June 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear colleagues, Our Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (HKH) community was very excited for a special visit by our NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM earlier in the month. Receiving a very warm HKH welcome, Susan toured the hospital and visited staff and patients from different departments across our facility including the emergency department, renal dialysis, chemotherapy unit, rehabilitation wards and the Pamela Margaret Andrews Simulation Centre. Susan chatted with patients, nurses, doctors, allied health clinicians and support services staff as she made her way around the hospital. Many of our people were eager to meet Susan and have the chance to showcase the great work we do at HKH each and every day. During the tour Susan reflected on her many visits to HKH over the year s and the very positive changes she has seen to the hospital campus since the redevelopment project was completed a few years back. It was a real pleasure to show Susan around our fabulous hospital and talk to our staff, patients and volunteers whom all really appreciated Susan’s heart-warming feedback on the outstanding jobs they do caring for our community. Thank you to everyone who helped with the tour and well done. I was pleased to attend the NSLHD Board Research Innovation & Technology Meeting during the month and hear about all the wonderful Research, Innovation and Clinical Trial activity across HKH and the district. As a key strategic priority for the LHD Board we have a real opportunity at HKH to leverage our highly engaged clinicians, staff and first -class facilities we have at our hospital to further build our research profile and “learning culture” across our hospital. I look forward to sharing some further ne ws and updates on our HKH Research and Clinical Trails program in the coming months. On the subject of Technology and Innovation the districts Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) Project “kick - off” is occurring in early July. With just over a year to go until the planned go -lives in NSLHD facilities I am continually amazed at how much ground-breaking work is underway across the program to support the implementation. I look forward to further engagement with our district Digital Health Service (DHS) colleagues and SDPR Project Team as they continue to work with clinicians here at HKH and ac ross the LHD in preparation for this very significant digital transformation project. I encourage you all to keep up to date with the latest SDPR news and information by subscribing to the NSW Health SPDR newsletter that you can access via emailing EHNSW-SDPR@health.nsw.gov.au Thank you for everyone who contributed to the 2025 Patient Safety Culture Survey–this is the 3 rd time this has been conducted in NSLHD. This important survey seeks honest feedback on how patient safety is perceived and experienced across our hospital and district by those who know best–our workforce. The survey closes on 1 July , and I am pleased that HKH has had a good response rate once again compared to peers. I look forward to better understanding your insights and feedback from the survey
as it will help identify what is working well and where improvements can be made to support a safer, more positive environment for patients and staff alike. HKH has done very well once again with the annual winter flu vaccination compliance program with the vast majority of our people getting the jab before the June deadline -however we still have some Category A staff yet to get their vaccination or provide written evidence to their manager that this has been completed in the community by a GP or local Pharmacy. For these staff not yet compliant with the staff vaccination policy it will mean mask wearing and other personal infection control precautions will be required whilst in the workplace. Please discuss what this means for you with your supervisor or manager so that we can ensure we keep ourselves, colleagues, patients and community safe this Winter season. I am pleased to have attended the NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards last Thursday 26 June 2025 to witness two of our teams being recognised as runners-up for their exceptional work and dedication. Our ICU team received commendation for their unwavering commitment to their vision — “Prevent the pressure, Protect the Patient!”. Their focus on patient safety and proactive care is not only inspiring, but a testament to the heart they bring to their work every single day. We also celebrate our staff in the Maternity team, who collaborated with NICU RNSH, who were honoured in the Keeping the People Healthy Award category. Their dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of mothers and newborns refle cts the compassion and excellence at the core of everything they do. To both teams — thank you for leading with purpose and heart. Your achievements are truly worth celebrating Finally, I look forward to celebrating our wonderful HKH Administrative professionals at the district award ceremony on 3 July 2025 (followed by a BBQ lunch celebration here at HKH) .
Best Regards, Simon-General Manager, HKHS
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SECRETARY SUSAN PEARCE VISITS HKH
Secretary Susan Pearce recently conducted an official visit to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, where she was warmly welcomed by General Manager Simon Hill, alongside department heads and staff delegates. During her tour of the facility, Secretary Pearce visited several areas of patient care and clinical training, where she observed the hospital’s innovative approach to staff training and clinical preparedness. The visit highlighted the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient care, medical education, and service delivery across the district.
Susan was particularly struck by the professionalism, compassion, and dedication demonstrated by the staff in every department she visited. From clinicians to support personnel, Susan expressed that visits like these are the heart of her work and that she truly loved spending time with everyone, witnessing firsthand the exceptional care and commitment on display.
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L.O.V.E.D AWARDS Employee of the Month for April: Ankita Sharma Bhattarai
Ankita is a great collaborator being part of the multidisciplinary team. She communicates openly and is very transparent in her communication with colleagues and patients to achieve the best care outcome. Ankita is very respectful to all that she encounters. She is very kind and welcoming that is why she is loved. Ankita has gone above and beyond to provide care to our patients and empower her colleagues. One instance was when she was taking care of a patient with special needs, she busted some moves to the song of Back Street Boys just to encourage the patient to attend personal care. This is one of many aspects of Ankita that we love and respect.
Team of the Month for April: Palliative Care
The HKH Palliative Care Team is a truly multidisciplinary group dedicated to delivering compassionate, person- centred care. Comprising of medical specialists, CNCs, social workers, clinical psychologists, and administrative officers, the team works collaboratively to provide holistic support tailored to each patient’s unique journey. With a focus on dignity, open communication, and ethical practice, they create a comforting and respectful environment for patients and families during life’s most vulnerable moments. Their 'can-do' attitude, commitment to mentorship, and unwavering support reflect the CORE values of NSLHD and make them an invaluable asset to both HKH and the wider community.
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FAREWELL TO LINDA KEARNEY
After years of service, Linda Kearny retired from her position as the Nurse Unit Manager of ward 4C. Friends and colleagues gathered for a nice farewell tea party for Linda on her last day of work. Linda’s leadership, compassion, commitment, and dedication to her colleagues and profession will surely be missed. Enjoy your retirement, Linda! CONGRATULATIONS STEPH BISSET
Steph Bissett, HKH Senior Social Worker recently travelled to Norway to compete at the International Powerlifting Federation World Bench Press Championship. Steph placed 11 th which is an outstanding result for her first time competing in an international competition. Steph said that "representing Australia, my family, and myself at an international sporting event wearing green and gold is something I’m extremely proud of. I had lots of fun and was reminded of the importance of working hard towards a dream every day". Well done, Steph!
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QUALITY AND IMPORVEMENT AWARDS
We are thrilled to recognise the incredible dedication of our ICU and Maternity teams, whose unwavering focus on patient safety and wellbeing continues to make a lasting impact. Our ICU team was recently acknowledged for their steadfast commitment to their vision — “Prevent the pressure, Protect the Patient!” Their proactive and patient-centred approach is a powerful reminder of the care and heart they bring to their work every single day.
We also celebrate Jessica Lam from our Maternity team, who was part of NICU RNSH — recipients of the Keeping the People Healthy Award . Their collaborative efforts to support the health of mothers and newborns reflect the compassion, excellence, and teamwork that define our healthcare community.
To both teams — thank you for leading with purpose, dedication, and heart. Your achievements are truly inspiring and deserving of recognition.
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NEW MATERNITY LIGHTS – FIRST SWITCH
The new procedural lights in our birth unit have revolutionised patient care and workflow efficiency, especially when compared to the unreliable, bulky, mobile lights we previously relied on. The new lights provide consistent, shadow-free illumination, significantly improving precision during procedures and eliminating delays caused by poor lighting or the need for frequent adjustments. Their unparalleled clarity and stability allow staff to focus entirely on patient care, ensuring optimal outcomes with confidence. The transition to these sleek, ergonomically designed lights has been a game-changer in our daily workflow. Their reliability and user-friendly design have made routine tasks smoother and more efficient, reducing stress and enabling staff to concentrate fully on patient needs. Additionally, their energy-efficient technology and ease of use create a comfortable working environment enhancing individual and teamwork. Staff genuinely feel happier and more supported, knowing they can depend on these lights to help them deliver the highest standard of care. This reliability positively impacts both staff performance and patients’ overall experiences.
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eReferrals ARE LIVE AT NSLHD
eReferrals Are LIVE at NSLHD! Are You Ready? GPs can now refer patients to 95% of all NSLHD outpatient services via eReferrals , using the HealthLink platform. This marks a major step forward in modernising our referral processes – with the transition to all GP referrals to outpatient services via eReferrals by June 30, 2025. What Does This Mean for Outpatient Services? All outpatient departments and clinics must now ensure they are fully prepared to receive and manage referrals via the HealthLink eReferral platform. The following actions are essential to support this transition:
Task
Action Required
Ensure your team is actively reviewing and processing eReferrals via the HealthLink platform. Confirm that all relevant staff have platform access and logins.
Manage Incoming eReferrals
If your clinic is not yet registered with HealthLink, contact us at nslhd-ereferral@health.nsw.gov.au for assistance.
Clinic Registration
Update all referral communications to clearly state that referrals must be submitted via HealthLink. Use generic email autoreplies from clinic email inboxes. eReferral team can help set you up with his.
Communication with Referrers and Patients
For training, troubleshooting, or help navigating the platform, reach out to nslhd-ereferral@health.nsw.gov.au.
Training & Support
If a paper, fax, or email referral is received, log it using the Paper Referral Tracker so our team can follow up with the GP or practice and support their transition.
Handling Paper Referrals
Embrace the future of eReferrals — faster, safer, smarter.
� Learn more on the NSLHD eReferral Intranet
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NSW PHYSIOTHERAPY ADVANCED PRACTICE EDUCATION AND NETWORKING DAY AT HKH On May 9th, Hornsby Physiotherapy held the NSW Physiotherapy Advanced Practice Education and Networking Day at Hornsby Hospital. It was a fabulous day with some very engaging speakers on a variety of topics from academics, specialists and network members. This included discussions on competency within advanced practice, listening to a research panel on scope of practice and practical sessions on assessing septic joints and how best to relocate a shoulder dislocation. We had multiple speakers attend who discussed their research and how this may impact physiotherapy in the future. We were also lucky enough to have an update about the prescribing study running in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local health District! It was amazing to see the exceptional work being done by Physiotherapists within the advanced scope in NSW.
We had a great turn out of attendees and were able to continue to build connections with colleagues from all over the state! The committee would like to thank everyone who attended to make the day such a success and will be bringing it back in 2026.
Big thank you also to Hornsby Hospital and the sponsors for being such excellent hosts, especially the fantastic volunteer, Peter on the front door who was the true hero of the day!
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EMPLOYEE NETWORKS YAG AND YAB – EAMON O’CALLAGHAN
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THE MATERNITY TEAM CONQUERS THE BALMORAL BURN!
At the end of last month, the Maternity Team and family participated in the Humpty Dumpty Foundation Balmoral Burn, an annual fundraising fun run up the steepest street in Sydney. It was a challenging climb that took our breath away (literally!), but we conquered it together, full of pride and determination!
The atmosphere was lively, with an incredible turnout and high spirits from everyone involved. A special highlight was meeting some of our most generous donors: Tara, Stu, Camilla & Eloise (twins), and Jen. Their kindness and energy were truly uplifting.
Our hearts are especially full as we reflect on the extraordinary support received through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. During a recent fundraising dinner held on 23rd May, we were gifted not just one, but seven Cardiac Monitors- an act of generosity that still feels surreal. These monitors are far more than machines, they support us to provide the best care for our most previous and tiniest patients.
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THE ALLIED HEALTH WELLNESS COMMITTEE LUNCTIME COLOURING
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NSLHD ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS’ ANNUAL AWARDS 2025
Let’s come together to honour the dedication, hard work, and behind-the-scenes efforts of our incredible Administrative Professionals. We are also live streaming the event: Date: Thursday 3 July 2025 Location: Meet 1, Level 5, Building 60 (Muru Jannawi) , Hornsby Ku-Ring-gai Hospital Time: 9:30 am to 11:15 am These individuals are the backbone of our operations — working tirelessly every day to keep things running smoothly, not only at Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital but across the entire District. This special event is a heartfelt appreciation for all they do to support our teams and ensure we provide the highest standard of patient care. Without them, none of it would be possible. Join us in recognising their vital contributions — because they deserve to be celebrated!
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CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
The processes, care and adaptation of staff to manage many complex and rising tasks for all patients was amazing. All first class, caring people.
Emergency
There are no words that can adequately express and say "thank you all" for the care and respect that has been shown to and for me. The level of care I received has been exemplary to say the least
Ward 2D
We received excellent care through the MGP program. We hope the hospital recognise her hard work and contribution to Maternity Services.
Maternity
We have never received such great care from a Social Worker. They went over and above during this hard time for our family. We felt seen and heard but most importantly, were shown true care. Big thanks to the Social Workers and staff on Ward 4C. The care and understanding demonstrated was amazing. Everything went extremely well indicating the high degree of expertise present. The care I received was first class. My heartfelt thanks to all involved. I want to highly commend all the nursing staff and medical staff for their excellent care and communication skills during my stay. I am absolutely delighted with how I’ve improved since I left the hospital with the help of the RDT.
Social Work
Ward 4C
Theatres
Ward 1C
RDT
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WELCOME SIMON TAGGART!
A big warm welcome to our newest member of the Medical Imaging team, Simon Taggart. Simon joins HKH as the Chief Radiographer. Simon started his career as a Radiographer, and even briefly worked at HKH in 2004. Most recently he has worked with in Western Sydney LHD in several roles, including Deputy Chief Radiographer within Radiology at Westmead Hospital and Acting Chief Radiographer at Auburn Hospital. We look forward to working with you Simon!
WELCOME NOEL VALERIO!
Let us give our biggest welcome to the New Executive Assistant to the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Noel! Noel has been in different roles here in Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and he brings a wealth of experience from his time in clinical and administration management roles, both internationally and locally in NSLHD. We are excited to have him as a part of the Executive Nursing and Midwifery team!
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STAFF UNIFORM SWAP
Do you need a uniform? Do you have one you don’t need? Help us to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Welcome to our platform for staff to list, swap or request second-hand NSW Health uniforms in good condition. The NSLHD Uniform Swap group is available to all staff via Viva Engage Thank you in advance for spreading the word with your colleagues about the group! If you are a people manager, think about the staff uniform swap in your department’s staff onboarding or exit processes
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PATIENT SAFETY CULTURE SURVEY
TELL US ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY WHERE YOU WORK! NSLHD will be conducting the Patient Safety Culture Survey (PSCS) launching on Tuesday 3 rd June at 9am. This survey is for all Hornsby Ku - Ring-Gai Hospital staff, both clinical and non-clinical, to share their views on how patient safety and quality is managed in your area. Patient safety is central to all our work in health. Our staff are often the first to recognise safety issues, and sharing your experiences can help to identify what needs to improve, as well as what is working at the moment. The survey will ask about your perceptions and experiences at work on
topics such as leadership, team interactions, communication and reporting of safety incidents. These questions are linked to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and other district priority initiatives. The results of this survey will be used to identify areas where we can improve patient safety and staff wellbeing, both in your local team and in the hospital as a whole. The survey should take around 15 minutes to complete, and your responses will be entirely anonymous. Teams with 100 per cent or very high completion rates will be entered into a draw across NSLHD for the chance to win one of twelve $1,000 cash prizes. The prize can be used by your team to purchase resources for your area or to support staff wellbeing, so encourage your colleagues to complete the survey during team meetings. We’d love to hear from you on what you think about safety practices in your working environment.
You can complete the survey using QR codes which will be displayed throughout the hospital or through an email you’ll receive from surveys@insync.com.au from 9am on Tuesday 3 rd June. If you have any questions about the PSCS, please access our FAQ here or contact Lauren Nowacka at Lauren.Nowacka@health.nsw.gov.au.
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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