RNSH PATIENT GIVEN NEW LEASE ON LIFE AFTER EYE SURGERY Sharon Hinkley has been legally blind for close to five years. But the ophthalmology team at Royal North Shore Hospital changed her life this year after operating on her eyes. Dense cataracts stopped Sharon from being able to see and surgery which involved replacing her lenses was needed to fix her vision. Sharon praised the team who cared for her. “The team worked brilliantly and made the whole experience amazing,” she said. “I can’t thank them enough for how well they cared for me.” Sharon said getting her eyesight back has renewed her confidence. She’s also got a long to-do list of things to start ticking off now she can see again. ‘Welcome here’ project While they have only been active since July this year, the LGBTQ+ staff network is kicking goals with a new ‘Welcome Here’ project underway. Following on from Wear It Purple Day celebrations in August, the district has become involved in the ‘Welcome Here’ project which aims to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community and foster inclusive environments. It involves placing ‘Welcome Here’ stickers at the front of each district hospital or service. Spearheaded by ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTQ+ health organisation, the ‘Welcome Here’ project aims to support organisations to create and promote environments that are visibly welcoming and inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. Ryde Hospital General Manager and Executive Sponsor of the LGBTQ+ staff network Heather Gough said: “With LGBTQ+ people continuing to experience violence, mental health issues and suicide at higher rates than the general population it’s so important for all of us to work together to demonstrate NSLHD is an inclusive and supportive organisation.”
Sharon with Dr Will Yates, CNS Ophtalmology Louise Claridge, Orthoptist Michael Mihail and Dr Vanessa Leung
“I love writing, knitting, colouring in – and they are all hard to do when you can’t see,” she said. “I’m also coming to terms with having to exercise and the benefits of that – it’s all a work in progress.”
Director of MHDA Andrea Taylor and MHDA Director of Nursing Mark Joyce
Heather said she hopes the ‘Welcome Here’ stickers act as a symbol of inclusivity for all people. “We want everyone – no matter their sexuality, religion or gender – to walk through our doors and feel welcome and supported,” she said. If staff would like a ‘Welcome Here’ pack for their workplace, contact NSLHD-ODTeam@ health.nsw.gov.au. Twitter • twitter.com/NthSydHealth LinkedIn • linkedin.com/company/northern-sydney-local- health-district Instagram • @nthsydhealth
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