Message from the Chief Executive Deb Willcox
Our district prides itself on being a leader in so many fields and throughout this pandemic we have proven that through our response. It is no surprise that we are also leading the state in COVID-19 vaccinations, with more than 10,000 AstraZeneca doses administered through our hospital clinics. This is a fantastic achievement and I thank all of our staff working hard to make this happen, as well as our staff and their families coming forward to receive their vaccination. From Monday 31 May, our Royal North Shore Hospital vaccination clinic will be administering Pfizer. This will complement our other hospital vaccination hubs at Hornsby and Mona Vale hospitals which are seeing positive numbers of people receive AstraZeneca. National Sorry Day was held on May 26 which commemorates the Stolen Generations, their families and communities, and marks the anniversary of the tabling in Federal Parliament of the Bringing Them Home Report. This report was the result of a National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. It was a pivotal moment in the healing journey of many Stolen Generations survivors and the first time their stories of removal from their families were acknowledged in such a way. The week that follows is National Reconciliation Week – from 27 May to 3 June – which commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey, the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. It is not only an important time for all
Australians to reflect on what actions we can take to in the reconciliation, but as healthcare professionals it is a time to reflect on the role we play in improving the lives and health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Earlier this month we celebrated some of the unsung heroes in our hospitals during National Volunteers Week. Restrictions in 2020 meant we could not get together and celebrate, but this year I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony at Royal North Shore Hospital and meeting some of our volunteers in person. We are delighted to welcome volunteers back to our hospitals and I thank them for their understanding and patience as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Words cannot express how much we appreciate our volunteers’ dedication and loyalty to their role and our patients. Finally, applications are open for the second round of the Innovation Program for 2021. The program gives staff a chance to receive up to $50,000 in funding for an innovative idea that can transform and improve the way we deliver care to our patients. Over the years we have seen some incredible ideas come forward and I look forward to seeing your entries. Applications for round two close on Monday 31 May. If you would like further information or assistance submitting your application please contact NSLHD-InnovationProgram@ health.nsw.gov.au or visit https://bit. ly/2RKbyw7.
Deb Willcox Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 10 | 31 MAY 2021
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