MHDA Director ’ s Report
Welcome to the August edition of the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) Newsletter. As we enter the latter half of the year, I ’ m reminded of the dedication,
2026. Staff have been redeployed across the hospital to support clinical capacity, and Riverglen will continue as a closed acute older person ’ s unit. Communication will be maintained through town halls, forums, and regular updates. This year ’ s MHDA Rewards & Recognition program received 224 nominations—a testament to the dedication of our staff. Thank you to everyone who took the time to acknowledge a colleague. We look forward to celebrating the nominees soon. Brookvale Safe Haven has launched a new video on Instagram showcasing its therapeutic space for young people. I encourage you to view and share this inspiring glimpse into our community care. The Governance and Operations Team held their 2025 DGO Planning Day on 10 July, led by Alicia Duffy and Janet Edmond. It was a day of connection and forward thinking. Thank you to all who contributed. Outcomes will be reflected in future strategic plans and direction for DGO MHDA. Congratulations to Winnie Leung, Executive Assistant to the MHDA Director of Nursing, who received the NSLHD Administrative Professionals Annual Award for the Macquarie Hospital site. Winnie ’ s exceptional organisational skills and unwavering support make her an indispensable part of our team. The MHDA Research Conference will be held on 27 August 2025 at the Kolling Auditorium, Royal North Shore. This event showcases research and quality improvement across MHDA—I encourage everyone to attend. The Northern Sydney Carer Network celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. An afternoon tea will be held on 24 September to honour the carers who provide invaluable support to our consumers and families. Wear It Purple Day is coming up on Friday 29 August. This national awareness day celebrates LGBTIQ+ young people and promotes safe, inclusive environments. This year ’ s theme, “ Bold Voices, Bright Futures ” , encourages young people to embrace their identity and speak their truth with pride. The DAHCP team will be leading some events. Thank you all for your continued passion, resilience, and care. Each event reflects the heart of MHDA—our people. I look forward to what we ’ ll achieve together in the months ahead. Kind regards,
compassion, and innovation that define our MHDA community. I ’ m pleased to share a few updates and celebrations that reflect the strength and spirit of our teams. MHDA acknowledges Michelle Meadham, her team and MQH Executive for proudly hosting the NAIDOC celebration at Macquarie Hospital on Thursday 10 July. The event commenced with a smoking ceremony and Didgeridoo performance by First Nations Education. We are proud to honour Kas Mattes as MHDA ’ s Cultural Champion—an advocate whose work continues to foster cultural inclusion. A standout moment was the presentation of the inaugural NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Excellence Award to Teahne Lyons, recognised for her unwavering commitment to First Nations communities. Congratulations to both Teahne and Kas. A heartfelt thank you to Dr Shalini Narchal for her outstanding leadership as Acting Clinical Director throughout July, while continuing her role at Hornsby Hospital. Her calm, thoughtful approach provided stability and support during a time of transition. We also warmly welcome back Dr Pradeep Jarabandahalli and thank him for his continued dedication. Thank you to all who participated in the Patient Safety Culture Survey. MHDA received strong results, with most staff rating patient safety as “ very good ” or “ excellent. ” These outcomes reflect the care and commitment you bring to your work every day. Congratulations to our teams recognised at the 2025 NSLHD Quality Improvement Awards. The Brolga Unit received the Excellence in Mental Health Services Award for their work on behavioural expectations in adolescent care. Thanks to Matteo Zuccala, Sophie O ’ Keefe and Brolga team. The NSLHD Eating Disorder Service was named runner - up for their innovative brief intervention supporting transitions from paediatric inpatient to outpatient care. Thanks to Simone Jaques and Dr Penelope Uther for leading this important work. HammondCare has announced the redevelopment of Greenwich Hospital, with construction beginning in April 2026. Riverglen Ward will temporarily relocate to the Manning Unit at Macquarie Hospital by March
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