JULY 2025 ISSUE 6
HORNSBY HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER
NAIDOC Celebration Page 2
Administrative Professional Events Page 4
Administrative Professional Award Winners Page 5
July 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear colleagues, As we approach the mid-point of another challenging winter season I continue to be inspired by the exceptional care and compassion you provide for our patients across all of our departments and services here at HKH. We have seen the usual increase of patient activity across the hospital and on 24 July 2025 we safely offloaded 49 Ambulances in the HKH Emergency Department (we usually average around 30 per day). We believe this to be the highest volume of Ambulances to arrive at HKH in a single day. It truly does take a “whole of hospital” and “team first” approach to continue to deliver the very best and safest care the way we do at HKH…… to each and every one of you I say THANK YOU! Your continued resilience, efforts and dedication to our patients and community is remarkable. On 10 July it was my pleasure to once again host the annual NAIDOC Week celebrations at HKH with a range of traditional events held as well as our flag raising ceremony. You “voted with your feet” as well as you turned out to support the celebrations in great numbers and it is always such an uplifting experience for our HKH family and community……although I must apologise for those of you that stuck around and watched my very ordinary moves with the Kiris An Thara Torres Strait Islander Dance Group J. At HKH, we are inspired by the strength, vision, and legacy of our Indigenous peoples and leaders and those we partner with in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service. Their voices, perspectives, and leadership are essential to building a more inclusive and equitable future together. July also marks the end of Financial Year 24/25 and HKH has worked very hard to improve its financial outlook across the year. Pleasingly this has meant we were recently able to invest in some infrastructure improvement projects in the Maternity Unit, Birthing Suite and other areas around the hospital and campus. It has also been a time to reflect on the year that was at HKH and think about all the remarkable achievements we have delivered together. From our successful ACHS Hospital accreditation to the opening of the Yarning Circle we have all contributed to making HKH the happy and safe place it is. To this end, there will be a District Roadshow event hosted by our Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM and I will also be holding a HKH GM Town Hall session in the coming weeks that I will invite you all to join a session and hear about all the great work that has happened at HKH and across the district. I also look forward to sharing the very positive results and feedback you have given us from the recent Patient Safety Culture Survey. On the topic of your important feedback in mid- August the annual NSW Government Employee People Matters Survey will be launched and I once again invite you all to share your experiences on what’s working well and areas for focus/improve in the months ahead.
In early July Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) proudly celebrated its Administrative Professionals Annual Event, recognising the dedication, compassion, and skill of the people who quietly contribute to keeping the healthcare system moving–our 200 fantastic Administrative Professionals that we have at HKH. Among the day’s highlights was the presentation of achievement awards to both Zoe Mol (Integrated Booking Unit) and Laura Green (Exec Assistant HKH GM), whose leadership, reliability, and kindness uplift those around them each day. On the subject of important recognition 24 July 2025 was International Security Officers Day and it was pleasing to spending a bit of time with the HKH Security team reflecting on their experience and the very imp ortant roles they play keeping our staff, patients and visitors safe–Thank You. Finally, I would like to say thank you and a fond farewell to Ms Sarah Ryrie who has been working with us since January and acted in both the Corporate Services and Clinical Governance/Patient Experience Manager roles in the HKH Executive Team. Sarah finis hes up at HKH in mid-August and will be moving on to an important Clinical Re-design and Innovation leadership role at Ryde Hospital. Whilst Sarah has only been with us for a short period, she has had a really positive impact on the organisation, and we are very grateful for her contributions–we hope to see you again real soon at HKH Sarah and wishing you all the best with the new role.
Best Regards, Simon-General Manager, HKHS
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NAIDOC CELEBRATION
NAIDOC Week gave all of us at HKH a meaningful opportunity to come together, get involved, learn, and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, " The Next Generation–Strength, Vision and Legacy ", highlights the strength, pride, and enduring legacy of Indigenous communities, while also recognising the ongoing journey towards truth-telling, justice, and equity. This speaks powerfully to where we’ve been and where we’re heading. It reminds us that as we honour the past and acknowledge the many contributions and achievements of First Nations peoples, we must also turn our focus to the future. At HKH, we’re inspired by the strength, vision, and legacy of emerging young Indigenous leaders. Their voices, perspectives, and leadership are essential to building a more inclusive and equitable future. As we continue to learn and walk alongside one another, we do so with deep respect, renewed commitment, and great pride in the generations to come.
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NAIDOC WEEK STORIES: JAMI WALK
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL ANNUAL EVENTS 2025
On Thursday, 3 July 2025, the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) proudly celebrated its Administrative Professionals Annual Event, recognising the dedication, compassion, and skill of the people who quietly contribute to keep the healthcare system moving - the Administrative Professionals. The morning began with a warm welcome over NSW Health-themed cupcakes and croissants, as teams gathered to stream the official Awards Presentation, held at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Among the day’s highlights was an extra special congratulations to Zoe Mol and Laura Green, whose quiet leadership, reliability, and kindness uplift those around them each day. Their contributions are not only recognised but deeply appreciated by the entire Hornsby Ku-ring- gai Hospital (HKH) community. When Sydney’s winter drizzle arrived, the team pivoted smoothly with the help of HKH Engineering Department, transitioning the planned outdoor BBQ lunch indoors to Building 60, Level 5. The celebration continued with a relaxed indoor BBQ and “sweet cheats” for all.
Despite the weather, the day was filled with connection and joy: “It was lovely to catch up with so many smiling faces,” one attendee shared. “The laughing today… it feels like we’re all part of a family,” said another. And one team member reflected, “The gesture was so appreciated — it really meant a lot to feel seen.”
From shared stories and heartfelt conversations to meaningful recognition and learning, the event was a powerful reminder of the vital and often quietly delivered role that administrative professionals play in every patient journey. The HKH Executive truly thank you for your endl ess commitment to our patients.
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL ANNUAL AWARDS 2025
Laura Green – Chief Executive Award Winner 2025
A heartfelt congratulations to Laura Green on being awarded the prestigious Chief Executive Award .
Laura, who serves as the Executive Assistant to our General Manager, has been a steady and dependable presence behind the scenes here at HKH. Her tireless commitment, professionalism, and grace under pressure have made a lasting impact on everyone she works with. Whether it’s going the extra mile to support her team, handling challenges with calm and care, or simply being a friendly and reliable face during busy days, Laura embodies what it means to lead with quiet strength. Her exceptional work ethic, generosity of spirit, and willingness to help others have not only earned her this honour, but also the admiration and gratitude of all who know her. This recognition is so well deserved, and we are incredibly proud to see Laura celebrated in such a meaningful way.
Zoe Mol – Administrative Professional Annual Award Winner 2025
Congratulations to our very own Zoe Mol, Waitlist Coordinator from the Integrated Booking Unit (IBU), on being named one of the award winners at this very special event! Out of more than 180 nominations, Zoe’s recognition stands as a testament to her extraordinary dedication, compassion, and the strength she brings to everything she does. Behind the scenes, Zoe works to ensure patients are supported — and her efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Her unwavering commitment, and deep sense of responsibility have made a lasting impact on her team and the broader organisation. Zoe exemplifies what it means to lead with kindness, humility, and integrity. We are incredibly proud to see her recognised in this way — an honour that reflects the high regard in which she is held by all who work with her. Congratulations, Zoe! This recognition is truly inspiring.
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PATIENT FLOW PORTAL DISCHARGE ALGORITHMS GO LIVE!
On Friday, 4 July 2025, Hornsby Ku-Ring-gai Hospital proudly became the first hospital in the state to go live with the innovative Patient Flow Portal Discharge Algorithms .
The NSW Ministry of Health Implementation Team — including Damian Miners, Nadine Shaw, Victoria O’Connell and Angela Koshy , and led by Project Lead Holly Moussa (Discharge Patient Flow Concierge) — visited the wards to support the launch. Their presence marked a milestone moment in advancing patient-centred care. These cutting-edge tools harness Artificial Intelligence to support our already high standards of care. By identifying complex discharges right at admission, the algorithms empower staff to begin proactive planning from day one — setting patients up for a safer, smoother discharge experience. At the heart of this rollout are our incredible Nursing Unit Managers, who are leading the charge by collaborating closely with Multidisciplinary Teams. With clear actions and discussions now documented in one central location, the care we already do so well becomes even more visible, trackable, and impactful. This marks the next step in strengthening how we support our patients—from admission through to discharge. We look forward to sharing our insights and providing valuable feedback to guide the statewide rollout.
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BIGGEST MORNING TEA
On 12 June 2025, the Corporate Services Wellbeing Committee proudly hosted a delightful fundraising event in support of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. The day was filled with delicious treats, laughter, and generosity, all coming together to raise vital funds for cancer research and support services.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed baked goods, lucky dip prizes, and their valuable time to make this event truly special. Your kindness and community spirit helped create a memorable morning and made a meaningful impact. Together, we brewed up something beautiful!
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY DAY
On 24 July 2025, HKH had the absolute pleasure of celebrating International Security Officers Day. The day was celebrated with a visit and afternoon tea in the Security office including HKH General Manager Simon Hill and HKH Corporate Services Manager Rizwan Rahiman. The team who come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences shared their initial motivations for entering the security industry and what they love about it. Highlights of the job for our team include service for the community, working with people and comradery.
HKH is so proud of its Security Officers and all the work they do to keep our patients, staff, and community safe. The role of a security officer in NSW Health is a challenging one not like anything else in the security industry. The team’s efforts are recognised by HKH, and we thank them for the continued support in protecting our hospital.
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HAPPY RETIREMENT ALISON STILWELL!
From her first days as a student nurse at HKH in 1979, Alison Stilwell has touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to work beside her. With unwavering dedication and a deep love for midwifery, Alison has spent over four decades guiding, supporting, and inspiring countless families and colleagues. Whether welcoming new life, mentoring future midwives, or leading vital education programs, she has done it all with warmth, grace, and compassion. Her journey has been one of tireless service and quiet strength—always putting others first, always offering a kind word, and always leading with her heart. Alison’s legacy lives in the families she’s cared for, the midwives she’s nurtured, and the teams she’s uplifted. As she steps into retirement, we celebrate not just her incredible achievements, but the kindness, wisdom, and humanity she brought to every moment. Thank you, Alison, for the difference you’ve made. You leave behind a legacy of love, and you will be dearly missed. GREEN WASTE BINS
HKH Engineering Gardening Team have been enjoying the new garden waste bin system, as an added resource to their work programs.
Not only are we off setting at least a 100kg per week of green waste from landfill into the recycling system. This is also freeing up space in our skip bin, saving us money and time managing the extra pickups and drop offs of the skips that the green waste can create. The size of the bins means our staff can tow them directly (with electric tugs) to the garden area they are working on, fill it then leave it out for pick up. Before this system we were forced to take our diesel tipper truck to those garden areas, fill it, then handle the green waste again by loading the skip. This initiative has saved us time, money and lowered our environmental footprint. Win-win all round!
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CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
The nurses and doctors on 3C went above and beyond to make my birthday super special. I was truly overwhelmed and felt valued as a person. I felt humbled and honoured that they took time out of their day to do what they did for me. My heartfelt thanks to the Paeds team for your incredible care to our baby. Everyone we interacted with was amazing, knowledgeable, gentle, patient, capable and kind, and took the time to make us feel reassured and safe. I write to express my deep gratitude for the care displayed to my late father. The hospital provided the best care and were sensitive towards the family. I would like to thank the Social Work team for the support provided through this challenging time. Its deeply appreciated I was absolutely blown away by the team’s professionalism and exceptional level of care they provided. The information they shared was clear and incredibly helpful. Thank you for being a team that provided high quality, compassionate care.
Ward 3C
Paediatrics
Ward 3A
Social Work
Outpatients Cardiac Rehab
Outpatients Hydro Team
The Hydro team do an amazing job with such a pleasant attitude to everyone. I will be sorry to finish but please to have had the opportunity.
I have made such good progress after my visits from the RDT and Outpatient Physios. I am grateful for their excellent care. I have nothing but praise for the care and support I have received. Thank you for you utter professionalism, dedication, human kindness and decency. I am writing to thank you for the way in which you carry out your work. It’s not only the expertise that we benefit from, but also the cheerful, friendly manner in which it’s delivered.
RDT
WARD 3B
Outpatients Osteo Refracture
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GENERAL MANAGER COFFEE CORNER #6
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NATUREFIX JULY 2025
As part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations, the NSLHD Population Health Promotion Service launched the NSLHD Equity Framework and new Aboriginal cultural content within the NatureFix app NatureFix is a digital platform transforming our green spaces into wellness places. NatureFix is a free wellbeing app that supports staff and visitors to connect with nature and unlock the health benefits of nature. By entering a NatureFix Wellness Zone, the free app will geolocate to your location and provide a playlist of audio sensory mindfulness routines that engage you with the surrounding nature. In a special partnership between the NSLHD Healthy Built Environments team, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Service, and Uncle Laurie Bimson, the NatureFix app now also fosters a deeper appreciation and celebration of Aboriginal culture, and a greater awareness of the historical context of our sites NatureFix is available at five NSLHD sites, including two locations on the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital campus: at the Yarning Circle, and the garden area between Building 60 & 6
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EMPLOYEE NETWORKS: DISABILITY EMPLOYEE NETWORK (DEN)
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CHRISTMAS IN JULY CELEBRATION
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ALLIED HEALTH LUNCH TRIVIA WRAP UP 2025
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ALLIED HEALTH BAKE OFF 2025 WRAP UP
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HKH E-NEWS CONTENT – JUNE/JULY
Did you know that many patients at Hornsby Hospital are a supported by a carer–a family member or friend providing unpaid care to someone experiencing longer-term illness, disability or frailty? The NSLHD Carer Support Service (CSS) is here to help identify and support carers, empowering them throughout their healthcare journey. What NSLHD Carer Support Service does: For our hospitals: - Educate, and support staff to identify the carer and engage with them as our partners in care - Support staff who are a carer for a family member/partner/friend - Advocate for carer needs and bring carer voices into health planning and policy For carers: - Provide emotional support and guidance to carers - Provide resources and information to help carers navigate, and apply for funding for services (i.e. My Aged Care, and NDIS) - Offer grief and bereavement counselling Where to find us: We have Carer Support Officers regularly on -site at Hornsby Hospital, working closely with clinical teams across wards to identify and support carers. Our CSS Drop-in Centre is in the main foyer, and we encourage carers and staff to come by for resources and support. Need to refer a carer? Anyone can refer, including staff or carers themselves. Just call Hornsby Ext 56357 or our main number 9462 9488 or email NSLHD-Carers@health.nsw.gov.au. Or off the patient’s medical record, put in an ORDER to Carer Support. One of our Carer Support Officers will follow up directly and offer tailored support to help carers continue in their role while caring for their own wellbeing too. Based at Hornsby is Mary Beijernick-Gooley Social Worker–4 days per week and Agnes Cheuk RN on Thursday and Fridays. Call in to the Carers Centre next to the Car Park cashier. For more information and resources, visit the CSS intranet site and follow us on Facebook!
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GET HEALTHY IN PREGNANCY ONLINE TRAINING
New Get Healthy in Pregnancy Online Training: Learn how to refer using eMaternity
NSW Health has launched a new online training module on My Health Learning to support midwives and clinicians working in maternity services to refer women to Get Healthy in Pregnancy using eMaternity.
The course content includes: • Get Healthy in Pregnancy program information and the benefits for women during pregnancy and after birth • Guidance about how to gain informed consent prior to digital referral • When and how to refer women throughout pregnancy and on discharge • Step-by-step videos demonstrating how to refer using eMaternity and PowerChart Maternity Access the training here or go to My Healthy Learning www.heti.nsw.gov.au and search for: Digital Referrals to Get Healthy in Pregnancy via eMaternity and PowerChart Maternity. The course code is 591320661.
Download a Flyer
Discover more about the free NSW Get Healthy Service at: www.gethealthynsw.com.au
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PASTORAL SPIRITUAL CARE
What is Pastoral Spiritual Care?
Spirituality can be a deeper connection to what sustains us and enables us to meet and go through challenging situations. Coming into hospital can be an isolating and uncomfortable experience. During these times questions may arise:
What’s important for me?
Why is this happening to me?
What does this mean for me,
my family?
How will I cope?
What can I hope for?
We are here to support the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of patients and their carers. We work with the healthcare team in providing person-centred and holistic care that is respectful of your culture, life choices, values, and beliefs.
A Quiet Place to Reflect
The hospital’s gardens, The Cottage Chapel (Building 32) and quiet room (Muru Jannawi, Building 60, Level 1) provide places for peace and solitude, as well as prayer and meditation.
They are open to all. Prayer requests can be left in the book in the chapel foyer. Contact Pastoral Spiritual Care Please contact the Chaplains on 9485 6090 or ask your Nurse or Ward Clerk to make a referral. Urgent requests can be made by staff via switch
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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