I was pleased to see that our hospital Emergency Departments were rated highly by our patients in the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) patient survey results released recently. In particular Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital was rated one of the highest performing EDs in NSW, but all of our Emergency Departments had some wonderfully positive feedback from our patients. This patient survey was undertaken during 2020-21 and at a time when there were significant changes on how services were delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results are a testament to all staff working in our EDs who provide the best high-quality compassionate care to our patients. As winter approaches, we are being reminded to ensure we protect ourselves against influenza. The best way to do that is to get your flu shot. We are already seeing a number of cases of the flu in the community as many people return to their regular pre- pandemic activities. I know many of our staff have taken the opportunity to receive their influenza vaccination, but if you have not done so yet – please do so as soon as you can. As well as influenza, COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community so if you haven’t had your booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination please do so as soon as possible to protect yourself, your family and those you care for. Remember the flu vaccines can be safely co-administered (on the same day) with COVID-19 vaccines, so there is no need to delay either vaccine. It is no secret the past couple of years have been tough, especially for our incredible nurses and midwives. On Thursday 5
May we celebrated International Day of the Midwife, a time for celebrating the compassionate care, devotion and kindness our midwives provide to thousands of women and their families. Last year our midwives across the district helped bring more than 5500 babies into the world. The support, education and care our midwives provide stays with women and their families long after they have left the care of our hospitals and services. Our midwives take on such a special role in so many people’s lives, putting women and their family at the centre of care and at the heart of every decision. Their dedication and skill has such a huge impact at such a life-changing time. Thank you to all our midwives working across our hospitals, services and in the community. Next week on Thursday 12 May, we will be celebrating International Nurses Day. I know there are a number of events planned across the district and I look forward to attending those I can to celebrate with you. I know how challenging this has been, both professionally and personally, and I cannot thank you enough for taking on this role and continuing to provide the best care to our patients during this time. I am constantly impressed by your resilience but I assure you this is not taken for granted and we are doing everything we can to support you to provide the very best care to our patients.
Deb Willcox Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 8 | 6 MAY 2022
2
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online