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
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NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 9|22 MAY 2026
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