NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb 2026 quality and improvement awards Pages 4 and 5
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A beacon of kindness Page 10
RNSH clinicians recognised in King’s Birthday Honours Page 3
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, There has been much to celebrate recently with our people at Northern Sydney Local Health District being recognised for their achievements that go beyond the delivery of high-quality care. In this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, we had four clinicians who received accolades for their expertise and leadership in their chosen fields of medicine and research. Professor Margaret Schnitzler was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to general surgery. Many of you would know Margaret who has been considered a trail-blazer throughout her 40-year career. Margaret’s surgical career has been marked by a series of milestones. After becoming a surgical trainee in 1987, she became the first female general surgeon appointed in the district and the first female colorectal surgeon in Australia. I wish to extend my congratulations to Professor Suran Fernando, head of the clinical immunology department at RNSH who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Also receiving an OAM was RNSH’s haematologist Dr Luke Coyle, who works in the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, and Dr Ross Macpherson, former anaesthetist at RNSH. I had the pleasure of attending the NSLHD’s Quality and Improvement Awards, where, once again I was impressed by the achievements of our staff. The awards put a spotlight on the hard work and delivery of programs which have made a real difference to the patients and families we care for. Congratulations to all the winners who can
be found here on our website: https://bit. ly/4wgPjfd A personal highlight for me was having the pleasure of meeting Macquarie Hospital’s gardener Seamus McMahon whose kindness extends to patients, families and his colleagues. I awarded Seamus with a NSW Health Emblem of Kindness, one of five I can present to staff this year, for the care and compassion he shows everyone who crosses his path. Seamus is a well-known friendly face at Macquarie Hospital and is adored by those who meet him, for his willingness to share his knowledge, lend a friendly ear or shout someone a coffee. It is the small acts of kindness that can make such a difference to someone’s day. In an exciting development, the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) continues to build momentum as work progresses across workforce readiness, service engagement and preparation for go-live. Staff are being supported through a growing range of resources designed to make preparation simpler and more accessible, including SOURCE, a central hub bringing together practical guidance, tips and support materials, as well as SDPR Bites available on SharePoint to keep teams informed with short, easy updates. They can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/4vLFcyC Warm regards,
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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RNSH clinicians recognised in King’s Birthday Honours When Margaret Schnitzler started her medical career 40 years ago, she couldn’t have imagined she would go on to be considered by others as a trailblazer and receive the accolades she has. Holding the title of being the first female colorectal surgeon in Australia, Margaret can now add Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) after receiving the prestigious appointment in the King’s Birthday Honours. Margaret is one of four clinicians from Royal North Shore Hospital to be acknowledged for their services to the fields of medicine and research. A trailblazer in Australian surgery, she became the first female general surgeon appointed in Northern Sydney Local Health District and the first female colorectal surgeon in Australia. Other clinicians to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia were: Dr Luke Coyle, a haematologist at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, RNSH Dr Ross Macpherson, for his service to medicine as an anaesthetist Professor Suran Fernando for his service to immunology. Suran is the inaugural head of the clinical immunology and allergy department at RNSH since 2012. He has had more than 140 peer reviewed journal articles published and sits on many expert panels and advisory boards for immunology to share his expertise.
Professor Suran Fernando
Professor Margaret Schnitzler
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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2026 quality and improvement awards Staff across Northern Sydney Local Health District have been recognised for their outstanding efforts at the 2026 Quality and Improvement Awards. NSLHD received 62 submissions from hospitals, services and partner organisations across the district, with 17 finalist teams and individuals recognised across nine categories. This year saw the introduction of a new category — the Small Acts of Kindness Award; exemplifying the values of NSLHD through small but meaningful actions that create a positive environment for everyone around them. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said he is continually inspired by the dedication of staff to improve care and services. “These awards celebrate excellence in care, innovation and collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for our patients, communities and teams,” he said. To view the full list of winners and finalists, visit: https://bit. ly/4wgPjfd
Patient Safety First Award
People and Culture Award
Winner
Winner
Proactive IV to Oral Antimicrobial Transition Royal North Shore Hospital
Staff Quit Nicotine Program NSLHD Population Health
Health Innovation Award
Winner
Right Patient, Right Time: Digital Transport Patient Flow Medical Imaging, Royal North Shore Hospital
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Health Research Award
Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
Winner
Winner
Breaking Silos – Integrating Oral Health into Opioid Treatment Programs Oral Health, Primary and Community Health
Let’s Talk About Voices Specialist Rehabilitation Service, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol
Transforming the Patient Experience Award
Small Acts of Kindness Award
Winner
Winner
Breaking the Pill Barrier TB Services, NSLHD
Peta Hope Dementia and Delirium CNC, Ryde Hospital
Keeping People Healthy Award
Environmental Sustainability Award
Winner
Winner
No GA, No Delay: Skin Grafting the Local Way Severe Burn Injury Unit Ambulatory Care Clinic, Royal North Shore Hospital
GLOW – Guiding Lifelong Oral Wellness Oral Health, Primary and Community Health
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Royal North Shore Hospital research makes history Leading RNSH clinician researcher Associate Professor Brendon Neuen has had three major studies published in the world’s three most prestigious medical journals on the same day –
caused by glomerular diseases, a group of conditions that generally affect young patients with fewer treatment options. A third analysis involving 14,500 patients with both diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease – found that the medication reduced the risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation by 23 per cent, reduced the risk of heart failure by cardiovascular death by 18 per cent, and death from any cause by 12 per cent. Brendon said the findings support the use of finerenone as a foundational treatment for chronic kidney disease. “Although diabetes is the single most common cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide, most people living with kidney disease do not have diabetes and currently have few effective treatment options,” he said. “Addressing this unmet need is critical, as improving outcomes has the potential to substantially reduce the global burden of kidney disease. “With the disease affecting around 850 million people globally, these findings support the expanded use of this medication to meaningfully reduce kidney failure and heart complications for millions of people worldwide.”
in a rare achievement in clinical research. Associate Professor Neuen led the research showing that a new medication protects the kidneys, reduces heart risks, and improves survival for more patients than first thought. The findings were presented at the European Renal Association Congress in Glasgow in front of 4,000 people, and published in The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA. Finerenone is currently available in Australia to treat chronic kidney disease for people with type 2 diabetes, where it works by reducing inflammation and scarring in the kidneys. But a new wave of research shows that its benefits reach much further. The first study, a six-year clinical trial involving 1600 patients across 24 countries with non-diabetic kidney disease showed that finerenone significantly slowed kidney function decline, reduced the risk of kidney failure, heart failure, and cardiovascular death by 23 per cent. A second study found the medication also helped a group of patients with kidney disease
Associate Professor Brendon Neuen presenting at the European Renal Association Congress in Glasgow
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NBH staff with the new equipment
northern Beaches Hospital rolls out new equipment to help reduce falls risk Northern Beaches Hospital patients and staff are set to benefit from new mobility, falls prevention and patient assessment equipment, following a recent review across the hospital. The equipment has been procured by the district to support safer inpatient care, particularly for patients who need extra support moving around during their hospital stay. The new equipment includes Sara Steady units to help staff safely support patients from sitting to standing, as well as over-toilet frames and four-wheeled walkers to support safer movement and bathroom use. Falls assist standing frame support units and shell chairs have also been provided to support patients after a fall or near-fall, as well as supported seating for those who need extra postural support. The procurement includes scales to support mandatory height and weight checks, helping staff provide medications at the right dosages and calculate a patient’s body mass index to support nutritional assessment and care. Seca digital chair scales will further support safe, comfortable and accurate weight measurements for patients who are unable to stand without assistance. Northern Beaches Hospital Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery Kristen Boyd said the new equipment would help support patients and staff across the hospital. “Having the right equipment available on wards supports safer mobility, helps reduce falls risk and gives staff the tools they need to deliver safe, high-quality inpatient care,” she said. “This is a great example of collaboration leading to improved outcomes for patients and teams.”
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. SPREAD THE GOOD news
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SDPR Implementation Authority staff undertaking clinical technology audits at Royal North Shore Hospital
Teams prepare clinical technology for sdpr As the district prepares for the
devices with the future SDPR system and support more efficient information sharing. Shiromee Gasperson, Change Manager from the Clinical Engagement team, Digital Health Services, said the audits are an important step in preparing for future SDPR workflows. “This work will help the SDPR Implementation Authority better understand our clinical technology environment and support more connected care when the SDPR goes live in NSLHD later this year,” she said. Members of the public can find out more about the SDPR here: https://bit.ly/4p0slp9 https://bit.ly/4p0slp9 Bite-sized SDPR information sessions are also available for staff, providing an early look at the program and its readiness activities, delivered by Digital Health Services: https:// bit.ly/4vLFcyC
implementation of the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR), teams from the NSW Health SDPR Implementation Authority, Biomedical Engineering and Digital Health Services are undertaking technical readiness activities across NSLHD facilities. Over the coming weeks, staff may notice team members wearing blue SDPR vests conducting audits of clinical technology and related network infrastructure in wards, clinics and patient care areas. The audits involve reviewing equipment such as patient monitors, electrocardiogram machines and cardiotocography devices, documenting serial numbers, assessing network connectivity, examining wall ports and supporting infrastructure. This work will help identify opportunities to integrate clinical
RNSH Physiotherapy team rallies for Lifeblood donation Members of the RNSH physiotherapy team came together for a group Lifeblood donation in support of “One in a Marrow”, an initiative started by senior paediatric physiotherapist Elizabeth Anderson to encourage blood donation ahead of her bone marrow transplant for leukaemia. The team visited Lifeblood to donate welcome to get involved via the group link,” he said. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/43HTiVO
blood and plasma, supporting a cause that brings colleagues together around a shared purpose. NSLHD Physiotherapy Advisor Peter Young, who organised hte group donation, said it was a great opportunity to contribute to a public health initiative. Ten members of the RNSH Physiotherapy team attended Lifeblood to make a group blood or plasma donation in support of ‘One in a Marrow’. The team was proud to support this important cause, with others
The “One In a Marrow” team
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NSLHD celebrates Human Experience Week Across NSLHD between May 4–8, Human Experience Week provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements, re-energise, and honour those making a difference. Events were held across Royal North Shore Hospital, Hornsby Hospital, Primary and Community Health, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, and Research Services.
perspectives. Kerrie Cunningham, Director of Nursing, Primary and Community Health, said the activities encouraged reflection on the importance of communication, presence and small moments. “Human Experience Week reminded us that care is shaped not only by what we do, but by how it feels. By listening and learning from experience, we continue to strengthen care that is safe, compassionate and truly human,” she said.
Guided by the theme Together in Action: Listening, Learning, Transforming, the week brought together consumer advisors, volunteers and staff to share stories and insights, including discussions on patient reported measures, lived experience and the importance of working together in action to continuously improve care. A key highlight was the Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service and Health Contact Centre Consumer and Staff Forum, held in a hybrid format with participants joining in person and online. The forum provided space for open discussion, with consumers sharing lived experiences through conversation, written stories and video presentations. A listening circle formed the centre of the forum, supported by a handprint activity and a poster competition, using creative expression to reflect on the human experience of care from both consumer and staff
Consumers and staff at the forum
NSLHD renews partnership with Australian Defence Force Northern Sydney Local Health District recently renewed its partnership with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), entering a further five-year agreement that supports defence personnel to maintain and develop their clinical skills through placements across NSLHD facilities. These placements provide ADF health and contribute meaningfully to patient care. The renewal was marked with a morning tea to celebrate the ongoing collaboration and acknowledge the strong working relationship between NSLHD and the ADF.
professionals with opportunities to engage in both general and specialised clinical practice across medicine, nursing and allied health, helping them remain current and connected within their fields. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the partnership reflects a strong shared commitment to clinical excellence and workforce development. “Our ADF colleagues bring deep expertise, professionalism and a unique perspective that enrich our workforce and strengthen the care we provide to our community,” he said. “It was a privilege to mark this important milestone and acknowledge the mutual trust and shared purpose that underpin the success of this partnership.” Across NSLHD hospitals and services, ADF placements continue to enhance clinical teams
Senior leaders from the ADF and NSLHD came together at a morning tea to mark the renewal of the agreement
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A BEACON OF KINDNESS Seamus MacMahon works as a gardener at Macquarie Hospital, but he is much more than just a green thumb. He is a friendly face, a companion and a helper to so many mental health patients, their families and staff who cross his path on the North Ryde campus. Seamus is always engaging in small acts of kindness across the campus with both staff and mental health patients, whether it be a chat with people as they walk through the vast grounds, bringing books in from his personal collection for someone to read or buying the occasional coffee or cake for patients that he sees at the café. These small acts of kindness earned Seamus one of five Emblems of Kindness awarded by NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri as part of the NSW Health initiative.
Staff and patients will often be seen talking with Seamus about the wildlife on the grounds. Sheila said he took the time out of his day to share his knowledge about birds and assist patients who were interested in growing plants. “It is small acts of kindness like this that go such a long way to our patients’ wellbeing, their recovery and experience while in our care,” Sheila said. “He makes a lasting impression on people through his acts of kindness, yet he never sets out to seek recognition or praise from anyone. Seamus always thinks of others and how he can help make their day more positive.”
NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Acting Director Sheila Nicholson said Seamus was well known and liked all over the hospital campus for his endless kind nature. “Seamus makes a person feel seen by always remembering their name and what they last talked about,” she said. “His kind demeanour is so welcomed, especially in the mental health environment where many patients and families are vulnerable. He makes everyone smile when they meet him with his happy personality and kind thoughtful ways.”
Seamus MacMahon
A Day of Smiles at Royal North Shore Hospital Royal North Shore Hospital experienced a special atmosphere as team members of the Matildas, the Australian women’s national soccer team, joined Clown Doctors Australia to bring moments of joy and connection to patients, families and staff. Players Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac and Wini Heatley visited the Neonatal
with NSLHD and love to be able to bring these opportunities to your patients and to your staff,” she said.
Intensive Care Unit and paediatric wards, spending time with patients, families and staff. The visit included gift-giving, signed jerseys and light-hearted interaction, creating memorable moments across the hospital. The players were able to see the work that the clown doctors do to bring joy and lightness to wards. Clown Doctors Australia Chief Executive Emma Pollard said the partnership with NSLHD helped create meaningful experiences for patients and staff. “We are so grateful for our partnership
The Matildas gave gifts and autographs to staff and patients
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Refreshing Respecting the Difference at NSLHD Northern Sydney Local Health District has refreshed its Respecting the Difference training, strengthening our ongoing commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces.
Through this strengthened internal model, Northern Sydney LHD is continuing to embed the principles of Respecting the Difference into everyday practice - supporting our people to feel valued, respected and culturally safe, and empowering them to deliver high quality care to our community. To book, staff can visit My Health Learning at https://bit.ly/4w1Hji1
A key part of the refresh is bringing the delivery of Respecting the Difference training in house, creating a more consistent experience and strengthening connections with local teams and services. This renewed approach
supports staff to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal cultural safety and respect across our diverse workforce. Importantly, staff will now have a direct voice in shaping the program, with ongoing feedback from participants helping to continuously evolve and tailor the training to reflect the needs and experiences of our people. Capabilities Lead at NSLHD who is supported by two full time facilitators, dedicated to delivering this training across the district. The program is now led by Rikka Lamb, Cultural
Rikka Lamb, Cultural Capabilities Lead, NSLHD
Farewell, Alison Northern Sydney Local Health District has farewelled Alison Zecchin, recognising her significant contribution to Royal North Shore Hospital and the wider district over two decades of service. Alison’s career with NSLHD began in 2005 at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital as Deputy Director of Nursing, before moving to Royal North Shore Hospital in 2008 as Director of Nursing and Midwifery. In 2018, she was appointed General
“Alison has led with compassion, strength and clarity, and has made an outstanding contribution to NSLHD over many years,” he said. “Her leadership has strengthened our services, supported our staff and improved care for our patients and community.” Alison departs NSLHD to take up the role of Chief Executive at Western Sydney Local Health District.
Manager, providing leadership through major service change, redevelopment and the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, Alison played a key role in the hospital redevelopment and transition into new facilities, supported the delivery of safe and high-quality care through the pandemic, and championed innovation and new models of care across clinical services. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said Alison had made a lasting impact across the organisation.
Alison Zecchin (third from left) with NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri (left) and colleagues
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