NSLHD’s Safety and Quality Newsletter provides information on new and upcoming activities, programs and initiatives within the district that aim to improve the safety of our patients and the quality of our care.
MACQUARIE HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2026
From my Desk
Dear All The year is flying by already and I hope you all had a great time over the summer holiday period At the beginning of the month, we welcomed the term 1 2026 registrars to the service, please make them feel part of the team
Registrar Ward Dr Peter Farmakis Lavender House Dr Joshua Turner Figtree Dr Jia Guo Figtree Dr Katherine Henley Unit Dr Alice Shen Parkview Unit Dr Marcus Vallejo Parkview Unit Dr Ava Liu Bridgeview Dr Michael Tse Hamilton Dr Catherine Tsai Cottages
This Week we also welcome Lais Santos Silva, as the New Executive Assistant to the Macquarie Hospital Service Director. Lais has come from NSW pathology and is new to NSLHD so please say “Hello” and introduce yourselves when you see her around the site
Lais Santos Silva
As you have probably noticed work is going full speed ahead in Building 50 and Riverglen is on schedule to move across into a newly renovated ward the week commencing 30 March.
The Model of Care Working party has started work on the Hospital Model of Care (MoC) This MoC will articulate how care is delivered across the hospital, including the purpose and scope of rehabilitation services, key clinical pathways, multidisciplinary roles and responsibilities, and expected standards of practice. It will describe the core elements of our approach—such as assessment, goal setting, intervention planning, consumer participation, and transition processes—and outline how teams work together to provide safe, effective, and recovery-oriented care. The MoC will also define operational expectations, integration with community supports (including NDIS interfaces), and how outcomes will be monitored to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with statewide priorities
There will be opportunity for all stakeholders to have input and review this throughout the process before the final step of submission to the MHDA Clinical Council for approval which we hope to be completed by September 2026
Thanks to all who completed the People Matter Employee Survey (PMES) below is a summary of the survey outcomes. We will be planning some Town Halls to discuss the results in greater detail. This Year the NSLHD People and Culture team will be leading a whole of district approach to addressing the results of the 2025 survey. In addition to this I would like to encourage you to provide any suggestions for actions to address areas for improvement – this can be done by using the QR code below or feel free to call or email me.
Anne Bajuk Service Director/Site Manager | Macquarie Hospital NSLHD
Macquarie Hospital Executive Rounding 2026
Team
Executive Lead
Rounding Due Present at Standard 1 Quality and
Cottages
Operations Manager
February
18/02/2026
Medical Team Service Director
February
18/02/2026
Bridgeview Allied Health, PCLI & Clinical Programs Psychology Team Deputy Director of Nursing
March
18/03/2026
March
18/03/2026
Figtree/Stepping Stones
Director of Nursing
April
15/04/2026
Wellbeing Unit Team Clinical Director
April
15/04/2026
Occupational Therapy
Operations Manager
May
20/05/2026
Allied Health, PCLI & Clinical Programs
Hamilton
May
20/05/2026
PCLI 2 Team Director of Nursing
June
17/06/2026
Henley
Clinical Director
June
17/06/2026
The Clinic
Service Director
July
15/07/2026
Deputy Director of Nursing
Lavender
July
15/07/2026
Rehabilitation Program Team
Director of Nursing
August
19/08/2026
Engineering
Service Director
August
19/08/2026
Social Work team Operations Manager
September
16/09/2026
Allied Health, PCLI & Clinical Programs Deputy Director of Nursing
Parkview
September
16/09/2026
Tarban
October
21/10/2026
Consumer peer worker team
Service Director
November
18/11/2026
Nursing News
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 GRADSTART NURSES
A special congratulations to all 2025 GradStart Registered Nurses who will be completing their GradStart year in 2026. We commend you on being successfully offered permanent or temporary employment following the completion of your program. To those continuing their careers at Macquarie Hospital, we warmly welcome youand look forward to your ongoing contributions. To those who have secured roles at other facilities within the district, we wish you every success as you take this exciting next step in your professional journey.
Well done to you all on this outstanding achievement – your dediction, resilience, and commitment to excellence are truly commendable.
CONSUMER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND GIFT OPENING The Bridgeview team, Henley Unit team, and the wider Macquarie Hospital community embraced the festive season with warmth, positivity, and a strong sense of togetherness. Our consumers actively participated in Christmas celebrations and activities throughout the period, helping to create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.
While our consumers preferred not to appear in newsletter photographs, their engagement and enthusiasm were at the heart of what made the celebrations so meaningful. We extend our sincere thanks to the generous donors whose contributions enabled the provision of beautiful Christmas gifts for our consumers. These thoughtful gestures made the festive season particularly special for those who were away from home and their families.
To capture the spirit of the season, photos of the festive meals, hamper bags, and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree have been included - reflecting the teamwork, care, and dedication shown by staff in supporting positive consumer experienc
Nursing News
Take The Lead
We congratulate Eun-mi An (Tarban NUM), Jo Lin (Figtree NUM), and Oscar Zhong (Henley NUM) on their expressed interest in the Take the Lead 12-month Leadership Program.
Their commitment to leadership development reflects a strong dedication to professional growth and organisational excellence. Participation in this program will further strengthen their leadership capability, support positive team culture, and contribute to high-quality, person-centred care.
Welcome to the Team! Please join us in warmly welcoming our new nursing staff members: Bianca Hollands-Duffy - Assistant in Nursing Parkview Unit Natalie Lyu - Assistant in Nursing Henley Unit Priya Poudel - Enrolled Nurse Lavender House
Farewell and Best Wishes
We farewell the following staff members and wish them every success and fulfilment in their new roles.
Arti Swatridge - Clinical Nurse Consultant Clinical Access & Demand Ben Woodruff - After Hours Nurse Manager
MARK JOYCE DIRECTOR OF NURSING MHDA
Medication in Recovery Focused Care Medicationplaysanimportant but balanced role inthe recoveryjourney ofpeople engaged in mental health rehabilitation.While therapeutic interventions, skill building and social connection remain central pillars of recovery,theright medication plan can enhance stability, improvefunctioning, and support consumerstofullyengage in their personalised rehabilitation program. In a mentalhealthrehabilitation setting, medication is used to support symptom stabilisation, promote functionalrecovery,and enhance a consumer’s ability to participate in dailyactivities and therapies. When symptomsarewell-managed, consumers are better able to build independence and work towards reintegrationintothecommunity. MedicationWithinaRecovery Oriented Framework- Medication is most effective when it aligns with the consumer’sownrecovery goals. It should enhance functioning, increase safety, and support participation in therapyandsocialconnection. At all times, informed and voluntary choices remain central to recovery-focusedpractice. Promoting Collaborative Conversations - Rehabilitation models emphasise partnership and shared decision making. Staff can encourage meaningful medication discussions by: • • • • Welcoming consumer preferences, goals, and past experiences Offering clear, strengths based education Supporting consumers to prepare questions for prescribers Validating the consumer’s role as an active participant in their medication plan This collaborative approach fosters autonomy and builds trust. What Staff Should Monitor - For consumers engaged in longer-term rehabilitation, consistent observation is key. Staff should monitor: • • • • Effect of the medication including side effects e.g. sedation, metabolic effects Motivation and engagement in rehabilitation programs Physical health indicators Medication routines, adherence, and consumer reported experiences Sharing these observations with the consumer and MDT strengthens cohesive, person-centred care. When Consumers Want to Reduce or Stop Medication - If a consumer expresses a desire to change their medication, staff can respond in a supportive and recovery-oriented way:
• • • • • Validate the consumer’s autonomy and feelings Explore motivations and concerns Provide education about potential risks of sudden changes Encourage open discussion with the treating psychiatrist Monitor sleep, mood, thinking patterns, and functioning Any medication changes should occur collaboratively with the MDT and the consumer.
Together, these practices ensure that medication is applied as a targeted, evidence-informed intervention that enhances clinical outcomes, supports functional gains, and promotes safe, sustained recovery for consumers in rehabilitation settings. Article by Luren Reddy CNC
Chaplaincy Corner 65 years ago, January 1961, I stepped warily behind the “Parkside Asylum” 8-foot-high wall of stone which was topped with broken glass, and I started my training as a psychiatric nurse. Despite the Dickensian conditions I experienced before deinstitutionalisation, I eventually came back full circle to work with the marginalised. It was a calling I could not resist – an opportunity to make a difference.
A SMALL LIGHT OVERCOMING GREAT DARKNESS
Anne Frank’s famous, enduring quote was written on July 15, 1944 in her diary: "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart". Despite living in fear, and being confronted by the cruelty of war, she chose to maintain hope in the inherent goodness of humanity. In the senseless Bondi Beach tragedy, we saw incredible acts of courage and compassion counteracting the atrocities inflicted on innocent people. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who suffered as a result.
We deeply grieve the passing of Dame Marie Bashir. As a much- loved Governor of NSW, she led with humanity and humility. On retiring, she followed her heart and remained focussed on the mental health issues affecting young people. “I’d like very much to quietly get in there as someone who can listen to the stories and relieve the burden.” In 2009 and 2019 she didn’t hesitate to accept our invitation to attend and address our Hospital’s 50th and 60th Anniversary Chapel Services. The Services were conducted by the patients and she responded to them with heart-warming affection, her graciousness winning every heart. ROSEMARIE SAY CHAPLAINCY COORDINATOR
Allied Health, PCLI and Clinical Programs update Celebrating People & Progress
The past few months have brought plenty of positive news — new appointments, well ‑ earned recognition, shared team activities and steady progress on key projects. Below is a snapshot of what’s been happening across the Allied Health, PCLI and Clinical Program teams.
Welcome to Mevlyn Deo – Rehabilitation Program & Stepping Stones Manager We are delighted to welcome Mevlyn Deo to Macquarie Hospital as the new Rehabilitation Program & Stepping Stones Manager. Mevlyn brings extensive clinical, leadership, management and governance experience across both public and private mental health services, including inpatient, community and after-hours operations.
Mevlyn will play a key role in guiding the Rehabilitation Program and Stepping Stones team through upcoming service developments and facility improvements. Please join us in welcoming Mevlyn to the team.
Rehabilitation Area Renovations – Progress Update Work on the Rehabilitation Program area renovations has now commenced, and the space is gradually starting to take shape as we prepare to welcome the Stepping Stones team into the program. The planned upgrades will support smoother workflows, and a more contemporary environment for consumers and staff. The renovation works include improvements to staff and consumer areas, upgraded rooms to support group programs, and general updates to make the space more modern, welcoming and functional. We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.
Congratulations to Dilki Senanayake – ESSA Clinical Practicum Supervisor of the Year Nominee A warm congratulations to Dilki, who has been nominated for the Exercise and Sport Science Australia National Exercise Physiology Clinical Practicum Supervisor of the Year award. This nomination reflects her outstanding contribution to student learning, her commitment to high ‑ quality clinical education, and the supportive environment she creates for emerging clinicians.
We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for the expertise she brings to the service.
In fact, if you’ve noticed the Wellbeing Unit, Lavender and Parkview gyms looking a lot busier lately, you’d be absolutely right. Across the hospital, attendance has grown significantly over the past year — especially from our locked units. Tarban saw the biggest jump, rising from 112 to 441 visits (a 293.8% increase), largely thanks to the fantastic work of Matt Barry - Tarban rehabilitation facilitator nurse who actively encourages, supports and escorts consumers to and from the gym. Strong increases were also seen in Parkview (up 240%) and Lavender (up 198.5%), with Henley and Hamilton showing steady growth as well. The open units also recorded impressive participation, with Cottages climbing from 123 to 410 visits (233.3% increase) and Figtree growing by 203.4%. Bridgeview saw a smaller but still positive rise of 28.8%. Overall, the numbers reflect great engagement from consumers and strong support from staff in encouraging physical activity and wellbeing across the service. Our inaugural joint Planning Day for the Allied Health, PCLI2, Wellbeing Unit and Rehabilitation Program teams will be held on Monday, 30 March. The Planning Day will bring the teams together to explore our shared priorities for 2026–2027 and identify the core business and key workflows that shape how we operate across programs. The day will focus on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting staff wellbeing, and aligning our work with broader service reforms and models of care. There will be a mix of team ‑ only sessions, where each group can focus on their specific priorities and planning needs, as well as sessions where all teams come together for shared learning and discussions. These whole ‑ group components include a practical look at using AI in practice, facilitated by Geraldine Marsh, our Mental Health Librarian, and a presentation from Deb Hoban, the Statewide Rehabilitation Coordinator from the Mental Health Branch, who will speak about future directions in mental health rehabilitation.
Allied Health, PCLI & Clinical Program Team Lunch – 16 February
On 16 February, the Allied Health, PCLI and Clinical Program teams came together for a relaxed and very well ‑ attended “social lunch” in the Rehabilitation Program area. The event was organised by the PCLI2 and Social Work teams, who did a fantastic job bringing everyone together.
More than 46 staff joined in for the 30 ‑ minute lunch, creating a great opportunity to catch up, meet new team members, and strengthen connections. Thanks to everyone who came along and contributed to a really positive atmosphere.
Wellbeing unit
Farewell to Georgie McBride
Georgie, Wellbeing Unit Senior Dietitian, finished at Macquarie Hospital on 17th February.
Georgie has been a valued member of the Wellbeing Unit team for over 4 years. She was a strong advocate for prioritizing physical health at Macquarie, both for the individual consumers under her care and across the site, through leading the Metabolic Audit and representation on many committees. Her collaboration with Food Services led to the establishment of Build Your Own Burrito Bowl and sandwich/salad bars to increase variety at the lunch time meal service. Her most recent work has resulted in the piloting of point of service choice on Parkview, Bridgeview, Henley & Tarban at the evening meal service. Georgie also regularly provided student supervision, growing the dietetics workforce and giving students exposure to the unique opportunities in MHDA. If you worked with Georgie in any capacity, you know she brought a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and dedication, to everything she did. Macquarie Hospital wishes Georgie every success in her new role as Head of Department, Nutrition & Dietetics, Mona Vale Hospital.
Thank you and farewell Georgie!
🎵 Finding Their Voice: A New Choir Group for Lavender!
A new beat is sounding through Macquarie Hospital with the launch of the Lavender Choir Group, led by Speech Pathologist Elza and Music Therapist Saenuri. Designed for consumers with dysarthria or those at risk of parkinsonism, the group blends evidence ‑ based vocal exercises like abdominal breathing, prolonged vowels, and pitch glides—with the joy of singing
Inspired by the ParkinSong program, each session supports clearer, stronger voices while keeping things fun and uplifting. With a regular group of four to five participants, the choir sings classics from the ’60s to ’80s across pop, rock, folk, and blues—often lighting up when Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan makes an appearance on the playlist!
Most of all, participants come for the connection, confidence, and shared love of music. It’s a warm, supportive space where voices and community grow stronger each week.
Munch and Methods – 2 February Recap
Our first Munch and Methods of the year offered a snapshot of the research support services available across MQE with presentations from Geraldine Marsh (Library Services Overview) and Claire Finfer (Research Support Across NSLHD).
Geraldine showcased key ways the Library can support your research, including:
Help with literature searches and evidence synthesis Guidance on referencing and managing citations Assistance with journal selection and avoiding predatory publishers Tools for tracking research impact
Claire highlighted services to strengthen research planning and delivery:
Consumer engagement support Biostatistics advice for study design and analysis REDCap for surveys Training opportunities Help navigating governance processes
The session offered practical tips and reminders of the expertise available to support research and quality improvement - if you missed it and would like any info please get in touch with the presenters.
The next Munch and Methods is on 23 February at 12pm. It is open to all staff, we would love to see you there!
Macquarie Mental Health Library News
NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM NSLHD LIBRARIES
Kaplan & Sadock's comprehensive textbook of psychiatry 11th ed 2025 LGBTQ+ healthy ageing: how queer history impacts healthy ageing / by Simon James Fox and Dorothy Hannis. Oxford textbook of shared decision making in healthcare / editors, Glyn Elwyn, Natalie Joseph- Williams and Adrian Edwards. (Chapter 27 is about Shared decision making in Mental Healthcare) Sensory pathways to healing from trauma: Harnessing the brain’s capacity for change / Ruth A Lanius ... (et .. al) Cognitive-behaviour therapy for severe mental illness 2nd ed. 2025 Living with Schizophrenia: Stories, advice and advocacy from the front lines of a mental-health crisis
For the full list of New Books scan the QR code
EVIDENCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: MENTAL HEALTH LIBRARY TRAINING
Take the stress out of searching — library consultations and training sessions make mental health evidence easy to navigate. We offer one ‑ on ‑ one sessions, small group training, or team in ‑ services, whatever works best for you. Topics include: Getting started with Springboard Finding books, eBooks and journals Using databases confidently Getting more from point of care and medication tools Staying up to date in your field of interest Research support – publishing, open access, tracking citations and indicators of impact Custom training tailored to your needs Book now: https: //nslhd.libraryresearch.info/reft410.aspx?pmi=518011800122368952 Or contact Geraldine Marsh, Mental Health Librarian.
Seamus’ - Tweet of the Month – Buff ‑ banded Rail
We are delighted to welcome Seamus to our newsletter team! Each month, Seamus will be sharing one of his stunning bird photographs, offering us a glimpse into the remarkable wildlife that thrives around us here at Macquarie Hospital. His passion for birds — and knack for capturing them at just the right moment — adds a wonderful new element to our monthly update.
A shy but charismatic wetland bird known for its bold stripes and beautifully patterned plumage. With a rich chestnut crown, a buff-coloured band across the chest, and distinctive black ‑ and ‑ white barring along its flanks, this little rail is a wonderful sight if you’re lucky enough to spot one. Buff ‑ banded Rails are usually found darting between reeds or foraging quietly along the edges of wetlands, mangroves, and parks.
Thank you
Please send your feedback/articles to be published on April Edition on or before 5.04.25 to Aya @Aya.hassan@health.nsw.gov.au
Macquarie Hospital Newsletter | February 2026
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