NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story 80 national and international optogenetics researchers visit Nslhd
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Message from the chief executive
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues,
What made this birthday so special was that it celebrated the service’s new location, which provides patients and staff with a better experience. By moving into the Douglas Building a year ago, we have been able to provide patients with so much more space for recovery, provide a better working environment for our clinicians and generally improve everyone’s experience. Hearing from and seeing so many former patients attend the birthday demonstrated the gratitude they had for our staff and for the care we provide to them. It is that level of care and compassion that has earned Royal North Shore and Hornsby Ku-ring- gai hospitals a place in the NewsWeek’s World Best Hospitals 2025 list. The rankings will be released on 26th February. This recognition comes on the back of the successful Short Notice Assessment Program accreditation results at both hospitals. The assessors will recommend to the Australian Council on Health Care Standards Commission that we achieve accreditation with three recommendations. Whilst we have a little bit of extra work to do overall, this is a very pleasing result given the extensive nature of the assessments.
I am delighted to welcome Aunty Sue Pinckham to our district as the Co-Chair of the NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and special advisor on Aboriginal Culture and Health. Aunty Sue has worked tirelessly to close the gap in health disparities in northern Sydney and has served on many hospital and district workings groups and committees. Aunty Sue will work with the Aboriginal health team and myself to refresh our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and provide cultural advice, support and connection with our leadership teams. She will also work alongside our clinicians and managers in revitalising Bungee Bidgel at Hornsby Hospital, and provide advice on the work developing a specialist diabetes and high- risk foot service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in northern Sydney. The Quality and Improvement Awards are back for 2025, celebrating achievements that positively impact patients, colleagues, and the community with nine categories for entries. Submissions are due by Monday, 14 April 2025, and can be made through the submission guide: https://bit.ly/3D1beRg and entry form, with further queries directed to nslhd-awards@ health.nsw.gov.au. I’m proud to announce that Dr Sally Wootton and Christy El-Khoury are finalists in the NSW Health 2025 Excellence in Allied Health Awards. Dr Wootton is nominated for Allied Health Professional of the Year, and Christy El-Khoury for Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year.
Congratulations to all the staff for their hard work in achieving such fantastic results.
Warm regards,
Anthony
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
I had the pleasure of attending the district’s cardiac rehabilitation services’ first birthday.
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NSLHD welcomes advisor on Aboriginal Culture and Health NSLHD has recently appointed Aunty Sue Pinckham as the Co-Chair of the NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and special advisor on Aboriginal Culture and Health. Tavia Bernsdorff, A/Deputy Director, Aboriginal Health, Aunty Sue and Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, NSLHD
Board member, and Sydney World Pride. Aunty Sue will work with the Aboriginal Health Team and myself to refresh our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and provide cultural advice, support and connection with our leadership teams. “She will also work alongside our clinicians and managers in revitalising Bungee Bidgel and provide advice on the work developing a specialist diabetes and high-risk foot service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Northern Sydney.” “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and work alongside Aunty Sue and our Aboriginal Health colleagues to ensure we do all that we can to close the gap in Northern Sydney.” Aunty Sue may be contacted via the Aboriginal Health Unit: https://bit.ly/4hxR1lg
Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said he was looking forward to the input of Aunty Sue. “Aunty Sue has a long and distinguished record of addressing the gap of health disparities in Northern Sydney and has served on many hospital and district working groups and committees,” he said. Aunty Sue’s commitment to the Aboriginal community is demonstrated through her diverse committee and board appointments. These include the NSW Aboriginal Gathering (Aged and Disability Services), Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Woman’s Legal Service (Co- founder and past Chair), Gadigal Information
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Scientists at the Kolling Institute for the Optogenetics Australia meeting
the kolling hosts the brightest minds in optogenetics More than 80 top national and international scientists converged on the Kolling Institute
thrive in space.” Associate Professor Aubrey said optogenetics is a powerful tool in neuroscience, as it allows researchers to study individual components of brain circuits that cause neurological disease. “Australian researchers are using light- sensitive tools and other innovative techniques to study the brain’s stress, addiction, pain, memory and depression circuits. “Encouragingly, we have a depth of experience in optogenetics at the Kolling within the Pain Management Research Labs, and the event provided a great opportunity for collaboration and networking. “I would like to thank everyone involved in making the event a success, including leading international developers Professor Michael Bruchas from University of Washington, Professor Yulong Li from Beijing University, Deniz Dalkara from the Institute de la Vision in France and Assistant Professor Guosong Hong from Stanford University. “These researchers are producing some of the best new tools in the field and it was valuable to hear the latest progress.”
for the fourth Optogenetics Australia meeting, featuring the very latest light technologies driving research. The event attracted dynamic keynote speakers from the USA, Europe and China, and leading research institutions across Australia. Chair of Optogenetics Australia and senior Kolling Institute pain medicine researcher, Associate Professor Karin Aubrey said optogenetics is a range of technologies that allows researchers to use light to control biological processors. “New technologies often determine what is possible at the cutting edge of science, accelerating our understanding of what causes disease and how we diagnose, prevent and treat it,” she said. “The first human application of optogenetics, published in 2021, partially restored vision in a blind patient. “The technology is also being used to develop less invasive methods for sleep apnoea treatment, to reduce stroke effects and even to modify plants so that they can
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Professor Sarah Hilmer
Groundbreaking work in geriatric pharmacology Professor Sarah Hilmer AM has dedicated her career to optimising medicine use for older people and has achieved recognition as a national and world leader in geriatric pharmacology. Not only has the Royal North Shore hospital (RNSH) clinical pharmacologist and
Northern Sydney and three on the Central Coast to see if this package of tools can help clinicians to identify patients who are not functioning optimally because of the medication they have been taking and to minimise medication related harm. The tools are now available for clinical care across Northern Sydney and Central Coast health districts and are being implemented at other NSW health districts. Sarah is eager to see the tool as part of routine hospital care. Nurses regularly have a “huddle” to discuss patient issues, which can include falls or delirium. Her team has been encouraging nurses to look at the Drug Burden Index during a huddle, and if it is high, arrange for a medication review. “It might be that the medication is causing the falls or confusion,” she said. Sarah has long advocated for ‘age-friendly’ clinical trials that make it easier for frail, older people to be included. While the average older person takes up to eight prescription medications, globally, they are often under- represented in clinical trials. We have a situation where we test drugs in healthy, older people or in middle aged people, and then use them in frail, older people with a lot of different complex problems. We wind up with all sorts of interactions and unexpected effects. “I think it’s really important that if we’re going to do clinical trials, we need to make sure that they’re inclusive of the people who are going to actually wind up using the drugs in clinical practice,” she said.
geriatrician set about improving medication practices for older people, but she has long advocated for ‘age-friendly’ clinical trials. One of Sarah’s notable contributions has been the development of the Drug Burden Index (DBI), a risk assessment tool that measures an older person’s exposure to medications that slow them down physically and mentally. “Over the past 20 years or so, we have been validating the tool in populations around the world to show that the higher your Drug Burden Index, the worse your physical function and your cognition is, and the more likely you are to fall or wind up in a nursing home,” she said. Eager to put the DBI into clinical practice, Sarah and her colleagues developed a calculator that could measure a patient’s drug burden. They produced a way to integrate it into a hospital’s electronic medical record so that staff could use it when treating frail, elderly patients.In 2021 — at the height of the pandemic — Sarah ran a successful pilot study implementing the calculator at RNSH. “We managed to show that we could really improve prescribing,” she said. For the past 18 months, she and her team have run a clinical trial in three hospitals in
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Ryde hospital’s chapel decommissioned If you have ever been a patient at Ryde Hospital in the past 35 years, chances are Christine Padovan has made your bed. The 67-year-old is one of two people who makes the beds, a job she has been doing since she was a teenager.
broader effort to modernise our hospital’s infrastructure to ensure that our spaces are aligned with the needs of today and tomorrow. “While the chapel will no longer exist as a physical space, our commitment to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our patients, families, and staff remains steadfast. We will continue to offer pastoral care, counselling, and other support services to meet these needs.”
Christine started working at the hospital in the kitchen when she was 15 but moved into the cleaning team and then as a bed-maker. Born at the hospital, Christine also married her late husband Ivan in 1973 in the chapel situated on the hospital grounds. She came to visit the chapel recently with her mother, Marie Vinci where they attended the last service to be held in the chapel. A new multi-faith room will be constructed as part of the hospital’s redevelopment, where anyone can come and reflect, pray or just enjoy some solitude. “I do go into the chapel and pray. When I am not so busy I like to go in there and think,” Christine said. Pastors from the Ryde local area came to commemorate the chapel which has played an important role in many patient and staff lives. Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said: “As we look to the future of our hospital and the changing needs of those we care for, we have made the difficult decision to decommission this chapel. This decision is part of our
Christine Padovan
NSLHD staff attend final Ryde chapel service
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a heartfelt thank you for cardiac rehabilitation services A year ago, almost to the day, Steven Marshall underwent life-saving heart surgery
birthday milestone which signified the benefits of moving the service to a large modern space that has assisted patients in their recovery. First established in 1998, cardiac rehabilitation services provide a program of treatment designed with physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, nurses, doctors and other health professionals for patients recovering from major heart surgery, so they can regain their previous active lifestyle.
and had no idea what his future held. With a serious heart condition, Steven required open heart surgery followed by months of cardiac rehabilitation. But when he walked through the doors of the district’s cardiac rehabilitation services, which had just moved to its new home in the Douglas Building at Royal North Shore Hospital, he knew he was in “really good hands.” The north shore-based father spoke of his journey at the cardiac rehabilitation services’ first birthday in the Douglas Building. It moved a year ago into bigger premises with Steven being one of the first patients to experience the enhanced treatment space. “We have heard the words life changing and I don’t think that’s an underestimate,” he said. “When I came here it gave me a sense that I was in really good hands. Once I walked through these doors and took part in the program I could see the benefits. “I can’t speak more highly of the care I received.” Staff and patients celebrated the first
The display at RNSH NSLHD staff and patients celebrated the first birthday of the cardiac rehabilitation services in the Douglas Building
Ryde Hospital Medical Staff Council Presents Honour Board To mark Ryde Hospital’s 90th anniversary, the Ryde Hospital Medical Staff Council (MSC) has presented an Honour Board dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of Junior Medical Officers (JMOs). number of nominations. Each nominee received a personalised certificate with comments from their nominators.
This marks the first time Ryde Hospital has introduced an Honour Board and JMO Excellence Award. The initiative will continue annually, with hopes to expand into other categories in the future.
This year, Dr Mackenzie Little was awarded the inaugural 2024 Junior Medical Officer Excellence Award for her dedication, professionalism, and respect for the multidisciplinary team. Dr Linda Xu, Staff Specialist Geriatrician and MSC member, highlighted Mackenzie’s commitment to patient care. “Mackenzie is a dedicated, hardworking and compassionate intern, consistently going above and beyond to support staff and patients,” she said. The Honour Board was created to foster a culture of education and wellbeing, with future JMO Excellence Award recipients listed annually. This year, the MSC also sponsored a voucher for the awardee as a token of appreciation. The selection process involved nominations from staff across the hospital, including nursing, allied health, medical staff, and executives. Fourteen JMOs were nominated, with Dr Mackenzie receiving the highest
Dr Mackenzie Little, award recipient
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NSLHD finalists in allied health awards Two outstanding NSLHD professionals have been named finalists in the NSW Health 2025
practice,” she said. Christy El-Khoury joined Royal North Shore Hospital after completing her pharmacy internship in 2023. She has quickly distinguished herself through her leadership in a district-wide penicillin allergy de-labelling project, aiming to optimise patient outcomes and improve antimicrobial stewardship. As one of NSW’s Advanced Pharmacy Australia Foundation Pharmacy Residents, she is expanding her clinical expertise while driving hospital wide improvements. “Hearing that I was a finalist was an incredible surprise and an honour. It’s wonderful to see pharmacists recognised for their contributions,” she said. Julia Capper, Executive Director, Allied Health, NSLHD Executive Unit, said it was a fantastic achievement to have finalists in these awards. “We are so fortunate to have such amazing allied health team members,” she said.
Excellence in Allied Health Awards. Dr Sally Wootton,physiotherapist, is a finalist for Allied Health Professional of the Year, while Christy El-Khoury, Pharmacist, is a finalist for Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year. These prestigious awards celebrate the dedication and exceptional care provided by NSW allied health professionals. Dr Sally Wootton, a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at NSLHD and Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, is a leading clinician-researcher in pulmonary rehabilitation. With over 40 publications and contributions to international guidelines, her research has transformed respiratory care, including Australia’s first mobile pulmonary rehabilitation platform. “Being a finalist is a great honour and a testament to my incredible team. Our focus is on ensuring all patients receive the best care through innovation and evidence-based
Dr Sally Wootton
Christy El-Khoury
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Supporting Dignity’s food relief efforts at Link Wentworth, West Ryde
NSLHD Staff Support Food Relief with dignity A recent impact report highlights the
6,700 meals and 241 hampers were distributed, delivering 7,090 kilograms of fresh food in partnership with Dom’s Place in Hornsby and Link Wentworth in West Ryde. The program supported around 1,900 people, including a father of five who had to leave work due to illness. He shared how the food relief has been invaluable to his family during tough times, appreciating the judgment-free support. Another family, living in temporary accommodation without cooking facilities, has relied on the program for nutritious meals. Their stories highlight the real impact of these contributions. NSLHD and Dignity are now preparing for the upcoming Winter Appeal, with more details to be shared soon.
incredible contributions NSLHD staff have made to Dignity’s food relief programs, supporting individuals and families at risk of homelessness. Through generous donations, NSLHD has helped provide essential meals and hampers to those in need. Dignity, NSLHD’s official workplace giving partner, focuses on prevention, crisis response, and long-term housing solutions. Sherin Fishwick, National Partnerships Manager for Dignity, expressed gratitude for the support. “Every year, I am taken aback by the generosity of your community and the fact that we could not do what we do without it, so I would like to thank every employee, volunteer, and community member who donates,” she said. Between July and December 2024, over
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NSLHD Intellectual Property Committee
NSLHD boosts intellectual property expertise As the district strengthens its clinical trial expertise and capacity, it has appointed a new Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Committee. A diverse group of members have joined
trademarks and copyrights. “Importantly, this committee will help NSLHD safeguard its intellectual property and leverage it effectively,” she said. “The expert committee will help align our IP management with our broader strategic direction and ensure our IP assets are protected. “This will be an important step towards supporting our researchers’ innovative ideas, the growth of the district’s research portfolio, and reputation as a leader in research. “As the district expands its research and clinical trial expertise, it’s crucial we have a robust approach to intellectual property and commercialisation. “This new committee will assist us as we expand our culture of embedding clinical trials as therapy into everything that we do.”
the committee including the Head of Intellectual Property at Corrs Chambers Westgarth Eugenia Kolivos, former Head of Commercialisation at CSIRO Laurence Street, and Dr Stephanie Allen, a senior partner at Kearney with a depth of experience in commercialisation, IP and organisational strategy. The independent members will be joined by NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, Executive Director Research Associate Professor Naomi Hammond, Executive Director of Finance, Jacqueline Ferguson, Manager Research Strategy and Partnerships Dr Rebeka Freckleton and Director of Legal Natasha Patney. Naomi said the new committee will provide a crucial role, overseeing the management, protection and enforcement of NSLHD’s intellectual property rights, including patents,
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NSLHD shares planetary health initiatives with visiting delegation
Some of the shared learnings included discussing NSLHD’s 2024-2027 Planetary Health Framework, energy and waste management, procurement, models of care, active travel, and the NatureFix wellness program. Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the visit was a valuable exchange of knowledge and ideas. “Hearing from our visitors about the progress being made in health and sustainability in Singapore was inspiring, and it was fantastic to share our own progress here at NSLHD,” he said. “NSLHD is committed to our planetary health efforts, with a target of net zero by 2035 for emissions we can control. Visits like this are incredibly valuable for learning and future collaborations.”
NSLHD recently welcomed twelve health and environmental sustainability experts from Singapore who made a visit to Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH). The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Health Holdings Sustainability Office, National University of Singapore Centre for Sustainable Medicine, National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and Singapore Health Services. Among them was Dr Nick Watts, former Chief Sustainability Officer of the National Health Service in the UK, now advising on environmental sustainability for Singapore’s health system. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the work NSLHD staff have led to make hospitals and community health services more environmentally sustainable.
Members of the Singaporean delegation received a tour of RNSH
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NSW Health
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Our NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy ensures we deliver a safe, welcoming, and inclusive health system.
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February 2025 @ NSW Health. SHPN (WPTD) 250096. Image: Destination NSW.
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