Message from the chief executive A/Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Volunteers play an extraordinary role in our hospital ecosystem. Day in, and day out, volunteers across the district make significant contributions in a variety of ways, whether it be through visiting patients on wards or fundraising. It was therefore wonderful to hear that our volunteers from Royal North Shore and Ryde Hospital were recently honoured at the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards at a ceremony in Kirribilli. Christina Louie was recognised for volunteering at RNSH for six years, and Ian and Gillian Grose were acknowledged for a combined length of 29 years of service. I congratulate them for being nominated for this award which is now one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across Australia. The Workplace Giving Program gives staff the opportunity to make a difference by donating a small portion of every pay to a charity. It is one of the most simple and convenient ways to donate, connect with important social issues, and make a real difference. Since 2019, staff have been supporting Dignity, an incredible local charity that supports people who are homeless or at risk of it. It is now my great pleasure to announce that we are adding the Te-Kworo Foundation to our successful Workplace Giving Program. The Te-Kworo Foundation works with vulnerable people in northern Uganda. The foundation aims to give every woman and child the chance of a healthy life by supporting access to education and life- saving maternal health services.
mothers so they can deliver their babies safely. It also offers minor surgery, paediatric care, vaccinations, and ante-natal care, and has two ambulances to transfer critical cases to the nearest hospital which can be hours away. I recently met up with 70 physiotherapists from across the district to celebrate World Physiotherapy Day, which aims to acknowledge and raise awareness about the crucial contribution of physiotherapists every day. The theme of this year was a focus on rehabilitation and Long COVID, and the role that physiotherapists can play in helping those suffering from Long COVID. Over 180 physiotherapists work across the district in a range of settings, making a significant difference to the lives of patients and their families/carers. It was interesting spending time with them and learning more about the work they do. We also recently marked R U OK Day on September 14. This national day of action is an important reminder that we all need to check in with those around us and ask, ‘Are you OK?’. The power of taking the time to have a conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind is often underestimated. In doing so, we can help the people around us feel supported and connected. Finally, our annual NSW People Matter Employee Survey closed on 15 September, and I’d like to thank everyone who did the survey. The results help us see what is working and areas that need improvement. The summary results will be published in early November 2023. Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
The foundation also runs a clinic, which provides facilities and care for pregnant
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 17|15 SEPTEMBER 2023
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