Grassroots research to drive change Clinicians and peer workers from the Older Peoples Mental Health Services (OPMHS) have
appointed conjoint professor with NSLHD Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Service. Her role includes providing nursing research mentorship to inspire the next generations of researchers. Natalie said grassroots research was crucial. “This sort of work comes from an authentic space of concern and interest rather than just being something constructed because we want to do research,” she said. As the project evolves, it’s poised to offer valuable insights into the lived experiences and care needs of LGBTIQ+ people.
come together to explore the experiences of LGBTIQ+ people in aged care, an often- overlooked area in mainstream research. What began in early 2025 as a shared interest has grown into a collaborative project that blends clinical expertise with lived experience. The project started when Aliya Kavuzlu, an exercise physiologist with OPMHS, was visiting a nursing home and noticed a gay resident receiving little support. “We decided to research it more,” she said.
The team visited nursing homes across district and found broader unmet needs. The group next turned to literature reviews and online resources. Aliya noted that many older LGBTQIA+ people actively avoid aged care. “They don’t want go into aged care because they fear discrimination and stigma,” she said. Seeing a gap in knowledge and the need for a research project, the group has been working with Associate Professor Natalie Cutler, at the University of Technology Sydney and newly recognising the vital role perioperative nurses play throughout every stage of surgical care. The team marked the week with activities including trivia, guessing competitions and team-building sessions. The celebrations highlighted the skill, compassion and support perioperative nurses provide from admission to discharge. More than 1,500 patients pass through RNSH theatres each month, relying on the dedication of perioperative nursing staff whose teamwork ensures patients receive safe, high-quality care every day.
The Older Peoples Mental Health Services research team
Perioperative Nurses Week celebrations at RNSH RNSH recently celebrated Perioperative Nurses Week,
Perioperative Nurses Week celebrations
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 22| 28 NOVEMBER 2025
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