet and nursing staff to develop comprehensive materials to support cancer patients across NSW. The team translated materials into Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean, recognising the importance of tailoring resources to diverse communities. All materials are available on the NSLHD Cancer Centre webpage. “We applied for a Cancer Institute grant two years ago when cancer nurse coordinators indicated we
had a gap in our resources which needed to be accessible and culturally appropriate. It was a huge piece of work and fantastic for the team to be recognised,” said Heidi. “We have more work to do with other communities and we want to involve more in future. It’s an excellent example of multi-institutional teamwork, persistence and involving the right people.”
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The Coral Tree team after the event
Coral Tree hosts first conference
The Coral Tree Family Service held its first conference in 2024, an event that was five years in the making.
The conference, which had 80 attendees from the community, was held at the Northern Sydney
need of extra intervention with behavioural, emotional or mental health difficulties. The day finished with a short walk to the Coral Tree facility where guests were involved in workshops and given a tour of the Coral Tree site. Coral Tree Family Service Manager Cath McElroy said the event was received very well and has set the benchmark for an annual conference.
“It was fantastic to hear from an array of Coral Tree staff members about a range of different topics,” she said. “We have received very positive feedback from the conference and we hope to now undertake a conference annually.”
Education and Conference Centre on the grounds of Macquarie Hospital.
The aim of the conference was to provide a unique opportunity for local and regional clinicians to learn about the ideas and skills used by clinicians at Coral Tree. Coral Tree is a service that offers support for children and their families when they are in
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NSLHD welcomes first set of electric fleet vehicles Ten new electric vehicles (EVs) were introduced to Macquarie Hospital’s passenger vehicle fleet as part of the district’s ongoing planetary health efforts. The NSW Government committed
The 10 new Kia Nero EVs have a range of up to 460 kilometres with a full charge and charging stations are onsite across three different locations on the campus. NSLHD Director of Asset Management James Sue said the new vehicles marked a significant milestone for the district. “It is very pleasing to have 10 brand new EVs as part of our fleet here at Northern Sydney,” he said. “We are proud to be playing our part in working towards net zero in emissions we can impact.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping us transition our fleet vehicles.” The district has been transitioning all passenger fleet vehicles to hybrid and EV models and has ordered a further 102 hybrid vehicles. Once the new cars arrive, 59 per cent of NSLHD’s total fleet will be hybrid or electric, marking significant progress for the district.
to electrifying its passenger vehicle fleet by 2030, with an interim target of 50 per cent EV procurement by 2026. This target is supported in the new NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024-2027, as the district works towards net zero by 2035. The cars replace existing vehicles in Primary and Community Health (PACH) and Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDA) currently operating out of the hospital and visiting patients in their homes or care centres.
Members of the NSLHD Board and staff unveil the new electric vehicle fleet
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Epilepsy service reduces patient admissions
Royal North Shore Hospital witnessed a 15 per cent reduction in admissions in 2024 thanks to a non-admitted complex epilepsy service. Spearheaded by neurologist/
means many of these patients do not require a prolonged hospital admission,” Tania said. “They can undertake their investigations as an outpatient safely from the comfort of their home with the reassurance they will be seen rapidly for follow-up and treatment if required. “This is particularly helpful for patients who do not manage strange environments well - such as those with autism.” Clinicians were pleased with the results which had shown a reduction in the number of patients needing admission.
“The best indication of the success of a service such as this (apart from reduced admissions) is a reduction in the number of seizures a patient is having and the impact their seizures are having on their quality of life, social interactions and ability to participate in the community,” Tania said. Many patients with complex epilepsy have ongoing seizures despite multiple medications. They often require ongoing trials of rarely used medications and other advanced therapies to optimise their seizure control while limiting the side effects they experience.
epileptologist, Dr Tania Farrar, the service extension builds upon the foundation laid by the epilepsy clinic established two years ago.
It is aimed at catering to individuals grappling with
challenging epilepsy cases or comorbidities (the occurrence of two or more diseases in a person at one time), such as autism or brain injury. “The ability of the clinic to see patients presenting to the emergency department with seizures within one to two weeks of presentation for follow-up
Royal North Shore Hospital epilepsy team
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NSLHD honoured with bronze award for LGBTQ+ inclusivity
NSLHD received a bronze award at the 2024 Australian Pride in Health and Wellbeing Awards.
The recognition, evaluated through the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI), underscores NSLHD’s commitment to fostering inclusivity for individuals with diverse sexualities and genders
across health, wellbeing, human services, and community care sectors. NSLHD’s dedication is evident through initiatives such as the implementation of an LGBTIQ+ strategy tailored to address healthcare needs, the establishment of workplace policies, and executive sponsorship for high-level support. Additionally, the district formed the Pride+ network to provide advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ employees. The introduction of a full-time dedicated LGBTIQ+ project officer role further demonstrates NSLHD’s commitment to inclusivity. “It is wonderful to see our commitment to diversity and social inclusion at NSLHD recognised with this award,” said Jemma Clifton, Project Officer, NSW Health LGBTIQ+ Strategy. “However, a bronze award is only the starting point and the real benefit of the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index submission is that it has provided us with a road map to ensure all of our services are equally accessible for LGBTQ+ people.” NSLHD’s achievement reaffirms its dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality in healthcare delivery, setting a benchmark for excellence in LGBTQ+ healthcare provision.
Jemma Clifton, Project Officer, NSW Health LGBTIQ+ Strategy
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Hornsby’s Pink Ladies volunteers inside the new carers’ retreat
A respite for carers Families of patients have a place they can rest and recuperate while their loved ones receive end-of-life care at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.
Angophora House opened to relatives and carers of patients and provides them with a welcoming space for respite where they can have a shower, make a cup of tea or just rest. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital General Manager Simon Hill said Angophora House was a cottage located on the hospital grounds that was designed as a place for family members and carers to rest away from the clinical setting of the hospital.
“Family members and carers will be able use the house to prepare and eat meals, shower and refresh and relax in a comfortable space,” he said. “Our hope is that by providing a private space for families and carers to gather and care for each other, we can support them to create a positive memory of their family member’s last days.”
The house was named Angophora House to align with the end-of- life symbol and image of the Angophora tree used at NSLHD hospitals, which also has cultural significance for First Nations people as an ascension tree for spirits. The hospital’s volunteers, The Pink Ladies and Men Auxiliary, assisted with the furnishing of the cottage.
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Celebrating our nurses and midwives
Team lunches, staff awards, scavenger hunts, late-night pizza nights, and more were among this year’s celebrations for International Nurses’ Day
throughout the district. The day is marked every year on 12 May with this year’s theme being: “Our Nurses, Our Future: the economic power of care.” Celebrations were held across Mona Vale, Macquarie, Royal North Shore, and Ryde hospitals, Primary and Community Health and the Adolescent and Young Adult Youth Hospice. NSLHD Director, Nursing and Midwifery Services Claire Harris thanked all of the district’s nurses for their hard work. “Nurses are not just caregivers; they’re advocates. They’re leaders, they’re researchers and innovators. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare
system with high levels of knowledge and skill to deliver complex clinical care,” she said. International Day of the Midwife on 5 May also brought staff together across the district. This year’s theme was “Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution.” “As we commemorate the International Day of the Midwife, we gather to honour the remarkable contributions of our dedicated midwives. I would like to express my gratitude to our remarkable team of midwives across the Northern Sydney Local Health District,” said Claire.
“Our midwives’ efforts extend far beyond the delivery room, encompassing prenatal education, postnatal support, and advocacy for maternal and child health rights. “Midwives are not only caregivers but also guardians of the future. By providing compassionate and comprehensive care to expectant mothers and newborns, they lay the foundation for a healthier and more sustainable world.” Last year, staff cared for more than 4,327 babies born at Royal North Shore and Hornsby hospitals.
Celebrations at Ryde Hospital for International Nurses’ Day
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Game-changing test on the way for kidney disease
Dr Henry Wu from the Kolling Institute Renal Research Lab
Chronic kidney disease is often not diagnosed until it’s well advanced, but researchers at the Kolling Institute are developing a convenient and painless test to diagnose the progressive disease.
Their research comes as the number of people with kidney disease continues to escalate, with more than 11 per cent of Australians currently affected. It is a progressive disease which eventually leads to kidney failure, and is fatal without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Currently, a kidney biopsy is required to confirm a diagnosis, but this procedure brings inherent risks such as bleeding and pain. A non-invasive approach is critically needed. There are some blood and urine tests which can detect advanced stages of the disease, but early detection remains challenging. Researchers have developed and continue to improve a urine
test which provides accurate information for early diagnosis. This novel test assesses colour properties of kidney cells exfoliated from the kidney into urine. Encouragingly, this exciting new technology avoids the risk of an invasive biopsy procedure. Head of the Kolling’s Renal Research Lab Professor Carol Pollock said this approach provides clear information about kidney pathology by examining kidney cells in urine through a liquid biopsy. “Having the ability to diagnose chronic kidney disease with a simple urine test represents a major step forward,” she said.
“It means patients with chronic kidney disease or those who have a high risk of disease can receive timely management.” Project co-lead Associate Professor Sonia Saad said the non-invasive test would also provide information on the effectiveness of drugs and other treatments over time. “We look forward to applying our test for wider use within the nephrology setting, such as monitoring complications in patients who receive a kidney transplant.” PhD student Dr Henry Wu said it had been rewarding to help develop the test and progress the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the nephrology field.
19 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
NSLHD’s initiatives for a greener future
NSLHD Capital Works Team has made significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint through the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives.
In 2024, NSLHD achieved progress in harnessing clean, renewable power, with key statistics highlighting the district’s commitment to sustainability. NSLHD boasts a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) system size of 1.3 megawatts peak (MWp) and the combined solar production from January to October 2024 amounted to 1,282 megawatt hour (MWh). One megawatt hour equates to using one million watts of electricity continuously for an hour. To put this into perspective,
one MWh would power 630 average Australian homes for one hour. Solar PV was installed at Dalwood Child and Family Health Centre and solar expansion is planned at Mona Vale Hospital. “Since 2020, the district has been at the forefront of harnessing clean, renewable power at multiple sites, aiming to reduce reliance on grid electricity as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Anna Jamison, NSLHD Sustainability Projects Manager.
“Solar PV systems have been successfully installed at various NSLHD sites, including Hornsby Ku-ring-gai, Royal North Shore, and Mona Vale hospitals, Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice and Brookvale Community Health Centre.” In 2023 alone, the combined solar production at these sites exceeded 1.3 gigawatts hour (GWh), resulting in cost savings of over $250,000 and a carbon saving of 1,027,000 kg CO 2 for the year. “Implementing strategies to promote both environmental and financial sustainability within the organisation is one of my favourite aspects of my role. Working alongside staff from all across the district to achieve a shared goal is truly rewarding,” Anna said. NSLHD aims to increase on-site solar production by an additional 2.3 MWp by 2035 and improve energy efficiency of buildings to progress towards a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption by 2030. This includes LED light upgrades, electrification of assets and phase out of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants - a focus in the new NSLHD Planetary Health Framework. “These targets underscore our district’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” she said.
Anna Jamison, Sustainability Projects Manager at NSLHD
20 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
Junior doctor succeeds in career and sport
This year, Mackenzie Little, a full-time junior doctor, competed in the javelin event at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
The unassuming new doctor downplayed her remarkable achievements when NSLHD News caught up with her. “I am certainly not unique in juggling a lot of things,” she said. Juggling medical studies and training, Mackenzie made her mark in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics, secured silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and claimed bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Her schedule was, at times, gruelling. Last year, she flew to Europe five times to compete, with four of those for weekend competitions. “I’d leave late Thursday night, go to Europe, compete on the Saturday and fly back in Monday morning, and then go straight on the train to the hospital,” she said. The star athlete fell into javelin by accident. She started out competing in the under sixes Little Athletics and became a hurdler like her mother. But one day in year 7 at Pymble Ladies College, when hurdles were called off due to rain, she joined javelin training. The coach invited her back. “I gave it a go because the opportunity was there and I was naturally able to throw it,” said Mackenzie. But alongside her love of sport, as the daughter of doctors, she said she had always been science-oriented.
“I really like working with people and certainly couldn’t sit at a desk. I’m just excited to run around and get the job done,” she said. Mackenzie said she was aware of the challenges ahead as a junior doctor and anticipated a “balancing act”.
“Some might try to guess what my priorities are, but I’ve always wanted to do medicine, and that’s going to be my career long-term,” she said. “We hope to have made a difference in the lives of these wonderful young people.”
Mackenzie Little
21 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
NSLHD’s virtual physiotherapy treatment
Physiotherapist Jason Levy provides care to patients from afar
When Rhonda’s bad fall led her to the emergency department at Royal North Shore Hospital, she underwent a full hip replacement and
spent six days recovering. On the afternoon of her discharge, she received an SMS telling her she had her first virtual physiotherapy appointment at 10am the next day. Rhonda said she was happy to be treated at home. “I didn’t want to go to a hospital again,” she said. She had six online sessions via her mobile phone with Jason Levy, a physiotherapist with the Northern Sydney Local Health District’s Virtual Care Service, which supports people needing urgent and acute care at home.
During her treatment period, Rhonda was sent exercises each week, and Jason would check if she was doing them correctly. Jason said seeing a patient in their home — even if it was via a screen — gave him a holistic perspective. “You can see them in their best physiotherapy also allowed the service to reach people who had issues getting to a clinic. He said he was used to people being confused about him being a “hands-off” physiotherapist. environment,” he said. Jason added that virtual
“When I say to people, I’m a virtual physiotherapist, they are like, ‘How does that work?’,” he said.
Across the board, NSLHD patient clinics have increased using
virtual care to look after patients in their homes — whether it be on the phone or via video.
22 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
Ryde Hospital celebrates its 90th birthday
Ryde Hospital celebrated its history when the hospital turned 90. The special occasion was marked with a ceremony and cake-cutting that was attended by current and former staff members, volunteers, and patients. Attendees were treated to a digeridoo and Acknowledgment of Country by Tu Wai Macdonald, and short presentations by Ryde Hospital Emergency Department Director Peter Roberts AM, acting Head of Social Work JoAnne Wigan and General Manager Jennifer McConnell. As part of the celebrations, attendees were also invited to attend an art workshop by artist Kubi Vasak. The workshop was open to all attendees, with the aim being for Kubi to develop a collage that will be displayed in the new redeveloped hospital. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri thanked all current and former staff members, volunteers and community members for their work in making Ryde Hospital the special place it is today. “The hospital is an integral piece of the Ryde community and the western Sydney regions that surround it, and provides healthcare for around 130,000 people,” he said. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank all of our current and former staff members, our volunteers and our community members who have all played a part in making this hospital an integral piece of the Ryde community.”
(L-R) Ryde Hospital General Manager Jennifer McConnell, NSLHD Board Chair Trevor Danos, Ryde acting Head of Social Work JoAnne Wigan, Emergency Department Director Peter Roberts and NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri cut the cake for Ryde Hospital’s 90th birthday
The Acknowledgement of Country ceremony performed at Ryde
23 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
AYAH reaches one-year milestone
The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) has marked its one-year anniversary since opening its doors to patients and families. To acknowledge the milestone, a barbecue was organised at the AYAH premises, bringing together attendees, including patients and families who have used the facility during its inaugural year.
The event, supported by various community groups, hosted over 65 attendees and featured activities facilitated by partners such as Surfboard Souls Manly, who conducted an artistic workshop. Using repurposed surfboards, attendees created ocean-inspired artworks under the guidance of Oli O Art. Ben and Jerry’s Manly sponsored the event by providing complimentary ice cream for attendees. Stella Maris College, Manly, contributed musical entertainment, including a piano/ vocal duo and a string band with vocalists. The school also donated gift baskets to the facility. AYAH volunteers played a crucial role, contributing additional time for various tasks such as set-up, assisting with art activities, and supporting the overall event. Chef Phil and the team ensured a well-crafted spread of food for the attendees. “It was an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on this milestone. We feel we’ve established a supportive environment at the AYAH, and it was good to see familiar faces come together in a social setting. The success of the day was made possible by our event partners, volunteers, and AYAH staff, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment,” said Laura Grant, AYAH community partnerships manager.
AYAH community members with their artistic creations
Tayia Yeates, Services Manager doing arts and crafts
24 NSLHD 2024 Year in Review
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