NSLHD News December 3 2021

NORTH FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS APPEAL The NORTH Foundation has launched its annual

improvement in their knee pain over 12 months, the level of improvement was the same as for those in the placebo group. There were also no differences in the MRI scans across both groups. Kolling Institute and University of Sydney researcher, and RNSH clinician Professor David Hunter concedes the findings will disappoint some people who had hoped these injections would offer long- term relief. “With more than two million Australians affected by knee joint arthritis, there is clearly a need for new therapies to reduce symptoms and improve the structure of the knee,” he said. “Unfortunately, the particular treatment trialled in this study, whilst widely used and and our hospitals have kept serving the community – no matter what the health challenge has been.” This year the main signatory of the letter Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital and a Senior Intensive Care Specialist Dr Sarah Wesley, shares her experience as a frontline worker and talks about how staff have been quick to adapt and respond to the challenges. Sarah’s letter and the patient stories being shared as part of this year’s Christmas appeal can be read here: https://bit.ly/3E2FIh8 “This Christmas, we are hoping to raise $200,000 to support our hospitals and healthcare workers within NSLHD,” Gilbert said. “We cannot do this without

found platelet-rich plasma injections for osteoarthritis knee pain are no better than a placebo. This type of injection has become an increasingly popular form of treatment for knee joint arthritis, despite its prohibitive cost at around $2,000 per injection. Plasma from a patient’s own blood is injected directly into the joint in the hope it will reduce pain and improve joint cartilage. But a trial conducted by researchers from the universities of Sydney and Melbourne and Monash University has found that while participants who had the plasma injections did have a significant Christmas fundraising appeal to raise funds for Northern Sydney Local Health District. From now until the end of January 2022, the NORTH Foundation hopes to raise awareness around how continuing to provide high- quality patient care despite the challenges of COVID-19 has remained the highest priority for the district. NORTH Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Gilbert Lorquet said: “It’s important for people to know they can give back to their local hospital and we hope to spread the message that our healthcare staff are working harder than ever,” he said. “Throughout the last two years, the everyday healthcare needs of our community have continued

the support from our community, so help us share our message today.” The NORTH Foundation is also encouraging members of the community to leave a ‘message of thanks’ for healthcare workers or a special thanks to a particular nurse, doctor or other staff member here: https://bit. ly/3D4fdGP

Researchers reject plasma injections: osteoarthritis knee pain In what will be disappointing news for many, a large- scale clinical trial has typically expensive, appears to be ineffective.

“Our research however has added to our understanding of this type of treatment and will ensure the latest recommendations are backed by high-quality evidence. “Our current advice encourages people with knee osteoarthritis to adopt a consistent exercise program and lose weight if they are above a healthy weight range. “We know that by reducing your body weight by just 10 per cent, you can reduce your knee pain by a remarkable 50 per cent.” The research paper has been published in one of the world’s leading medical journals, the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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