May 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear colleagues, You may have seen our NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM launch the Small Acts of Kindness Campaign during the week. First launched 10 years ago to recognise and thank NSW Health staff for the small acts of kindness performed every day in healthcare. A decade on and the campaign remains in full swing and this year further builds on its success, highlighting and celebrating NSW’s culture of kindness through the power of storytelling. It was an absolute pleasure to launch our districts campaign this year at HKH with our Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM. It was an honour to see our very own Laura Green and colleagues from the HKH Executive team in one of the videos showcasing the warmth and kindness that is part of making HKH the very special workplace it is. Thank you all very much for the kindness you show to our patients and your colleagues each and every day. You can watch the NSLHD video here.
The past month truly has been a time celebrating our people across our hospital and health service with a range of international recognition days for many of our hardworking staff and patients across the month. From our nurses and midwives, administrative professionals (* a planned event to celebrate our admin colleagues will be announced soon ), human resource professionals to across all of humanity as part of world hand hygiene day and human experience week-the spirit of connection and collaboration was plain to see across the many events held during this busy time. It was very special to attend many
of the events held and share with you your stories and experiences as hardworking health professionals and most importantly good human beings. On the subject of good people it would be remiss of me not to mention our well-deserved HKH nominee’s and of course winners at the recent NSLHD Exceptional People Awards held at the State Library–To Gwen Hickey, RACS, OPD and Allied Health Manager ( Individual Leadership Award ), Dr Lucy Lutze Deputy Director HKH ED ( Individual Planetary Health Award ) and the HKHED as part of the ED Green Teams for the team Planetary Health Award I say congratulations! With International Volunteers Week happening this week I was also so excited to see Dean McKeough Co-ordinator Galston Community Health Centre win the Volunteer Award for Safe and Connected Care . Volunteers are truly the cornerstone of our organisation, and we are so grateful for their invaluable contributions. Please take the time to recognise one of our 110 outstanding volunteers at HKH for the giving of their time and for the important role they play in providing the high standard of patient/family care and support that we do at HKH. I look forward to celebrating and thanking our volunteers at a morning tea on 23 May 2025 Finally, there is only a few days to go for staff to get their annual flu vaccination rollout before the 1 June 2025 deadline. Whilst HKH compliance is going well there are still hundreds of staff still required to get their jab before our on-site clinic closes. At HKH the vax is available in our Outpatients Area on Level 1–the online consent and “check in” process is easy, and I encourage all staff to attend for their shot before it’s too late. With Winter now here and as healthcare workers, it is also important we remind our family and friends to get their flu vaccinations to protect themselves against severe complications this winter season. Click here for more information or to complete your Vaccination Consent form online: 2025 Influenza Vaccination .
Best Regards,
Simon General Manager, HKHS
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INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY FESTIVITIES The Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital proudly joined the global celebration of International Nurses Week from 12–16 May. The event honoured the incredible contributions of nurses and midwives to healthcare and the community. The week was filled with appreciation, laughter, and connection, and most importantly, it recognised the tireless efforts our nursing teams make every single day. The festivities kicked off with an exciting Trivia Challenge, where teams tested their knowledge about nursing in a fun and friendly competition.
Next came the Nurses Olympics—a spirited event that saw wards and departments competing in light- hearted games and challenges, sparking laughter and team spirit. From team challenges to quick- thinking clinical games, the Olympic energy was contagious .
Midweek brought the International Nurses Week Barbecue, where staff enjoyed a well-deserved break over delicious grilled fare. It was a moment of relaxation and connection, with smiles and heartfelt conversations echoed throughout the grounds .
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INTERNATIONAL MIDWIVES’ DAY CELEBRATION
On the 5 May, we joined the global celebration of the International Day of the Midwife (IDM), honouring midwives around the world for their incredible contributions to society. With heartfelt joy, we celebrated the amazing work midwives do throughout their chosen careers, a true testament to their passion and dedication. We recognize and deeply appreciate their unwavering commitment as they stand side by side with women, babies, families, and colleagues, delivering compassionate care with their warm hearts and skilled hands. Midwives walk a professional journey rooted in a people-centred approach, empowering everyone they encounter and leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. A special thanks to everyone for joining this celebratory day and commending the dedication of our midwives at HKH. Their hard work, compassion, and expertise shine every day, making a difference in ways words cannot fully capture. The birth of a baby is a gift, a miracle, and a cherished moment, midwives are there to support and guide families through these life-changing times. Adding to the festive spirit, staff members, even those on their days off, came together to join the celebration. Laughter and joy filled the air as everyone mingled, shared stories, enjoyed delicious food, played games, and offered gifts. To our amazing midwives: thank you for everything you do. You are the heart of this profession, and we celebrate you today and every day!
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INTERNATIONAL NURSES & MIDWIVES’ AWARDS
The International Nurses and Midwifery Awards 2025, a moving ceremony that celebrated excellence, dedication, and compassionate care. The awards recognised outstanding individuals for their leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their patients and profession. We also give our heartfelt appreciation to Ms Alison Zecchin who graced us with a wonderful presentation of her professional journey as a Registered Nurse all the way up to being a General Manager.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all nurses and midwifes at Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital and beyond. Your strength, skill, and compassion are the backbone of our healthcare system. Every shift, every patient, and every act of care you deliver makes a profound difference. We thank you for your dedication, not only during International Nurses and Midwifery Week, but every single day of the year. You are truly vital to the health and heart of Hornsby Ku-Ring-gai Hospital and our community .
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NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ AWARDEES
CONGRATULATIONS!
Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award Ms Emily Zellner
Grad Start Registered Nurse of the Year Mr Ryan Thompson
Registered Nurse of the Year Ms Usha Simkhada
Registered Midwife of the Year Ms Kezia Riggs
Grad Start Registered Midwife of the Year Ms Justeen Bonifacio
Enrolled Nurse of the Year Ms Lily Trethowan
Awardees not photographed:
Peer Recognition for Leadership and Innovation Ms Michele Manktelow
Team with improvement in culture, clinical care and consumer safety: Acute Care Team
Consumer Nomination Ms Nikita Nepal
Category 1 - A Nurse who has made a significant contribution to Person Centred Care Practice- Trent Haskell Category 2 - A Nursing Team who has demonstrated a recovery focus in their Nursing Practice- Adult Mental Health Unit
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NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK
This month, we proudly celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025—a time to reflect on the remarkable impact of our volunteers and this year’s fitting theme: Connecting Communities. At Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, we see this theme come to life every day. Our volunteers don’t just assist—they connect. With patients. With families. With staff. With each other. They are the quiet strength behind so many moments of care, kindness, and connection.
To every volunteer across Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital: thank you. You are the heart of our hospital community. Your compassion, dedication, and spirit connect us all—and we are endlessly grateful. Happy National Volunteer Week!
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L.O.V.E.D AWARDS Employee of the Month for March: Danielle Henwood
Danielle works closely with our ward team / MDT–joining team meetings and contributing to person centred care for our vulnerable patients living with Dementia &/or Delirium. Her efforts to enhance our collective knowledge and care lead to improved outcomes and reduced lengths of stay. Danielle is highly respectful in her work, engaging with patients living with Dementia and their families/carers. This respect is evident in all her work and engagements with staff and patients on the unit. Danielle’s work with patients on the unit is focused on strengths- based approaches to care, discovering each patient’s unique strengths and needs and tailoring care approaches and activities to suit each person to maximise their participation and engagement, which directly improves satisfaction and reduces episodes of distress and behaviour within the unit.
Team of the Month for March: Volunteers Department
Our volunteers are more than just a helping hand—they’re a vital part of our care team. Whether offering companionship to patients, guiding visitors, or simply sitting with someone who’s anxious, they bring warmth, dignity, and comfort to every interaction. Their presence not only helps free up valuable staff time but also uplifts team morale and strengthens collaboration across departments. By listening actively and sharing patient insights, volunteers help ensure that every voice is heard and respected—especially those that might otherwise go unnoticed. Their approachable nature creates a safe space for patients and families, helping them feel more at ease in what can be a stressful environment.
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HUMPTY DUMPTY FOUNDATION
We were deeply honoured to welcome our dedicated healthcare partners, Humpty Dumpty Foundation, and their Patron, Johanna Griggs, for a site visit on 8 May. Their generous gift of a breast pump will significantly enhance our service delivery, ensuring that mothers have access to the equipment needed to provide their precious breast milk, the "golden syrup, to their growing babies, especially those tiny infants who are unable to breastfeed directly due to clinical reasons.
Over the past 18 months, we have been incredibly privileged to receive numerous essential equipment donations from Humpty dumpty, including three breast pumps, two humidicribs, two CPAP machines, and a pledged resuscitation cart arriving in the coming weeks. These invaluable contributions, totalling over $100,000, have profoundly enhanced our service delivery, improved patient and care flow, elevated the parent and family experience, and, most importantly, improved clinical outcomes for our most vulnerable "tiniest Olympians." We extend our deepest gratitude to Humpty Dumpty platform for their warm-hearted generosity and for bridging the gap between compassionate donors and healthcare facilities like ours. As Humpty Dumpty prepares to host The Balmoral Burn Annual Fundraising Dinner in late May, where Johanna will engage with generous donors and highlight our wish list alongside other LHD requests, we look forward to building an even stronger relationship with Humpty Dumpty partner. Together, we can continue to make a paramount impact on our babies, families, and staff, ensuring the strength and well-being of our tiniest patients.
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2024 PMES ACTION PLAN
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ANZAC DAY – A GENERATIONAL TRIBUTE OF REMEMBRANCE DAY
For ANZAC Day, the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (HKH) community paused to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women — past and present — who have served in times of conflict, peaceke eping, and humanitarian missions around the world. ANZAC Day stood as a poignant reminder of the strength found in unity, resilience, and service to others — values that continue to inspire and guide us in our work and daily lives. This year, HKH commemorated ANZAC Day with a moving tribute that brought together creativity, reflection and community spirit, honouring all who have served with meaningful contributions across generations. In the days leading up to April 25, approximately 80 handcrafted poppies were created by local preschool children from ‘Only About Children Hornsby’. Their vibrant and heartfelt artwork was proudly displayed in the hospital’s main foyer, offering a beautiful and symbolic gesture of respect from the youngest members of our community to those who served before them.
On ANZAC Day, remembrance flyers and sprigs of rosemary tied in red ribbon were placed on patient breakfast trays, symbolising honour, and inclusion on this special day. At 11:00 am, ‘The Last Post’ was broadcast across the hospital, followed by a minute of silence. Staff, patients, and visitors paused as they were able to across wards and departments to reflect on the service and sacrifi ce of our defence personnel. Flags across the hospital were respectfully lowered to half-mast in the early hours of the morning on ANZAC Day, in line with national protocols, and remained lowered throughout the day.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
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CONT.
This year’s commemorations were made possible thanks to the generous support of many: • William and Hollie from the Security team, for helping decorate the foyer and ensuring the respectful lowering of all flags. • Lucas from Engineering, who kindly provided rosemary from his wife’s herb garden for the remembrance sprigs. • April (After Hours Nurse Manager), Paul (Wardsperson) and Anthony from Engineering, for coordinating the hospital-wide announcement and ensuring The Last Post was respectfully delivered. • Sebastian and HealthShare team, for placing rosemary and ANZAC flyers on all patient breakfast trays. • And a very special thank you to our littlest generation at ‘Only About Children Hornsby’ for their outstanding contribution through poppy artwork. All those who contributed to this special day demonstrated the power of teamwork and
community spirit. Their collective efforts created a meaningful and lasting tribute — one that truly reflects the legacy, values, and honour
of ANZAC Day. Lest we forget.
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FROM LITTLE HANDS TO LOVING HEARTS: MOTHER’S DAY AT HKH
At Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Mother’s Day is a cherished occasion to honour the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures who bring love, strength, and care to their families-and to our hospital community. This year, HKH proudly marked the day with thoughtful gestures to appreciate and acknowledge our mothers spending their special day with us. All new mothers in the Maternity Unit, mothers with babies in the Special Care Nursery and those in the Birthing Suite received a brightly coloured single gerbera along with a note of appreciation on their breakfast tray. These small but heartfelt touches reminded mothers that they are celebrated and valued on this important day. At HKH, we are honoured to be part of the first stages of so many little lives and to see so many little hands and toes — walking alongside families through the magical journey of welcoming a new baby. The hospital proudly delivers between 800 and 850 babies every month, with many families returning to HKH for subsequent births or even bringing the next generation back to the same hospital where they themselves were born. It is a profound privilege to share in these cherished milestones across generations. This week also marked the International Day of the Midwife on 5 May, a day that recognises and celebrates the vital role midwives play in supporting mothers and families. HKH recognises and sincerely thanks its dedicated team of midwives, whose expert care, compassion, and commitment guide families safely through one of life’s most precious journeys.
HKH also recognises the many mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures within its own workforce-remarkable women who balance the demands of healthcare with the equally important role of caring for their own families. Managers and teams extended heartfelt thanks for the dedication, resilience, and compassion these staff members show every day. To every mother, whether you be a patient, staff member, volunteer or visitor in our wards or hallways, we say: thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey and for letting us help honour your special day.
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WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY
Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital What a great way to share the spirit of hand hygiene and camaraderie with the team! We kicked off World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 with a bang From Hole in One challenges to Roving Hand Hygiene Bingo, Spin the Wheel fun, and the excitement of Card Frenzy, there was no
shortage of excitement.
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PAEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT GETS A CUBBY HOUSE
Sick kids in the Hornsby Paediatric Ward will now have a hospital of their own to play in after Hornsby RSL donated funds to purchase a cubby house and associated toys. This cubby house is situated in the outdoor play area on the ward and gives the kids an opportunity to add some fun to what a challenging and scary time can often be. The funds, which were provided through the Clubs Grant program, are a testament to our local community's commitment to enhancing the well- being of sick children. In securing the funding the application highlighted the importance of creating an outdoor play area that would serve as a sanctuary for sick children, offering them a space for fun and relaxation, and momentarily escape the confines of their medical treatments. The proposal resonated with the values of Hornsby RSL, which include respect, care, and community engagement. Thank you to our amazing Staff Specialist Support Officer, Kathryn Williamson for all her hard work with the grant submission! Dr Josh Steadson–Head of Department, HKH Paediatrics
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HUMAN EXPERIENCE WEEK HKH celebrated the 2025 Human Experience Week by holding an Aboriginal Weaving activity in conjunction with Ngumpie Weaving at the newly opened HKH Yarning Circle, reflecting on how art intertwines with the science of medicine, in particular diversional therapy.
A staff photography competition allowed personal interpretation of the theme, “The HeART of Healing”, Humanising Healthcare, resulting in entries of poetry and images that reflect psychological effect of colours and the connection between our healthcare providers, patients, and each other. Staff and patients also provided feedback on what the human experience means to them, with multidisciplinary teamwork, a supportive environment and kindness all impacting the outcomes of the care provided.
HKH were also proud to display the wonderful artwork of our paediatric patients and local community childcares, showcasing the positivity, hope, and warmth of our hospital and community.
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PROJECT IVORY CLINICAL REDESIGN GRADUATION
Beaming with pride for our very own pharmacists Sally Nicolson and Debbie Barry who graduated from the Clinical Redesign Graduate Certificate in May. Pictured below with NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce. After a year-long project promoting the early switch from IV to Oral antimicrobials (IVORY), the team have shown incredible personal and professional growth and development. Project IVORY aims to reduce the unnecessary use of intravenous (IV) antimicrobials. Unnecessarily prolonged courses of IV antimicrobials present significant risks and minimal benefit for patients.
Risks include:
longer stays in hospital
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IV-related complications
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antimicrobial resistance
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reduced drug effectiveness
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higher healthcare costs
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• increased carbon emissions The team have developed multiple solutions to foster a cultural shift in antimicrobial prescribing. To find out more please see: Project IVORY | Agency for Clinical Innovation Through their innovative, solution focused, collaborative approach they have led the project with patents and planet at heart–we look forward to seeing what more you achieve! Please take time to congratulate the team If you’re interested in learning more about the graduate certificate of Clinical redesign, please reach out to Manager, Clinical Redesign and Innovation Nada Mirkovic on nada.mirkovic@health.nsw.gov.au on Wednesday – Friday
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PLAQUE PRESENTATION – STROKE SITE CERTIFIED
Celebrating Stroke Care: A Milestone Achievement at HKH
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Stroke Foundation and the Australian Stroke Coalition for their accreditation process. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our Neurology team—doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals—whose collective efforts have been instrumental in this achievement. Since the reorganisation of our stroke services, we have observed a 40% increase in stroke presentations. Stroke admissions have surged by 94% over the past six years, and in the previous year alone, we managed 262 stroke patients, with 433 individuals following the stroke pathway.
Our dedication is reflected in the following advancements:
• A 39% improvement in door-to-needle and door-to-CT times since 2022, minimizing delays to therapy. • A median door-to-needle time of just 57 minutes over the past 12 months. • Our thrombolysis rate increased to 14%, up from 5% or less in previous years. • 67% of stroke patients receiving therapy within 60 minutes, surpassing national targets.
We are committed to achieving the 2030 national stroke targets, which include:
• Endovascular clot retrieval door-to-puncture time under 30 minutes for transfers and under 90 minutes for primary presenters. • Thrombolysis door-to-needle time under 60 minutes. • Endovascular clot retrieval door-in-door-out time under 60 minutes in metropolitan hospitals. • Certified stroke unit care provided to over 90% of patients with a primary stroke diagnosis. The successful accreditation of our stroke unit marks a significant achievement, making us one of only two hospitals in our Local Health District with this distinction. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to delivering quality stroke care to our community.
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EVERY WEEK COUNTS COLLABORATIVE II
Obstetric Head of Department Ajay Vatsayan and Maternity CMC Jess Lam are leading a team of colleagues to participate in the “Every Week Counts Collaborative II” along with other 40+ hospitals in Australia. Every Week Counts I was the first National program to strategically and safely reduce rates of preterm and early term birth by 20% which provides benefits to individuals, communities, and the healthcare system. Round II of this collaborative will continue to work towards these goals with an enhanced focus on resources for preterm preeclampsia screening, and outcomes for gestational diabetes. This project has received additional funding from the Commonwealth Government.
Hornsby Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital, and Northern Beaches Hospital as the Northern Sydney Tiered Perinatal Network have joined forces together to participate in this project to provide insight from various levels of perinatal capability. The findings and effort have been acknowledged by the partnering organisations by awarding us "Collaborative Champion"!
Congratulations team!
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CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Thank you to the ED staff for their kindness and experience in managing patients with intellectual disabilities. The front of house staff regularly checked on the patient to ensure she was comfortable and had everything she needed. The doctor made their journey easier by quickly reviewing and arranging treatment and responding to the patient with grace and kindness. We cannot find the words to properly express the range of emotions we both felt after my time on Ward 2D. You supported us with care, dignity, professionalism, and unrelenting compassion. We will never forget the kindness you showed us. A heartfelt thank you for the amazing care and kindness you have shown us during the birth of our baby girl. Your warmth, patience and incredible skills made this experience so special, and we are truly grateful. We feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful team by our side. I want to thank the nurse of the Transit Unit. He was most attentive, friendly and nothing at all was a problem. He was constantly checking on each patient and anticipating their needs. He is an absolute credit to your remarkable hospital. Thank you for giving our family the best start we could hope for. Your team has been beyond helpful, and the kindness shown to us has been most gratefully received. We felt supported and well cared for from the arrival to departure. We appreciate all the professional help. Last year I had my baby at HKH, and she became unwell. In the first 2 months of her life my little baby came to HKH multiple times and was cared for by many wonderful doctors. Thank you for the hard work and partnering with me and my husband to help her heal and recover. Thank you so much for your compassion to me, a mum of 3, in the thick of post- partum, watching her newborn get sick one too many times. You were all kind, gentle and encouraging at a rough time. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the professionalism, efficiency, and compassion demonstrated by every member of the team. The doctor’s expertise and attentive care made a significant difference during what was a stressful situation for me. Her clear explanations and reassuring manner helped alleviate my concerns and made me feel well- informed about my treatment. The coordination and dedication shown by your team exemplify healthcare at its finest.
Emergency
Ward 2D
Maternity
Transit Lounge
Maternity
Paediatrics
Emergency
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EMPLOYEE NETWORKS: PRIDE+ NETWORK
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PLANETARY HEALTH: WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP? Planetary Health: What can I do to help? Commuting to work accounts for nearly 10% of NSLHD’s carbon footprint (third highest emissions source), with most staff commuting via single-occupancy car. The proportion of HKH staff members commuting to work with single-occupancy vehicles is 85%. Would you be interested in more active travel? Did you know that we have facilities available for staff who walk or ride to work, including change rooms, shower, bike lockers?
These are in Building 60 (Muru Jannawi), Level 0.
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PATIENT SAFETY CULTURE SURVEY
TELL US ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY WHERE YOU WORK! NSLHD will be conducting the Patient Safety Culture Survey (PSCS) launching on Tuesday 3 rd June at 9am. This survey is for all Hornsby Ku- Ring-Gai Hospital staff, both clinical and non-clinical, to share their views on how patient safety and quality is managed in your area. Patient safety is central to all our work in health. Our staff are often the first to recognise safety issues, and sharing your experiences can help to identify what needs to improve, as well as what is working at the moment. The survey will ask about your perceptions and experiences at work on
topics such as leadership, team interactions, communication and reporting of safety incidents. These questions are linked to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and other district priority initiatives. The results of this survey will be used to identify areas where we can improve patient safety and staff wellbeing, both in your local team and in the hospital as a whole. The survey should take around 15 minutes to complete, and your responses will be entirely anonymous. Teams with 100 per cent or very high completion rates will be entered into a draw across NSLHD for the chance to win one of twelve $1,000 cash prizes. The prize can be used by your team to purchase resources for your area or to support staff wellbeing, so encourage your colleagues to complete the survey during team meetings. We’d love to hear from you on what you think about safety practices in your working environment.
You can complete the survey using QR codes which will be displayed throughout the hospital or through an email you’ll receive from surveys@insync.com.au from 9am on Tuesday 3 rd June. If you have any questions about the PSCS, please access our FAQ here or contact Lauren Nowacka at Lauren.Nowacka@health.nsw.gov.au.
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HKH ALLIED HEALTH WELLNESS COMMITTEE
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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NORTH FOUNDATION: TAX APPEAL
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NSLHD WINTER WARMER COLLECTION DRIVE WITH DIGNITY CAMPAIGN
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FITNESS PASSPORT ANNUAL SURVEY
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