rnsh NICU MARKS NAIDOC WEEK WITH FAMILY GESTURE Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Royal North Shore Hospital are being gifted a small hand-painted artwork for newborns during NAIDOC Week. Situated on Cammeraygal Country, the initiative was led by Clinical Nurse Educator Suzette Riva and recognises both the arrival of new life and connection to Country. Suzette Riva said the memento is a simple way to mark the occasion. “This keepsake is a small but meaningful gesture that celebrates new life, acknowledges connection to Country, and reflects our commitment to culturally safe, family-centred care,” she said. Clinical Nurse Consultant
Neonatology, Emily Macnaught said the idea emerged through collaborative conversations within the team about how best to meaningfully acknowledge NAIDOC Week in a neonatal setting. “Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most significant moments, and we felt it was important to mark that occasion during NAIDOC Week,” she said. The initiative builds on the unit’s broader cultural recognition work, including redesigned cot cards introduced in 2024. Every baby admitted to NICU receives a cot card featuring one of six designs hand painted by Darug educator and artist Leanne Watson Redpath, each reflecting aspects of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and provided as a keepsake for families.
The NSLHD Infection Prevention and Control team at a World Hand Hygiene Day stall MUSIC BRINGS COMFORT TO MONA VALE HOSPITAL PATIENTS A volunteer musician is bringing moments of calm and connection to patients at Mona Vale Hospital’s Palliative Care and Geriatric Evaluation and Management unit. Brent began visiting the unit in 2024 after his close friend Stuart, affectionately known as “Frog”, was admitted while living with oesophageal cancer. With Stuart’s encouragement, Brent brought in his 12-string guitar to play for him, other patients and staff. Following Stuart’s passing, Brent RNSH NICU staff with the NAIDOC gifts and cards
chose to continue visiting the unit in his honour. He now returns monthly, sharing a repertoire of more than 170 songs, and also performs at weddings and memorial services held within the unit. In an interview with NSLHD’s fundraising partner, The NORTH Foundation, Clinical Support Officer at Mona Vale Hospital, Kate Vaughan, said Brent’s presence has made a meaningful difference to patients and staff. “It’s wonderful to hear Brent play. His music is soothing and it brings comfort to everyone who hears it. We’re so grateful that he shares his gift with us.”
Brent playing guitar at MVH
10
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 12|03 JULY 2026
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online