MACQUARIE HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2025
FROM MY DESK.. Hello Everyone I would like to acknowledge the deeply distressing events that took place over the weekend in Bondi and recognise the significant impact this may have had on you, your families and loved ones.
Anne Bajuk Site Director, Macquarie Hospital
I extend my deepest sympathy and thoughts to those in Bondi and the communities affected by this tragedy. While many have continued to work during this challenging time, I encourage everyone over the coming days and weeks to take care of your own wellbeing, and of those around you who may need additional support. As we approach the end of another busy year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment. Your efforts have made a real difference, and together we’ve achieved so much The holiday season is a time to reflect, recharge, and celebrate with family and friends. For those who will be taking a well-deserved break, I hope you enjoy every moment. I also want to extend my gratitude to those who will be working throughout the Christmas and New Year period to ensure consumers receive the care they need. Your professionalism and compassion during this time are deeply appreciated and do not go unnoticed.
We recently said farewell to Fiona Kearney after 16 years in MHDA. Fiona will be greatly missed with her calm presence, amazing knowledge, and extensive experience in pharmacy. We wish her well and I know she will be currently enjoying herself on an exciting trip to Europe for Christmas with her family.
STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH Thursday 20 November was the Staff Appreciation lunch, which was extremely well attended, everyone enjoyed the great food and complimented the chef - Thanks to James and Gloria in NSECC. We were all having too much fun and I forgot to take many photos but here are a couple of a few of the happy wait staff!!
CHRISTMAS DANCE The Hospital Christmas dance was on Thursday 11 December 2025, it was a fantastic turn out with consumers and staff alike having a great meal (again all down to James and Gloria – Thank you) and hitting the dance floor together.
FAREWELL!! A fond Farewell to these legends - Susanne Russell, Helen Maguire and Ann Fiorito - Macquarie hospital will not be the same without them! This week we said goodbye to three remarkable women from our workforce. Acknowledged by all during the Christmas dance and then again at a wonderful lunch to celebrate their outstanding contributions to the hospital and to wish them the very best for their next adventures. Not only have they jointly worked over 90 years of service between them, but they have also generously volunteered so much of their time as the Fundraising committee, year after year to raise funds, buying and wrapping Christmas gifts specifically chosen for each individual consumer in the hospital, plus they have organised so many memorable annual events (Christmas in July, the Hospital Market Day, Easter baskets, the Christmas dance) for Macquarie Hospital consumers. They will be sorely missed by us all, but I know that they will be spending well deserved time with their families and enjoying multiple travel plans.
THE CHRISTMAS DECORATION COMPETITION!!
As a final festive event I accompanied Susanne to judge the Ward Christmas decoration competition on 18 December 2025, and the sparkly festive winner is ………Lavender!
A special mention must go to a non-clinical area as Health Information Services have put together a wonderful sustainability themed, musical display including ECG flowers and a “fire” to “toast” your yummy marshmallows on – such a fantastic effort by the HIS team.
I wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and peaceful Christmas and New Year and look forward to working together in the year ahead.
NURSING NEWS
Director of Nursing’s Message
Season’s Greetings and Heartfelt Thanks As we approach Christmas and the New Year, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all our nursing staff. While many in our community enjoy a well-earned break, our nurses continue providing essential care throughout the holiday period. Your commitment, professionalism, and compassion do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do. I wish each of you a safe and joyful festive season. May you find moments to rest, celebrate, and enjoy meaningful time with your families and friends. Thank you for your dedication and for the exceptional care you provide every day of the year.
Coming Together: Team Planning Days
Staff from Figtree, Henley, Parkview, Clinic, Bridgeview, Lavender, Tarban and Hamilton came together for their Team Planning Days — a valuable opportunity to pause, connect, reflect and plan for the year ahead.
Across the sessions, nursing, allied health, admin staff and medical teams reviewed achievements, identified shared challenges, and collaborated on their goals for 2026. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many staff expressing appreciation for the support from executive and managers that enabled full participation. Highlights from the days included: Celebrating achievements — both big milestones and smaller everyday wins. Open and honest conversations about opportunities for growth. Cross-department discussions that sparked new ideas and strengthened collaboration. Mapping priorities to further improve the care we provide to consumers and to each other. Plenty of laughter, shared moments, and a strong sense of connection — all supported by excellent catering and organisation.
These planning days were not just about producing documents — they were about people, relationships, and shared purpose. The energy, kindness, and creativity across all sites reflect the very best of who we are as a team. A special thank you to James, Gloria, and their team for ensuring each event was beautifully catered, and to the nursing staff and DMOs who continued providing clinical care so that teams could attend. Our gratitude also goes to the Nurse Unit Managers and Nurse Managers whose hard work and leadership made these days possible.
The Cottages Team Planning Day has been rescheduled to 10 December 2025.
Infection Prevention and Control Week – 19 - 25 October 2025
On 22 October 2025, Macquarie Hospital proudly celebrated Infection Prevention and Control Week under the theme: STAND UPPP for Infection Prevention: Unite. Prevent. Protect. Prevail The event reinforced our shared commitment to preventing the spread of infection through simple, everyday actions, including:
Practising effective hand hygiene Staying up to date with vaccinations Using personal protective equipment correctly Staff and visitors came together to learn, engage, and participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen awareness and promote best practice across our services. A special thank you to Mae Sia, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Infection Prevention and Control and Physical Health Education, for once again coordinating a fun, informative, and highly engaging event that provided everyone with the opportunity to participate in meaningful infection prevention and control activities.
Welcome to the Team!
Please join us in welcoming: Nina Gordon – newly appointed Nurse Unit Manager for the Clinic. A warm welcome, Nina! Our sincere thanks to Leila Norouzzadehbalkabad, who stepped in as Acting Nurse Unit Manager for the Clinic from 2 November to 12 December 2025 during the recruitment period. Your leadership and support are greatly appreciated.
Vale - Julie Tolhurst It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Julie Tolhurst, a highly respected and much-loved member of our team. Julie dedicated more than 40 years of service to our discipline, leaving a profound legacy through her professionalism, generosity, and kindness. Julie touched the lives of countless colleagues, consumers, and families. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our heartfelt condolences go to Julie’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Macquarie Hospital Education & Training Update Nursing Student Clinical Placement On 21 November 2025, the University of Notre Dame nursing students completed their two- week (10–21 November) clinical placements. Feedback from the Post-Placement Survey were positive, with students praising the welcoming environment, teamwork, and the many opportunities to build practical skills in mental health nursing. They reported developing key skills such as therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, documentation, and medication knowledge. Student Voices: Here is what students shared about their experience at Macquarie Hospital: “I love my mental health placement, it was the first mental health placement, and it was beautiful. Thank you, I really appreciate it.” “My experience was great! All the nurses were amazing, and the Parkview team—Vu, Maycelle, Pier, Michella, Sue, Chelsea—were so insightful and educational!” “Everything was helpful from beginning to end.” “Listening to consumers, building rapport, and seeing them feel safe with me contributed a lot to my growth.” “Seeing the nurses and consumers’ therapeutic relationship enlightened my experience.” Staff Recognition Thank you to all unit teams and Clinical Nurse Educators for your guidance, support, and steady presence throughout the placement period. Your commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment helps future nurses grow in confidence and compassion. Upcoming Student Placement Macquarie Hospital will welcome Registered Nursing students from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) from 1 to 12 December 2025. Students will be allocated across Bridgeview House, The Cottages, Figtree, Hamilton Hostel, Henley Unit, Lavender House, Parkview Unit, and Tarban House.
Mark Joyce Director of Nursing MHDA
World Stop Pressure Injury Day 2025 Checktheskin,changetheoutcome
Resources for clinicians on a variety of topics are also available on the Clinical Excellence Commission website .
Head to toe skin assessments are crucial for preventing pressure injuries by enabling early detection of at-risk areas and skin breakdown, establishing a baseline for comparison, and guiding personalised prevention strategies. Regular head to toe skin assessments help to identify early changes to skin in high risk areas, including bony prominences over the sacrum, heels, elbows and hips. Resources The International Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline was recently revised and re-launched in February 2025 as an online guideline. The Guideline is a collaboration between three partner organisations – the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA). The goal of the guideline is to provide an update of evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. Eight out of the ten new sections are already live on their website . The remaining sections are expected to be completed by February 2026. Thursday 20 November is World Stop Pressure Injury Day. This day provides an opportunity to promote education and awareness of prevention strategies for pressure injuries among healthcare professionals, health services, and the public. Head to toe skin assessments
Education update
There are five new education courses available to clinicians via the My Health Learning platform. • -CourseCode573848575 This moduleprovidesfoundationalknowledge on skin anatomy,physiologyandskininjury prevention. • Pressureinjurypreventionand management -CourseCode608186720 This moduleprovidesanoverviewof pressure injuries, howtorecogniseapersonat risk of a pressure injury,reviewkeycharacteristics of pressure injuryclassificationandapply prevention measures. • MoistureAssociatedSkinDamage - Course Code 608186127 This moduleprovidesanoverviewof Moisture- associatedSkinDamage(MASD)including how to identify thetypesofMASD,recognise a person at risk and applypreventativemeasures to manage and reduceincidenceofMASD. • Woundassessment -CourseCode 40063891 This moduleprovidesanoverviewof wound assessment.Youwillexplorethestages of wound healing, recognisecommonwoundtypes, and use a holistic woundassessmenttosupport person- centred care.Youwillalsolearnwhen to escalate wound careandrefertothemultidisciplinary team. Skin anatomy, physiology and skin injury prevention
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World Stop Pressure Injury Day 2025 Checktheskin,changetheoutcome
The Clinical Excellence Commission is hosting an educational webinar with NSWHealth clinicians and pressure injury preventionexperts to discuss the importance of head to toeskin assessments. Topics covered at the webinarwill include: • challenges associated withdifferent skin tones and types device related pressure injuries on neonatal intensive care patients working in partnership with patients, consent and dealing with pushback. • • Date: Thursday 20 November 2025 Time: 2-3pm Location: Microsoft Teams Registrations for the event are now open. Arecording of the event will be made available on the Clinical Excellence Commission’s website. • Wound Management -Course Code 42833429 This module provides anoverview of wound management including thestages of wound healing, factors impactinghealing and stage- appropriate interventionstosupport healing. It also explores how to recognisewound deterioration or delayed healing, whentoescalate or refer, and the components of effectivedocumentation. Educational Webinar
© State of New South Wales Clinical Excellence Commission 2025
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Macquarie Hospital Mobile X-Ray Service
Macquarie Hospital is introducing a new on-site X-ray and echocardiogram service in partnership with Mobile X-Ray Sydney. This means patients can access non-urgent imaging in The Clinic without the need to travel to another facility—making care more convenient and accessible. The first test X-ray was successfully completed on 6 November 2025, and the service is expected to be fully operational by January 2026.
SIMPLIFYING AND AMPLIFYING THE REACH SYSTEM IN NSW HEALTH The REACH system is a consumer and carer escalation of care system and a key component of the NSW Health/Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC), Deteriorating Patient Safety Net. REACH - an acronym for Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help- is implemented across Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) Inpatient Units and in a number of Community Mental Health Teams in Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD).
Following a tragic incident in September 2024, NSW Health and CEC convened a REACH Roundtable meeting of key stakeholders across NSW.
From this meeting NSW Health, CEC and Local Health Districts (LHDs) were tasked with recommendations to review and revise the REACH system. These revisions included:
1. Implementation of a single access 1300 REACH system across NSW Health in order to simplify and standardise the REACH system
2. Development of a public awareness campaign to raise awareness and amplify the system. How is this progressing
NSW Health and CEC now have nominated LHDs to pilot the new 1300 REACH system, and this will also include the review of all safety nets put in place and the collection of data.
This pilot will run from December 2025 to end of February 2026. Following this all data will be reviewed, adjustments made, if required, and the launch date of the new 1300 REACH system is proposed for March 23rd, 2026. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MHDA Currently all MHDA REACH system contact numbers, including community mental health services, with details of MHDA REACH Receivers role position, in hours and out of hours, has been requested by NSW Health and CEC and provided by MHDA. A NSLHD Working Group has been convened led by the NSLHD Patient Experience Team on which MHDA is represented. Following the implementation of the 1300 REACH system, changes will need to occur to our REACH system resources and this will be conducted in a systematic coordinated manner led by MHDA St 8 Lead in conjunction with the MHDA St 8 Committee. All updates on the changes will be posted on MHDA Standard 8 Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration and tabled at MHDA Standard 8 Committee. Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch Suzanne.Glover1@health.nsw.gov.au thanks everyone for all your hard work and support of the REACH system
MACQAURIE HOSPITAL- MENTAL HEALTH NURSES FORUM In October, coinciding with Mental Health Month, our nursing team proudly launched the Mental Health Nurses Forum. The forum was attended by 28 nurses who particpated in disucssion, workshopping the future of the forum and networking with one another. The vision of this monthly forum is to build resilience and connection among nurses, recognise achievements, elevate the nursing voice, and celebrate the strengths of mental health nursing. More than just a professional network, the forum aims to foster collaboration and continuous learning. At the forefront of care, Mental Health nurses navigate complex clinical environments, evolving models of care, and increasing consumer acuity. Their role is vital, and there is a growing opportunity to enhance professional connection, recognition, and access to structured peer support and development pathways. The forum is led by a passionate group of nurses committed to improving practice, strengthening professional identity, and connecting the broader nursing workforce. All nurses are welcome and encouraged to participate, helping to shape a culture of growth, support, and recognition within our specialty.
The photo collage captures moments from the launch event, which featured networking, discussions on the forum’s visions and aims, and collaborative workshopping on its future direction
COMPREHENSIVE CARE PLANNING AND REVIEW WORKING GROUP FEEDBACK
Comprehensive Care Planning and Review (CCPR) has been implemented for just over 6 months. At our hospital, CCPR is at the heart of delivering safe, recovery orientated person-centered care through our health services. To ensure its success, we rely on strong collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovative thinking. The CCPR Working Group plays a critical role in guiding this process and we’re inviting passionate mental health professionals to join us.
What is the CCPR Working Group?
The CCPR Working Group was formed following the foundational CCPR training day, with strong executive support and guidance. Since its inception, the group has welcomed a diverse range of mental health professionals, enriching its expertise and perspective. Meeting monthly, this multidisciplinary team is dedicated to embedding CCPR principles into everyday practice, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across our services.
The group focuses on:
I mplementation Strategies: Supporting teams to adopt CCPR processes effectively. Sustainability Planning: Ensuring changes are maintained and adapted over time. Monitoring and Evaluation: Reviewing progress, identifying challenges, & sharing solutions. Innovation and Best Practice: Exploring new tools and approaches to enhance consumer care.
OUR PROGRESS SINCE IMPLEMENTATION
*AUDIT DATA FROM AUGUST 2023 VS SEPTEMBER 2025
All Comprehensive Care Plans (CCP) and Mental Health Reviews notes were audited between August 2023 (pre-implementation) and again in September 2025 (4 months post implementation). The audit indicates an overall improvement in key performance indicators across all areas of comprehensive care planning. Highlights are that more consumers are attending the CCP meeting, an increase in Consumer goals being mentioned in the CCP, more than 1 discipline is mentioned in the CCP, and an improvement in the CCP being SMART.
However, reviewing of care using the Comprehensive Care Plan requires deeper critical thinking and continued practice to achieve optimal outcomes to ensure sustainability in providing recovery orientated person centred care. As our practice, understanding of CCPR processes, and skills improves, we strengthen our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Every step forward brings us closer to embedding CCPR principles seamlessly into daily workflows, ensuring our consumers receive the safest and most coordinated care possible. Together, we are shaping a culture of excellence, making a difference: one plan, one review, one person’s journey at a time.
Why Join the Working Group?
Shape the Future of Care : Influence on how CCP is delivered across our services. Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work with clinicians, managers, and allied health professionals. Develop Leadership Skills: Gain experience in governance, planning, and quality improvement. Drive Positive Change : Help create safer, more coordinated person centred care for our consumers.
Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI)
We are seeking enthusiastic health professionals who are committed to improving consumer care and driving sustainable change. If you have experience in clinical practice, quality improvement, or project management or simply a passion for better care we want to hear from you!
HOW TO APPLY: CONTACT ANY OF THE STAFF LISTED BELOW:
Anne Bajuk Ruth Jacob Euan MacLeay H i Li
Ellie Liu Mbalia Lamin Thidar Htun V Ph
Simon Cleary Barsha Neupane Lurendharen Reddy M tth B
EVERY PERSON’S STORY MATTERS. TOGETHER, WE MAKE CARE MEANINGFUL.
CHAPLAINCY CORNER
The death of Sr Yvonne Spangler, a dearly loved Chaplain, colleague and friend, ended a life of selfless service. 16 of those years were spent working at Macquarie Hospital where she also mentored 100s of Clinical Pastoral Education students who remember her with great affection. Yvonne loved “Madonna and Child” images, and she chose the figurine for the Chapel (bought with a donation left by Dianne Russell OAM, a previous staff-member) – pictured with the orchid that Yvonne left us. Also featured above is Marc Chagall’s radiant “Mother and Child” from “The Tree of Life” stained-glass window in the Chapelle des Cordeliers, Sarrebourg, France. A visit is on my bucket list! Christmas is a special time for Christians as they remember the birth of Christ over 2000 years ago. However, it is also celebrated across the globe in a multitude of ways according to culture. I was talking to a visitor with a different Faith from mine (as we do) and she reminded me, “We all worship the same God, different name, in our different ways …” Peace on earth, good will to all!
I remember as a child, celebrating Christmas Eve with retired Moravian missionary aunts singing carols around the piano. Our family has continued this Eve tradition accompanied by home-baked lebkuchen, and a very ancient German Feather Xmas tree. The Christmas cards are up – reminders of my time in Europe with real Christmas trees, snow glittering on their branches, and Midnight Mass followed by mulled wine and shortbread … People in hospital will miss the family time and tradition that they are used to. However, the hardworking staff do their best to make it a time of goodwill, joy and blessings … I caught a Christmas Elf sorting individual presents for all the people who will be here!
Our last Chapel Service this year will be Saturday 20 December. Services will resume Wednesday 14 January. The Chaplains, and Pastoral Volunteers thank you for your support throughout the year and pray for peace, safety, health and happiness over this Christmas season. We especially remember people who are grieving or unwell, as it can be a very painful time, reinforced by the seasonal merriment from which there is little escape. Our prayers are with you.
Rosemarie Say Chaplaincy Coordinator
OTs in action: International OT Day Bake off Ryde vs Macquaire 27 October 2025
ForOccupational Therapy Week, OTs from Macquarie Hospital and Ryde Hospital celebrated OT Day with a Bake Off that put our two services head-to-head in an activity that was equal parts skill, strategy and chaos. This year’s challenge required each paired team to bake cupcakes while using either sensory-deprivation strategies or constraint-induced movement therapy — putting OT principles to the test in a very different setting.
A big thank you to our organisers Sabrina Symonds, Tayla Downes , Chloe Winter, and Natalie Cook for coordinating the event
Zeta preparing herself for one handed baking with Sam blindfolded by her side
Claudia and Jess working as a team to add the mix to the cupcake trays
Cupcakes were judged on taste, texture, and design, with all entries assessed through a blind taste test. After a very close competition, Ryde Hospital OT Department took out the win for 2025 . Our Macquarie OTs put forward a strong effort- and we’ll be looking to claim the trophy next year. As we all secretly know which service has the better OT department.
Ryde Hospital Winners Natalie & Chloe
Sabrina receiving the wooden spoon on behalf of the MQH OTs
WHS Update
Some friendly reminders over the holiday season 1. Stay hydrated
Have a drink bottle with you at all times ( especially if you are doing home visits or working out in the community or have limited access to water) 2. Be Sun Smart
3. Be Aware of Bushfire alerts Keep yourself updated with any bushfire alerts and visit Bushfire Information for Staff for more information. Ensure you are up to date with your Emergency Procedures and have access to Emergency Flip Charts 4.Travel Safely Be aware of any vehicle accidents and hazardous road conditions e.g. gravel/ potholes etc. If you are using Fleet vehicles be familiar with Fleet Management Procedure and know what to do if you get into vehicle accident or require roadside assistance. 5. Safe Ladder Use If you are installing Christmas decorations and lights in the office and need to use the ladder please be familiar with the Ladder Safety Factsheet 6. Electrical Safety If you are installing Christmas/fairy lights or any other electrical decorations around the office, please make sure these are test and tagged. Chords are not hanging too low that people walk into them or posing as a trip hazard. 7. Report Incidents Report all incidents and near misses on IMS+ and escalate serious incidents/injuries to your on call during holiday season. Refer to WHS Incident Management Procedure for more details.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holidays
From your WHS Consultant Christina Liu
December 2025 MQH Newsletter – Library News
As 2025 draws to a close we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and used the library throughout the year. Your engagement and enthusiasm make our work meaningful and we are committed to supporting your care, research and learning.
We wish you a safe, joyful and restorative holiday season, filled with moments of peace and connection with loved ones.
If you’re looking for something to enjoy over the summer, check out our Summer Reading list for some inspiration and relaxing reads. Warmest wishes from Geraldine and the NSLHD Libraries team.
Thank you
Please send your feedback/articles to be published on February Edition on or before 5.02.26 to Aya/Margaret @Aya.hassan@health.nsw.gov.au @Margaret.Hurst@health.nsw.gov.au
Macquarie Hospital Newsletter | December 2025
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