NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story JERSEY DAY 2024
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RNSH welcomes back javelin star from paris olympics Page 6
Pre-Op Physiotherapy to Cut Complications Page 8
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Message from the board chair Trevor Danos AM
Dear colleagues,
The hybrid event will be hosted by the NSLHD’s AWiML Group and will feature addresses from Adjunct Professor Claire Harris and Dr Danette Wright and will be held at Hornsby Hospital and online. You can register your attendance and find more information at the following link: https://bit.ly/awiml_ managingchallengingbehaviours. The closing date of the 2024 Public Service Commission People Matter Employee Survey (PMES) is fast approaching. This survey is an important opportunity for all staff members to share their views on working at NSLHD and helps inform initiatives to make the district an even better place to work. The survey closes on Friday 13 September 2024 and staff can access it by using this link: https://bit.ly/PMES-2024. The Board and I take a very keen interest in the results of the PMES and I am looking forward to reviewing the results of this year’s survey. I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to complete the survey.
As we work towards the later stages of the year planning has already started on the 2024 Annual Public Meeting, which will take place on Friday 22 November. I always look forward to the Annual Public Meeting as it provides us with an opportunity to highlight the district’s many achievements by reporting publicly on the last twelve months and invite members of the public to attend and ask questions. At the APM we will also be announcing any new entries to the NSLHD Board Honour Roll which recognises exceptional and outstanding service provided by a person who has had strong involvement with our district over an extended period. Nominations for the 2024 NSLHD Board Honour Roll will close on 30 September and information on how to nominate can be found on the website at: https://www.nslhd. health.nsw.gov.au/AboutUs/Pages/How-to- nominate.aspx. The Board and I are looking forward to reviewing the nominations and adding to the honour roll, which is now in its third year. As an enthusiastic member of the district’s Advancing Women in Medical Leadership (AWiML) Group I am proud of being part of this group committed to ensuring we continue to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. The next AWiML masterclass is coming up on 17 September at 12:45pm and will focus on giving our staff tools to help them with managing challenging behaviours.
Trevor Danos AM, Chair Northern Sydney Local Health District
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Staff gathered in the RNSH foyer to celebrate the day
jersey day: fostering conversations about organ donation Northern Sydney Local Health District participated in Jersey Day, a national event that promotes organ donation awareness. Inspired by Nathan Gremmo, a 13-year-old organ donor who saved six lives, staff wore their favourite jerseys to spark conversations about the importance of registering as organ and tissue donors. Clinical nurse consultant Alyce Robinson said there were 1800 patients on the Australian transplant waitlist and 14,000 on dialysis. “In Australia, it is crucial for everyone to consider registering their intention to donate organs and tissues on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR),” she said. Australians are encouraged to register their decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) here: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today.
Celebrations at Royal North Shore
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Celebrations at Manly AYAH
Celebrating Inclusivity: NSLHD Wears It Purple Staff dressed up in purple to celebrate inclusivity as part of Wear it Purple Day, held every year on 30th August.
valued, and respected. NSLHD acting Excutive Chief Executive Peter Rophail said the district was committed to fostering an inclusive environment.. “At NSLHD, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture for LGBTQI+ employees and delivering inclusive health services. Wear it Purple Day reminds us to support safe environments for rainbow young people,” he said. For more information or to get involved, please contact the NSLHD Pride+ Employee Network at NSLHD- PridePlusEmployeeNetwork@health.nsw.gov. au.
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to the alarming rates of bullying and harassment faced by young LGBTQI+ people, which tragically led to several suicides. The movement was created to raise awareness about these challenges and to promote a culture of acceptance and inclusivity. At NSLHD, staff were encouraged to wear something purple—whether clothing, a ribbon, or a sticker—as a visible show of support. This collective effort sent a powerful message to rainbow youth that they are seen,
Celebrations at Ryde Hospital
Celebrations at RNSH
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS Share your news and achievements. Contact the Media and Communications team on 9463 1722 or email NSLHD-media@health.nsw.gov.au to submit your news.
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The stall at Royal North Shore Hospital promoting National Child Protection Week
National Child Protection Week: Every Conversation Matters Daily webinars and stalls have been held across the district to commemorate National Child Protection Week.
procedures, events and people. This can have a lasting impact on their futures. “We have a responsibility to care for those who can’t protect themselves, and support their family to provide a nurturing, emotionally and physical safe childhood.” Helen said that the week significantly helped raise awareness across the district. “Asking about our patients’ families – such as whether there are children at home, who is looking after them, and if they’re okay – can all go a long way in helping keep children safe,” she said. “We need to work together with families, to support them to provide the best chance for their children to thrive.” Throughout the week, The National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) hosted daily webinars the NSLHD Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Service also held awareness stalls at Royal North Shore, Hornsby, and Ryde Hospitals. volunteers who have been supporting the hospital since 1966. Since our inception, we have donated over $5.1 million to RNSH. Many staff support us by visiting our shop near the Green Lifts; however, we would love to see more. We offer a wide variety of items catering to staff, patients, and visitors,” said Anne Green, Manager and Grants Co- ordinator at The Corner Shop.
The week takes place every year as an important reminder to reflect on the role everyone plays in safeguarding the well- being of children. This year’s theme, “Every Conversation Matters,” focussed on the importance of discussing child abuse and neglect to improve child safety and wellbeing. NSW Health Chief Paediatrician and senior staff specialist at RNSH Helen Goodwin, who has three decades worth of experience working with children, says everyone has a responsibility to care for children, who often can’t protect themselves. “Working with children, young people and their families is such a privilege,” she said. “I’ve seen children from birth through to adulthood, or in some cases, cared for them from birth until they passed away. “Children are so often exposed to traumatic thrilled to recently receive a new exercise bike for their patients in the physiotherapy gym. Exercise bikes are highly beneficial for treating patients with knee and ankle injuries, post-surgery recovery, and general cardiovascular conditioning. “Exercise bikes are excellent for improving cardiovascular fitness, building strength, and increasing mobility, all of which are crucial for patients’ overall health and well- being,” said Patricia Evans, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at RNSH. Recognising the need for this equipment, the physiotherapy team approached the Corner Shop volunteers for assistance. Anne Green, Corner Shop Manager and Grants Co- ordinator promptly responded and approved the purchase of a higher-grade model that better suits the physiotherapy team’s needs. “We were very pleased to provide the funds for the purchase of a new exercise bike for the Physiotherapy Gym. We are a group of
Corner Shop Volunteers Donate Exercise Bike to RNSH The Royal North Shore Hospital Physiotherapy Outpatients team was
Anne Green (left) with physios Deborah Taylor and Chris Avdalis
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Mackenzie with some of her family members in Paris who donned custom made shirts to show their support
RNSH welcomes back javelin star Having 80,000 fans cheering you on in a stadium and then donning scrubs to work a series of night shifts as a doctor isn’t on the bingo cards of many over the course of a few weeks. But that has been the reality for Mackenzie Little. Mackenzie, a junior doctor at Royal North Shore Hospital and javelin thrower, returned home from the Paris 2024 Olympics as a two-time Olympic finalist. Her journey to the Olympics was years in the making. Last year, Mackenzie balanced her final year of medical studies while preparing for the games, and this year, she started full-time work at RNSH. Reflecting on her experience in Paris, Mackenzie said competing in the games with many
of her loved ones in the stadium to support her was something she will always remember. “The energy across the city and in the stadium was absolutely electric,” she said. “Being able to go through the experience with my family, close friends and coaches there with me is something I will hold on to forever.” In what is a true testament to Mackenzie’s incredible work ethic, she clocked in for her first night shift back on the same day she flew home to Australia. “It has been fantastic to be straight back into work to help alleviate any post-Olympic blues,” she said. “I’d like to thank everyone for the incredible support, it truly has been fantastic. “To be able to come back to a place where I feel so valued and be able to help patients as a doctor is something I’m so grateful for.” Mackenzie now turns her sights to the next competition in Brussels before gearing up for the World Championships in Tokyo next year.
xxx Mackenzie returned back to RNSH on the same day she landed back in Australia
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Phillip Ryan’s Stroke Journey at Royal North Shore Phillip Ryan, a retired Royal Australian Navy
“The professionalism and kindness of the staff were beyond anything I could have imagined,” he said. Phillip also praised the seamless coordination of his treatment, from arrival to discharge. Now in recovery, Phillip participates in a research study on cognitive abilities, recognising the importance of contributing to medical advancements. “I’m incredibly grateful I got my life back thanks to the skill and professionalism of the staff,” he said, rating his experience “10/10.”
veteran, faced a life-changing event on Easter Sunday when he suffered a stroke. While visiting family in Naremburn, Phillip suddenly felt his arm go numb and he lost the ability to speak. His wife, Annette, quickly recognised the signs of a stroke and called an ambulance, which arrived within 15 minutes. Rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), Phillip underwent tests before waking up in the intensive care unit (ICU) the next morning. He later learned that two clots in his brain had affected his speech, caused by undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. The hospital’s medical team performed a complex clot retrieval procedure, accessing the clot through an artery in his groin. “The result of that not happening... I could have been paralysed, maybe lost half of my face,” Phillip said. Throughout his stay, Phillip was deeply impressed by the care he received. Badminton turns to bravery Rodney Chan, a radiographer at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (HKH), was playing badminton when he saved a life. A fellow player suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive, with Rodney quickly taking charge. “After ensuring the area was safe, I checked for a response from the patient and then called for help,” he said. “I opened the patient’s airway and checked for breathing. When I found that the patient was not breathing, I commenced CPR, including chest compressions and mouth-to- mouth resuscitation.” The first defibrillator arrived with only one pad, but Rodney continued chest compressions until a second defibrillator was found. With the assistance of fellow HKH radiographers Adrian and Amy, and registered nurse Claire, the team administered two shocks, successfully reviving the player just as the ambulance arrived. “Throughout the incident, we relied on our training and remained calm and focused, ensuring we provided the necessary care until the paramedics took over,” he said. “This experience has profoundly impacted how I view my role as a healthcare professional. It highlighted that our responsibilities extend beyond the hospital
Back on track: Phillip and his wife Annette
and that we can make a significant difference in people’s lives, even outside the clinical setting.” The paramedics credited Rodney and his team for saving the person’ life, a testament to their quick thinking and teamwork. Rodney was awarded employee of the month.
Rodney Chan
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NSLHD develops new pre-op physiotherapy program to cut complications At Royal North Shore Hospital, a new education package has been created to help information. We hope this helps patients feel more confident about their recovery,” she said.
reduce lung complications after surgery. Research indicates that pre-operative physiotherapy can cut these complications by 50 per cent for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. A recent co-design workshop brought together NSLHD consumer advisors and a range of clinicians—including physiotherapists, anaesthetists, nurse educators, and research officers. NSLHD Consumer Advisor Sarah Barter said it was hoped the new education package would be provided to patients through virtual care physiotherapy services. “It was great to work with such a diverse team to create useful, patient-friendly
The team plans to study the impact of this virtual pre-operative physiotherapy program. This study will look at how well the program reduces lung complications, how it affects clinician workload, and its impact on hospital stay lengths. Dr. Louise Hansell said our idea came from research showing that preoperative physiotherapy can significantly reduce respiratory complications. “With limited time for in-person care, we’re testing how our virtual service can effectively support patients,” she said.
The team behind the program
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NSLHD farewells Nurse Sue Cheney after 50 years of service
NSLHD farewells Nurse Sue Cheney after 50 years of service Sue’s journey in nursing began in 1974 when she started her training at Sydney Hospital, eventually taking on roles in ICU, orthopaedics, and as a nurse unit manager. Sue’s career expanded across various Beaches Hospital. “My most rewarding aspect of my 50 years of nursing has been the people. I have loved learning about the medicine, problem- solving, and advocating for patients. I will greatly miss the camaraderie and humour of my colleagues,” said Sue.
hospitals, including Royal Prince Alfred as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in respiratory medicine and as a hospital liaison at Royal North Shore Hospital. After a brief break to run a café, Sue returned to nursing in 1998 at Manly Hospital, working in acute medical care. In 2005, she joined the acute post-acute care (APAC) service, where she was instrumental in establishing and managing the Hospital in the Home (HITH) service at Northern
Sue’s advice to new nurses is to “learn to listen, observe, and act on a patient’s behalf. Be passionate and enthusiastic, and always think outside the box.” Sue’s managers described her as a true example of passion and determination when it comes to elevating the quality of care the district provides.
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A/Professor Naomi Hammond
RNSH secures national research grant for post-sepsis care A team of researchers has secured more than $1.5 million to develop the first national models of care for patients who’ve experienced sepsis. Currently, up to 70 per cent of survivors return to hospital within a year of discharge. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It can lead to shock, failure of multiple organs and death. Globally, sepsis affects 49 million people each year and causes 11 million deaths, making it the leading cause of death from infection around the world. In Australia, it claims more than 8,700 lives each year. Chief Investigator Associate Professor Naomi Hammond said an estimated 55,000 Australians experience sepsis each year, with 18,000 adults ending up in intensive care. “Leaving hospital does not mean you’ve left sepsis behind. Adult survivors experience a reduced quality of life that can impact mobility, cause psychological problems and exacerbate pre-existing chronic conditions. They also face an increased risk of death in subsequent months and years,” she explained. For children, up to 40 per cent experience physical consequences like amputations, and cognitive impairment impacting their development and education. “Currently, health services focus on the acute illness, despite the bleak legacy sepsis leaves. We want to change that by focusing on what happens once a person leaves hospital, so we can ultimately improve the long-term outcomes for all sepsis survivors,” she said. “This program of work has been co-designed with the Sepsis Australia Consumer Partner and Advocacy Program, and we’re all incredibly excited and appreciative of the NHMRC’s Partnership Project grant as it is our first significant grant dedicated to post sepsis follow- up.” she added. The funding will help identify gaps in health services, develop follow-up models of care and test strategies for adult and paediatric sepsis survivors and their families.
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Philanthropic funds launch research into little-known cancer Generous community support is strengthening research into oesophageal cancer, lifting hopes of improved treatments for the aggressive and deadly cancer. The Fight for a Cure charity has donated $100,000 towards Dr Colby Stevenson’s research at the Kolling Institute, on top of a $100,000 donation from the Howlett family, in memory of their son Scott who died from the cancer. The Howlett family has welcomed the research saying it will help to raise awareness of this little-known cancer, while improving survival rates through earlier detection and treatment Oesophageal cancer is the 11th most common cause of cancer death in Australia, accounting for over 1400 deaths each year. Sadly, less than 25 per cent of people with this cancer survive more than five years, compared to about 70 per cent for all cancers combined. Colby, a surgeon and researcher, said he is incredibly grateful for the philanthropic support as it will allow him to conduct research which would otherwise be very difficult to get off the ground. “There have been some really significant improvements for some cancers like melanoma and breast cancer in the last 10 years, but concerningly, we have not seen the same kind of improvement in outcomes for those with oesophageal cancer,” he said. “Patients will generally undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery, with some people responding much better than others. In some cases, the patients’ disease will worsen while on treatment, and occasionally some will not survive. “My research will analyse oesophageal tumours to look for genes or proteins that may inform a patient’s individual prognosis and if their tumour will respond to a particular treatment. “This is an important body of work which could lead to individualised treatment approaches and avoid harmful treatments for patients who are unlikely to benefit from them.” He said he was grateful for this opportunity and driven to progress this research given the current poor prognosis for people with this deadly form of cancer. “I think this type of research could be the key to substantial improvement as it will allow us to further sub-classify oesophageal cancer so we can then develop the best treatment approach for each person. If you wish to support to this cause please contact the NORTH Foundation at info@ northfoundation.org.au or call (02) 9436 0162.
Dr Colby Stevenson
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