NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb RNSH unveils new surgical robot in honour of Alexandria Phirros
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DONATElife Week: How two transplants helped Josh Pages 6 and 7
New tech removes language barrier to cancer care Page 4
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, It was great to attend the NORTH STAR VNP Cancer Clinical Trials Showcase recently which attracted a full house to the Kolling auditorium. At the showcase it was wonderful to hear from our leading cancer specialists and researchers who detailed the promising treatments to be offered through the centre as part of a new generation of cancer therapy. I would like to thank Joanne Goyen who bravely shared her experience and treatment journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer. It was moving to hear about her experience, and we greatly appreciate her generous support of the event. It was also a privilege to attend the launch and opening of the recent new ‘Alexis’ Da Vinci Xi surgical system – a state-of-the-art robot that will transform the way complex surgical procedures are performed at Royal North Shore Hospital. This addition to the hospital’s operating suite was made possible by the generosity of a single donor, Alexandria Phirros and the robot has been named in her honour. Her bequest has given our staff and community access to technology that will make a profound difference to surgical care for years to come. Thank you to the NORTH Foundation for their exceptional work in supporting the families and friends of our generous donors and facilitating the bequest. As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, Northern Sydney Local Health District has launched a special series of Aboriginal cultural content on the NatureFix app. This initiative is the result of a collaboration
between the NSLHD Healthy Built Environments team, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service, and respected Guringai Elder Uncle Laurie Bimson. The new content, narrated by Uncle Laurie, invites staff and visitors to connect with Country through storytelling, cultural reflections, and nature-based mindfulness. It is now available on the NatureFix app at five NSLHD sites, supporting wellbeing through deeper connection to nature and Aboriginal culture. You can read more about this wonderful initiative on page 10. I would like to thank all staff members across the district who recently took part in the Patient Safety Culture Survey. This survey is key to our health and safety work, helping us understand what’s working and where we can improve. Our next virtual staff Town Hall will feature a discussion of these results, and I look forward to sharing these with our workforce. Our budget roadshows are coming up across the various sites and services in the district. These sessions are always a great opportunity to share the financial outlook, answer questions and discuss our priorities for the year ahead. I am very much looking forward to the budget roadshows and meeting our people to hear thoughts and feedback.
Warm regards,
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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RNSH unveils new surgical robot in honour of Alexandria A quiet act of generosity by Alexandria Deidre Robertson, Alexandria’s lifelong friend, helped cut the ribbon to launch the new ‘Alexis’ robot alongside NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet, RNSH General Manager Alison Zecchin and NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri
August. Liver and pancreatic surgeon and Academic Lead for Robotic Surgery at RNSH Kai Brown said Alexandria’s gift had opened a new chapter for surgical care in the district. “Alexandria has left a permanent legacy. She has opened a world of opportunity for not only patients, but also for our surgical team, allowing NSLHD to become a leader in minimally invasive robotic surgery.” Kai said the Alexis robot allows for advanced procedures that are more precise and less invasive. “The robot has similar benefits to laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, but offers further advantages. Instead of being limited to their hands, the surgeon controls four articulated robotic arms via a console. With 10-times high-definition 3D magnification, it allows for extraordinary precision, dexterity and visualisation. “It means many operations that once required large incisions can now be done with smaller ones, reducing pain, shortening hospital stays and speeding recovery for our patients.”
Phirros has brought a major advancement in surgical care to Royal North Shore Hospital, with the arrival of a next-generation robotic surgical system now named in her honour. The new Da Vinci Xi surgical robot, known as Alexis, is set to change the future for patients across Northern Sydney Local Health District by expanding access to safer, less invasive procedures and supporting the training of Australia’s next generation of surgical leaders. Made possible by a significant bequest from Alexandria’s estate, the project was delivered through the NORTH Foundation. To mark the arrival of Alexis, RNSH hosted a special event with Alexandria’s loved ones in attendance, acknowledging her extraordinary legacy and the lasting impact of her gift. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the new technology would benefit both patients and clinical teams for years to come. “The Alexis surgical robot will enable greater surgical precision and improved outcomes for our patients,” he said. “It will enhance our ability to attract the very best surgical talent, who can now come to RNSH to train with world-class technology.” Robotic-assisted surgery has become a trusted and advanced option in Australia over the past two decades, particularly in private hospitals. With the arrival of Alexis, RNSH now offers its own publicly available robotic platform, ensuring more patients in the public system can benefit from the same level of care. Surgeons across urology, colorectal, cardiothoracic, upper gastrointestinal, gynaecology and ENT are already trained in robotic-assisted techniques, with the first procedure using Alexis scheduled for early
Friends of Alexandria, Maxxine Peacock-Smith, Diedre Robertson and Beth Pratley were in attendance for the launch
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Radiation therapists Rory Hartley and Toby Lowe
New technology removes language barrier to high-quality cancer care
to-use format. Toby said they are pleased the app is now being trialled at Royal North Shore Hospital. “We developed INSPIRE-RT to ensure that every patient, regardless of language or background, has the opportunity to receive the highest standard of radiation therapy,” he said. “It’s about fairness, dignity, and delivering truly inclusive care, and we are so pleased that it is now supporting the delivery of care. “We hope the technology will help reduce anxiety, increase take-up of the breath-hold technique and improve workflow efficiencies.” The innovative app is already gaining recognition with the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre therapists receiving a NSLHD Quality and Improvement Award. They have also been nominated for a NSW Health award in October. The development of the app was made possible by a generous philanthropic donation by the family of Brenda Grosz. Rory and Toby would like to extend their thanks for this crucial funding which transformed their idea from a concept to a functional tool which may eventually assist patients internationally.
Two enterprising radiation therapists from the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre have developed an innovative app to improve access to care for patients from diverse backgrounds. Based at Royal North Shore Hospital, Rory Hartley and Toby Lowe produced the INSPIRE- RT app following their experience with oncology patients, including those from a non- English speaking background. Rory said we know that it’s important for patients undergoing breast and liver radiation therapy to adopt the breath-hold technique to minimise the radiation dose to healthy organs such as the heart, lungs and abdominal structures. “But we were consistently seeing that patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds were not able to use the advanced technique due to language barriers, anxiety and a lack of understanding,” he said. “Concerned by the inequality in access to this important technique, we developed the mobile app to educate and coach patients to adopt the breath-hold model, and to translate the real-time coaching commands into seven commonly spoken languages.” INSPIRE-RT is a dedicated tool delivering visual and interactive instructions in an easy-
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ralph awarded medal for 50 years of diabetes management Each year, Diabetes Australia presents the Kellion Victory Medal to those who have lived with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years or more. It recognises the achievement of living a fulfilling life with diabetes. in what food he eats. Ralph is a testament to the advances in healthcare but more importantly great self- care.
This year, one of Ryde’s longtime patients, Ralph Chick, was the recipient of the 80-year type 1 diabetes victory medal. Ryde celebrated the amazing achievement with Ralph, his family and some of the clinicians who have cared for him for many years. Ralph, now 95 was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Learning to cope with this diagnosis was a huge learning curve for his whole family. He needed to change his diet, eat regularly, check his blood sugar levels and inject himself with insulin throughout the day. Having diabetes has not stopped Ralph doing what he loves with his daughters saying their
father never complained. “Why complain?’’ he said.
Ralph has looked after himself by seeing his GP and specialist regularly and being careful
Ralph Chick with his family
NSLHD libraries celebrate Library and Information Week Northern Sydney Local Health District
121 for patient care and 94 for quality improvement. More than 500 staff took part in AI Essentials training sessions, and more than 3000 general assistance requests were handled. NSLHD libraries are located at the Douglas Piper Library at Royal North Shore Hospital, Hornsby Hospital Library, Mental Health Library at Macquarie Hospital, Mona Vale Hospital Library and Ryde Hospital Library.
libraries are shining a spotlight on access to information and literacy this week as part of the national Library and Information Week. The theme for 2025, ‘to read or not to read – literacy matters’ recognises that for many people, the choice to read is not always straightforward. NSLHD libraries are helping break down these barriers by providing timely, high-
quality evidence to support patient care, clinical research, policy development and staff education. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the libraries play an essential role across the district in improving health outcomes. “As a regular user of the district library services myself, the expertise, responsiveness and dedication of our library staff make an enormous difference,” he said. “They’re not only information specialists, they are partners in improving healthcare outcomes.” In the past year alone, NSLHD library staff completed 583 literature searches, including
NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri visited the Douglas Piper Library at RNSH to celebrate the week
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Donatelife week
DonateLife Week shines a light on donor generosity at RNSH Royal North Shore Hospital marked
the donation process is a deeply meaningful experience, and that DonateLife Week serves as a valuable reminder of the significance of these conversations at end-of-life. “I feel privileged to care for organ and tissue donors at the end of their lives,” she said. “Their decision to help others is the reason someone else gets a second chance at life. Jenny said the week is a chance to encourage more Australians to take a moment to consider registering their wishes. “While around 80 per cent of Australians support organ and tissue donation, only 33 per cent are currently registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register. In 2025, we’re encouraging more Australians to consider registering their wishes. It’s a simple step that can make a lasting difference.” You can register to be an organ and tissue donor by visiting www.donatelife.gov.au/ register-donor-today.
DonateLife Week by honouring the donors and their families through an initiative to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. The national campaign, run by the Australian Government’s Organ and Tissue Authority, took place from 27 July to 3 August this year. To acknowledge the week and honour the dedication of staff who support patients and families throughout the organ and tissue donation experience, a morning barbeque was held on the balcony of the hospital’s intensive care unit. NSLHD Donation Specialists Jenny Holman and Alyce Robinson hosted the event and thoughtfully timed it in the morning to allow both night and day shift staff to take part in the celebrations. The gathering provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect and reflect on the impact of caring for donors and their families. Jenny shared that guiding families through
DonateLife Week BBQ at RNSH
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How two transplants gave Josh a second chance at life No one knows the importance of DonateLife Week more than Josh Reed, a two-time kidney transplant recipient. At just 19 years old in 1986, Josh was told his kidneys were failing.
The transplant took place at Royal North Shore Hospital. After a short period of mild rejection, his team brought it under control. “I had a period of low-level rejection about a month after the transplant that took a few months to get under control. But the team at RNSH were amazing, and I never doubted they would be able to help me,” he said. Since then, life has changed dramatically. Josh recently travelled to Dublin to see his daughter graduate from her Masters at Trinity College. “Travel was very difficult on dialysis, and most overseas travel was out of our reach, so that was huge,” he said. Josh now shares his story to encourage others to consider organ donation. “Organ donation has given me a deep appreciation for the generosity of people,” he said. “I understand the hesitation, but it is an extraordinarily generous gift to give, and in whatever circumstances it happens, you’ll be in the best of hands.” Josh thanked Royal North Shore Hospital for his care and Dr Shen for her dedication in treating him and helping access the drug. “I’ve never had anything but good experiences throughout all the stages of care,” he said. “Only two doses of Imlifidase were made available in Australia, and Dr Shen worked very hard to get me on that very short list. In the end I was the 43rd person in the world to have it. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Two years later, they had completely failed, and his mother offered one of her kidneys with a transplant soon following. It was a resounding success. Josh lived 25 years with his mother’s kidney, raising his children, working in the film industry and enjoying everyday life. But in 2014, his transplanted kidney failed, and he returned to dialysis. Josh said it was initially manageable with the support of his children, but gradually took its toll. “I continued to work and raise my kids, and they were amazingly supportive and helpful,” he said. “But after a while my stamina began to fade, and I knew I’d need to slow down.” After several rounds of plasma exchange to reduce antibodies from his first transplant, Josh was told in 2020 that a second transplant might not be possible. “We had to accept it wasn’t going to be possible to receive another transplant. I’d be on dialysis for the rest of my life. That news was devastating, and out of everything, that was the hardest thing to process,” he said. His fortunes changed thanks to Royal North Shore Hospital nephrologist Dr Yvonne Shen, his partner Carmen and a new drug called Imlifidase. Imlifidase suppresses antibodies long enough to allow a transplant. Josh became only the second person in Australia to receive it. With Carmen donating a kidney as part of the Australian and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange Program, a match was found in 2024. “Carmen and I were given a date for the operations to happen, and that, as you can imagine, was exhilarating news for both of us,” he said.
Josh and partner Carmen post their transplant surgeries
Josh was able to attend his daughter’s graduation ceremony in Dublin thanks to his transplant
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Celebrating go-live day with the RNSH Medical Imaging Interventional team, Philips support and project team, and RNSH General Manager Alison Zecchin and Director of Medical Services Dr Daryl-Anne Elias.
RNSH leads the way with latest imaging technology Royal North Shore Hospital has made a significant leap in interventional technology that provides clearer images and enables more precsise care to the patient. The hospital is the first in Australia to install and fully implement the Philips Azurion 7 biplane angiography system – Release 3. RNSH Medical Imaging Operations Manager Emily Hodgins said the benefits of the latest release were already being felt. “The improved efficiency, image clarity, and added features are enabling our team to deliver more precise, timely care,” she said. This technology introduces enhanced imaging resolution, faster processing, and intuitive workflow tools that help reduce procedure times, lower radiation exposure, and support decision-making during complex procedures. “The new system supports a wide range of procedures, including Portacath insertions for long- term medication access, transarterial chemoembolisation for liver cancer treatment, adrenal vein sampling to investigate causes of hypertension, and life-saving arterial embolisations to control internal bleeding,” Emily said. “This technology supports our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in patient outcomes.” As an early adopter of Release 3, RNSH will serve as a reference site for other hospitals exploring similar upgrades, reinforcing its leadership in advanced imaging and clinical innovation.
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NORTH STAR to offer a new generation of cancer therapy Close to 200 people attended a fascinating event in the Kolling auditorium where they heard patients in Northern Sydney will have early access to international clinical trials and some of the most promising new cancer therapies.
cancer. “In the research lab, we are customising cellular immunotherapy designs by altering the immune cell genes to enable the engineered cells to maintain their functions in the hostile cancer environment.” The audience was moved by a deeply personal presentation by Joanne Goyen who shared her experience after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was overwhelmed with the support she received from her RNSH specialist Associate Professor Connie Diakos, who encouraged her to keep working and planning special trips during her treatment. “This experience has changed a lot of my assumptions about having cancer. I thought it would make me feel weak. Instead, it’s shown me how strong I am, even while vulnerable,” she said. The NORTH STAR centre will help ensure clinical trials are part of normal therapy across Northern Sydney, where patients will have access to the very latest drugs and medical devices. NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said they are looking to build on their achievements and are seeking community help. To learn more about how you can support vital cancer care, visit https:// northfoundation.org.au/projects/northstar
A collection of leading cancer specialists addressed the event, exactly 12 months since the launch of the NORTH STAR VNP Clinical Trials and Research Centre which was made possible by a remarkable $20 million philanthropic donation. The specialists, who are all juggling clinical and research responsibilities, detailed the exciting new breakthroughs with CAR-T cell therapy, liquid biopsies and genetic testing. Haematologist Professor Cameron Turtle said it was an unprecedented time in cancer therapy where new technologies were driving an evolution in their approach. “After many years of traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we are increasingly using new strategies like immunotherapy, and with some forms of immunotherapy, we can modify or supercharge immune system cells in the lab, then give them back to the patient to target cancer cells,” he said. “This approach is being used for lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma, but we expect it will also assist in the treatment of other types of
Cancer specialists alongside NORTH Foundation ambassador Sophie Scott and patient Joanne Goyen at the NORTH STAR VNP Clinical Trials Showcase
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NatureFix app transforms hospital green spaces into places of wellbeing across NSLHD In an initiative to promote wellbeing and wellness for staff and visitors, NatureFix has been introduced at various sites across Northern Sydney Local Health District. Supported by a digital app, signage, mobile land and the water. “The ability to have such strong cultural knowledge shared by Elders through stories is very powerful.” The app is available across five NSLHD
audio, research data, and promotional materials, the NatureFix program aims to connect people with nature in a meaningful way. The digital platform transforms some of NSLHD’s green spaces into wellness places, unlocking the health benefits of nature through short self-guided mindfulness
sites—Royal North Shore, Hornsby Ku-ring- gai, Macquarie, Mona Vale hospitals, and the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice. For more information view the NSLHD NatureFix website: https://bit.ly/NSLHD- NatureFix.
experiences carefully matched with natural features known to improve wellbeing. Jonathan Noyes, NSLHD’s Population Health Promotion Operations Manager, said the program helps foster a includes a series of short wellness audio routines designed to help increase self-care and encourage meaningful moments in nature to improve mood, energy, and focus,” he said. connection to nature. “Each wellbeing zone “This initiative provides our staff with wellbeing benefits and supports them to continue to provide high- quality patient care for the community.” But NatureFix offers more than just personal wellness. It also provides an opportunity to learn about the traditional custodians of the lands on which these sites are built. Acting Deputy Director of the NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Adam Cryer highlighted the program’s cultural impact. “The fantastic thing about the NatureFix app is that people are actually able to stand on Country, close their eyes, and feel how these places would have felt thousands of years ago,” Adam said. “They can understand how our mob engaged with the
(Left to right) Acting Deputy Director of the NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Adam Cryer, Uncle Laurie Bimson, who speaks on the audio routines and Population Health Promotion Operations Manager Jonathon Noyes at the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice NatureFix Zone.
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Celebrating 50 years of the Australian Carbohydrate Counter at RNSH
The guide has been widely respected for its reliable, evidence-based information, collated by a group of dedicated of dietitians. As digital resources now offer faster access to information, this edition marks the final printed release. Copies are available from Diabetes Australia’s website (https:// diabetesshop.com/) and the volunteers’ shop at RNSH. Newly diagnosed patients also receive it as part of a support pack from Breakthrough T1D (https://breakthrought1d.org.au/).
The Endocrine Department at Royal North Shore Hospital recently hosted the launch of the 50th anniversary and final printed edition of the Australian Carbohydrate Counter, part of the renowned Traffic Light Guide to Food Series. The event brought together patient representatives, current and former staff, and dietitians who have contributed to the guide’s success over five decades. Sharon Youde, the current editor and Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian, reflected on the guide’s legacy. “For 50 years, this guide has been a cornerstone for people managing diabetes, built on the real experiences and feedback of our community,” she said. “It’s more than just a resource and has been a trusted companion through many journeys with diabetes. While this is the final printed edition, its legacy lives on as we embrace new, accessible digital tools to support people every day.” Originally created in 1975, the Traffic Light Guide was designed to help people with diabetes make informed food choices. While the earliest edition was a simple, spiral- bound booklet with typewriter font, it laid the foundation for a trusted resource that evolved through ten editions.
Murielle Ryan, Clinical Dietitian and Sharon Youde, Dietitian and Acting Manager, Paediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology
RNSH marks National Tree Day with native planting Royal North Shore Hospital has marked National Tree Day with the planting of a native Tuckeroo tree, continuing efforts to enhance green spaces across the campus. RNSH General Manager Alison Zecchin planted the tree outside the hospital as part of the hospital’s commitment to creating a greener, more welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors.
Established by Planet Ark in 1996, National Tree Day has grown into Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event. It encourages people across the country to get their hands dirty and contribute to a healthier planet. The Tuckeroo, or Cupaniopsis anacardioides, is a hardy evergreen tree that will offer a broadleaf canopy for year-round shade and comfort. Its fruit will also attract native birds and support local biodiversity. The species is part of Willoughby Council’s Tree Master Plan, helping maintain consistency of native plantings across the region.
RNSH General Manager Alison Zecchin planting a tree for National Tree Day
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REGISTER AS AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR TODAY DONATELIFE.GOV.AU
BE THE REASON SOMEONE ELSE GETS A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE
SCAN TO REGISTER
AUNTY PAT’S BROTHER ROSS WAS AN ORGAN DONOR
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