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NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Celebrating 50 years of naidoc week
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New research to detect silent heart disease Page 6
The doctor with the dog: Zelda’s special role at NBH Page 3
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Message from the board chair Trevor Danos AM
As I prepare to conclude my time as Chair of Northern Sydney Local Health District on 17 August 2026, I have been reflecting on what has been an extraordinary privilege. Over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional people united by a common purpose – delivering outstanding healthcare to our community. When I joined the district in late 2016, I quickly recognised the talent, dedication and commitment of our staff. Since then, I have watched the district grow into one of Australia’s leading public health services. Together, we have strengthened services, embraced innovation, expanded research and delivered major infrastructure projects, all while maintaining our focus on patient care. There have been many highlights. We have seen significant investment across our hospitals and community services, including the redevelopment of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, progress on the Ryde Hospital redevelopment, the opening of AYAH at Manly, development of the RNSH campus master plan, expanded services at Mona Vale Hospital, new community health facilities and, more recently, the successful transition of Northern Beaches Hospital into the public health system. These achievements will benefit our patients and communities for many years to come. We have also continued to strengthen our risk management and quality assurance systems. The district has earned the confidence of the NSW Ministry of Health by being one of the first districts to rollout the Single Digital Patient Record and voluntary assisted dying services, while demonstrating genuine leadership in sustainability, planetary health, prevention and response to violence, abuse and neglect (PARVAN), and diversity and inclusion. I am equally proud of our commitment to innovation. We have strengthened research and clinical trials, built partnerships with five universities and the NORTH Foundation, expanded virtual care, embraced digital and AI transformation, established nursing and midwifery and allied health staff councils, created a youth advisory board and positioned ourselves as a leader in the future of healthcare. These initiatives are improving patient care while enhancing staff and clinician experience and shaping a healthier future. Yet our greatest achievement is not a building, program or piece of technology. It has always been our people.
Throughout my time as Chair, I have been inspired by the compassion, professionalism, dedication and expertise of staff across our district. Whether meeting teams during site visits, hearing patient stories at Board meetings or attending staff breakfasts, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary difference you make every day. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated these qualities more clearly than ever. Faced with unprecedented challenges, staff across every profession and service responded with resilience, courage and an unwavering commitment to patients and one another. It remains one of the proudest chapters in our district’s history and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together. I have also been fortunate to work alongside outstanding leaders, including our Chief Executives, Deb Willcox and Anthony Schembri, whose leadership, integrity and vision have helped shape the district into the high- performing organisation it is today. I also thank my fellow Board members and Executive team for their commitment to good governance, transparency and supporting our people to succeed. As I step away from this role, I do so with immense confidence in the future of Northern Sydney Local Health District. The district is well placed to continue leading in research, education, innovation and clinical excellence while delivering compassionate care to our communities and attracting and retaining outstanding staff. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and commitment to making a difference every day. It has been my great privilege to serve as your Chair. Although I am retiring from this role, I will always remain one of the district’s strongest supporters. I leave with wonderful memories, immense pride in everything we have achieved together and every confidence that the best is still to come.
Warm regards,
Trevor Danos AM Board Chair Northern Sydney Local Health District
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NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE13| 17 JULY 2026
Associate Professor Kellie Winter and Zelda at Northern Beaches Hospital The doctor with the dog: Zelda’s special role at NBH Patients and staff at Northern Beaches Hospital are receiving a special kind of support from a much-loved four-legged member of the team. Zelda, a 9.5-year-old black labrador, has been part of the hospital community since shortly after the hospital opened in 2018. Owned by Associate Professor Kellie Winter, Zelda works as part of the Northern Beaches Mental Health Service and comes into the hospital four days a week. Zelda also visits other areas of the hospital and has a long-standing history of working across Northern Sydney Local Health District, working at Hornsby and Ryde hospitals. Kellie said Zelda’s calm and friendly temperament made her well suited to therapy dog work, helping to bring comfort, connection and a sense of normality to the hospital environment. Zelda first joined Kellie’s family as a therapy dog for her daughter, before later bringing her skills into the hospital environment. Her presence is particularly valued by patients who may be feeling anxious, isolated or unsettled during their hospital stay. Kellie said Zelda had also become an important part of staff wellbeing. “The staff love Zelda and she is part of the team here,” she said. “She helps reduce stress and boosts morale. “Zelda makes people happy and is a great companion for myself too - I certainly don’t mind being referred to as ‘the doctor with the dog’ at work.”
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS Share your news and achievements. Contact the Media and Communications team on 9463 1722 or email NSLHD-media@health.nsw.gov.au to submit your news.
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Northern Sydney celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Everyone had a deadly time at the celebrations held across the district for NAIDOC Week 2026. Honouring this year’s milestone “50 years of deadly”, staff, patients and community members came together to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. New aboriginal artwork was unveiled at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital which will serve as a lasting symbol of cultural respect, inclusion and belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families, carers, staff and visitors. At Ryde Hospital, a traditional smoking ceremony and vibrant song and dance performance set the tone for the celebrations. Staff at Mona Vale Hospital participated in an Aboriginal Art on Canvas workshop led by Uncle Gary Simon (Jagamurra), exploring the stories, symbolism and traditions behind Aboriginal art. Northern Beaches Hospital hosted a special Yidaki performance celebrating culture, connection and the continuing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Macquarie Hospital marked the week with a smoking ceremony and the opening of the Past & Present Stairway, recognising Aboriginal history, culture and ongoing connection to Country. Meanwhile, Royal North Shore Hospital hosted the inaugural Deadly Awards, celebrating excellence, leadership and contribution across the district. Co-hosted by actor Luke Carroll, the event featured a welcome to country, smoking ceremony, cultural dance performances and a lunch, NSLHD Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service and Workforce, Pauline Deweerd, said she was pleased to see so many people attend the events, from clinicians to community. “It was great to see the intensive care team (ICU) teams come to the event because the music and didgeridoo was there to help heal them, help heal all the sick people, and acknowledge those who have passed,” Pauline said.
The Kiris An Thara Torres Strait Islander dance troupe performing at Royal North Shore Hospital
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 19| 4 OCTOBER 2024 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 13 | 17 JULY 2026
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2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations at Royal North Shore Hospital
2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations at Northern Beaches Hospital
2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations at Mona Vale Hospital
2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations at Ryde Hospital
2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations at Macquarie Hospital
2026 NAIDOC Week celebrations at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
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New research to help detect silent heart disease before it turns deadly
A major research initiative is set to reshape how heart attacks are prevented by detecting heart disease earlier before it leads to a life- threatening event. Interventional cardiologist and leading researcher Professor Gemma Figtree will lead the three-year program after receiving more than $750,000 from the NSW Government. Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of heart attack and sudden cardiac death, yet it often develops without symptoms. The exciting new program will aim to shift the approach from reactive treatment to early detection. Gemma said researchers will evaluate the health benefits of identifying hidden coronary artery disease, and the economic impact of doing so at scale. “A key focus of the initiative will be the development of new blood-based biomarkers to detect the disease long before symptoms appear,” she said. “These simple tests could be used in routine primary care, helping general practitioners to identify high-risk patients sooner and more
accurately.” Researchers will also design clinical pathways to ensure these tools are effectively implemented across healthcare systems. “Improving access to diagnostics will be another priority, with the program to target communities who have traditionally been underserved, including regional, rural and First Nations communities,” she said. “By expanding access to advanced screening technologies, the initiative will deliver more equitable care and importantly, better outcomes. “The project will address a longstanding challenge, where many people experience a heart attack without warning, while others develop severe disease despite having few traditional risk factors like high cholesterol or high blood pressure.” The research will combine advanced imaging, large-scale molecular profiling and world- leading clinical research to improve early detection, and clarify why some people are more vulnerable to coronary artery disease than others.
Professor Gemma Figtree (third from left) and her research team
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 19| 4 OCTOBER 2024 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 13 |17 JULY 2026
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A student’s eyes light up as bright as an incubator brightens during one of the hands on activities
Careers fair inspires next generation of health workers Around 180 local high school students, along with their parents and teachers, recently had the opportunity to explore the diverse career opportunities. The Nursing and Midwifery Directorate developed the fair as part of the district’s broader work to attract and engage the future health workforce.
opportunities available across healthcare at Northern Sydney Local Health District’s inaugural High School Careers Fair. The event was held at Royal North Shore Hospital and gave students the chance to meet healthcare professionals, ask questions and take part in activities designed to provide an insight into different roles. Activities included CPR demonstrations, neonatal care simulations using baby dolls and incubators, examinations of mannequins with surgical drains and wounds, and a giant operation-style game. Education and industry partners, including TAFE NSW, the University of Technology Sydney, Australian Catholic University, the Australian College of Nursing and the NSW Ministry of Health, also shared information about study pathways and career
Acting Nurse Manager Workforce Initiatives Mara Hope said the event was organised by the nursing and midwifery directorate to attract young people to be part of the future health workforce. “The students were enthusiastic, asked insightful questions and valued the opportunity to speak directly with healthcare professionals,” Mara said. “The passion and professionalism shown by our staff helped students gain a greater understanding of the many rewarding career pathways available within healthcare.” You can find out more on careers at NSLHD here: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Careers/Pages/Apply-for-Jobs.aspx
Staff presenting at the careers fair
Staff presenting at the careers fair
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