Neonatal Connect Day boosts perinatal collaboration Clinicians from across the Northern Sydney and Central Coast Tiered Perinatal Network came together for the first Neonatal Connect for these babies feel supported and have access to the latest updates and shared expertise.
Day, hosted by the Royal North Shore Hospital Department of Neonatology. The event brought together more than 30 medical, nursing and midwifery staff from public hospitals including Hornsby, Northern Beaches and Gosford, as well as private partners North Shore Private, the Mater and the Sydney Adventist Hospital. Participants took part in presentations and hands-on workshops led by RNSH’s neonatologists, nurses and allied health staff, focusing on knowledge exchange, the latest clinical advances and ongoing collaboration between neonatal units. RNSH Head of Neonatology Eveline Staub said the day was about strengthening connections and supporting each other in the care of newborns. “Two-thirds of preterm babies born at RNSH will be transferred to one of our network hospitals before discharge,” she said. “We wanted to ensure our colleagues caring
“The day was a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other and celebrate our collaborative approach to neonatal care.” The day was supported by the NSLHD Maternal, Neonatal and Women’s Health Network and the NSW Health Pregnancy Connect initiative, with the day sparking ideas for future networking opportunities.
Collaboration at Neonatal Connect Day
New report identifies key health challenges The latest global health check has confirmed heart disease remains the world’s biggest killer.
health checks.” The study found the second leading cause of death in Australia is Alzheimer’s disease, followed by lung cancer. It also found that air pollution and heat, as well as anxiety and depression were significantly impacting our health. “Importantly, the report provided information about how the world’s disease burden can be prevented by modifying risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and air pollution,” she said. “I would still encourage everyone to monitor their blood pressure, especially as we get older, as it is a key indicator for heart and general health.”
The concerning trend was identified through the Global Burden of Disease study which analysed health challenges and the leading cause of death in Australia and across the world. The study looked at data over more than three decades from 1990 to 2023. Kolling Institute researcher and Royal North Shore Hospital senior scientist Dr Anastasia Mihailidou said the research served as an alarm clock to alert people to the leading health issues, and to encourage us to reduce their impact. In Australia, life expectancy has increased by seven years to an average of 84 years. This means the life expectancy for women is now 86 years, compared to 82 years for men. “The data from the research will be helpful as an older life expectancy will require communities and health systems to adjust to the growing demand for healthcare,” said Anastasia. “While we are living longer, the leading cause of death in Australia and globally remains heart disease. “This is a disappointing trend, but a timely reminder to do what we can to reduce the disease, to consistently monitor blood pressure and to regularly undergo heart
Dr Anastasia Mihailidou
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 21| 14 NOVEMBER 2025
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