OCTOBER 2025
ISSUE 9
HORNSBY HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER
Allied Health Professional Day Page 2
Gathering of Kindness Week Page 3
STEPtember Winners Page 6
Fetal Surveillance Education Program Page 7
September 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear colleagues, Some of you may have seen the announcement this week from our Districts Chief Executive Anthony M Schembri AM about my new role in the Northern Beaches Transition Team commencing in November and to that end this will be my last update as your General Manager for Hornsby Highlights….. and this reality fills me with both a sense of pride and a touch of sadness. As I prepare to move on from HKH, I can’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve shared — one defined by compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment by you all to our patients and community.
When I first walked through these doors almost 5 years ago, I knew this hospital was something special. What I didn’t yet know was just how extraordinary the people behind it were — our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative teams, volunteers, and support staff. You are all indeed the heartbeat of this organisation. Every day, you remind me what healthcare is truly about: humanity.
Together, we’ve achieved remarkable things. We’ve expanded our services, improved patient outcomes and hospital facilities, celebrated many milestones (HKH’s 90 th b’day will remain a fond memory), embraced innovation and built partnerships that have strengthened the health of our community. We’ve also faced many challenges — from increasing demand pressures and disruptive building works to the global pandemic — and through it all, your resilience and teamwork have been nothing short of inspiring.
Leadership is never a solo act. Whatever successes we’ve had are the result of your collective effort, your belief in our Hornsby culture, and your ability to adapt and grow. I’ve learned so much from you all — about empathy, patience, and the quiet power of patient centeredness. As I move on to the next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude. I also wish to acknowledge the hardworking HKH executive team for their partnership and perseverance, and to every member of the HKH hospital family — thank you for making these years the most meaningful of my professional life.
I am confident that your new and outstanding General Manager Amanda Green, along with all of you, will continue to drive this hospital forward with the same excellence and compassion that define its spirit. The best days of HKH are still ahead. So, as I sa y farewell, I won’t say goodbye — because the connections we’ve built here aren’t bound by titles or time. This hospital will always have a special place in my heart. I sincerely thank each and every one of you — for your dedication, your friendship, and for reminding me every day what it truly means to provide the best possible care and experience to our patients.
Best Regards, Simon - General Manager, HKH
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ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS DAY
Hornsby Hospital recently celebrated Allied Health Professions Day, shining a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of clinicians across the hospital. Award ceremonies recognised achievements throughout the week, while photo competition brought together the district’s 23 allied health disciplines for some friendly rivalry. Congratulations to all the HKH individual and team nominees for the NSLHD Allied Health Recognition Awards 2025:
Danielle Henwood, Diversional Therapy
Kate Jones, Speech Pathology
Lin Li, Occupational Therapy
Amy McDiarmid, Social Work
Rehabilitation Social Work Team
Paediatric Allied Health Team
We are very proud of Kate Jones, Speech Pathology, who was awarded NSLHD Allied Health Educator of the Year.
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GATHERING OF KINDNESS WEEK 2025
NSW Health’s Gathering of Kindness 2025 will take place from 10 to 16 November , aligning with World Kindness Day on 13 November.
This year’s theme, “One care, many voices – because kindness lives here,” invites us to listen deeply and reflect on how kindness is expressed - in conversations at the bedside, in everyday teamwork, in courageous leadership, and in quiet moments of care.
Across the week, Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) will mark the occasion with a range of activities across its facilities, including:
Kindness -themed stalls in hospital foyers and Artworks and kindness cards.
The continuation of 160 Tales of Kindness , a concept started at Prince of Wales Hospital and now in its third year at NSLHD. Use the Compliment Portal to send a Tale of Kindness to a colleague, encouraging reflection on acts of kindness in the workplace.
🎥🎥 Be sure to watch the new Small Acts of Kindness videos, featuring real-life stories from NSW Health staff, volunteers, patients, and families—showing how even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. Let’s celebrate the voices that shape our care and the kindness that lives in all of us.
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HKH FIRST IN NSW TO JOIN ENERGY-SAVING GRID PROGRAM
We have become the first NSW hospital to take part in a new energy- saving program that supports the state’s electricity grid during peak demand. We joined Shell Energy’s Demand Response initiative, which asks large energy users like us, to reduce reliance on the grid in times of high demand or in an emergency.
What does this mean for our community: By switching to our backup generators during these periods, Hornsby Ku -ring-gai Hospital helps stabilise the grid and avoid additional strain on the power network. Our engineering team has ensured that the program had been carefully designed to align with the hospital’s existing power systems. “The program builds on the hospital’s regular monthly generator testing schedule, which means the switch to backup power is seamless and patient care is never compromised,”–Lucas Woodford, previous Manager HKH Engineering Department
What does this mean for our local health district: The initiative also supports the district’s broader sustainability goals, including its commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions which we produce ourselves (Scope 1 emissions) by 2035, with a target of 70 – 80% reduction by 2030.
How to be involved: If you have environmental sustainability ideas or are keen to contribute to other work across the site, please contact the HKH Environmental Sustainability executive lead, Nada Mirkovic, Manager Clinical Redesign and Innovation (Wed –Fri) on nada.mirkovic@health.nsw.gov.au
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eREFERRALS SERVICE UPDATE – GO LIVE
eReferrals Are LIVE at NSLHD! Exciting news! Today marks the go -live for our final substantial release of services on eReferrals across NSLHD, bringing us to 100% of outpatient clinics accepting GP referrals via the HealthDirect platform. This achievement positions NSLHD as the first district (outside of SCHN) to be completely on eReferrals—a significant step forward in modernising patient referral processes. This prepares us for an exciting future as we move towards paper- lite (or even paperless!) workflows with the upcoming SDPR integration next year. eReferrals will seamlessly integrate with SDPR, reducing administrative burden and eliminating the need for scanning referrals into eMR. What’s Next for Clinics? • Review eReferrals: Ensure staff have HealthLink access and actively process referrals. • Register Your Clinic: Email nslhd-ereferral@health.nsw.gov.au if not registered. • Update Communications: Inform referrers that referrals must go via HealthLink. • Training & Support: Contact nslhd-ereferral@health.nsw.gov.au for help. • Paper Referrals: Log them in the Paper Referral Tracker for follow-up. Special thanks to Katpaham Kasipillai, Avindu Vithanage, Jonty Fletcher, Irene Chen, James Inglis, David Cosgriff, Caroline Guirgis, and Deb Pallavicini’s PHN team, as well as all executives, managers, and staff who supported this journey. Embrace the future — faster, safer, smarter referrals.
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NSLHD ALLIED HEALTH PHOTO COMPETITION
Hornsby Physiotherapy Department were the winners of the NSLHD Allied Health Competition! There were over 300 clinicians featured in the competition. The theme was "United in Our Diversity" to celebrate Allied Health Professions Day. The photo was taken via a drone, with the staff positioned to spell out PT. The flags represent the diversity in culture within the team as well as demonstrating exercises that may performed with patients. The photo also showcased equipment used amongst the different areas of Physiotherapy as well as cut outs of a heart, bone, and lungs (a small sample of areas that Physiotherapy specialise in). The Department is excited to use the prize money towards professional development. Thank you to NSLHD and Julia Capper for this opportunity!
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STEPTEMBER RESULTS
C ongratulations to the 3B Rockstars and Owen Knight for an outstanding achievement! You’ve not only topped the charts as NSLHD’s number one fundraiser, but you’ve also powered your way into the top three for steppers what a phenomenal effort! Your energy, commitment, and team spirit have truly shone throughout STEPtember. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part. Achieving 10k steps a day can be a big effort, but you and your teams were up for the challenge. Along the way, you boosted your health and wellbeing, strengthened team connections, and hopefully had a lot o f fun too! Our teams raised an amazing $29,125.59 for Cerebral Palsy Alliance, so more babies with cerebral palsy can receive specialised therapy at the most critical time of development.
Thanks to you, more people with cerebral palsy can live their best lives.
NSLHD's total fundraising: $29,125.59
NSLHD's steps: 63,905,392
Congratulations to NSLHD's superstar fundraisers and steppers:
T op fundraising teams by rank: 1 3B rock stars $5,523 2 Owen Knight $5,139 3 The S teptaculars $1,623
Top stepping teams by rank: 1 RNSH Respiratory Sleep Medicine 2,587,216 2 Thelma's Recurring Nightmare 2,335,603 3 3B rock stars 2,025,076
Top individual fundraisers by rank: 1 Owen Knight $5,127
2 Vivian Nguyen $4,387 3 Hil Henchman $3,868
👟👟 Top steppers by rank: 1 Emme Wijesinghe 1,037,474 2 Georgie McBride 983,928 3 Ryan Wallis 773,488
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FETAL SURVEILLANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM
On Friday 10 th October, 41 Obstetric Consultants, Locums, Registrars and Midwives from Hornsby, Gosford, Coffs Harbour and Blacktown Hospitals attended a RANZCOG Fetal Surveillance Education Program (FSEP) hosted by Hornsby Ku -ring-gai Hospital.
FSEP is designed for clinicians involved in antenatal and intrapartum care, and the workshop follows a structured, cumulative approach to ensure a solid foundation in fetal surveillance.
Participants worked through a progressive learning structure, building their expertise before completing the FSEP Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) assessment, a valuable tool to reinforce and measure understanding. This intensive, full-day session covers key aspects of antenatal and intrapartum care, while also offering the opportunity to earn CPD hours with relevant organisations.
Many thanks to Dr Camilla De Dios for organising this day and watch this space for next year's offering!
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NUTRITION PROMOTION DAY STALL
The Nutrition and Dietetics Department recently hosted a Nutrition Promotion Day stall focusing on “The Importance of Protein” and its vital role in patient recovery. Staff were invited to learn about how protein supports healing, immune function, and muscle strength in patients, and how small actions during mealtimes can make a big difference to patient outcomes. The event was held on Thursday 23rd October in the Level 1 Foyer, with turnout from staff across disciplines. Attendees had the opportunity to chat with our dietitians, access educational resources, and complete a short quiz for a chance to win a prize pack. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support the event and promote the importance of nutrition in recovery and wellbeing.
WELCOME LISA SHARP
We’re excited to welcome Lisa to the Executive Team as Executive Assistant to the Manager of Corporate Services and Manager of RACS, Outpatients and Allied Health. With over 11 years of experience in medical administration, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge, efficiency, and warmth to her role.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and her Border Collie, Luna.
We are excited to have her as a part of the Executive Team.
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CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
“Both of us found the doctors and especially the nurses outstanding. The display of compassion, friendliness and professionalism just blew us away, even the orderlies and cleaning staff were so kind and always smiling.”
ED
“You could see how busy the nurses were all day and night yet every interaction, when they came into room was with smiles and you could hear the compassion in their voices. And when you a sick and down, that kind of interaction just gives you a lift because you can see that they really care.” “Hornsby Hospital stands out when compared to other hospitals for how well they treat their patients.” “…had a special gift of communicating and connecting… she kept the communication with (pt) and us going so we knew what was happening and what we could expect.” “Her commitment to patient care was especially appreciated in the middle of the night when patients and family alike can be apprehensive when staffing is not as readily available. She looked after pts mental health as well as her physical needs- and it was invaluable. Not only from my own experience, but I saw how her care of her patients extended to care of their family members-a woman of great generosity of spirit. “You always took the time to thoroughly explain the situation with compassion. We could see you were doing everything you could…our sadness has been eased by knowing he was so well looked after.”
3A
2D
ICU
Maternity
“Your huge wisdom, compassions, care and kindness have made…. first couple of weeks of life such a positive experience.”
3D
“Thank you for all the little things you do which go above and beyond. I will never forget your loving care .” “Massive props to the hospital staff… absolute legends. I walked in expecting chaos and low vibes, but these folks had it locked down. Everyone was running around like it was a live episode of Grey’s Anatomy, but still had the time to be polite, chill, and professional. How do you even multitask empathy?? They were clearly flat out but still treated me like I was Beyonce checking in for a vibe check. Staff looked sharp too, uniforms crisp, attitudes crispier. No one was giving tired energy, just pure “we got this” power. The teamwork? Chef’s kiss. It was like watching the Avengers assemble but with more hand sanitizer and fewer explosions. Honestly, 11/10. Would even let them save my life again. Bless up.”
ED
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TRIBUTE TO MARY POTTER
The Hornsby Ku -ring-gai Hospital community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Potter, a much- loved and highly respected member of the hospital’s Consumer Advisory Committee.
Mary was the beloved wife of Sandy (dec), adored mother and mother-in- law of Kate & Chris, Doug & Nicole, and David & Trish, cherished grandmother of Serena, Alex, Ivy and Bella, and doting great - grandmother of Banjo.
A lifelong scholar and passionate advocate for quality, person-centred care, Mary brought intellect, compassion, and integrity to every role she undertook. She worked tirelessly to improve the experience of older people in hospitals and aged care facilities across Australia, serving on multiple boards, presenting at national conferences, advising Health Ministers, and contributing to significant policy and governance reports. She also volunteered extensively, including as a hospital chaplain, where her empathy and kindness touched many lives.
Mary was an active and valued member of the Hornsby Ku -ring-gai Hospital Consumer Advisory Committee for many years, where her insight, warmth, and steady guidance shaped many initiatives and strengthened the hospital’s partnership with its community.
Those who knew Mary describe her as both strong and humble — a leader whose influence was often quiet but profound. Her deep faith, love of family, and commitment to social justice guided her every action.
May she rest in peace. The Hornsby Ku -ring-gai Hospital community thanks Mary for her dedicated service, leadership, and compassion — her legacy will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
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THE WORLD ON A PLATE AFTERNOON TEA
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ALL FREE BIKE TUNE-UP WORKSHOP
In response to your feedback to the NSLHD Active Travel survey, HKH held our first bike tune -up workshop with thanks to Transport for NSW Travel Choices team! In the survey, 85% of HKH staff said they commute to and from work by single -occupancy cars. Of those, 48% of you said you would shift your commute to active travel options if barriers were addressed.
You Said, We’re Doing: You said that you need
We’re offering
If you are interested, vote here
Bike Storage
We have end of trip facilities, including bike storage, showers, lockers near the HKH Pharmacy on Level 0 (see pictures)
End-of-trip facilities
Cycle Skills
Free workshops: Bike Skills & Confidence (Learner / Intermediate) Guided Lunch Ride (low- stress 20 – 30 min loop) Bike Maintenance (fix a flat, adjust brakes, keep it rolling) Walk & PT combos (best paths to stations, end-of-trip tips) Bike Bus (find a safe way + ride with colleagues)
Tell us which one/s you’re interested in via the email below
Information on bike maintenance
Bike paths
Bike fleet / bike buddy
If you are interested in HKH organising these offerings to you, free of charge, please express your interest by emailing nslhd-hkh-sustainability-committee@health.nsw.gov.au The more votes, the more likely! Encourage your colleagues to vote.
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NETWORK 6 MEDICAL BALL
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