NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb RNSH ED recognised by Governor- General
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Celebrating Pride at Fair Day Page 5
Art abounds at AYAH Page 5
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Message from the board chair Trevor Danos AM
As we approach the end of February, it is clear that 2026 is already shaping up to be a significant year for Northern Sydney Local Health District. The scale and pace of strategic work underway across the district reflects both the complexity of our operating environment and our shared commitment to delivering better outcomes for our community. I was pleased to see the strong engagement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at the recent consultation workshop to help shape our updated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy. This work will guide our contribution to closing the gap in health inequity over the coming years. Thank you to those who shared their insights so openly and constructively. I am also pleased to share that applications are now open for the NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund, with up to $50,000 available for staff-led projects that improve patient care and reduce environmental impact. To apply, complete the application form and send it to the Planetary Health team (NSLHD-PlanetaryHealth@health.nsw.gov. au) by Sunday 15 March. The Sydney North HealthCARE Innovation Precinct, centred around Royal North Shore Hospital, continues to strengthen its role as a collaborative ecosystem bringing together healthcare, research, university, industry and community partners. The launch of the Precinct Strategic Plan 2026–2027 in March will mark an important milestone, with further initiatives planned
under the leadership of Independent Chair Deanne Stewart. Planning has also commenced for a potential dedicated research and education facility on the Royal North Shore campus, reflecting our long-term commitment to innovation, research translation and workforce capability. Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent Disability Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council workshop recently. The discussion was thoughtful and focused, with clear themes emerging around strengthening feedback loops with employee networks, improving collaboration and intersectionality, refining governance structures, developing an annual DEIB calendar and ensuring initiatives remain strategically focused on outcomes for both employees and patients. Building a culture of belonging requires deliberate effort, and this work is important. On Friday, 13 March 2026, the Board will hold its annual strategy day with this year’s focus on reorienting health services to better support older people and strengthening the care we provide. It is an area the Board is looking forward to working with the Executive to help shape care of the older person and how we respond to the changing needs of our community. Warm regards, Trevor Danos AM Board Chair Northern Sydney Local Health District
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Collaboration drives new cancer trials and training pathways Clinicians from the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in New York held a half-day summit to discuss their ongoing clinical trials partnership, which is working to change outcomes for cancer patients. The program featured a series of presentations highlighting the collaboration, current cancer research, and potential future directions. NORTH STAR VNP is a partnership between NSLHD and MSK, established in 2024 as a new clinical trials research centre following a transformative $20 million donation from Greg Poche AO and the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO. Since its founding, the centre has grown to support 17 active clinical trials across a broad range of tumour types. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the international collaboration with MSK was a major pillar of the district’s cancer research strategy. “The clinical trials program across NSLHD is entering a period of significant maturity and acceleration,” he said. “Clinical teams across both organisations remain engaged, with many collaborative studies currently active.” Dr Pedram Razavi, a breast oncologist and Director of MSK’s Translational Oncology Partnership Program, said working with NSLHD had helped inform other global collaborations, including a new cancer project in Brazil. On the clinical front, MSK radiation oncologist Dr Nancy Lee shared evidence showing that select head and neck cancer patients can achieve the same survival outcomes with lower dose radiotherapy and far fewer long term side effects, which can be devastating. Eight RNSH patients are currently enrolled in further clinical trials exploring this approach. The new clinical trials centre is also funding an exchange program that gives early career cancer researchers in Australia the opportunity to spend two years training at MSK. Fellowship recipient and RNSH clinician Dr Nick Della Marta will commence his training at MSK in May 2027, focusing on gastrointestinal cancers. “It’s an area of unmet need,” he told the crowd. “I’m hoping to learn more about how the U.S. and MSK approach systemic treatment for gastric cancer and establish connections to bring back here.” (Left to right) NSLHD Chair of Research Professor Bruce Robinson, NSLHD Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony Schembri, NSLHD Executive Director of Research Associate Professor Naomi Hammond, Dr Nancy Lee from MSK, Britt Walker (niece of Kay and Greg Poche), Medical Director of Oncology Trials NORTH STAR Van Norton Poche Professor Stephen Clarke and Dr Pedram Razavi from MSK
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Staff quit nicotine program marks milestone Northern Sydney Local Health District’s enhanced Staff Quit Nicotine Program has marked its first year with a strong outcome, with 20 staff members taking part.
their NRT plan and receive ongoing encouragement, helping them stay motivated and accountable throughout their quit attempt. Research shows many smokers and vapers require multiple attempts before successfully quitting, and that deciding to make an attempt is often the hardest step. Staff considering quitting are encouraged to contact Occupational Staff Health and join the growing number of colleagues working towards a nicotine free future.
NSLHD is also the first local health district in NSW to offer 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), expanding on the previous four-week model. Early results show the extended support is having a positive impact. Among participants who attended one or both follow up appointments, 67 per cent reported they had stopped smoking or vaping.
The improvement aligns with clinical guidelines recommending longer term NRT use to support successful quitting. Population Health Promotion Alcohol and Tobacco Program Manager Melissa Palermo said the findings highlight the value of evidence based support. “The results send a clear message that quitting is possible when support aligns with best practice,” she said. “Program data tells us the success rate is higher for staff attending the follow up appointments—2nd and 3rd —and participating in the program for a longer period.” The program provides staff with access to a range of NRT options, including patches, sprays, gum and lozenges. Follow up appointments with Occupational Staff Health nurses give participants an opportunity to review
Helping staff quit smoking Karin Leung and Hil Henchmen
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Celebrating Pride at Fair Day Staff from Clinic Sixteen, Northern Sydney Sexual Health services, NSLHD, teamed up with Greater Western Sydney Sexual Health Services to host a stall at Mardi Gras Fair Day. The event highlighted the wide range of sexual health services available, promoting the importance of sexual health, safe practices, and inclusive care for all. Staff were out in full force sharing culturally responsive information and resources with a diverse audience, including LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and families.
https://bit.ly/3ZvHCmS Information was also shared about the upcoming Rainbow Breast Screening Clinic in collaboration with BreastScreen NSW, taking place on 14 March 2026 at North Ryde, from 8:20am to 12:00pm. Community members were encouraged to book via 0427 414 931 or NSLHD-Breastscreen-Rainbow@health.nsw. gov.au
“The day was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen visibility of sexual health services across NSW and reaffirm our commitment to equitable, non-judgmental care for all priority populations,” said Collins Adu, Health Promotion Officer (HIV and Sexual Health). Any LGBTIQ+ patients who have received care at NSLHD hospitals are encouraged to fill in the LGBTIQ+ Patient Experience Survey to help improve inclusivity, safety, and care for LGBTQIA+ patients:
Clinic Sixteen staff at Fair Day
Art abounds at AYAH The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) recently hosted a vibrant four-week art residency, giving patients and carers a chance to explore creativity, connect with each other, and express themselves in new ways. The pilot program, delivered with Art Aid and sponsored by Dexus, grew from a legacy project three years ago. At that time, a young patient in end-of-life care worked with Art Aid Director Chris Skyner and local muralist Kentaro to create murals that would later be displayed at their school, leaving a lasting impression. The residency includes twice-weekly, 2.5- hour workshops led by professional art teacher Bianca Yrure, with storytelling support from Nat Ma of Studio Soul. Over 15 patients have participated so far, including inpatients and day visitors with their carers. Sessions used different mediums—pour painting, charcoal, and mixed media— accommodating all abilities. Weekly themes included collaboration, outdoor inspiration and personal passion projects. “The benefits of art therapy are numerous,” said Tayia Yeates, Services Manager at AYAH.
“It offers patients and carers a chance to connect, create, and just be themselves outside a clinical setting. Families have shared how valuable these moments are for bonding and social connection.” The residency will culminate in a gallery launch at the Dexus North Shore Health Hub, showcasing the artworks and celebrating the creativity of AYAH’s patients.
The art therapy brought about lots of creativity amongst patients, families, carers and visitors
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Humans of SDPR: Belinda Collins Belinda Collins has been a theatre nurse for 14 years, and her passion for improving patient care led her to join the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) Endoscopy Working Group. “I’ve always seen how much smoother and safer patient care can be when our digital systems genuinely support the way we work,” she said. “SDPR is an opportunity to improve communication, reduce duplication, and support clinicians across NSW Health — and I wanted to be part of that change.” As a member of the Endoscopy Working Group, Belinda has learned how diverse workflows are across rural and metropolitan sites. “Working alongside passionate clinicians and digital teams shows the expertise that exists across the state. Every discussion teaches me how to streamline processes and design
a system that truly supports safe, efficient care,” she said. Find out more on SDPR here: https://bit. ly/4p0slp9
Belinda Collins
Emergency department recognised by Governor-General Clinicians from the Royal North Shore Hospital emergency department were
distressing incident. Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the recognition was a powerful acknowledgement of the team’s dedication and service. “Thank you to Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General for hosting healthcare workers at Admiralty House following the Bondi terrorist attacks,” he said. “It was a privilege to attend with some of our outstanding RNSH trauma, emergency and critical care clinicians, whose professionalism, courage and teamwork exemplify the very best of public service.”
formally recognised by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor- General of Australia, during a special reception at Admiralty House. The invitation acknowledged the extraordinary professionalism and compassion demonstrated by RNSH trauma, emergency and critical care teams in response to the recent Bondi terrorist attacks against the Jewish community. The reception brought together frontline healthcare workers whose swift and co- ordinated actions helped deliver lifesaving care during an unprecedented and deeply
Clinicians from the Royal North Shore Hospital emergency department were recognised by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia (middle)
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The Smiles2U delivery at Northern Beaches Hospital
19,900 smiles and counting A frightening night in emergency in 2015 has grown into a decade of comfort for thousands of local children. In 2025 alone, North Shore Mums Smiles2U delivered 2,310 care bags to young patients across Royal North Shore, Hornsby, Ryde and Northern Beaches hospitals, bringing the organisation’s 10 year total to more than 19,900 bags distributed across 13 hospitals. Founded by Michelle Key after her toddler son experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction, North Shore Mums Smiles2U was created from lived experience. “My son was just 15 months old when we rushed to hospital in an ambulance,” Michelle said. “Trying to distract him while he was being treated was overwhelming. In that moment, I realised how much a small comfort item could help.” Shortly after, Michelle began assembling care bags for children in hospital, initially delivering them to the emergency department at Royal North Shore Hospital. “What started as a few bags quickly grew,” she said. “Staff could see the impact immediately. Children were calmer. Parents felt supported. It made a real difference.” Today, Smiles2U works closely with nurses, social workers and child life therapists across NSLHD facilities and Northern Beaches Hospital. Clinical teams identify children experiencing distress, extended emergency stays or complex diagnoses, ensuring the bags reach
those who need them most. “These healthcare professionals know which families are having a particularly hard day,” Michelle said. “We rely on their insight to make sure our support goes where it will matter most.” The organisation is entirely community funded, sustained through donations, grassroots fundraising events and local business sponsorship. Raffles, markets, movie nights and seasonal drives help cover costs including storage, logistics and supplies. “There is a lot happening behind the scenes,” Michelle said. “We’re incredibly grateful to our community and local businesses who keep this going year after year.” As Smiles2U enters its second decade in 2026, its mission remains straightforward. “We can’t change why a child is in hospital,” Michelle said. “But we can change how they feel while they’re there. If we can bring even one smile during a difficult visit, that’s everything.”
The Smiles2U delivery at Hornsby Hospital
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Breast cancer doesn’t wait. Don’t wait to breast screen. Aged 50-74? Book yours today.
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