Message from the board chair Trevor Danos AM
Recently, the district has been laying the foundations to bring about positive change to our workforce so it will be more inclusive, diverse and equitable. For this change to be effective, it needs to be driven at grassroots, from staff who feel empowered to bring about change and those who want to educate and inform others on how to challenge some of the existing barriers. Two recent events I had the pleasure of attending are testament to the work that is being done on creating a diverse and supportive workplace. The Advancing Women in Medical Leadership conference was attended by over a hundred senior medical female leaders, internally and externally, in person and online, but also leaders from other sectors. This wonderful event celebrated the achievements of our female medical leaders and I hope inspired and empowered those who were in the audience. There were some fantastic guest speakers, including NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant AO PSM and Endeavour Energy’s director Dr Marlene Kanga AO who gave the keynote addresses and shared some invaluable insights into their professional careers. It was also inspiring to hear from panellist Professor Emma Johnston AO, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and Sydney University. Importantly, this event faced up to some long standing challenges and inequalities and created a momentum for real change to support our female medical colleagues who are deserving and ambitious to hold senior leadership positions within the district. There is much more work the district needs to do in this area, but I feel extremely positive the momentum is amongst us to make this happen. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Belong
Strategy 2023-2028 was launched at a very welcoming event at the yarning circle, outside the Ministry of Health building. The launch brought many staff from across our district together who are working hard to make this organisation a place where everyone belongs. Both these initiatives are important bodies of work the Board has given a priority to and I look forward to seeing and hearing more developments in the future. The Board hosted a breakfast with the district’s protection and response to violence, abuse and neglect (PARVAN) team. The team has recently been established following a restructure which has made the service more streamlined. I also had the pleasure of celebrating with staff at the recent Administrative Professionals’ Day. Often working behind the scenes, our administration staff are the backbone to our hospitals and services, working alongside clinicians and management. They deserve this somewhat overdue acknowledgment and the district’s deep gratitude at what I hope will become an annual celebration. I would like to congratulate the finalists and winners from the RNSH Surgical Education Research Training (SERT) awards ceremony and the RNSH Nursing and Midwifery awards. It is always a privilege to hear about the great work of our staff. The Board continues to focus on planetary health and sustainability, and I will be attending the Council of Board Chairs next month where this will be a major focus.
Trevor Danos AM Board Chair Northern Sydney Local Health District
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 9| 26 MAY 2023
2
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online