News NEWS
NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
International nurses day celebrations
PAGEs 8-9
International clinical trials day Page 3
a new chapter at Northern beaches hospital Page 4
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, It was wonderful to be at Northern Beaches Hospital’s recent Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony event which marked the hospital’s transition to the district. A big thank you to Uncle Michael from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and Raph from Dinawan Yarn who led the proceedings. The ceremony, together with the presentation of artwork by Jasmin Sarin, reflected respect, connection to Country and the beginning of a new chapter for the hospital. Northern Beaches Hospital staff were also thanked for their involvement in the transition with an all-staff BBQ attended by NSW Health leadership and district executives, acknowledging their hard work, flexibility and commitment to patient care. I would like to warmly congratulate Royal North Shore Hospital manager, Alison Zecchin on her new appointment as Chief Executive of Western Sydney Local Health District. This is a well-deserved appointment and I would like to acknowledge Alison’s outstanding leadership, experience and commitment to NSLHD. Alison has made a significant contribution during her time with us, and I sincerely thank her for her service. I wish her every success as she takes up her new role. Morgan O’Leary will serve as Acting General Manager of Royal North Shore Hospital while recruitment for the permanent position is undertaken. We have seen encouraging progress in staff influenza vaccination rates, with 40 per cent of staff currently vaccinated. If you are eligible, I encourage you to come forward to protect yourselves, your colleagues and our patients. This month we marked World Hand Hygiene Day. It’s a timely reminder that good
hand hygiene remains essential, alongside vaccination, in preventing the spread of infection. We recently celebrated International Nurses Day, recognising the vital role our nurses play across every service, every day. I extend my sincere thanks to all nursing staff for your expertise, compassion and dedication. I was delighted to celebrate the launch of the Northern Sydney Local Health District Research Strategy to 2030, which sets a clear direction to strengthen research capability, expand clinical trials and embed innovation across our clinical services. I am also pleased to announce the launch of the NSLHD People Plan 2026–2028. This plan has been shaped directly by our workforce, drawing on insights from the 2025 People Matter Employee Survey. It sets a clear direction for how we strengthen our culture, support our staff and continue improving the way we work together to deliver care. Looking ahead, preparation for the Single Digital Patient Record continues across NSLHD. Digital Health Services teams are working with staff throughout May to finalise remaining current state workflows. Staff are encouraged to access SOURCE, the central SDPR learning hub, for training materials, workflow walkthroughs and ongoing support as we prepare for go-live and daily use of the system. Further information is available on SDPR here: https://bit.ly/3RzAkh6
Warm regards,
Anthony Schembri Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
2
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 9| 22 MAY 2026
CE Anthony Schembri, Nadia Levin, Professor Bruce Robinson, Associate Professor Naomi Hammond and Dr Kim Sutherland NSLHD Research Strategy cements northern Sydney’s position as innovation leader Northern Sydney Local Health District has launched its Research Strategy to 2030, an exciting roadmap to advance research and clinical trials across the district. The strategy reflects a shared vision to lead research and clinical trials today for healthier lives tomorrow, and reinforces the central role research plays in delivering world-class healthcare. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri launched the strategic framework saying research is fundamental to how we improve care. “By embedding research into everyday clinical practice, translating new knowledge, and strengthening the systems that enable innovation, we will continue to build a new learning health system that evolves with the needs of our patients,” he said. The strategy sets out four priority areas for action; embedding research as a core part of care, translating knowledge, enabling research through strong governance, infrastructure, and workforce support, and partnering to expand collaboration and co-design. The priorities will help grow capability and deliver meaningful improvements in health outcomes for our community. The launch of the research strategy coincided with International Clinical Trials Day, an opportunity to recognise the vital role clinical trials play in advancing healthcare. “Clinical trials are central to delivering innovation in care, providing patients with access to new therapies, and strengthening our reputation as a leading research-intensive health service,” said Anthony. “I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering research and clinical trials across the district. It is encouraging to see continued growth in this area, including the opening of our new Phase I Clinical Trials Unit and the establishment of a second dedicated clinical trials space.” Executive Director of Research Associate Professor Naomi Hammond said the investments reflect our commitment to expanding clinical trial capacity and capability. “It is also a call to action for all of us,” she said. “Research is not the responsibility of a few – it is an opportunity for every member of our workforce to contribute to improving care.” The strategy can be viewed here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/740455194/
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
3
Uncle Michael of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Executive Director of the NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Pauline Deweerd, NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri and NBH General Manager Simon Hill with the new artwork by Jasmin Sarin Smoking ceremony marks new chapter for Northern Beaches Hospital Northern Beaches Hospital marked the end of its transition into NSW Health with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. Uncle Michael from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council delivered a Welcome to Country, with Raph from Dinawan Yarn leading a special smoking ceremony for staff and visitors. An artwork by artist Jasmin Sarin was presented to the hospital to mark the transition, which will be displayed in the hospital. Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the ceremony
was a meaningful way to recognise the hospital’s new chapter. “Today’s ceremony is about connection and respect,” he said.
“It is about recognising the deep and continuing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country, culture, community and healing. “While the hospital has been caring for the Northern Beaches community since 2018, its transition into public ownership marks a new phase for the hospital.”
Staff and visitors took part in the smoking ceremony at Northern Beaches Hospital
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 19| 4 OCTOBER 2024 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9| 22 MAY 2026
4
4
Staff enjoying the Northern Beaches Hospital BBQ
Staff BBQ thanks Northern Beaches Hospital teams Northern Beaches Hospital staff enjoyed an all-staff BBQ held in recognition of their hard work, flexibility and commitment during an important period for the hospital. Staff enjoyed lunch, music and the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the hospital. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, Deputy Secretary Matthew Daly, Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri AM, members of the district and Northern Beaches Hospital executive leadership teams also attended. They joined Northern Beaches Hospital General Manager Simon Hill in
helping serve lunch to staff and thanking them for their continued dedication. Simon said the BBQ was an important opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of staff across the hospital. “It was wonderful to see so many people come together for our all-staff BBQ,” he said. “Thank you again for everything you continue to do for our patients, each other and the Northern Beaches community.”
Chief Executive of the NSW Health Single Digital Patient Record Dr Teresa Anderson and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM helped served food to staff
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
5
5
IDAHOBIT stall at RNSH
NSLHD marks IDAHOBIT Northern Sydney Local Health District marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), a global day recognising ongoing efforts to eliminate discrimination against LGBTIQ+ communities in healthcare and society. IDAHOBIT commemorates the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. More than three decades on, it remains a timely reminder that LGBTIQ+ people continue to experience inequities and barriers in accessing safe, respectful and inclusive care.
LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Health Care (Course Code 223561775) and In My Shoes (Course Code 161507496). NSLHD remains committed to providing safe, inclusive and respectful care for all patients, families and staff across the district. NSLHD encourages LGBTIQ+ patients to share their experiences through the LGBTIQ+ Patient Experience Survey: https://bit. ly/4eTfDX7
Across the district, NSLHD staff participated in information stalls and engagement activities designed to promote visibility, encourage conversation, and strengthen understanding of inclusive practice within health services. The events provided an opportunity for staff to access resources, reflect on practice, and demonstrate support for LGBTIQ+ colleagues, patients and communities. An interactive LGBTIQ+ history timeline quiz was made available, offering staff a way to explore key milestones in LGBTIQ+ rights and health in an accessible format. Staff are encouraged to continue building capability through short online learning modules on My Health Learning, including the Introduction to
IDAHOBIT stall at Hornsby
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 19| 4 OCTOBER 2024 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 9| 22 MAY 2026
4
6
Kindness goes a long way If you have ever visited Royal North Shore Hospital, you may have been greeted by Tony Crowe or Michael Mouatt who are part of the front desk concierge team. Only too happy to help someone in need, the pair has been recognised for the kindness they showed a recent visitor to the hospital who was in distress after his partner had severed his finger in a power tool accident.
“One of our patients emailed that his partner was in theatres close to having a finger amputated. We looked after him, supported him, kept him in the loop,” Tony said. “People recognise when you show kindness and care. Michael added: “Sometimes you don’t realise that small acts go a long way.”
The man was visiting his husband, who at the time was undergoing a lengthy surgery. While waiting near the front entry, both Tony and Michael checked on the visitor, ensuring he was comfortable and well looked after. Touched by their kindness and empathy, the patient’s husband wrote a letter to the hospital to praise the pair. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri presented each with an Emblem of Kindness, a pin that recognises an individual’s act of kindness, as part of an initiative of NSW Health.
Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, Michael Crowe, Tony Moutt, Steven Thibault and Alison Zecchin at Royal North Shore Hospital
Kangaroo Care supports babies and families at Northern Beaches Hospital
Northern Beaches Hospital’s Special Care Unit is celebrating Kangaroo-a-thon Week, highlighting the important role of Kangaroo Care in supporting babies and families. Kangaroo Care involves skin-to-skin contact between a parent and baby and can support bonding, breastfeeding, temperature regulation, respiratory stability, growth and neurodevelopment.
thing I wanted to do,” she said. “It calms the nervous system, calms them from the overstimulation of birth and stabilises their observations. “There are so many benefits, it is the best.” Northern Beaches Hospital’s Special Care Unit is also one of the few neonatal units in NSW with dedicated mothers’ beds located alongside neonatal cots.
For baby Claudette, who was born five weeks premature and needed respiratory support in the special care unit shortly after birth, Kangaroo Care helped provide comfort and connection in her first hours. When her mum Tayla arrived from the birth unit, the first thing she wanted to do was hold Claudette skin-to-skin. The pair remained together in Kangaroo Care until the early morning. Tayla said being able to hold Claudette skin-to-skin was an important part of their early care experience. “Having her skin-to-skin was the first
Northern Beaches Hospital’s Special Care Unit staff with baby Claudette and mum Tayla
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU 7
Celebrations and awards at Ryde
International nurses day at nslhd Northern Sydney Local Health District celebrated International Nurses Day on 12 May with events and celebrations held across the district, recognising the extraordinary contribution nurses make to patient care every day. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlighted the vital role nurses play in strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes worldwide. From ward celebrations and barbecues to awards ceremonies, lunches, games, hampers and professional development days, staff across NSLHD came together to thank nurses for their compassion, skill and dedication. Celebrations were held at Northern Beaches, Mona Vale, Ryde, Hornsby, Macquarie and Royal North Shore hospitals as well as AYAH, Manly. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri thanked nurses across the district for their ongoing commitment and care.
“Today, I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all nurses across NSLHD on International Nurses Day,” he said. “This system would not function without you. We recognise the complexity and responsibility you carry every shift.” Director of Nursing and Midwifery Claire Harris said the day recognised the essential role nurses play across the health system. “Our health system simply does not function without you,” she said.
Northern Beaches Hospital nursing and midwifery awards winners
NSLHDNEW S | ISS UE 9| 22 MAY 2026
8
MHDA International Nurses Day Awards presentation
Celebrations at AYAH
Nursing and midwifery awards at Royal North Shore
Celebrations at Mona Vale
Celebrations at Hornsby
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
9
keeping it clean: world hand hygiene day at nslhd Northern Sydney Local Health District has been recognised nationally for its leadership, winning the 2026 World Hand Hygiene Day photo competition for its creative and high- impact campaign activities across its services. The award acknowledges the strong engagement of staff across hospitals and services, including Northern Beaches, Mona Vale, Ryde, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Royal North Shore hospitals, as well as AYAH Manly, and Macquarie Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services. Teams marked the occasion with education sessions, interactive activities, celebrations and local initiatives reinforcing infection prevention. The NSLHD Infection Prevention and Control team also delivered a district-wide World Hand Hygiene Day roadshow, featuring learning sessions, games and practical education designed to strengthen everyday hand hygiene practice in clinical settings. Clinical Nurse Consultant Mae Sia said the recognition reflected the collective effort behind sustained infection prevention work across the district.
“Winning this award is incredibly meaningful. It reflects the collective effort, creativity and commitment of the IPAC Team across NSLHD to promote safe care,” she said. She reinforced the importance of consistent practice in preventing harm to patients and staff, particularly during higher-risk periods. “Hands can carry millions of organisms every day, making proper hygiene a critical step in breaking chains of infection and protecting vulnerable patients across health services. We need greater awareness of how important it is.”
The NSLHD Infection Prevention and Control team at a World Hand Hygiene Day stall
Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers With more than 450 dedicated volunteers supporting Royal North Shore Hospital across a wide range of wards and services, their impact is truly remarkable. From regular shifts to on- call support, their contribution is invaluable to patients, staff, and the broader community. This week, Royal North Shore Hospital hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Day, bringing everyone together for a special morning tea to celebrate long service milestones, recognising volunteers for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service, as well as lifetime awards for 30+ years.
A special congratulations to some of RNSH’s longest-serving volunteers: • June Irwin – 46 years • Jan Pocklington – 45 years • Penelope Goodley – 42 years • Arthur Moorland – 39 years • Anne Green – 38 years • Nancy Marsden – 32 years Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, NSLHD, acknowledged the vital role volunteers play across the district. “Thank you to every one of our volunteers across the district for your compassion, generosity and incredible commitment,” he said. “You make a difference every single day.”
Pink Lady volunteers at RNSH
10
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 9|22 MAY 2026
Unique expertise draws patients from across the world For many people living with Meniere’s disease, there’s a tremendous sense of
leading research into Meniere’s disease. Camilla reached out to the eminent academic and was invited to take part in the research program based at the Kolling Institute. She underwent genetic, hearing and targeted testing, hoping to discover more about her condition and help progress the vital research. “I would fly anywhere to learn more about the condition,” she said. “It’s so important to be able to speak to someone who understands, so I feel very fortunate to be able to come here and be part of this research.” Camilla said it has been valuable to hear about the specific subgroups of the disease, information which she says is not widely known or understood. Camilla hopes that by taking part in the research she may also be helping her family and others in the same situation. “I wouldn’t be surprised if my condition has been inherited, so I would like to do what I can to help advance the research for my children too.” Professor Lopez-Escamez and his team at the Kolling are pursuing world-leading investigations into the genetic factors influencing the disease and taking crucial steps towards the development of game- changing gene therapy. If you would like to support or be part of the research, contact meniereaustralia@sydney. edu.au
isolation and plenty of challenges accessing the latest, accurate information – that’s why 58 year old Camilla Bjerke flew more than 15,000 kilometres to Sydney to meet with the Kolling Institute’s Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez. The professor heads the Meniere’s Disease Neuroscience Group, a talented group of investigators working to uncover the key drivers of the disease, and develop new and effective treatments to help manage the disabling condition. Meniere’s disease is a rare inner ear disorder, defined by hearing loss, vertigo and roaring tinnitus. For Camilla, who has worked as a pilot in Norway for more than 30 years, her diagnosis was devastating. “For me, it was twofold. I had to accept that I had this condition, with constant dizziness, vertigo and hearing loss, but also, that I would lose my medical clearance and would no longer be able to fly and continue my career,” she said. “Being a pilot was part of my identity and such an important part of my life. I loved being able to travel all over the place, and meet a lot of people, so it really has been difficult.” With limited information about the rare condition, Camilla turned to community Facebook groups for support and guidance. It was through these groups that she heard about Professor Lopez-Escamez and his
Camilla Bjerke with Professor Jose Antonio Lopez Escamez
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
11
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online