July 2025
Celebrating NAIDOC at Ryde On Friday 11 July, Ryde Hospital invited staff, patients and community members to join NAIDOC Week celebrations. A smoking ceremony and cultural performance was held, in conjuction with an ‘Adopt-a- Seedling’ initiative, inviting the community to assist with regenerating the Blue Gum High Forest. The NAIDOC theme for 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, calling everyone to action in shaping a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Emphasising Strength, the enduring resilience and cultural connection of First Nations peoples was acknowledged, and hospital staff urged to support this strength through allyship, culturally safe care, and by challenging systemic inequalities. On Vision, we recognise the need for intentional action to create a healthcare environment where First Nations patients feel safe, respected, and heard, making cultural safety a standard practice. Regarding Legacy, the focus is on the culture built daily - one of listening, respect, and holistic wellbeing that includes spiritual and cultural dimensions. All staff are urged to embody strength, vision, and legacy to build a respectful, equitable healthcare system for the next generation.
A/General Manager’s Message July was a busy month with Winter peak activity in full swing. Thank you to all of the staff who have worked to support our patients during this busy time. Substantial progress in the demolition of the old hospital buildings with the full size of the construction site now apparent. Piling works will commence in August and we look forward to the arrival of the first crane on site. The results of the Patient Safety Culture Survey provide encouraging feedback with scores for Ryde increasing between 5 to 10% in all categories. See page 5 for further details with department specific results to be circulated shortly. The latest Australian & New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry data has identified Ryde Hospital as the number 1 performar in Austalia for time to surgery. I would like to recognise the excellent team work that goes into achieving this result, and the positive impact that this has on our patients.
Contents NAIDOC
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Welcome to Ryde Traineeships at Ryde
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A/General Manager’s Message
2 3 5 6 7 8
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Ryde Redevelopment Quality & Safety Corner
Patient Experience / Staff Compliments
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Library Update Just for Fun Photo Gallery
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Hip Fracture Surgery Clinical Performance
Communicting for Safety
Focus on Allied Health: Elder Abuse Awareness
Noticeboard
Newsletter is for Ryde Hospital Staff by Ryde Hospital Staff. Please email items of interest to: JanineCaragher@health.nsw.gov.au
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Ryde Redevelopment Redevelopment Update
On Thursday 25 June a staff barbecue was held to mark the completion of the early works and decomissioning of buildings, to make way for the construction of the new Acute Services Building. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri jumped on the BBQ to help serve up the traditional Turkish shish kebab, which was very generously put on by the project’s building contractor AW Edwards. Following the completion of the stage 1 works, the focus of the redevelopment is to clear the site of the decommssioned buildings, before earthworks and piling occur. Piling is the process of installing deep foundation
systems, typically using vertical columns (piles) of materials like concrete, steel, or timber, drilled into the ground. More communications on the piling works will be shared soon. The redevelopment site now sits behind hoarding, but interested staff and visotors can catch a glimpse of the construction progress through the viewing windows along the Trigg House linkway. NAIDOC Week To celebrate NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) the AW Edwards redevelopment team came together in the spirit of reconciliation, creativity, and cultural pride, transforming it’s site entrance into a powerful symbol of respect for First Nations peoples. Under the guidance of Aboriginal artist Darren Charlwood, the team participated in a hands-on workshop to create an original art installation - reimagining old AW Edwards hard hats as bold canvases for storytelling. Each piece reflects the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme: “The Next Generation – Strength, Vision, and Legacy.” Using the colours of the Aboriginal flag - red, yellow, and black - the hard hats represent the strength of Country, the light of the next generation, and the legacy of building together.
This installation is on display at the entrance to the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment site offices, off Ryedale Road.
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Ryde Redevelopment Adopt a seedling – continues
As part of NAIDOC celebrations, staff and community members were also invited to take part in an extension of the “Adopt a Seedling” initiative – distributing approximately 50 native seedlings. This brings the total number of seedlings shared with the community since the initiative began to 250, which will be planted in the forest adjacent to the hospital later this year. This initiative supports the Blue Gum High Forest regeneration, a intregal part of the redevelpoment.
Tower cranes are soon to arrive Planning is progressing for the arrival of two tower cranes, which will be installed in the coming months. A fun “Name the Crane” initiative will be launched, inviting partication from local schools, nearby childcare centres and staff’s family to submit their suggested names for the tower cranes, which will be on display for the duration of the project. Neighbours BBQ The redevelopment team is also looking forward to connecting with our local neighbours at an upcoming neighbours barbecue on Saturday 9 August, held on site. Nearby residents are invited to drop in, meet the team and learn more about the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment over a snack and a sausage sizzle. The redevelopment team is committed to keeping staff informed and minimising impacts during contruction. If you have any feedback about construction activity they would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to complete this short feedback form: https://forms.office.com/r/PSbLiK8ua2
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Quality & Safety Corner
Patient Safety Culture Survey 2025 Thank you to all staff who completed the Patient Safety Culture Survey (PSCS) in June/July 2025. Ryde Hospital had an excellent participation rate with 444 surveys commenced and 366 surveys completed. The overall Safety Rating was 65% and ‘Likelihood to Recommend’ family or friends to be treated by your team was 85%, with improvements of 8% and 6% respecitively, when compared to the PSCS 2023 results. The safety factors that staff rated the highest were ‘Teamwork’, ‘Communication about Error’, ‘Response to Error’, and ‘Handover & Information Exchange’. ‘Staffing and Work Pace’ was the factor rated lowest by staff in terms of patient safety.
The formal results will be presented to the Heads of Department / Senior Staff meeting in August, then shared with staff. The results and staff feedback will be used to identify priority areas and actions to further improve patient safety at Ryde.
Staff comments / feedback regarding what is done well with regarding to patient safety at Ryde: Comprehensive pre-admission assessments help identify risk factors early, ensuring patients are appropriately prepared for surgery and any concerns are escalated in advance. Supportive PSQ Department. Staff feel well supported to report incidents & issues without fear of backlash Robust governance structures Strong clinical incident review and management processes Accessibility to senior guidance and collegial and supportive environment especially with ICU. Staff genuinely care about patient satisfaction, safety and their journey The workplace culture is open and allows problems with patent safety to be raised Department meetings where current research, IMS, education, patient safety matters are discussed across disciplines (medical / surgical / nursing / management) Good work culture that accepts input from all clinicians regarding patient safety Staff feedback regarding opportunities to improve patient safety at Ryde: Better beds that are compatible with x-ray imaging. All ED patients should remain on trauma beds until admission More automation of medication lists would improve speed of production and likelihood of team providing them. Focusing on cultural diversity and ways to include those differences Spinal precautions training for nursing staff. Better access to specialities not accessible from Ryde. Reduce crowding/ improve flow. Improved staff ratios. Improving staff competencies
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Quality & Safety Ryde Hospital #1 in Australia for time to surgery for hip fractures
Ryde Hospital contributes to the Australian & New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry (ANZHFR) to measure and benchmark clinical performance for provision of care to patients who experience a hip fracture. The latest ANZHFR results identified Ryde Hospital as the best performer for time to surgery. Excellence in time-to-surgery protocols is a result of a multifaceted approach that prioritises timely coordinated patient centred care for excellent patient outcomes. Key features that contribute to this excellent performance in time to surgery KPI includes; o Patients presenting to ED with hip fractures are promptly assessed and prepared for surgery, often within a 24-hour window. This rapid response is crucial, as timely surgical intervention is associated with reduced mortality and improved functional recovery. o Established protocols that prioritises surgery within normal business hours for these patients, who often have significant comorbidities. This allows for safe and efficient coordination of care. o A collaborative care pathway involving emergency physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing staff. Each patient's care plan is tailored to their specific needs, facilitating swift decision-making and resource allocation. This helps to minimise delays. o Consultant-led regular review and monitoring of surgical outcomes and performance, allowing for identification of improvement opportunities, ensuring that care standards remain high and that patients benefit from the latest evidence - based practices. Key stakeholders from every point of the patient’s journey are involved in reviewing data on a regular basis.
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Quality & Safety
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Communicating for Safety Clinical Documentation Audit
The Clinical Documentation audit was undertaken in May–-June 2025. Overall, Allied Health achieved 95% and Nursing achieved 82%. Things we can do better: Check and document 3 points of patient identification at initial encounter and at handover Introduce oncoming staff (at handover) Complete the Adult Risk Screen Pathway within 8 hours of the patient's admission to the ward AND action the treatment options Health Information Services also completed a clinical documentation audit for the same period with Ryde Hospital achieving 78%. The top three criteria which need to be addressed were: Does all electronic documentation consist of approved medical terminology and abbreviations (as per NSLHD Abbreviations Policy)?- 0% achieved The most common UNAPPROVED abbreviation used is TOC (transfer of care). Please refer to the Abbreviations, Acronyms and Symbols intranet page for information regarding Have the appropriate document types been used for the purpose of the entry?-36% achieved Ensure the correct note type is selected in eMR prior to verifying documentation. The majority of errors related to using a “Progress Note” as opposed to “Progress Note– specific designation”
Have all records been signed and verified? 66% achieved Ensure verification is completed by checking document audit trail before signing out
Single Digital Patient Record – coming to NSLHD in 2026 The Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) is a state-wide program that will give clinicians real-time access to a patient’s complete health information - all in one secure, easy-to-use system. No more jumping between platforms or chasing records from other districts. Whether you're working in a hospital, community health setting, or on the move, SDPR will provide real-time, holistic patient information, s implified workflows with intuitive design and mobile access, and enhanced clinical safety with less duplication.
Early planning works have commenced in preparation for SDPR to be implemented within NSLHD and Ryde Hospital in late 2026, with an anticipated go live date in November 2026.
Further information is available HERE (or scan the QR Code).
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Allied Health News World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The Community Aged Care & Rehabilitation Service (CAReS) team set up promotional and educational stalls at the front foyer of Ryde Hospital as well as Graythwaite Rehabilitation Centre to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which occurred on 15/06/25. We received good feedback from the community members and visitors who were eager to learn more about what they could do to safeguard themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation as they got older. We provided educational resources as well as general advice to those who engaged with the CAReS staff at the stalls. If anyone wants more information on how they can address Elder Abuse they can go to the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission's website on www.ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au or call the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.
CAReS students promoting the stalls for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Social Worker student Lucia Ashton Curd and Occupational Therapy student Janice Sum.
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Welcome to Ryde Ryde Hospital welcomed the following new staff to join our wonderful teams.
Name
Position
Name
Position
Ahsoo Lee
Registered Nurse
Mariechie Correa
Outpatients Admin Officer Allied Health Assistant
Alyssa Wedd
Allied Health Assistant Clinical Nurse Specialist Clinical Nurse Specialist
Mary Tanios Max Fletcher
Amanda Chandler Bobbie Woodward Claire Humphries
Operations Assistant
Michael Ratkovic
Pharmacist
Pharmacy Manager
Nithu Gopan Rosie Gibbs Yining Quan
Administration Officer Operations Assistant Assistant in Nursing
Dominic Cork
Social Worker
Mackenzi Thompson
Allied Health Assistant
Amanda Chandler – Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist Amanda is a dedicated Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist with over a decade of experience, specialising in emergency and resuscitation care, vascular access and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation across Australia and Canada. At Ryde Hospital, Amanda plays a pivotal role in advancing heart failure management through evidence- based practice, remote patient monitoring (RPM), and multidisciplinary collaboration. Amanda’s work focuses on improving patient outcomes by fostering self-management, reducing hospital readmissions, and mentoring nursing staff to enhance clinical capability. Currently pursuing a Master of Nursing in Advanced Practice, Amanda brings compassion, leadership, and innovation to her role—making her a valued member of the Ryde Hospital team and a strong advocate for person-centred care.
Claire Humphries – Pharmacy Manager We’re delighted to welcome Claire to join the Ryde pharmacy team at. Claire will be supporting Jeanette Carey in the Pharmacy Manager role on Mondays & Fridays. Claire brings over 25 years of experience in hospital pharmacy, with a career spanning both the UK & Australia. Most recently, she served as Director of Pharmacy at Northern Beaches Hospital, where she led strategic and operational improvements, supported accreditation, and guided teams through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Claire is passionate about delivering safe, high-quality pharmaceutical care across all stages of the patient journey, and is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and professional development within healthcare teams. We’re excited to have Claire’s expertise and leadership contributing to this important and compassionate service.
Michael Ratkovic – Antimicrobial Stewardship & Clinical Pharmacist Michael is joining the Ryde Hospital Pharmacy team as the new Antimicrobial Stewardship and Clinical Pharmacist. Michael completed his postgraduate intern year and initial clinical pharmacy career at the Prince of Wales Hospital. He has since worked at Royal North Shore Hospital and immediately prior to starting here, at Canterbury Hospital in a clinical and antimicrobial stewardship position. Please join us in welcoming Michael to Ryde.
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Traineeships at Ryde Ryde Hospital is working with Aprenticeship Support Australia and training delivery organisation SWC Training to provide traineeships for new/recent starters at Ryde Hospital. This is a great opportunity to provide development opportunities for new staff while in the workplace, at no cost to the employee, and achieve a nationally recognised certification. SWC Training currently works with Royal North Shore Hospital and other LHDs to provide on-site training of administration staff, to receive nationally recognised C ertificate III and IV formal qualifications . Trainees must be recent or near recent employees with Ryde Hospital, and applications are assessed by Apprenticeship Support Australia for eligibility. If you are interested, please check out the below link or contact Jackie Young Email: jacqueline.young@health.nsw.gov.au Supporting Apprenticeships Across Australia | Apprenticeship Support Australia Ryde Hospital’s first Trainee: Brooke Callaghan, GR4 Ward Clerk
SWC is able to offer training in a number of areas. Some of the courses on offer include: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance Certificate III in Health Administration Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance -Ward Clerk Certificate III in Health Services Assistance -Wardsperson Certificate III in Cleaning Operations Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance Certificate IV in Health Administration Certificate IV in Health Administration - Supervision Certificate IV in Health Administration -Customer Service Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support
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Patient Experience Patients, carers and visitors often share kind words through letters and surveys, expressing gratitude for the care they receive. Enjoy this sample of recent compliments.
I feel I need to say just how amazing the care I received from the staff at this hospital was and how much I appreciate it. I'm transgender and have autism and growing up with these issues has given me complex PTSD, especially when dealing with large institutions. Literally every person I interacted with at Ryde hospital treated me with respect and attentive care. While sitting in recovery after my surgery I was overcome with emotion as I'm simply not used to feeling this cared for. I don't know what you're doing differently to other institutions, but whatever it is you're doing it right. I wish I could personally thank every single staff member that was a part of my treatment, but that seems unlikely. Instead I really hope that you're able to pass this on in some way. Thank you so much for all you've done for me. (DSU) The care is excellent. The nursing staff are gems. All doctors, nurses and staff were so kind , patient and understanding! Many, many thanks to all the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists , and all staff attended to me with so much care, understanding and patience! Thank you all staff at Emergency and at Ward 8 who took care of me! I was very well cared for from the moment I arrived until I was discharged. The Drs and the nurses were professional, knowledgeable, very caring, helpful, always smiling to cheer me up. They worked extremely hard to help make me more comfortable, I was never a burden to them, they cared for me with joy and a genuine caring spirit. My daughter also said the nurses work in harmony with an excellent spirit of teamwork. The nurses looking after my ward gathered together daily to discuss and look at our charts and progress so they are updated and can continue to help us improve. The meals were also nutritious. Thank you also for all those behind the scenes leading the whole team, they are also to be praised because their excellent leadership is reflected in how I, as a patient, was treated; with love and with my best interest at heart. Thank you! (Ward 8) I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the outstanding care I received during my recent visit to your Emergency Department . From the moment I arrived, I was met with timely and efficient attention. The nursing staff were not only professional but also exuded a calm and reassuring presence that immediately put me at ease . Their compassionate approach and clear communication made a potentially stressful experience much more manageable. I received very professional yet caring manner from all the staffs from the medical experts/doctors , nurses and all the other auxiliary staffs who worked together to care for me while I was there. My speedy recovery is due to their expertise knowledge and dedication. I had a wonderful stay in a traumatic event. Please thank them all for me. (ICU/CCU) Everything, good customer service, nice and friendly and very helpful staff. It is my first time in this hospital but just want to say thanks for all of your efforts and you made my surgery and after it easier for me .. everyone was respectful and helpful and friendly (ICU)
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Library Update
Celebrate Library & Information Week 2025 28 th July to 3 rd August 2025
This year the theme “To read or not to read- literacy matters” highlights that for many the choice to read isn’t always straightforward. Barriers such as socioeconomic challenges, the need for new kinds of literacies, limited access to resources, and time constraints can make reading difficult. Libraries play a vital role in breaking down these barriers and promoting equitable access to information. NSLHD Libraries are here to support all staff across the district by providing access to high-quality evidence and information for patient care, clinical research, quality improvement, and professional development. Our services are available 24/7, making i t easier than ever for staff to find and read the information they need–anytime, anywhere. Help support NSLHD Libraries by sharing this infographic with your team to highlight the important role we play.
NSLHD Libraries: The heart of hospital knowledge
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Just For Fun
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Photo Gallery- NAIDOC Celebrations
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Noticeboard
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are being sought for temporary work secondments.
Current employees of NSLHD are eligible to apply. Please ensure you have received approval from your current manager to be released for secondment prior to applying for any of these roles. EOIs and Internal Vacancy Notices (IVNs) are available to be viewed on the Employee Services intranet page. This page will be updated regularly and communicated weekly via the Weekly Bulletin. EOIs and IVNs will no longer be emailed to all staff separately.
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