Building momentum Across Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), we have a strong commitment to delivering the most advanced care possible. Clinical trials and research play a vital role in achieving this goal.
Day in, day out, our world leading clinicians seek better ways to diagnose, treat and care for patients. From multicentre national and international trials to smaller investigations, our staff are always looking for ways to bring better outcomes. Much is happening as we grow our clinical trial and research work. Our expanding trial activity is fuelling strong momentum across the district, including through the development of new therapies, new workforce initiatives and new partnerships. This issue of Tomorrow’s Medicine Today highlights the diversity of work underway across the district. From a pioneering cancer trial using immunotherapy to new research into caring for premature babies and an app to help people with lung disease, NSLHD clinicians are delivering innovations that make a real difference. Alongside new treatments, strengthening our clinical trials workforce is a major priority in building the next era of research. We’re creating more permanent roles within our clinical trials workforce and increasing access to professional development, including staff undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trial Operations at Macquarie University. Externally, we continue to build incredible partnerships. NORTH STAR VNP, a venture between NSLHD and Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in New York, US, was established in 2024 as a clinical trials research centre and now has 17 active trials underway across a wide range of cancer tumour types. This international collaboration is a major pillar of our cancer research strategy. Ramsay Health, which operates Royal North Shore Private Hospital, is also a key partner in the NORTH STAR venture. Our relationship with the Mid North Coast Local Health District is also evolving as we work towards more joint clinical trial activity. This not only includes training staff but leveraging their expertise in running trials in rural and remote locations, as well as engaging with Aboriginal communities. In terms of infrastructure, we are opening a new cancer Clinical Trials Unit in the Douglas Building at Royal North Shore Hospital. Crucially, the unit will
be running Phase 1 trials, which involve a drug being tested in a small group of people for the first time to find how safe it is, the best dose and any side effects. We are also creating significant opportunities for the next generation of doctors and specialists to learn the latest cancer treatments. NSLHD’s first local fellowship recipient, Dr Nicholas Della Marta, will soon commence a prestigious oncology fellowship at MSK in the United States, focusing on gastrointestinal cancers. Overall, our clinical trials program is entering a period of significant maturity and acceleration. We are building the workforce, strengthening partnerships, expanding clinical expertise, and delivering new infrastructure that will support innovation for years to come. We want to thank all staff involved in researching and running clinical trials. Your dedication, commitment, leadership, collaboration and focus, sometimes over many years, changes patients’ lives in extraordinary ways. Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive NSLHD Nadia Levin Chair of the NSLHD Research, Innovation and Technology Committee May 2026
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