June 2025
Happy Graduation Celebrating Our Ryde Hospital GradStart Nurses
We proudly congratulated the Ryde Hospital GradStart cohort, who have successfully completed the NSLHD GradStart Program. This marked a significant milestone, their first year as Registered Nurses. An achievement filled with growth, learning, and overcoming many challenges.
The GradStart Program provides tailored learning and support, empowering each nurse to develop their skills and confidence as they transitioned into their professional roles. Many have now secured permanent RN2 positions at Ryde Hospital, while others have moved on to exciting opportunities across NSLHD. We commend each of them for their dedication and hard work, and we wish them all the very best in their ongoing nursing careers!
A/General Manager’s Message June has been an exceptionally busy month for our hospital, with high winter activity creating significant pressure on patient flow. I want to sincerely thank all staff for your tireless dedication and hard work in maintaining patient safety while ensuring care remains efficient and effective. It’s also been a month of wonderful achievements and celebrations. Please join me in congratulating Annie Henderson on being awarded the 2025 Transitional Nurse of the Year — a well-deserved honour. We also proudly recognis e our teams’ successes at the NSLHD Quality & Innovation Awards: • The Speech Pathology team were Winners in the ‘Transforming the Patient Experience’ category for their project that enables patients to Eat and Drink with Acknowledged Risk (EDAR).
• The CAReS Team was awarded Runner-Up in the ‘Patient Safety First’ category for their project which achieved a 67% reduction in wait times for access to personal alarms. • GR4 also achieved Runner-Up in the ‘People & Culture’ category for their work in developing staff culture and engagement within the ward. Well done to everyone involved in these fantastic projects! We also celebrated the achievements of first year registered nurses who completed the GradStart Program, and we enjoyed a fantastic all-staff BBQ hosted by AW Edwards constructions, to mark the completion of the early building works for the hospital redevelopment. Lastly, I had the privilege of attending an afternoon tea to hono ur Mr. Ralph Chick, one of Ryde Hospital’s long -term patients, who received the remarkable 80-year Type 1 Diabetes Kellion Victory Medal. His healthcare journey and resilience is truly inspiring. Thank you all for pulling together and demonstrating fantastic teamwork during these busy times — your hard work really makes a difference!
Contents Gradstart Graduation
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Clinical Leaders Day
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A/General Manager’s Message
2 3 6 7 8 9
Nursing News
12 12 13 14 15 16 17
Ryde Redevelopment Quality & Safety Corner NSLHD Quality Awards
NAIDOC Week 2025 Welcome to Ryde
Library Update
NSLHD Nursing & Midwifery Awards 80 Year Kellion Diabetes Victory Medal
Just for Fun
Photo Gallery – Staff BBQ
Focus on Allied Health: Podiatry
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Noticeboard
Newsletter is for Ryde Hospital Staff by Ryde Hospital Staff. Please email items of interest to: janine.carragher@health.nsw.gov.au
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Ryde Redevelopment News
June Project Newsletter The latest Ryde Hospital Redevelopment newsletter provides a snapshot of recent site progress, including key milestones such as the completion of interim facilities and the successful relocation to the interim ICU/CCU - important steps that clear the way for construction of the new Acute Services Building . It also highlights the recent seedling initiative and recent changes to parking arrangements. I encourage you to take a moment to read the newsletter and stay connected with how the redevelopment is taking shape. Read the June Ryde Redevelopment update here. Thank you for your continued support as we deliver the new and improved Ryde Hospital for our staff, patients and community.
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Ryde Redevelopment News Major changes to access From Monday, 7 July there will be changes to the way staff and visitors access the hospital for about six weeks. As construction of the Acute Services Building progresses, further changes are needed to the internal road. The changes include: • Ambulance Lane, which is the current exit road, will be closed for construction works • The under-croft area, the current parking entrance and access to Clovell Childcare, will become two-way, providing both entry and exit access. To assist drivers and pedestrians, additional signage will be in place, and traffic controllers will be on site to assist with managing construction vehicles. It is important that everyone slows down when driving through the campus and takes extra care around corners and narrow sections. Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians who will be sharing the roads and walkways.
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Ryde Redevelopment News Consumer Reference Group site tour On Wednesday 18 June, members of the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment Consumer Reference Group (CRG) joined members of the Integrated Project Team on a sunny winter’s day for a site tour to view the latest progress on construction works. During the visit, the group was guided by members of the project team through several key areas of the hospital campus. This included the interim kitchen located on the rooftop of Denistone House, the newly completed Intensive Care Unit, and areas for upcoming construction. The site tour provided an opportunity to explain anticipated construction impacts, gather feedback, and to help ensure the project continues its commitment to keeping the CRG, staff and the community regularly informed as construction progresses. Following the tour, AW Edwards, the project's lead
contractor, delivered a construction update, outlining recent achievements, upcoming milestones, and their ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and accessible environment for staff, patients, and visitors.
The session also gave CRG members the chance to ask questions directly to the builder and to share their lived experiences accessing health services. This kind of real-time, two-way feedback is instrumental in helping the team deliver a hospital that meets the needs of the local community. As construction continues, the CRG will play a vital role in shaping the future of Ryde Hospital, providing a valuable link between the community and the integrated project team. Their valuable insights influence key aspects of the redevelopment, from campus signage and wayfinding to furniture selection and the hospital’s arts strategy.
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Quality & Safety Corner Expressions of Interest – Ryde Hospital Welcome Video As previously reported, Ryde Hospital has secured a charitable grant to develop a short Welcome Video for Ryde Hospital. The video aims to promote a safe and inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and respected regardless of their religion, cultural background, indigenous status, sexuality, or disability, and to raise awareness of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. The target audience is staff, patients and visitors to Ryde Hospital. The video will be published on the Ryde Hospital internet page and available to patients and visitors in the Emergency Department or during their hospital stay. We aim to translate the video into key languages for our local population. If you would like more information or are interested in being involved either behind the scenes or in front of the camera, please contact Kirsten.Gleichman@health.nsw.gov.au or NSLHD-RH- PSQU@health.nsw.gov.au or call 02 9858 7329. Or come along to our initial working group meeting which will occur on Tuesday 22 July at 2PM in Denistone House (you can still be involved even if you can’t attend) .
Real Time Patient Experience Survey Here are a couple of good examples of patient feedback received through the RTPES: I was admitted to Ryde Hospital in April 2025. Triaged speedily, I received prompt and caring attention from the doctors and nursing staff that attended me in the Emergency Department. Upon transfer to the ward, I was most impressed with the professionalism and happy demeanor displayed by staff - their willingness to explain upcoming procedures and keeping me informed as to what lay ahead was most appreciated. At all times, it was obvious staff were monitoring the situation. They had their eye on everything. I indeed felt safe in their capable hands. I recently had my gallbladder removed at Ryde Hospital and was very pleased with the care I received. The staff were efficient, professional and thorough throughout my stay. While the hospital building and accommodation are a little dated, the operating theatres and medical facilities were modern and up to date. Overall, I felt well looked after and confident in the quality of care provided.
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NSLHD Quality Awards Ryde Winner
Congratulations to the Speech Pathology Team for their success at the NSLHD Quality & Innovation Awards, taking out the top prize in the category Transforming the Patient Experience, with their project - Risky Business: Eat & Drink with Acknowledged Risk .
Patients are empowered to make informed choices about their oral intake and have a better patient experience. Other benefits include reduced time ‘nil by mouth’, and reductions in enteral feeding, length of hospital stay, and hospital readmissions Ryde Finalists – Runners up Congratulations also to the CAReS and GR4 teams on the success of their projects, both coming in as Runners up in their respective Award Categories.
People and Culture Award Rehab Reboot – Cultivating Connections in GR4
Patient Safety First Award CAReS Personal Alarm Clinic.
Please join us in congratulting your colleagues on their wonderful achievements and their efforts to continually improve the care and services provided to Ryde Hospital patients and community. Well Done !!
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NSLHD Nursing & Midwifery Awards Ryde Winner
Congratulationsto Annie Henderson from ward 5 who won 2025 Transitional Nurse of the Year Award as well as the NSLHD GradStart of the year award. Here is some of the wonderful feedback her manager and peers. • Demonstrates initiative in anticipating and responding to patient's needs Annie exemplifies the very best of nursing through her remarkable maturity, confidence, and compassion. Despite being early in her career, Annie consistently demonstrates an intuitive ability to anticipate and respond to her patients' needs. She takes the time to truly listen, making her patients feel seen, heard, and deeply cared for. • Going that 'extra mile' in the performance of their duties Annie Henderson consistently goes above and beyond in her role, bringing warmth, empathy, and creativity to her patient care. She actively uses every resource available to her to answer her patients' questions and to ensure they receive exactly what they need - whether it's clinical support, information, or simply personal reassurance. • With several long-term patients currently on the ward, Annie takes special care to make their days a little brighter. She gives generously of her time, offering patients the simple joys that mean the most: a walk outside in the sunshine, a meaningful conve rsation, or a quiet moment of companionship. Her willingness to extend herself beyond her formal duties creates a nurturing environment where patients feel genuinely valued and cared for. • Annie is committed to continuous learning and professional growth, actively seeking out opportunities to expand her knowledge and enhance her practice. She consistently attends all available education sessions, ensuring that she stays up-to-date.
Annie's selflessness, attention to the "small things," and unwavering dedication to her patients embody the true spirit of nursing.
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80 Years Kellion Diabetes Victory Medal
Each year Diabetes Australia presents the Kellion Victory Medal to those who have lived with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years or more. It recognises the achievement of living a fulfilling life with diabetes. This year, one of Ryde’s longtime patients, Ralph Chick, was the receipient of the 80-year Type 1 diabetes victory medal. Ryde celebrated this amazing achievment with Ralph and his family and some of the clinicians who have cared for him for many years, including Jen Kinsella. Ralph was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Learning to cope with this diagnosis was a huge learning curve for his whole family. Changing his diet, eating regularly, checking his blood sugar levels and injecting himself with insulin a few times a day were just part of the enormous upheaval to his life. Having diabetes did not stop him doing anything he didn't want to do. Over the years, he has had a variety of jobs (he's a great handyman too), he married and has 2 daughters, he played tennis and swam, enjoyed many holidays (especially cruises) and loves seeing his 5 grandchildren. Ralph has looked after himself very well by seeing his GP and specialist regularly and being careful in what food he eats. Ralph is amazed at how the treatment for diabetes has changed over the years. Ralph is a testament to the advances in healthcare but more importantly great self-care.
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Focus on Allied Health: Podiatry Time is Tissue: I mportance of Urgent Foot Ulcer Referrals When it comes to foot ulcerations, every hour counts. The phrase "time is tissue" rings particularly true in podiatric care, where delayed intervention can mean the difference between healing and amputation. As clinicians, our collective vigilance and prompt action are essential in preserving limb function and improving patient outcomes. What begins as a seemingly minor break in skin integrity, in a patient who is “at-risk” (Peripheral Arterial Disease +/- Diabetes +/- Other Conditions) can rapidly progress through a predictable yet serious cascade. Within 24-48 hours, bacterial colonisation establishes itself. By day three to five, deeper tissue involvement occurs, and within a week, osteomyelitis becomes a significant risk. Each day of delay exponentially increases the likelihood of amputation, with research showing that patients experiencing treatment delays of more than 72 hours face a 40% higher amputation rate compared to those receiving immediate care. Recognising this clinical urgency, our rapid access Podiatry and High Risk Foot Service across RNSH and Ryde Hospital operates on the principle that foot ulcer patients require rapid assessment. We have streamlined our referral pathways to eliminate traditional referral processing times that can prove problematic for this patient cohort. Our triage system prioritises any patient presenting with: • Active foot ulceration, regardless of size or apparent severity • Active Lower Limb Related Infection • Neuropathic Fracture
Remember, the visual appearance of an ulcer can be deceptively benign, masking significant underlying pathology. What appears as a small surface wound may conceal extensive undermining, tracking, or bone involvement detectable only through specialist assessment and appropriate imaging.
For more information contact Saja.Qasem@health.nsw.gov.au
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Clinical Leaders Day Digital Health in the Future
NSLHD Nursing and Midwifery Directorate presented the inaugural Advanced Clinical Leaders Professional Development Day on 29 May 2025. The audience was made up of CNS2/CMS2, CNC/CMC and NP, of which over 100 clinical nurse leaders attended from diverse specialties including mental health, community services, palliative care and midwifery, including representatives from Ryde. The day focused on • Person centred care using patient and staff stories • Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) with demonstration • Internet / SharePoint information sites with sharing of Communities of Practice open to new members • Nursing Diagnostics and standardising nursing terminology • Artificial Intelligence (AI) As a group, we all enjoyed the day and appreciated the encouragement and opportunity to attend. Here are some responses from the day. "Over all I enjoyed the study day last Thursday and it was a nice change and good to chat with other advanced practitioners. It was one of the best professional development days that I have attended. All presenters were passionate and engaging about patient care and outcomes. Stressed the importance of nurses as caregivers and emphasised taking care of ourselves. The digital advancements are something that we will need to get our heads around and stay up to date with as this is the future of health. It would be important not to lose the personnel touch and care of our patient as we step forward into a more digital health care system. The information regarding SDPR and the up coming EPIC is exciting and we all hope more efficient than our current system. The sessions on SDPR offered a window into what is to coming; for me, this is exciting as much as it will be challenging to navigate new way of documentation. Previously, I had not given much thought to nursing terminology and coding. After this session, nursing terminology and care plans is important and to be valued for promoting nursing contribution to patient wellbeing. I really enjoyed hearing and seeing the new SPR and the presentation on ‘Nurturing in the Digital Health’ was excellent and empowering. Suggestion from me, Increase the awareness of the Inspiring Change Active Learning Sessions (ICALS) and CoP group for all our budding leaders and staff as the Workshop Referral looks like it could be tailored to our hospital and CPD days, for our change management with our new hospital coming up soon. The last talk really brought everything back to ground and more personnel.”
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Nursing News Discharge Concierge Ryde Nursing is pleased to announce some new appointments and please see below information. Please join me in welcoming Maree Goodwin to the team. Maree commenced in the Discharge Concierge role on Tuesday, 3 June, and will be supporting our efforts in evaluating discharge processes, with a particular focus on improving transfer of care coordination, discharge planning and communication with patients and their carers.
Maree can be contacted on: (02) 9858 7409 or email maree.goodwin@health.nsw.gov.au We are also pleased to announce that Peta Hope has been appointed as the Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) for Delirium and Dementia and will commence on 30 June 2025. See the ‘Welcome to Ryde’ section on page 13 for further details.
NAIDOC Week 2025
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Welcome to Ryde Ryde Hospital welcomes the following new staff to join our wonderful teams. • Arti Bandhana Devi Sterilisation technician • Audrey Farber Counsellor • Lukas Tahmindjis Registered Nurse • Monica Miekautsch Allied Health Assistant • Peta Hope Clinical Nurse Consultant • Sourav Das Registered Nurse • Vicky Hsuan Lu-Herkes Administration Officer
Welcome to all.
Meet Monica Introducing Monica Miekautsch , the new permanent full-time Physiotherapy Allied Health Assistant. Monica will be working on GR4. Monica was working in real estate but has been studying for a career change. Earlier this year, Monica completed a 3 year degree in Exercise & Sports Science and she is currently completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. Monica’s
long term plan is to eventually be accepted to study Physiotherapy and then work as a Physiotherapist.
Welcome Peta Peta Hope has joined the Ryde Hospital team as Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) for Dementia & Delirium, and commenced on 30 June. Prior to this, Peta was working with the Geriatric Rapid Acute Care Evaluation (GRACE) team at Hornsby Hospital. Peta will provide leadership on patient-centred care planning, care coordination and guidance on best practice care provision for elderly clients with cognitive impairment and increased clinical risk. Please join us in welcoming Peta to Ryde.
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Library Update
Are you thinking about returning to study? NSLHD Libraries offer a Return to Study class! As a student, your university provides access to online resources such as databases, journal articles and eBooks to support you in your coursework. In this class, participants will familiarise themselves with online study, learn about the university resources available to help them in their studies, and gain confidence in using and accessing those resources. To enrol in the Library classes: • Enrol in a scheduled session on My Health Learning • Request a session at a time that best suits you by submitting a training request. For more information visit NSLHD Libraries
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Just For Fun
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Photo Gallery - Staff BBQ
Thank you to AW Edwards Construction for hosting a staff BBQ to celebrate the conclusion of the early works phase of the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment.
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Noticeboard
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Respecting the Difference: Be the Difference face-to-face training 2025 - February to July
Royal North Shore Hospital Auditorium & Wallace Freeborn Rooms – Kolling, L5 Dharug Rooms 1 & 2 – Community Health Building • Tues 29 th April: Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Tues 6 th May: Wallace Freeborn – 12pm to 4pm • Mon 12 th May : Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm • Mon 19 th May : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 26 th May : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 2 nd June : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 16 th June : Wallace Freeborn – 12pm to 4pm • Tues 1 st July : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Fri 11 th July : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Mon 14 th July : Wallace Freeborn – 12pm to 4pm • Tues 22 nd July: Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Tue 29 th July : Wallace Freeborn – 8am to 12pm • Thurs 5 th Dec: Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm • Thurs 12 th Dec: Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm • Thurs 19 th Dec: Wallace Freeborn – 9am to 1pm
Program Overview - course code: 428003510 Respecting the Difference : Be the Difference (RTD: BTD) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and cultural awareness training, enhances our organisation’s capacity to provide respectful, responsive, and culturally safe services. RTD: BTD builds upon existing knowledge and skills of staff. The face - to- face session is presented in a safe and responsive environment, with interactive workshop s and scenarios on conscious and unconscious bias, Aboriginal English, Aboriginal health, social and emotional well-being, and healing. RTD:BTD follows on from the Respecting the Difference: Know The Difference e-Learning module. Audience: Mandatory for all NSW Health staff Duration: 4 hours Enrol via My Health Learning ENQUIRIES: melinda.flower@health.nsw.gov.au or NSLHD- DACinfo@health.nsw.gov.au Hornsby Hospital – Meeting Room 1 – Bldg 60, level 5 • Thurs 17 th April: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Mon 5 th May: Meeting Room 1 - 12pm to 4pm • Thurs 22 nd May: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Tues 3 rd June : Meeting Room 1 - 12pm to 4pm • Thur 19 th June: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Fri 27 th June: Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm • Thurs 24 th July : Meeting Room 1 - 8am to 12pm Macquarie Hospital – Yellamundie Room – Building 61 • Thurs 15 th May : Yellamundie Room - 12pm to 4pm • Wed 4 th June : Yellamundie Room – 8am to 12pm • Wed 2 nd July : Yellamundie Room - 8am to 12pm Mona Vale Hospital – Beachside Resort Unit - Large Room • Wed 14 th May : BRU Room – 12pm to 4pm • Wed 9 th July: BRU room – 12pm to 4pm
Ryde Hospital – ELCA Training Room - Main Bldg L1 • Tues 8 th April : ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm • Tues 27 th May : ELCA Room - 12:30pm to 4:30pm • Tues 25 th June: ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm
• 30 th June : ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm • 8th July: ELCA Room - 8am to 12pm
Enrolments via My Health Learning - https://www.heti.nsw.gov.au/education -and- training/my -health-learning
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