NSLHD News February 12

intellectual disability program launch Demand for specialist

intellectual disability and mental health services in NSLHD is high with about 6000 people accessing our services every year. Workshops are now available to support staff involved in the care of people with an intellectual disability. Designed and delivered by carers and clinicians, the workshops explore best practice and optimal interventions for the care of people with an intellectual disability. Available to all NSLHD staff, there are two workshops, one designed for general staff and disability support workers, while the other is for mental health professionals. Manager Kerry Hides-Pearson said the workshops will also explore pathways for people with an intellectual disability to mental health care. “NSLHD is recognised as Mental Health Drug and Alcohol’s Senior Project is joining Ryde Hospital’s orthopaedics and surgery team – a first of its kind for the hospital. Brooke Little is taking on the new position of Clinical Nurse Specialist 2 (CNS2) which aims to improve the care of orthopaedic and surgical patients and educate staff, leading contemporary clinical practice for the speciality. Brooke joins the team from Hornsby Hospital where she has been managing a number of quality improvement

(Left to right) Raj Gopalan, Kerry Hides-Pearson, Adam Johnston, Andrea Taylor and CE Deb Willcox

having the largest population of people with an intellectual disability and co-occurring mental health issues residing in supported accommodation in NSW,” Kerry said. “The Intellectual Disability Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Program has also instigated a Team of Champions who self- nominated from multiple disciplines across all settings in NSLHD. These clinicians will be supporting others in their local setting to embed quality care for people with an intellectual disability.” Chief Executive Deb Willcox projects and educating and supporting a multidisciplinary team to develop patient outcomes. Ryde Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Drew Hilditch-Roberts said it is fantastic to have Brooke on board. “We have never had a surgery advanced practice role at Ryde – Brooke is already a huge asset to our team,” he said. “Brooke will also take a key clinical leadership role as

recently launched the workshops which are being offered at various venues across the district. Kerry said the district’s specialised services for people with an intellectual disability included a specialist team based at Royal North Shore Hospital and a primary and community health intellectual disability team based at Cremorne. Enrolments for the workshops are now open on My Health Learning.

RYDE WELCOMES ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE FOR SURGERY An advanced practice nurse

Brooke Little

we head into the hospital’s redevelopment.”

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU

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