NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Culturally Inspired Shirts for Patients
Short blurb PAGE 5
Read more on Page x
NSLHD supports Fusion Pride Picnic 2025 Page 4
Safety and Quality Program graduates recognised Page 3
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
Message from the chief executive
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues,
announced at Brookvale Community Health Centre, a new youth mental health hub to be located there to provide a central space where young people can access mental health support and be connected to other vital community services. This initiative builds on the success of Brookvale Safe Haven, which offers a welcoming and non- clinical environment for young people needing support. This weekend, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will once again light up Oxford Street. NSW Health will be part of the parade on 1 March, celebrating the diversity of our staff and the communities we serve. Our health district is strengthened by the many cultures, backgrounds, identities, and experiences that shape it, and it is important that we continue to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and supported. This week, I say a bittersweet farewell to Bronwyn Scully who has been the executive officer to myself and five of the previous chief executives here at NSLHD during her 33 years in NSW Health. Bronwyn is retiring and she will be greatly missed for her dedication, professionalism, and deep knowledge which have been invaluable to our organisation. We thank her for her years of service and wish her all the best for the future.
Each day, across Northern Sydney Local Health District, our staff provide exceptional care to our community. Our commitment to safe, inclusive, and high-quality healthcare is at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in ensuring that every person who walks through our doors is treated with respect and dignity. That same respect should extend to one another as colleagues, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. I would like to draw your attention to a video which features healthcare professionals working across NSW speaking directly to the community.
It is a simple, but powerful message of unity and inclusion – we are here for you.
To view the video, watch here: https://bit.ly/ NSW-Health-we-are-here-for-you
NSW Health has launched the Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund, offering up to $50,000 for staff-led projects that enhance health outcomes, reduce environmental impact, and build climate resilience.
This is an exciting opportunity for our district to continue leading in planetary health.
To be considered, NSLHD staff must submit applications to the NSLHD Planetary Health team at NSLHD-PlanetaryHealth@health.nsw. gov.au by COB Friday 21 March. Five applications will be selected for submission to the Ministry of Health. In mental health, a significant investment has being made by the NSW Government to improve services for young people on the Northern Beaches.
Warm regards,
Anthony
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive
The Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson,
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 3| 28 FEBRUARY 2025
2
Thirteen of the graduates of the 2024 Safety and Quality Program were given their certificates at RNSH
Safety and Quality Program graduates recognised Seventeen graduates of NSLHD’s 2024 Applied Safety and Quality Program were recently recognised at a showcase ceremony at Royal North Shore Hospital. Since 2022, the district has partnered with the Clinical Excellence Commission to introduce the Safety and Quality Essentials Pathway, which led to this program being introduced to staff in 2023. Over the past year, the graduates engaged in a comprehensive development program that included five intensive in-person two-day module workshops, six active learning group sessions, and at least three one-on-one sessions alongside an improvement coach. Most of their learning took place in a work setting where they led improvement projects and completed various activities through their roles. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri commended the graduates of the program and said the program enables staff to feel engaged and supported. “This fantastic program aligns closely with our district’s strategic outcomes, particularly in two key areas: providing safe, high-quality, and connected care, and ensuring our staff feel engaged and well-supported,” he said. “Congratulations to all our graduates and thank you for your leadership and passion to ensure we continue to provide the best and highest quality care for our community. “The fact we already have another 21 staff members enrolled for the 2025 program says everything about how well received this program has been.”
nthsydhealth RYDE HOSPITAL ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice at Manly
Hornsby Hospital Mona Vale HOSPITAL nslhd mhda
stay up to date with Nslhd on social media
nthsydhealth ayahmanly
nthsydhealth
Northern sydney local health district
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
3
The new graduates were welcomed by NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri
NSLHD Welcomes New Graduates and Scholarship Recipients The district has welcomed its new cohort of graduates and scholarship recipients as part of the Graduate Health Management Program. Geneveive Baird, Kedar Gu, Lauren Nowacka, and Eamon O’Callaghan have successfully completed their first year of the two-year graduate program.
For more information about the NSLHD Graduate Health Management Program, visit: https://bit.ly/3AECmSN. To learn more about the Master of Health Leadership & Management course, visit: https://bit. ly/430fD1E. We look forward to supporting the continued growth and success of all our graduates and participants in the program.
Tuscany Brown and Jonty Fletcher have joined the district this year. Tuscany, a registered nurse, and Jonty, a former physiotherapist, will be gaining experience while completing their master’s degrees. Jasmine Blacker, Sarah Parker, and James Wighton also join as recipients of the UNSW Master of Health Leadership & Management Scholarship Program.
NSLHD supports Fusion Pride Picnic 2025 Recently, NSLHD supported the Fusion Pride Picnic at North Steyne Reserve, Manly Beach.
community, ensuring that everyone feels safe, supported, and celebrated. NSLHD’s PARVAN and Clinic 16 services both hosted a stall to give community members more information about their services. This year marked the third anniversary of the Fusion Pride Picnic. To learn more about the event visit fusionpride.org.
This vibrant event celebrated inclusion, community, and connection for LGBTQIA+ communities and allies across Northern Sydney, hosted in partnership with Fusion Pride. The free, family-friendly event featured live music, crafts, face painting, picnic spaces, LGBTQIA+ resources, and local services and vendors. It provided an opportunity for rainbow families to come together, celebrate, and enjoy a colourful day by the beach. Jemma Clifton, LGBTQI+ Project Officer, said it was a great opportunity for the rainbow community in NSLHD to come together. “It was amazing to be involved in such an incredible event,” she said. “Creating a space where everyone can be their authentic self is so important.” NSLHD’s support of the Fusion Pride Picnic highlights its commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the
NSLHD staff at the picnic
4
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 3| 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Culturally Inspired Shirts for Patients At Royal North Shore Hospital, the
created in collaboration with Adam Cryer, Project Manager for Community Inclusion and Capacity Building, and Melinda Flower, Aboriginal Health Education Manager. “We’ve been working with Adam Cryer to improve the identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients,” said Vicki. “Often, when patients present to the emergency department, they are required to fill in forms that can feel uncomfortable, particularly when identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. These shirts convey that this is a safe space where patients are respected.” The initiative has already received positive feedback, with many people commenting on how nice the staff look and how the shirts contribute to the welcoming atmosphere.
emergency administration staff are wearing culturally inspired shirts featuring Aboriginal designs as part of an initiative aimed at making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients feel more comfortable. The idea was developed by Vicki Pyne, Patient Services Manager, as part of efforts to improve the identification of patients and support the ongoing commitment to “Closing the Gap” in healthcare. The culturally significant attire, which incorporates Aboriginal artwork and symbolism, is a step toward ensuring that the hospital environment is welcoming for all patients, particularly those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Vicki explained that, in healthcare settings, it’s important for such designs to be respectful, meaningful, and reflective of the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal peoples. The designs for the shirts were
The RNSH ED administration staff in the new shirts
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
5
5
Cutting waitlists and closing gaps: RNSH’s unique GP liaison program celebrates three years NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri met with RNSH Ambulatory Care Centre nursing unit manager Solly Geddam, GP liason officers David Cosgriff, and Caroline Guirgis
“Our ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for every patient.” David said that by streamlining communication, he and Caroline also help local GPs navigate complex hospital systems which has received positive feedback over the past few years. “GPs can contact us easily via email, and we act as a central point of contact,” he said. “GPs are relieved to engage with the hospital system more efficiently, and patients benefit from shorter waits and better communication. “Clinicians within the hospital have also found value in considering a general practice perspective when decisions are made.”
Improving coordination and collaboration between hospitals and general practitioners (GPs) is a challenge in Australia and worldwide. Helping bridge the gaps of these challenges at a local level are general practice liaison officers (GPLOs) David Cosgriff and Caroline Guirgis. The role started in October 2021 when RNSH launched its GPLO program - the first of its kind in New South Wales. David and Caroline are GPs themselves, who work within RNSH as part of the program to improve communication and collaboration between primary care and the hospital’s services. The program has three main goals: improving awareness of services, enhancing communication, and addressing system challenges that affect patient care. Now celebrating their third year of operation, the duo has made a significant impact on patients and the doctors they are working with. The program redesigned the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Centre and cut patient waitlists by an impressive 64 per cent. Caroline said patients now see specialists more quickly and clinics have clear referral criteria to ensure the right care is delivered to the right people. “Patients have better outcomes when healthcare is well-integrated,” she said.
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 3| 28 FEBRUARY 2025
6
International clinical trial to determine if diet and exercise alone can prevent knee osteoarthritis
with knee osteoarthritis. “Building on that research, our clinical trial will aim to confirm the most effective lifestyle strategies to prevent knee osteoarthritis before the condition develops.” The research team is now recruiting 320 women who are 50 years or over, who experience little to no knee pain, and who have a Body Mass Index of 30 or more. The study will involve screening visits over 2–4 weeks and yearly assessment visits over four years, as well as regular diet and exercise or healthy lifestyle classes. “Classes are currently available on the Lower North Shore of Sydney and we encourage women who live or work in the area to apply to the program,” said David “Depending on the interest, we could look to start classes in other areas of metropolitan Sydney as well.” To join the study: https://www. osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/tops-study or contact the study team directly at tops. study@sydney.edu.au
In one of the first global clinical trials of its kind, researchers have launched a study to investigate if a diet and exercise program aimed at weight loss can prevent crippling knee osteoarthritis. The trial will be led by researchers from the University of Sydney, NSLHD and the Kolling Institute in collaboration with an international team from the US. The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study or TOPS will compare the impact of a dietary weight- loss, exercise and weight-loss maintenance program with health education in preventing the development of knee osteoarthritis. The condition is the leading cause of The large-scale clinical trial will be conducted over four years, with participants receiving either a program of regular diet and exercise sessions or a healthy lifestyle program with information sessions, newsletters and text messages. Internationally recognised rheumatologist and RNSH clinician Professor David Hunter said the study is one of the first prevention clinical trials which could help women with occasional knee pain reduce their risk of knee osteoarthritis. disability among adults, particularly impacting women over 50 who are overweight or obese.
Professor David Hunter
“Our trial has come at a time when an increasing number of people are turning to medications like Ozempic to assist with weight loss and the management of knee osteoarthritis,” he said “These weight- management medications are a feasible option for managing the condition, but questions remain around safety, cost- effectiveness and the likelihood of weight rebounding. “Recent investigations by our team indicate that despite the promising results from trials of these medications, lifestyle interventions remain the first-line, safest and most cost-effective approach for people who are overweight, obese or living
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
7
" ,7BMX "7XXB"X X , X"XB",7BX 7 X X ,X 7 X7!X !# $XB"7X" X%" XB",7B & '0((3) 4X'X=*'+*X-X6. // )+0XX(-) .6 /' 1+03- 'X.+2/30..X+()040'X/X.4 X>5. .+=X.< 2/3=1X'1(?+.. XX03'+X/-6.01(36 X/=1'8X*4 6X1((.> .) X6/.X19':)/@6.;+.8X< X -./10-(.+8X/)<XA '+.X/60(>.X1(?.C DDDEFGHIFEIJ EKLFNGFOFGHFP DL QRSTXU X TSUV QRSTXU XSURW
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online