October 2025
Spring into Action with NSLHD
Empowering Health and Wellbeing at Ryde This October, Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) launched its “Spring into Action” Campaign, a seasonal initiative encouraging community members and staff to prioritise their health and wellbeing. The campaign focuses on: • Promoting active lifestyles • Raising awareness around mental health • Encouraging nutrition and preventative care • Connecting people with free health checks, virtual care, and support networks
This year’s campaign includes new resources for older adults, such as: • Free health coaching via Get Healthy NSW • Translated resources for CALD communities • The Active & Healthy Directory for local programs • Bookable health talks through HPSOP Ryde hosted a vibrant community stall on October 29, offering: • Free health resources • Demos of digital health tools • Info on mental wellbeing services • Giveaways to promote healthy habits It was a hub of connection and learning, helping residents discover simple ways to “spring into action.”
From Ryde Park group walks to virtual wellness workshops, the goal is to make healthy living easy and accessible.
A/General Manager’s Message
As we hit the downhill run into Christmas, it’s been a busy month at Ryde Hospital with celebrations both joyful and sombre. We celebrated the life of our colleague Fiona Thorn, Ryde Redevelopment Manager who passed away in October with a Froctober Event, raising over $4000 for Ovarian Cancer Research (page 13). We also remember volunteer Helen Rutherford who was a patient companion and provided assistance with meals for 17 years (page 8). We also celebrated volunteer Dianne McPhail who won the state award for NSW Health volunteer of the year. She is truly a treasure to Ryde Hospital and a beacon of what it means to serve with heart. The first of two tower cranes has arrived on the redevelopment site. Children of staff aged 2-12 have until 5pm on Wednesday 12 November to get their entries into the ‘Name the Crane’ comptetition with fabulous prizes and the name displayed on the crane. This year’s Tinsel Trophy will take place on Thursday 11 th December. There is no theme – your imagination is the limit with four prizes – best overall, best department with fewer than 12 staff, most sustainable decorations and best patient/family involvement.
During the week of 20 October, a small decorative setup was arranged in celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Diwali is a time of joy, reflection, and renewal, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and
good over evil. Warm congratulations to all who celebrate, and thank you to those who helped bring a touch of festivity and cultural recognition to our space.
Contents
Spring into Action
1
Ryde Shines – Staff and Service Wins
8 9
A/General Manager’s Message
2 3 3 4 6 7
Quality Corner
Welcome to Ryde
Patient Experience / Staff Compliments
11
Ryde Redevelopment
Frocktober
12 13 14 15
Straight from the Nursing Station
Library
Allied Health All Stars
Just For Fun Noticeboard
Hands that Help
Newsletter is for Ryde Hospital Staff by Ryde Hospital Staff. Please email items of interest to: sarah.ryrie@health.nsw.gov.au
2
Welcome to Ryde
Ryde Hospital welcomed the following new staff joining our wonderful teams making a difference in our patient care every single day.
Lauren Nowacka – Patient Administration Manager I’ve just joined the Ryde team as the Patient Services Administration Manager after completing the Northern Sydney LHD Graduate Health Management Program, including a Master of Health Leadership and Management (UNSW). I’m passionate about healthcare and improving patient and community outcomes. My background spans specialist private clinics and physiotherapy practice administration, as well as a non-profit supporting children aged 8–18 whose parents or carers live with mental illness.
Ryde Redevelopment Kids invited to name Ryde Hospital’s new tower crane Ryde Hospital has welcomed a new addition to its skyline, with the first of two tower cranes now installed on site. This major milestone has been celebrated through the launch of the ‘Name the Crane’ competition. Standing more than 70 metres tall, the crane will support construction of the new seven-level Acute Services Building, which will feature an expanded emergency department, intensive care, surgical and outpatient services. The crane’s installation was a spectacle for Ryde Hospital staff and the local community watching on, taking two days to assemble. Children aged 2–12 are being invited to enter a “Name the Crane” competition, with the winning names to be proudly displayed on the cranes for the duration of construction. The competition is open to children living locally and the children of staff members at Ryde Hospital. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, which include an Apple iPad or four Luna Park Unlimited Rides Annual Passes (winners’ choice) plus LEGO® packs for runners-up. To enter the “Name the Crane” competition and find out more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ryde- hospital-redevelopment/ntc You can view a new video of crane assembly by clicking the thumbnail below.
3
Straight from the Nursing Station
Ryde Stands UPPP for Infection Prevention and Control Week Infection Control Week is celebrated every October, highlighting the vital role everyone plays in keeping our hospital safe. This year’s theme, “Stand UPPP for IPC”, Unite, Prevent, Protect and Prevail, encouraging staff and visitors alike to work together in preventing the spread of infection.
At Ryde Hospital, staff and visitors joined forces to celebrate the week with a range of fun and educational activities. With the support of MUN Australia, supplier of sterile and non-sterile gloves, an engaging front foyer display offered interactive games, information sessions, and giveaways.
The Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team showcased ways to engage patients in infection prevention, promoting awareness around reducing Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) and reinforcing safe care practices. A highlight of the week was the IPAC Photo Competition, which captured staff enthusiasm and creativity across the hospital. Congratulations to Ward 7, winners of this year’s challenge! Thank you to everyone who stood UPPP for IPC—together, we continue to protect our patients, colleagues, and community.
Empowering Consumers in IPC at Ryde Hospital
The Ryde Hospital Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team is leading the way in consumer engagement, with a dynamic initiative that places patients at the centre of their own infection prevention journey. Led by Carolyn Ellis, Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Ajok Takpiny, Clinical Nurse Specialist, the team has developed a suite of consumer-endorsed brochures designed to demystify IPAC practices. These resources—available via QR codes and the NSLHD IPAC intranet and cover essential topics such as cannula care and the rationale behind standard precautions.
4
To measure impact, the team conducts weekly consumer rounding audits, with results reported biannually to the Ryde IPAC Committee. Impressively, the percentage of consumers who reported receiving IPAC-specific information rose from under 20% in July 2023 to over 50% by May 2025.
This initiative aligns with the NSW Health Person-Centred Care approach and supports the
National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, particularly Standard 3: Preventing and Controlling Infections. The Ryde IPAC team continues to promote these resources through IPAC Champion meetings, Nursing Grand Rounds, and ward-based in- services—ensuring infection prevention remains a shared responsibility between staff and consumers. For more information, visit the NSLHD IPAC here intranet or speak with your local IPAC Experts Carolyn Ellis & Ajok Takpiny .
NSLHD Nursing & Midwifery Showcase 2025
“Through diagnosis comes determination: An unusual presentation of type 1 diabetes” Jen Kinsella, Diabetes CNC, shared a powerful patient centred journey that highlighted the clinical complexity and human resilience behind a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). The session, titled “Through Diagnosis Comes Determination” , traced the journey of a young woman whose initial presentation with DKA evolved into a rare and serious complication, insulin oedema leading to cardiac failure. This case, the first globally published instance of insulin oedema linked to Levemir insulin, underscored the importance of listening to the patient and the patient’s family, multidisciplinary teamwork as well as vigilant post-diagnosis monitoring and the need for multidisciplinary care. The patient’s recovery journey, marked by persistent complications such as gastroparesis and neuropathic pain, was a testament to the critical role of nursing, allied health, and medical collaboration. The presentation also reinforced best practices in inpatient diabetes management, including the continuation of basal insulin, appropriate use of CGM, and insulin pump therapy. This Showcase Presentation served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of compassionate, evidence-based care and the enduring strength of our patients.
5
Allied Health All-Stars
This year World Occupational Therapy was celebrated on Monday 27 th October.
The theme was ' Occupational Therapy in Action' which highlights the active efforts of occupational therapists across the world engaging people in meaningful activities and participation. Occupational therapy makes a vital contribution to health and wellbeing by promoting active involvement of people in the activities that they want, need or are expected to do. At Ryde hospital, occupational therapists work across the site, from inpatients in ED to Acute care wards, inpatient or day rehabilitation and clients in the community. The work we undertake is varied. The pictures provide a glimpse of the Occupational Therapy team in action across the Ryde campus! If you would like to know more about Occupational Therapy at Ryde Hospital please contact Pip Wilford, Occupational Therapy Head of Department on ext 87341 or email: philippa.wilford@health.nsw.gov.au
6
Hands that Help–Volunteers Update
Bushcare Volunteers Needed Blue Gum High Forest once covered almost 40% of what is now Ryde LGA, however, in 2025 there is less than 1% of this beautiful forest remaining. One surviving remnant is at the Ryde Hospital site, which is being restored to its former glory by contractors and a team of volunteers. If you enjoy bushland or native plants and animals and would like to be part of our bushcare volunteer team, we’d love for you to join.
The team meets each Thursday from 10am to noon and on the last Saturday of each month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. You can choose when to come. Volunteers should be fit and active and over 18 years old (two of our team are 80+ years old!). No previous experience or knowledge of bush restoration is needed, although gardening experience could be useful. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact the Volunteer Office on 9462 9935 or NSLHD-Volunteers@health.nsw.gov.au Ryde Hospital Volunteer End of Year Celebration We will be celebrating and thanking our volunteers for their amazing contribution over the past year at our Volunteer End of Year Celebration on Monday December 1 st at 10am in ELCA. For any volunteers who haven’t already RSVP’d, please do so by e-mailing NSLHD-Volunteers@health.nsw.gov.au or calling 9462 9935, including any dietary requirements. We look forward to seeing you there!
We remember Helen Rutherford (1958-2025)
It is with great sadness that we share that long-standing Ryde
Hospital Volunteer Helen Rutherford passed away suddenly on July 27 th .
Helen was a member of the Ryde Hospital Volunteer team for over 17 years in patient companion and meals assist roles across the hospital.
She always brought incredible enthusiasm and positivity to her volunteering, and she will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues at the hospital. Our thoughts are with Helen’s family and friends at this difficult time.
7
Ryde Shines: Staff & Service Wins
Allied Health Assistant of the year award-Well Done Taiyo!
Congratulations to Taiyo Orino, the winner of Allied Health Assistant of the year award. Taiyo has worked at Ryde Hospital since August 2022. Taiyo works in the Occupational Therapy team, supporting patients undergoing rehabilitation at Graythwaite Rehabilitation Centre.
In addition to recognising the quality of care he provides to patients, he was also recognised for his work in
quality improvement, which has been a presentation at district events. He has also been part of the team undertaking the PROMOTE research project, achieving positive outcomes in upper limb outcomes for stroke survivors.
NSW Health Volunteer of the Year 2025-Diane McPhail Congratulation to Diane for being awarded the Volunteer of the Year at the NSW Health Awards.
Diane is a highly dedicated, hardworking and supportive member of both the Ryde Hospital Volunteers and the Consumer Advisor teams. She freely gives her time and energy to numerous activities which support the hospital across several important areas, including as a Consumer Advisor on several Ryde Hospital committees, and a Patient Assistance Volunteer on Ward 6 supporting patients to have adequate nutrition and social engagement. Diane is also involved in staff education, wayfinding
support for patients and visitors, and a volunteer Bushcare gardener in the Blue Gum High Forest. As the Chair of the Ryde Hospital Consumer Participation Committee, Diane provides support and mentorship for other Consumer Advisors. She is incredibly generous with her time, always willing to help with new projects and volunteer opportunities, and to lend a hand to other consumers and staff. Her actions role model what can be achieved with purpose, a kind heart and a commitment to the wellbeing of others. We are deeply grateful for Diane’s dedication, wisdom, and compassion. She is truly a treasure to Ryde Hospital and a beacon of what it means to serve with heart. To Diane, and to all Ryde Hospital volunteers - thank you. Your generosity, time, and care enrich our community and strengthen our commitment to delivering person-centred care. Your support is deeply valued by our patients, their families, and the entire Ryde team. You can view Diane’s NSW Health Awards video HERE
8
Quality Corner
Calling out for your help…. Seeking New Consumers Advisors Working in a hospital, we all know that accessing the care you need is sometimes not straightforward. Our systems and processes don’t always line-up in a way that helps patient and carers gain access to everything they need from our services and this can cause problems. That’s where Consumer Advisors can assist. Consumer Advisors are volunteers who bring unique and different perspectives to all parts of service development, delivery and governance. They work with us to improve how we deliver care and how we can create a positive experience when patients, carers and families receive care. Consumer Advisors bring their real-world experiences of using health services, as patients or as family members, and help us to make meaningful improvements to benefit future clients. At Ryde Hospital, Consumer Advisors have consulted on the Welcome Packs provided to admitted patients and assisted in developing patient information resources on medications and clinical conditions, making sure the information can be easily understood by consumers. There is also an astounding amount of work they are doing with the Hospital Redevelopment, to ensure the new Ryde Hospital is fit-for- purpose and able to provide services in a way our community wants and needs. We’re seeking your help in recruiting new Consumers to join the team at Ryde Hospital. Do you have a friend, relative or neighbour who lives locally and would like to be involved in shaping the current & future care provided at Ryde? There is no fixed time commitment -we can work with anyone interested to find an opportunity that bests suits their skills, interests and available time. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds are welcome. If you know someone who might be interested then please contact the Quality and Safety Team on Tel: 9858 7329 or NSLHD-RHPatientRepresentative@health.nsw.gov.au and we can provide more information about the process and how to get involved.
Applications are now open for the Applied Safety and Quality Program in 2026.
Entering its fourth year in 2026, this program is the highest-level learning offering within the Safety and Quality Essentials Pathway. It strengthens staff capability to lead safety and quality improvements, and drive meaningful change for better outcomes for patients, staff and our health service. Visit the Applied Safety and Quality Program hub to learn more, download the application form and view participant testimonials and project learnings. Applications close 14 November 2025. Contact: Janine Carragher, Manager Quality & Safety Unit via email Janine.Carragher@health.nsw.gov.au or NSLHD-SQEP@health.nsw.gov.au
9
~ Ryde at our Best
From 10-14 November 2025, NSW Health is again holding its annual Gathering of Kindness event. The event coincides with World Kindness Day, and it gives a great opportunity to continue to focus on the provision of kindness and compassion in the delivery of healthcare in Ryde Hospital. A wonderful thing to reflect on is that kindness benefits both the giver and the receiver. When our work is challenging or stressful, showing kindness to a colleague, patient or carer can lift our mood as well as theirs.
This year’s theme is “ One care, many voices–because kindness lives here”.
We know that every day throughout Ryde Hospital there are thousands of examples of kindness being shown. Our patients and visitors provide feedback about the actions of our staff, some are exceptional acts but most are smaller actions like the way staff speak to them, all making a difference to how they feel and their overall experience in our hospital. For every reported incident there are many more that are not reported to management but certainly they are not unnoticed by the recipients. These kind acts are shared with family and friends when they tell them about their experience in our hospital and become magnified in how positively the community feels about coming to Ryde. This year we will be hosting a stall in the main foyer on 10 th & 11 th November and inviting you to tell us about an act of kindness you have given or received. The aim is to fill our noticeboard with kindness. We’ll also have a few other exciting items and activities to celebrate the day.
Please come along and play a part in making Ryde Hospital an even kinder place to be. It’s not hard. It really is as simple as trying to live by that old age of treating others how you’d like to be treated yourself, then responding to the smiles!
10
Patient Experience / Staff Compliments The treatment I received was gold standard. The nurses were amazing, friendly, helpful and always had a smile on their face. They also answered any questions I had and helped calm my fears. From emergency to patient transfer to all the doctors, everybody was just amazing. Everyone had a role and it just was very cohesive. ICU / CCU My entire experience at this hospital was outstanding. Everything from admission to surgery and discharge went smoothly, and the staff were kind, professional, and attentive. I felt well cared for at every stage, and I’m truly grateful for the excellent treatment that helped me recover & return to my daily life. Ward 6 The care from the support staff was outstanding. Nothing was too demanding from me, but when I needed help, it was given, no questions asked. Staff in all departments were most professional and caring for my wife and for us in our dealings. General feeling of mutual respect for all parties involved. Ward 7 Caring from the moment I entered emergency, through surgery, ward 6 and finally GR4. Everyone introduced themselves & explained what was happening. The care given by the nurses all wonderful (Ward 7). The physiotherapist and occupational therapist-all wonderful.
All staff including medical and orderlies (wards persons) were wonderful.
Overall I found all staff to be excellent and would recommend Ryde Hospital to others. I am very grateful for the care provided by every single staff member I interacted with. I was treated with care, concern and with explanation always, Nurses and Drs were informative. I felt I was in very good hands. Ward 5 Ryde’s Clinical Documentation Scores on the Up! Health Information Services undertook their clinical documentation audit for the 3 rd Quarter (July- September 2025) with Ryde Hospital achieving 84%. This is an increase of 6% from last quarter with improvements in three areas targeted for improvement. WELL DONE! Does all electronic documentation consist of approved medical terminology and abbreviations (as per NSLHD Abbreviations Policy)? 0% to 21% REMEMBER the most common UNAPPROVED abbreviation used is TOC (transfer of care). Please refer to the Abbreviations, Acronyms and Symbols intranet page for information approved abbreviations. Have the appropriate document types been used for the purpose of the entry? 36% to 44% REMEMBER ensure correct note type is selected in eMR prior to verifying documentation. The majority of errors are related to using “Progress Note” as opposed to “Progress Note –specific designation”
Have all records been signed and verified? 66% achieved 66% to 86% REMEMBER ensure verification is completed by checking document audit trail before signing out
11
Ryde frocks-up for FROCKTOBER Thursday 16 October, the team at Ryde Hospital came together in style for our very own “Frocktober” Day, supporting the nationwide Frocktober campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). This year’s event was held in honour and memory of Fiona Thorn, our much-loved former Ryde Hospital Redevelopment Manager, who we sadly lost too soon to ovarian cancer recently. Fiona’s passion, warmth and dedication to the Ryde community continue to inspire us all. Staff and visitors were invited to wear colourful frocks, bold accessories or themed outfits—anything that sparked conversations and showed solidarity. The front foyer buzzed with colour, laughter and photo ops as colleagues embraced the fun while highlighting a serious cause.
Why it matters Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because it can progress without obvious symptoms. Participation in Frocktober gives us a visible way to:
• spark conversations among our community • share vital information about symptoms and early detection • raise funds that directly support vital research into better diagnostics and treatments Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
Over $4000 has been raised, and any final donations can be made using the QR code.
Kudos to our team Thank you to everyone who donned their frocks—and encouraged others to do the same. Your enthusiasm made Frocktober memorable and meaningful. Special thanks to the staff who coordinated foyer stand-up, photo ops and social media posts.
12
Library
Working on a Quality Improvement project? NSLHD Libraries has launched our new Quality Improvement guide, supporting NSLHD staff undertaking quality improvement projects by providing information and resources relevant to each stage of the process. This guide provides you with everything you will need to know to complete your quality improvement project, including: • Required and recommended texts for the Safety & Quality Essentials Pathway • Readings on improvement science, defining aims, and measuring success • Resources relating to the Tenets of Healthcare Safety and Quality • Tips for finding evidence such as articles, guidelines and past QI projects. • Advice on publishing your project
Visit the Quality Improvement guide to learn more.
Get Library Help NSLHD Libraries are here to assist Ryde staff with quality improvement projects. Did you know that we offer: • Literature searches: Provide us with the details of your quality improvement project research question or topic, and our librarians can provide you with search results. • Training: Meet with a librarian to learn about database searching at a time that best suits you. • Research consultations: Our librarians can assist you in developing your research question, creating a search strategy, and advising on the relevant resources to search.
Submit a request form to request a literature search, training session, or research consultation.
13
Just for Fun
14
Noticeboard
Expressions of Interest are being sought for temporary work secondments. Current employees of NSLHD are eligible to apply. Please ensure you have received approval from your current manager to be released for secondment prior to applying for any of these roles. EOIs and Internal Vacancy Notices (IVNs) are available to be viewed on the Employee Services intranet page.
Wellbeing Support is Always Available At Ryde, we recognise that our people are our greatest strength. To continue providing the best care to others, it’s important to look after ourselves too. That’s why all staff have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), delivered by PeopleSense.
The EAP is a free, completely confidential service that offers: • Counselling and coaching to support your mental health and wellbeing • Guidance for work-related challenges such as stress, workload, or conflict • Support with personal matters, including relationships, financial pressures, grief, or lifestyle changes • Practical strategies to build resilience and manage life’s ups and downs
You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming. The EAP is a safe, supportive space whenever you need.
For confidential support, call 1300 307 912 at any time. Your wellbeing matters. Reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.
15
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online