NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb Australia’s premier cancer clinical trials centre begins recruiting patients
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sod turn at ryde Page 3
game-changing test on way for kidney disease Page 6
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, Patients will soon have access to cutting edge international cancer therapies and trials right here in northern Sydney with the opening of the North Sydney Trials and Research Van Norton Poche Centre (NORTH S.T.A.R VNP). The world-leading cancer trial centre was officially unveiled at Royal North Shore Hospital at a special event hosted by our charity partner, The NORTH Foundation, who announced the global partnership with one of the top cancer hospitals in the United States, the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Centre. The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, and so many distinguished guests attended the launch which was great to see and be a part of. The centre will operate across the Sydney North Health Precinct, encompassing both Royal North Shore and North Shore Private hospitals as part of the collaborative effort. I would like to extend a huge amount of gratitude to the extraordinary philanthropic generosity of the late Kay Van Norton Poche and her husband, Greg Poche, for helping make this centre possible. We believe NORTH S.T.A.R VNP will be Australia’s premier cancer trials centre and I can’t wait to see the impact it will have on so many lives. I’m thrilled to share that Jamieson Leeson, a valued member of the AYAH community, will be heading to the Paralympics in Paris to compete in boccia. Best of luck, Jamieson – the entire district is behind you.
Ryde Hospital’s redevelopment reached a significant milestone with the official sod turning occurring at a ceremony attended by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Health Ryan Park. First Nation performers conducted a welcome to country and smoking ceremony to prepare the site for construction. There are lots of changes occurring at the Ryde campus and I want to thank staff and our patients for their understanding and patience as construction occurs. The 2024 Public Service Commission People Matter Employee Survey (PMES) is now open to all staff across the district. This yearly survey is an opportunity for staff to share their views of what it’s like working at NSLHD. The feedback is valued highly by myself and the senior leadership team. We have made a considerable number of changes based on the feedback each year. I encourage you to have your say in the survey which can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/PMES-2024.
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Health Ryan Park joined health workers for a traditional sod-turning ceremony
Ryde hospital sod turn Construction is underway on the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital Redevelopment, with the first sod turned at the site, marking the start of major works. Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Health Ryan Park joined health workers for a traditional sod-turning event, celebrating this significant milestone. Aboriginal performers Tu Wai Macdonald and Dennis Duncan cleansed the site with a traditional smoking ceremony. “This project will deliver a brand-new emergency department, intensive care unit, and operating theatres,” Mr Minns said. “We are expanding this essential service to meet the needs of the Ryde community for years to come.” Ryde Hospital’s Head of Emergency, Dr Peter Roberts, spoke at the event and noted that staff were eagerly anticipating the new hospital. “Staff are looking forward to the new facilities, which are long overdue,” he said. “This will be great for staff, patients, and the community.”
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Three cutting-edge clinical trials will be underway within months following the launch of a world-leading cancer clinical trials centre at RNSH. Her Excellency the Honourable Ms 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 has been made possible by a transformative $20 million gift from the late Kay Van Norton Poche 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 will be based across both Royal North Shore and North Shore Private hospitals. NSLHD Chair of Research Professor Bruce Robinson said the centre will 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
Her Excellency Governor General Sam Mostyn AC (centre) flanked by Anthony Schembri (L), Gilbert Lorquet (R) and other dignitaries
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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 will be moving quickly to expand enrolment of patients from Sydney to other parts of New South Wales including Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Dubbo.” NSLHD Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony Schembri said the district has some of the best cancer survival rates in
Australia and has been at the forefront of research for more than a century. “NORTH STAR 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 Chief Executive Officer Gilbert Lorquet said Kay and Greg’s passion for philanthropy and their deep empathy for people have set a standard of giving that will 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: northfoundation.org.au/northstar
Professor Chris Ward and Heidi Roland Kenn
Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer Australia
Professor Paul Roach, Dr Sumit Sahni, Professor Anthony Gill, Dr David Chan and Professor Nick Pavlakis
Professor Bob Li, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre and Her Excellency Govenor General Sam Mostyn AC
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Dr Henry Wu from the Kolling Institute Renal Research Lab
game-changing test on the way for kidney disease 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 artifical intelligence (AI) within the nephrology field.
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NSLHD Nurses finalists for state awards Two nurses from Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) are finalists in the 2024 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. Madeline Hughes, a clinical nurse specialist in Ward 8D at Royal North Shore Hospital, is a finalist for the Excellence in Nursing Award. “Being shortlisted is such an honour. I feel like it is a privilege to work as a nurse and be able to provide meaningful impact every day to our patients” said Madeline. Simpy Arora, a clinical nurse specialist at Ryde Hospital’s emergency department, is nominated for the Leadership in Nursing and Midwifery Award. “Being named a finalist for the Leadership in Nursing Award is a profound honour. This achievement is a tribute to the hard work and support of my entire team. Together, we strive for excellence and innovation every day,” said Simpy. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at NSW Parliament House on 25 November.
Madeline Hughes, clinical nurse specialist, Royal North Shore Hospital
Simpy Arora, clinical nurse specialist, Ryde Hospital
RNSH NICU hosts inaugural Neonatal Quality Showcase. The RNSH neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) recently welcomed over 50 clinicians for an inaugural showcase of neonatal projects.
The clinicians visited from seven different hospitals who are part of the Northern Sydney and Central Coast Tiered Perinatal Network. The showcase featured 14 presentations from neonatal clinicians with nursing, midwifery, and allied health backgrounds, giving comprehensive representation of the multidisciplinary care provided through neonatal care. RNSH neonatology clinical nurse consultant Emily Macnaught said the showcase was an invaluable opportunity to bring various neonatal clinicians together. “Each of the presented projects was undertaken with the primary intent to improve neonatal care and care of the family,” she said. “It was fantastic to be able to come together and celebrate the work being done to improve and innovate neonatal care.”
Claire Blackburn, Nurse Manager in the RNSH NICU, Abbey van Vuuren, Nurse Educator, Emily Macnaught, Nurse Consultant in the RNSH NICU, Tracey Gray, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at RNSH, and Laura Dangerfield, Divisional Nurse Manager at RNSH.
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australia’s second-longest living kidney recipient At just 22, Michael Anderson faced a grim diagnosis of acute nephritis, with doctors warning his parents that he might not make it to Christmas. With no transplants or dialysis available at the time, his outlook was bleak. Everything changed in 1970 when he received a kidney from a 21-year-old deceased donor. Now 81 years old, Michael is one of the
donation. Once you die, you could save seven people.” His transplant not only saved his life but also allowed him to marry, have two children, and welcome two grandchildren. “I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to live a full life and do anything I wanted to do,” Michael said. “I’ve never forgotten the family and donor who made it possible for me to live.” Jersey Day on August 30 is a national event that promotes organ donation awareness and encourages people to register as donors to save lives.
longest-surviving kidney transplant recipients in the world and the second longest-living kidney transplant recipient in Australia. He has lived with his kidney transplant for a remarkable 54 years. The transplant gave Michael a new lease on life. “Since I had a kidney transplant, there’s nothing I couldn’t do,” he said. After working for 30 years at Channel 7, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a farmer, setting up a dairy farm 21 years after his transplant. Michael is deeply grateful to the Renal Transplant physicians at Royal North Shore Hospital who have cared for him over the years “I’ve gone through a few specialists since I got my kidney. I’ve had incredible medical help, especially from Dr Bruce Cooper who has been fantastic to me,” he said. “I want to see everyone registered for organ
Michael with his sheep on his farm
Experiencing Dementia: Workshop Provides Insight Before the role-play begins, Allyson Waird cautions 11 RNSH social workers that the experience may be confronting.
She advises strategies like speaking calmly and not rushing questions. “This exercise helps staff understand why patients might be agitated,” said Maurice.
“You are individuals with dementia being admitted to hospital. This exercise aims to help you better understand your patients,” said Allyson, a clinical nurse consultant in aged care, delirium, and dementia. The dementia workshop, running since the early 2000s across Northern Sydney Local Health District, involves staff from various roles, including nurses and allied health workers. Participants wear masks and hospital pyjamas while completing confusing tasks amid blaring white noise. Dr Maurice Finn and clinical nurse consultant Vanessa Cawis, also masked, play roles by ignoring or giving unhelpful responses. After 15 minutes, the role-play ends, and the group discusses their feelings, such as bewildered, scared, and patronised. Allyson explained that the experience mirrors how dementia patients feel, with confusion and noise reflecting their daily challenges.
Allyson Waird, Maurice Finn and Vanessa Cawis at the dementia awareness class
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jamieson leeson heads to the paralympics We are thrilled to announce that Jamieson Leeson, known as Jam, will be competing in the Paris Paralympics in boccia, a precision
The Paralympic Games run from 28 August to 8 September 2024.
ball sport similar to bowls. As a valued member of the AYAH community, Jam will represent Australia at the South Paris Arena. Australia will be represented in boccia at the Paralympics by two athletes, including Jam along with their ramp operators and support crew. The team was officially named by Paralympics Australia in Sydney, with Jam and her teammate Daniel Michel leading the charge. Jam began her boccia journey at 15 and quickly rose to prominence, competing in the Tokyo Paralympics at just 18 as the youngest boccia athlete. Since then, she’s secured gold and silver at the 2022 World Championships and currently ranks as world number one in pairs with Daniel. “My ultimate goal is to bring home Australia’s first Paralympic gold in boccia. I’m honoured to compete in Paris this year,” Jam said. Tayia Yeates, Service Manager, AYAH said the staff will be cheering Jamieson on.
Jamieson Leeson is off to Paris
NSLHD’s New Palliative Care Navigator Service NSLHD has launched the first palliative care navigator service in NSW within the district’s virtual care service.
to refer patients who need urgent care but do not require emergency department visits. Several palliative care patients have avoided the distress of emergency department transfers, receiving timely and appropriate care directly at home. “In its initial phase, the service has shown amazing success and the feedback from their families
Spearheaded by specialised palliative care clinical nurse consultants Kim Offner and Jennifer Andresen, this innovative service integrates the AvoidED ambulance referral pathway. This pathway provides a single point of access for NSW Ambulance Service
has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Chenyao (Jerry) Yu, General Manager, Virtual Care and Hospital in the Home Services. For instance, 93-year- old Maria was spared an emergency department visit. NSLHD’s palliative care staff efficiently managed her symptoms and ensured she stayed at home as she wished. Her daughter Margi appreciated the support. As NSLHD moves to the second phase, it will assist general practitioners who are less familiar with palliative care options within the district.
Kim Offner and Jennifer Andresen, palliative care navigator CNCs, with NSW ambulance paramedic team
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WFNN President Cathy Cartwright, RNSH Clinical Nurse Consultant and Chair, WFNN Congress Vicki Evans (Roach) AM and Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association President Diane Lear.
Neuroscience Takes Centre Stage: RNSH Symposium highlights worldwide learnings The 2024 Sydney Neuroscience Symposium was recently held at Royal North Shore Hospital by the World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses (WFNN). The event had 65 members in attendance who were treated to 11 presentations across the day, including an address from keynote speaker and WFNN President Cathy Cartwright who was visiting from the United States. The presentations on the day covered a host of different topics including neuro assessment skills, movement disorders, neurosurgical cases, stroke, paediatric neurosurgery, paediatric head injuries, concussion clinic advancement and professional success. Royal North Shore Hospital clinical nurse consultant Vicki Evans Roach AM, who has been a board member of the WFNN since 1994, said the day was a great opportunity for collaboration and discussion across the various topics. “It was fantastic to have so many clinicians come together to share such important insights and learnings on all things neuroscience,” she said. “I’d like to thank Cathy and the president of the Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association Diane Lear for joining us.” On the back of this successful event, the WFNN will host the WFNN Congress in Darwin next year.
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Music is the best medicine The air was alive with the sound of music at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital when celebrations for Christmas in July were in full swing. Staff, patients and volunteers got into the festive spirit with Christmas melodies, masterfully played by Pink Lady volunteer Lindy, who played the piano. The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Parkinson’s Association Choir lent their voices to the occasion adding a layer of charm to the festivities. General Manager Simon Hill said: “It is a testament to the power of music and unity in celebrating the season’s cheer.”
The Hornsby choir showing their skills
Teddy Bears donated to RNSH Paediatrics ward Recently, Tania Mastroianni, founder of Business with a Heart, visited the Royal North Shore hospital paediatrics ward, bringing 40 teddy bears for the patients. Accompanied by ‘Spiderbear’, a full-sized bear mascot, she visited the ward with representatives from businesses that sponsored bears for the hospital, including Business Sydney, North Sydney Business Chamber, and Mosman Chamber of Commerce. Tania, having been diagnosed with congenital heart disease in utero and undergoing numerous heart surgeries, donates teddy bears and teddy bear kits to hospital patients. Since its inception, Business with a Heart has donated over 2,000 bears to children throughout Australia. “I remember being given a teddy bear at six months old that I still have. When children are isolated in hospital, a teddy bear can make a difference. Our aim is to give every kid a bear around Australia,” said Tania. “It’s also nice if the
bear mascot can bring a smile to kid’s faces.” Businesses or individuals can sponsor a bear that is then stuffed by Business With A Heart. The bears are donated to various charities and organisations, such as HeartKids and Ronald McDonald House.
Spideybear visiting a family at RNSH
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