Hornsby Hospital volunteers
RNSH Patient Experience Officer welcomes Health Minister Royal North Shore Hospital’s Patient Experience Officer, Sunita Oberholzer, warmly welcomed NSW Health Minister Ryan Park during his recent visit to the hospital. During his visit, the Minister announced a $10.6 million investment aimed at making patient experience officer positions available across all NSW hospitals. Patient experience officers play an important role in providing additional support in emergency departments (EDs) to patients, carers, and their families. 70,000 reasons to smile More than $70,000 in clinical equipment has been donated by the volunteers at Hornsby Ku- ring-gai Hospital. The Pink Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary raises funds through its many fundraising initiatives such as the Pink Ladies’ Shop, craft and cake stalls and raffles. The donation enabled the hospital to buy equipment for the maternity, physiotherapy and children’s departments, as well as $2500 for wheelchairs to transport patients. Hospital General Manager Simon Hill thanked the volunteers and provided a morning tea for the men and women who give up their time to help the hospital and its staff. “The donations made each year by our Pink Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary Committee of important equipment ensures our staff can continue to provide a high level of care to our patients,” he said.
They are the first point of contact for patients when they arrive, offering guidance and information on ED processes and waiting times, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Importantly, they also alleviate the workload of busy clinicians, allowing them to focus more on treating patients. Sunita joined the Royal North Shore Hospital ED team in October 2020, after leaving her Qantas role due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She finds her new role incredibly rewarding and values the opportunity to make a positive impact on the local community. “Coming to work each day with the knowledge that I am going to positively impact many people’s days has been an immense privilege,” Sunita said. “It is deeply gratifying to know that you are helping patients and their families feel more comfortable with their hospital experience, especially during stressful times. And this, in turn, improves the staff’s ability to provide exceptional care.” Sunita is one of three patient experience officers at Royal North Shore Hospital. There are two patient experience officers at Hornsby Hospital and one at Ryde Hospital. The feedback from both patients and staff so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Their presence not only relieves pressure on busy clinicians but also significantly enhances patient’s experience and wellbeing.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park with Sunita Oberholzer at RNSH’s ED
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 13| 12 JULY 2024
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