Message from the Chief Executive Deb Willcox
It is so great to see more than 90 per cent of the eligible NSW population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the low case numbers as we experience further easing of restrictions. With restrictions now lifted for regional travel in NSW, and the reintroduction of overseas travel to some countries for those who are fully vaccinated, I know many of you may already be planning trips away to reunite with loved ones. It is an exciting time especially as we head into the festive season, however we must remain cautious and be ready to respond if needed. We have already started administering third “booster” COVID-19 vaccinations at our Hornsby, Mona Vale and Royal North Shore Hospital Vaccination Hubs. Expert advice is the two-dose vaccination course already provided gives a high level of protection against the most severe effects of the virus so the booster vaccination is not mandatory. However, staff are encouraged to make appointments for their booster shot through the COVID-19 vaccination clinic finder here: https://bit.ly/3og2U4J. The NSLHD Executive Team has recently welcomed Associate Professor Chris Dennis to the role of Executive Medical Director. Many staff will know Chris from his time as Head of the Northern Clinical School. He is also a Staff Specialist Respiratory Physician at Royal North Shore Hospital. Chris is an excellent addition to the team and brings to the role his extensive knowledge and experience and a strong commitment to patient safety and quality in healthcare. He will provide senior leadership and oversight across a range of areas including clinical services, clinical governance, data analytics and digital innovation, patient safety and research governance. While our nominations for the Exceptional People Awards were paused due to COVID-19 restrictions, I am really pleased to announce nominations have reopened. I encourage you to nominate someone special so we can celebrate and formally recognise staff who go above and beyond
to make a difference for the benefit of their colleagues, patients and consumers. COVID-19 restrictions have meant this year’s awards event has moved to February 2022 to ensure we can have a full house in attendance. Nominations previously submitted will still be included and I am so looking forward to being able to celebrate our award winners together. The festive season is just around the corner which means it is time to kick off the Christmas with Dignity campaign. This is the second year we have partnered with Dignity, our workplace giving partner, who use items donated by staff to create hampers to give to people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. I encourage you all to make a donation to help spread the Christmas cheer to vulnerable people in our community. You can take your donations to Christmas trees located at Royal North Shore, Ryde, Hornsby, and Mona Vale hospitals, as well as at the NSLHD Executive Office on level 14 of the Kolling Building. It has been almost two years responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and it has been an incredibly challenging time for many of you, professionally and also personally, and it is so important to look after your own wellbeing. I encourage those of you who are able, to make arrangements to take some time off to refresh and spend time with family and friends. Finally, our Annual Public Meeting is coming up on Friday 26 November at 3:00pm. This year’s theme is planetary health and we will hear about the current and future initiatives across our district to allow us to care for the health of our planet and our community. The event will be live streamed and all are welcome to tune in through your computer or mobile via this link https://bit. ly/3CFdV5C.
Deb Willcox Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 21 | 12 NOVEMBER 2021
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