NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story NSLHD’s THRIVE Program: Nurturing Future Leaders
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Carers week 2024 Page 3
Three finalists named for NSw health awards Pages 4 & 5
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Message from the chief executive
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
There are a range of mental health events happening throughout mental health month and more information about what is going on across the district can be found on the intranet. Another significant health awareness event this month is World Menopause Day which falls on 18 October. To mark the occasion a special event is being held at Royal North Shore Hospital in the Kolling Auditorium at 11:00 AM. Menopause is an important part of women’s health, and this day provides an opportunity to raise awareness and offer support, and better understand the impact it has on women across all stages of life. I look forward to attending this event, which will feature a diverse range of perspectives and insightful discussions. For more details about the event, please visit our intranet. I was honoured to speak at Sydney Health Partners’ inaugural Testing for Success – Celebrating Clinical Trials Excellence symposium and share NSLHD’s vision of becoming a leader in clinical trials. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals gathered to celebrate innovation in this vital aspect of medicine. I am also excited to introduce Tomorrow’s Medicine, Today, our recently launched publication that highlights the incredible work and renewed focus on clinical trials across our district. This publication not only showcases the groundbreaking research taking place but also emphasises our commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. This is our first edition, and with so much world-leading research taking place here in the district, more are sure to follow. You can read the publication here. As always, I thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment.
Dear colleagues, On Monday 30 September, I had the great privilege of hosting a virtual town hall meeting alongside NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM. This special session offered staff across our district an opportunity to engage directly with the Secretary and discuss key topics within the NSW Health system. I look forward to the next town hall meeting where I will be joined by Dr Teresa Anderson AM, Chief Executive of the of Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR). At this session we will look at the implementation of the SDPR - one of the biggest digital transformations in Australia - and get a better understanding of how it will improve the way we work and the patient experience. I was thrilled recently to announce that three of our NSLHD teams have been named finalists for the prestigious 2024 NSW Health Awards. These nominations are a recognition of the extraordinary contributions our teams are making to improve the NSW public health system. Our finalists have been shortlisted in the categories of Environmental Sustainability, People and Culture and Keeping People Healthy. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of these teams for their outstanding achievements and wish them the best of luck in the final round. I am also delighted to share that Associate Professor Naomi Hammond, Executive Director of Research at NSLHD, has been named a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Awards in the Public Servant of the Year category. The Premier’s Awards celebrate the exceptional services delivered by the NSW public sector, and being selected as a finalist is a significant honour. These nominations are impressive and a true testament to all the outstanding work taking place across our health service, and I congratulate all of our finalists. October marks the beginning of Mental Health Month which encourages us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, regardless of whether we have personally experienced mental illness. This year’s theme is Let’s Talk About It and is an important reminder to also check in on your colleagues and loved ones to encourage one another through open conversations and shared experiences.
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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World Sepsis Day celebrations at RNSH
Spotlight on sepsis To mark World Sepsis Day on 13 September, Royal North Shore Hospital held the ‘SOMEBODY #coulditbesepsis’ exhibition in partnership with Sydney-based photographer Helene Cochaud and Sepsis Australia. Running from 9th to 20th September, the exhibition showcased powerful images and stories of sepsis survivors and families who have lost loved ones, raising much- needed awareness about this life-threatening condition. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. It is estimated to contribute to nearly half of all hospital deaths in Australia. Every hour without treatment raises the risk of death by 8%. Survivors may also face long-term disabilities, such as post-sepsis syndrome, which can include both physical and cognitive impairments.
RNSH recently secured a national research grant, led by Associate Professor Naomi Hammond, to improve post-sepsis care, focusing on long-term support for survivors. The exhibition included interactive elements where visitors reflected on their sepsis experiences, such as sticker boards and a comment notebook. Photographer Helene Cochaud was inspired by the stories of sepsis survivors. “Sepsis is preventable if the condition is recognised quickly, so awareness is key to prevention... This project highlights the resilience of survivors,” she said. The exhibition was supported by the City of Willoughby, Northbridge Rotary, and Sepsis Australia, helping to spotlight the importance of timely sepsis recognition and treatment. doesn’t end when they leave work. They return home to continue providing essential support to a loved one with a chronic condition, illness, disability or is frail-aged. Barbara said a supportive work environment can make it easier for a working carer to manage the situation. “The Carer Support Service also offers additional resources and assistance tailored to the needs of staff who are carers,” she said. “The service is able to provide guidance, counselling support, connect staff with relevant service providers and networks, ensuring they have the tools needed to manage their dual responsibilities effectively.” To find out more about Carers Week and ways to support carers, contact the Carer Support Service on 9462 9488 or visit their website www.nscarersupport.com. au or Facebook page www.facebook.com/ NSLHDcarersupport.
Carers Week: 2.65 million reasons to care! The 14 to 20 October is National Carers Week 2024. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, recognise and acknowledge the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend in our community. There are over 130,000 carers across the district alone.
NSLHD Carer Support Service Manager, Barbara Lewis, said she encourages health staff to continue engaging with carers to provide positive experiences. “All staff have a responsibility to identify and engage with carers as our partners in care. Their family member is our patient, but as a carer providing care at home, they have particular knowledge about the person they care for, and it’s invaluable to us as health professionals,” she said. “It’s crucial carers are included in the patient’s care journey so we can get the best possible health outcomes.” Balancing care and work puts extra demands on a carer’s time and energy. For many staff within the NSLHD, the role of providing care
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NSW Health Awards 2024
Three finalists named across NSLHD for NSW Health Awards
Staff at NSLHD have been named finalists for the 2024 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary efforts to improve the NSW public health system. NSW Health received 186 nominations across the 12 award categories. Three teams from NSLHD were selected as finalists. Now in its 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said it is exciting to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways every day. “These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers, across the public health system,” Ms Pearce said. “I congratulate the finalists, but I also want to acknowledge the work being done across the system every day, by our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff.”
Carbon Footprint and Pathway to Net Zero Environmental Sustainability Award
Northern Sydney Local Health District has been named as a finalist for the ‘Environmental Sustainability Award’ at the upcoming 2024 NSW Health Awards. NSLHD is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2035 for emissions they control directly, and by 2050 for those they can influence. To support these goals, NSLHD’s Planetary Health team, in collaboration with Arup Australia and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, led a project to measure the district’s carbon footprint and create a pathway to net zero. The project, the first of its kind in any local health district, involved three key stages: collecting data to calculate the baseline carbon emissions, identifying emission-reducing interventions based on evidence and staff consultation, and modelling a pathway to net zero, aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. This initiative has led to a comprehensive plan for reaching net zero by 2035, positioning NSLHD as a leader in sustainable healthcare. The insights gained from this work have shaped the NSLHD Planetary Health Framework 2024-2027.
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Parental Leave Understanding and Support (PLUS) program People and Culture Award
conducted with so many collaborators and which has improved the outcomes for so many critically ill patients, has been selected for the NSW Health research award.”
The Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) Emergency Department has launched the “Parental Leave Understanding and Support (PLUS) program” to support new working parents in emergency medicine.
This comprehensive return- to-work initiative includes mentorship, wellness sessions, lactation support, and a family room designed for psychological and physical well-being. The program aims to improve staff retention and foster a resilient workforce. The PLUS program has gained national recognition for its effectiveness and potential for replication. Ongoing research is being conducted to assess its impact on staff. “As a finalist, we feel incredibly honoured that our fluid resuscitation research program,
Small Bites for Big Steps Keeping People Healthy Award
have been shared across NSW Local Health Districts, promoting evidence-based practices to support children’s development.
Small Bites for Big Steps is a video resource created to support children’s healthy development during their first 2000 days. The
project offers on-demand videos and Professional Development (PD) courses to bridge the gap between child development milestones and health outcomes for Early Childhood Educators. The team produced 49 videos featuring expert insights from Children’s Allied Health professionals, Child and Family Health Nurses, and Health Promotion Officers. Since its launch in May 2023, the project has seen over 13,000 video views, with more than 1,200 course completions by over 800 Early Childhood Educators. The videos have also been integrated into a Bachelor of Teaching subject at Charles Sturt University and featured on the NSW Government’s ‘Parents and Carers’ Hub. The resources
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Naomi Hammond named as finalist in prestigious premier’s awards
Associate Professor Naomi Hammond has been named as a finalist in NSW Premier’s Awards in the Public Servant of the Year category. Naomi works as NSLHD’s Executive Director of Research and has over 13 years of experience in clinical nurse research. Naomi has also played a pivotal role in advancing care for critically ill patients through her research efforts. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri congratulated Naomi on the achievement. “Being selected as a finalist is an honour, reflecting the highest standards of excellence within the NSW public sector,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the incredible work Naomi will continue to accomplish.”
Associate Professor Naomi Hammond
Digital Health Services spur change with reusable bags NSLHD’s Digital Health Services are taking a stand against single-use plastic bags, with a multitalented staff member taking the lead to initiate change and adding to NSLHD’s Planetary Health efforts. solutions that prioritise both people and the planet.”
Alongside her role as a Digital Applications Manager, Belinda Collins works as a volunteer on her weekends, sewing reusable fabric bags for Boomerang Bags in the Northern Beaches - a charity that empowers local communities to combat plastic pollution by knitted fabric reusable bags. The bags are placed near the exit for staff to take when leaving the office and returning them when they are done. Belinda said the idea came to her when she visited Mauritius for a holiday and learnt that all plastic bags are banned in the country. “After returning home I had noticed that single-use plastic bags were so prominent in the office bins,” she said. “I proposed a project to provide fabric reusable lunch bags for our department to help reduce plastic waste and haven’t looked back since.” Whilst the initiative is still in its infancy, Belinda said the change has already seen staff become more conscious of plastic waste and encouraged a sense of team spirit. “This collaborative spirit has not only enhanced our goals to reduce plastic, but it has also fostered a deeper sense of teamwork,” she said. “Seeing our efforts inspire others and create positive change is truly fulfilling, and it motivates me to keep pushing for innovative
Belinda Collins with a recyclable bag she made
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THRIVE’s eighth graduating cohort
NSLHD’s THRIVE Program: Nurturing Future Leaders NSLHD’s THRIVE program is transforming leadership development across NSLHD. Designed to help leaders grow and flourish, THRIVE is a six-month program that equips
a sense of pride. “It’s more than just a leadership course; it’s a journey of self-awareness and growth,” she said. “Being part of this process is like cheering on a team and watching them become the leaders of tomorrow.” Project officer Tegan Mitchley graduated as part of the eighth cohort said the program provided her confidence and knowledge to further development her leadership style. “THRIVE has enhanced my self-awareness, allowing me to better understand my leadership style and gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for growth,” she said. “It has also taught me how I can better support and collaborate with my colleagues and increased my confidence significantly, empowering me to take on more challenging projects with a clear vision and strategic approach.”
staff members with essential skills to navigate the complexities of their roles. The program sees staff members take part in five immersive workshops, leadership profiling, 360-degree feedback from their peers, and receive individual coaching sessions. Participants also have the opportunity to present their learnings to the NSLHD Board as part of the unique program. Offered bi-annually in March and July, THRIVE accepts up to 25 participants per intake and has become so popular amongst staff, with the eighth cohort of the program recently graduating. Senior Organisational Development Partner Amanda Tidemann, who facilitates the program, said being able to be involved in staff members’ leadership journey brings her from the National Health and Medical Research Council to improve infection prevention and control in aged care homes across the country. More than $740,000 has been awarded to the project to establish national practice standards in infection prevention and control, as well as governance and program guidelines. Professor Fry is collaborating with the University of Sydney’s Professor Ramon Shaban who is leading the multidisciplinary team. She said aged care standards require all residential aged care homes to appoint a designated infection control professional. “This research will support this mandate by developing the evidence base for infection prevention and control in residential aged
Researchers inform national standards for aged care Building on her large program of research, Professor Margaret Fry has received funding care homes,” she said. “The research will develop, for the first time,
the essential elements and governance arrangements for infection prevention and control programs, and the practice and competency for infection control professionals in aged care homes.”
The project is part of a scheme to develop the
evidence to inform
how existing practices can be adapted to suit the unique environment of residential aged cares homes.
Professor Margaret Fry
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