AUGUST 2025
EDITION 39
We’re thrilled to welcome ten young people into the Population Health Promotion Service’s Youth Consultant team. Now a group of 12, aged between 15 and 24, the Youth Consultants live, study, and/or work across Northern Sydney, bringing their passion for youth friendliness and accessibility to the district’s health services. A Big Welcome to our District’s Newest Youth Consultants
We’re thrilled to welcome ten young people into the Population Health Promotion Service’s Youth Consultant team. Now a group of 12, aged between 15 and 24, the Youth Consultants live, study, and/or work across Northern Sydney, bringing their passion for youth friendliness and accessibility to the district’s health services.
As an example of the work they do, just last year the Youth Consultants reviewed the Hornsby Early Psychosis Intervention Service (EPIS) and an impressive 70% of their recommendations were put into action within just three months. EPIS staff praised their work, saying “why haven’t I heard of you guys before?” and calling the report “very impressive.” Booking a youth-friendly consultation is a simple and effective way to open a two-way conversation between your service and the young people you aim to support. Youth Consultants offer valuable, real-world insights to help you recognise and enhance the youth-friendliness of your services, spaces, and resources. Get in touch by emailing NSLHD-youthhealthpromotion@health.nsw.gov.au.
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Risky Business – Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk A quality improvement project transforming the patient experience This project has revolutionised care for patients with dysphagia—swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious health risks. Many patients now choose to eat and drink despite the risks to preserve their quality of life. This project introduced a pioneering approach to improve the process called Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk (EDAR), empowering patients to make informed choices. A multidisciplinary team led by Speech Pathology at Ryde Hospital partnered with consumers to co-design an EDAR protocol, including patient education resources, bedside signage, staff training, and documentation templates, enabling informed shared decision-making with patients. This project improved patient experience, staff knowledge, and health service efficiency while delivering cost efficiencies and reducing waste. The time spent nil by mouth (NBM) has reduced from an average of 4 days to 0 days. The length of stay (LOS) in hospital dropped from 20 days to 13 days, improving patient flow and experience. Hospital re-presentations have declined from 33% to 17%, reflecting well-managed care in the community. Palliative care referrals have increased from 19% to 58%, enhancing symptom management and dignity. EDAR decisions honoured has increased from 61% to 100%, showing full respect for patient autonomy. Hospital-acquired respiratory complications have dropped by 71%, improving safety and outcomes. Overall, patients feel more respected and heard: “I understand my swallowing problems… I’m 80, I’m old, I just want to enjoy the time I have left and eat and drink whatever I like!” In recognition of its impact, Risky Business won at the 2025 NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards for Transforming Patient Experience. A video showcasing the project can be viewed here .
Are you considering doing a Quality Improvement Project?
Resources can be found here
Contact your local Quality Manager or NSLHD-SQEP@health.nsw.gov.au
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