NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb celebrating our nurses and midwives Celebrations were in full swing for International Nurses Day and International Day of the Midwife. Pages 4 and 5 Read more on Page x
RNSH Pink Ladies in the spotlight Page 8
Multi-million dollar grant for lung cancer treatment Page 7
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri
Dear colleagues, Throughout the past week it has been fantastic to see a number of ceremonies and events taking place across the district for International Nurses Day and the International Day of the Midwife celebrations. These days serve as an important reminder for us to take the time as a district to show how much we value our nurses and midwives who do such an outstanding job every day for our community. Equally, our administration professionals play an important role in supporting our nursing, medical and allied health staff to deliver care to our patients. It was great to see the celebrations for Administrative Professionals Day on 2 May and I would like to thank all of our administration staff across our district for all that you do. Planning is currently underway for this year’s Administrative Professionals Awards event and I very much look forward to celebrating the occasion. I was delighted to hear that NSLHD has received a Gold Service Provider award in the 2024 Health + Wellbeing Equality Index, coordinated by ACON’s Pride in Health and Wellbeing program. With International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, otherwise known as IDAHOBIT, being celebrated this week, this achievement reflects our health district’s ongoing progress and commitment to delivering inclusive, high-quality care for the LGBTIQ+ community. Our progress would not be possible without
the incredible advocates we have across our health services district-wide and it is something we should all feel immensely proud of. With Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) set to be rolled out across the district next year, planning and testing of this next generation integrated digital healthcare record has ramped up which is incredibly exciting. I have been fortunate to be involved in the project as a co-chair for both the statewide SDPR Configuration Management Committee and Allied Health and Food/ Nutrition Council. This has been a personal highlight for me, and I am incredibly excited for our health service to be a part of one of the biggest digital health transformations in Australia. The SDPR will provide a more holistic and streamlined healthcare record across the NSW Health system and allow the patient journey to be smoother to and from the community, outpatient and inpatient settings allowing for a better patient experience. I look forward to providing you with further updates as we continue to plan and have our services ready to implement SDPR late next year.
Warm regards,
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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AYAH’s music therapist Dave (second from right) with patients at the garden
Growing change at AYAH At the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), a small edible garden is helping drive local sustainability efforts and foster connections amongst patients and their families. It’s part of NSLHD’s broader focus on planetary health—reducing waste, growing food on site, and lowering environmental impact. Led by AYAH’s music therapist Dave Anthony, the garden is supported by partners including Kimbriki Resource Centre, Waterups Wicking Beds, Bunnings Balgowlah, and Ben & Jerry’s volunteers. Dave said the garden has allowed the facility to grow their own vegetables that have been used in the meals prepared at the AYAH. “Our goal is to grow seasonal, close-to- organic produce that can be used by our award-winning chef, Phil, in the meals he serves our patients and families,” he said. “Each week, more than 10 kilograms of green waste is composted on-site. The fresh, seasonal produce we are growing includes eggplant, tomatoes, squash and greens.” Dave said the space is also being used for therapeutic purposes, to make each gardening session a unique one for patients. “Myself, alongside the AYAH’s occupational and physiotherapist, use the garden to design tailored sessions for patients that improve wellbeing through physical activity and connection with nature,” he said. What began as a sustainability project is quickly becoming something even deeper.
It is a way for the AYAH community to grow together, with patients and families already bringing cuttings from home and planting their own contributions to the growing space. The next chapter of the project is an Indigenous food garden, developed in partnership with Bush to Bowl and inspired by the work already underway at Mona Vale Hospital.
Dish made for AYAH patients and their families using some locally grown incredients
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Nursing celebrations at RNSH
Nursing celebrations at Ryde Hospital
International Nurses Day celebrations From scavenger hunts to Olympic games, nurses celebrated in style for this year’s International Nurses’ Day.
“It’s an honour to stand beside you in this work. Thank you for everything you do, your strength, your skill, your leadership and your commitment to care.” Award ceremonies recognising individual nurses and midwives, as well as teams, were held at each hospital. Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Claire Harris celebrated nurses’ impact — as clinicians, educators, advocates and leaders who drive continuous improvement across our health system. “Nurses guide, teach, lead, and empower, all while delivering care with kindness and compassion,” she said. “They truly are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are proud to celebrate them today and every day.”
Events were held across the district all week to honour the contribution nurses make in the delivery of healthcare at NSLHD. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” shined a light on the vital role nurses play in the community and healthcare system. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri expressed his gratitude for the district’s nursing workforce, highlighting their dedication, compassion and skill. “At NSLHD, we are privileged to work alongside some of the most skilled, compassionate, and dedicated nurses in the state,” he said.
Primary and Community Health celebrations with the Hornsby Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service
Mona Vale Hospital celebrations
A hamper was donated by the local Bunnings to the AYAH’s nurses
Nurses Olympic Games at Hornsby
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Celebrations at RNSH
Celebrating our midwives Celebrations were held across the district to mark International Day of the Midwife. Midwives at Hornsby and Royal North Shore hospitals took part in award ceremonies, morning teas and games which were held to honour the work of midwives. This year’s theme for International Day of the Midwife is Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis. Chief Executive Anthony Schembri acknowledged the exceptional impact midwives have in society. “Midwives ensure every woman has access to the care she deserves and that her voice is heard at every step of her healthcare journey,” he said. Claire Harris, Executive Director, Nursing and Midwifery said midwives had a far-reaching role in families lives.
“Midwives deliver care that is culturally safe, respectful and patient-led, promoting informed consent, autonomy and access to services in underserved communities,” she said. “Their influence reaches far beyond the clinical setting and lasts a lifetime.” Registered nurses interested in midwifery are encouraged to apply via MidStart. NSW Health offers comprehensive postgraduate training across metropolitan, rural and regional locations, with up to $10,000 in scholarships to support career progression. Those studying will receive guidance through the Mentoring in Midwifery program. Applications open on 20 May 2025. For more information on training locations, scholarships and mentoring, visit the NSW Health website: https://bit.ly/44uABXc.
RNSH Divisional Nurse Manager Laura Dangerfield presents Anna Winter with the RNSH Registered Midwife of the Year award
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CE Anthony Schemrbi receives a seedling from Ryde Hospital acting General Manager Jennifer McConnell
Adopt-a-Seedling initiative underway at Ryde Hospital As part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment, staff at the hospital have been given the opportunity to take part in a unique Adopt-a-Seedling initiative. The project supports native replanting and restoration efforts in the Blue Gum High Forest adjacent to Ryde Hospital, with help from partners A W Edwards and Total Earth Care. Over the next six months, the seedlings which are native species, will be nurtured by staff members at home before returning to the forest for a community planting day. Ryde Hospital acting General Manager Jennifer McConnell presented NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri with his seedling, where he joined nearly 200 hospital staff and community members taking part in the initiative. “It’s a small act with a big impact—and a beautiful symbol of what can grow when people come together,” Anthony said.
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Professor Nick Pavlakis
Multi-million dollar grant for lung cancer treatment Leading RNSH clinician researcher Professor Nick Pavlakis and Professor Ben Solomon have secured a $14.7 million MRFF grant for a clinical trial which will explore the use of a liquid biopsy to inform treatment for lung cancer.
new clinical trial will investigate the use of a liquid biopsy (circulating tumour DNA) to guide a personalised approach throughout a patient’s journey. It could change the way lung cancer is treated and provide a model for other cancers as well. “A simple blood test will be less invasive, provide quicker results and will enable more frequent feedback on what genomic changes have occurred in response to treatment,” said Professor Pavlakis. “This will inform what treatments will be the best for a given patient. “The approach represents a unique opportunity to refine personalised medicine for lung cancer, not just at the time of diagnosis, but throughout treatment. “It is a major step forward and a testament to the many people involved in progressing our work to this point. “We anticipate it will lead to improved survival and quality of life, and may provide supporting evidence for broader liquid biopsy application to transform the treatment for other cancers as well.” The trial, named Aspiration 2L, will be led by the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia. North Star VNP will be participating in the transformative study, utilising the telehealth platform to provide access to patients across its network.
The condition is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia and worldwide, claiming an estimated 9,000 lives in Australia each year. The pioneering study will place Australia at the forefront of global precision medicine by using liquid biopsies to revolutionise personalised lung cancer treatment. It will involve some of the country’s most respected lung cancer clinicians and researchers and will be available to patients across Australia. Professor Pavlakis said the large-scale clinical trial will involve more than 500 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, offering them access to the exciting new treatment. “Over the last decade, treatment for non-small cell lung cancer has been transformed by the discovery of several genomic mutations that drive tumour growth,” he said. “This has led to effective new therapies which specifically target the mutation, moving away from general chemotherapy to daily tablets at home with tolerable side effects. “Many patients have survived up to 10 years living with their lung cancer, but in most cases, the cancer inevitably develops resistance to the targeted therapies.” To date, clinicians have relied on invasive tissue biopsies to inform treatment options, but this
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Celebrating early success of the Staff Quit Nicotine Program Since its launch in February 2025, the Staff Quit Nicotine Program has had a positive impact, with a dozen NSLHD staff members beginning their journey to quit nicotine. In just the first three months, more NSLHD staff have sought help to quit smoking than in the past five years, thanks to the new initiative.
A collaboration between Population Health Promotion and the Occupational Staff Health Service, the pilot program offers free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for up to 12 weeks. One staff member who participated shared their experience. “I’m now seven weeks cigarette-free and saving $150 a week, which I’m putting into savings for a future holiday.” Gigi Kwok, Nurse Unit Manager at the Occupational Staff Health Service, is pleased about the early success of the program. “In just a few months, we’ve already seen positive results, and our team is inspired by the progress. We’re excited to continue helping staff quit nicotine and improve their health.”
NSLHD is one of three local health districts offering this 12-week NRT program, in line with NSW Health’s guidelines. Staff members interested in quitting are encouraged to take part in the program by contacting the NSLHD Occupational Staff Health Service. Anyone wanting to quit nicotine can also visit www.icanquit.com.au for further support. RNSH Pink Ladies in the spotlight Royal North Shore Hospital’s Pink Ladies were recently recognised on a televised segment on Channel 7’s Sydney news program. The story highlights the Pink Ladies’ regular cake stalls, which raise around $1,400 each week for the hospital. Pink lady volunteers Rosemary Brodie and June Irwin were both highlighted in the segment for their incredible 40 years of service to the hospital each. The full segment is available to view on RNSH’s Facebook page. Members of the Staff Quit Nicotine program
RNSH Pink Ladies with 7 News reporter Grace Fitzgibbon
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NSLHD Board Chair named Fellow of University of Technology Sydney
NSLHD Board Chair Trevor Danos AM has been named a Fellow of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in recognition of his extraordinary service to health, science and public policy. Trevor was recognised with the honorary award in a graduation ceremony on Tuesday 6 May at the university’s Great Hall.
He was acknowledged for being an advocate for the UTS Faculty of Health, helping create strategic partnerships and improve clinical placements for student nurses. Historic cabinets now on display at RNSH
UTS Chancellor Catherine Livingstone AC, NSLHD Board Chair Trevor Danos AM and UTS Vice Chancellor Andrew Parfitt at the ceremony
Four historic display cabinets from the former Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney have found a new home on the ground floor of the Vanderfield Building at Royal North Shore Hospital, thanks to the efforts of Trevor Danos AM. The cabinets are now being used to showcase rotating historical displays celebrating RNSH’s proud heritage, supported by Dr Catherine Storey OAM, former neurologist and current honorary archivist. Dr Storey, who
photographs, reports, clippings—selected to show the breadth of the RNSH archives and how the hospital has developed over the decades. The cabinets are located on the ground floor of the Vanderfield Building. Tours of the hospital’s medical archives can be arranged by contacting Dr Storey at Catherine.Storey@ health.nsw.gov.au.
has spent decades caring for patients and preserving the hospital’s legacy, said the displays are a powerful way to honour RNSH’s evolution. “They help connect staff, patients and visitors with the extraordinary stories and history of the hospital,” she said. The first display features a collection of items from the Centenary Museum, also located in the Vanderfield Building. Another cabinet highlights RNSH’s role in the paraplegic games and its contribution to the International Paralympic movement. A third cabinet includes a variety of archival materials, including
Dr Catherine Storey with the newly homed cabinets
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The 2025 graduates with NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri (left)
Graduate Program and Scholarship update Northern Sydney Local Health District welcomed its newest cohort from the Graduate Health Management Program.
placement has taught me so much about the processes of delivering healthcare.” Scholarship recipient Jasmine Blacker praised the exposure she’s gained. “A highlight was the Western Sydney LHD Masterclass, where we visited another district and networked with peers,” she said. Chief Executive Anthony Schembri thanked the mentors and supervisors who support the graduates. “A special thanks to our mentors and supervisors who offer their time and support to all our graduates throughout their placements,” he said. To learn more about the NSLHD Graduate Health Management Program, visit https://bit. ly/3AECmSN. For details on the UNSW Master of Health Leadership and Management, visit https://www.unsw.edu.au/. “Administrative professionals are the backbone of our daily operations,” she said. “They are often the first point of contact for our patients and consumers, and your compassion, patience and professionalism make a world of difference in their healthcare experience.” NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said without the support of administrative professionals, hospitals and services would not be able to run efficiently. “Our administrative teams keep our services moving and our staff supported. Your work may not always be seen, but the impact is always felt and appreciated,” he said.
Registered nurse Tuscany Brown and former physiotherapist Jonty Fletcher joined the district to gain hands-on experience alongside their master’s studies. UNSW Master of Health Leadership and Management Scholarship recipients Jasmine Blacker, Sarah Parker and James Wighton, also joined. Jonty Fletcher praised the program’s practical insights and leadership opportunities. “Having come from a clinical role, the Graduate Health Management Program has given me exposure to clinical governance and operational management,” he said. “A highlight has been working alongside the executive team at Hornsby Hospital. This
Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day They are not always visible to patients, but administration professionals are vital in keeping hospitals and services running. To celebrate, Royal North Shore Hospital hosted a morning tea to honour the significant
contribution administration staff make. The celebration is ahead of the annual Administrative Professionals Awards, to be held in the coming weeks. A new category in the awards is the Bronwyn Scully Award, named in honour of the former NSLHD executive assistant who worked in health for more than 40 years. RNSH General Manager Alison Zecchin praised the dedication and behind-the-scenes work of the administrative team.
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RNSH farewells renowned women’s health physiotherapist Tracey Cragg Royal North Shore Hospital has
farewelled renowned women’s health physiotherapist Tracey Cragg after 39 years of service, with 27 of those years devoted to women’s health. In 1999, Tracey established the women’s health physiotherapy service at RNSH, which has grown into a leading, multi-disciplinary outpatient program serving women across maternity, urogynaecology, menopause, and more. Tracey’s impact stretches beyond RNSH. She was amongst the first to complete the Curtin Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy (Continence and Women’s Health) in 2013, led the first physio-led pessary clinic in NSW, contributed to a national perineal tear reduction initiative, and founded the NSW Public Hospital Women’s Health Physiotherapy Network. Tracey also won the Allied Health Team Leader Award at NSLHD’s allied health award ceremony in 2022. Speaking at Tracey’s farewell, senior women’s health physiotherapists Whitney Brown and Aoife Clarke spoke highly of Tracey’s career and achievements and impact. “Nothing ever seems to rattle Tracey. She is thoughtful, measured, and has an incredible way of helping you feel heard and supported, even in the busiest moments,” Whitney said. “Beyond all the achievements and titles, what we’ll miss most is her steady presence, kindness and ability to care for the community,” Aoife said.
Tracey at her farewell event at RNSH
Administrative Professionals Day celebrations at RNSH
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Paul is grateful to world-renowned cardiologist Professor Gemma Figtree AM and her team who provided life-saving treatment when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
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