NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Main story Short blurb shining a light on nursing and midwifery stars
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New tech improvements at RNSH ICU Page 4
innovation pitch program Page 3
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, It was a pleasure to attend the 2025 Innovation Pitch Program event, where I also had the privilege of sitting on the judging panel. This event is always a highlight for me, and I was blown away again by the ideas and creativity our staff members have to improve patient and staff experiences across our health services. Congratulations to winners of this round, RNSH Endocrinology, RNSH Site Operations & Corporate Services, and Primary and Community Health. I look forward to following the progress of these projects and seeing the impacts they make in real time. I also look forward to attending the NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards on Thursday 26 June 2025 from 9:30 to 10:30am. You can join in person at the Kolling Auditorium, RNSH, or watch the ceremony live online via MS Teams: https:// bit.ly/4e1W64f. We recently launched the 2025 Patient Safety Culture Survey. This important survey is open to everyone working in both clinical and non-clinical roles. It seeks honest feedback on how patient safety is perceived and experienced across our district by our workforce. These insights 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. The questions of this survey are informed by the Australian National Quality and Safety Standards and district priorities, and the results will be used as part of our district’s continual improvement of patient safety. If you are a staff member of NSLHD, I
encourage to have your say by completing the survey using this link: https://bit.ly/ PSCS-2025. Flu season is well underway and our vaccination effort across the district has been superb again this year. Over 70 per cent of category A staff received their influenza this year. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in keeping our sites and services safe for the community throughout this effort. A special thank you as well to our teams who delivered more than 80 vaccination clinics across different sites in the district over the seven-week program. I was pleased to help launch NSW Health’s first Net Zero Roadmap recently on the back of our own planetary health efforts as a district. The roadmap sets out how the NSW public health system plans to reach zero emissions by 2050 while delivering quality, value, innovation and equity. Northern Sydney Local Health District is aiming for net zero emissions by 2035 in areas it can directly control, with strong, innovative and focused progress already underway. It is a privilege to work for a district that is leading the way in public health in this space, and I would like to thank you to all the staff members and partners who are working to help us get there. Warm regards, Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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RNSH Endocrinology team with their cheque
staff ideas shine in innovation pitch program The Innovation Pitch Program made its highly anticipated return for 2025, bringing together staff from across the district to share their ideas for improving healthcare. The event was held recently at Royal North Shore Hospital and provided a platform for finalists to pitch their innovative projects to a panel of executive leaders and industry experts. There were six finalists who presented on the day, with three winners taking home a share of the prize money to carry out their program. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri was joined on the judging panel by Adjunct Professor Jean-Frederic Levesque, Ministry of Health Deputy Secretary and Chief Executive of the Agency for Clinical Innovation; Professor Bruce Robinson AC, Chair of Research at NSLHD; and Tanya Bowes, Director of the NORTH Foundation Board. Anthony marked the special occasion by thanking staff for taking part in the program and putting their ideas forward. “It was exciting to be back on the judging panel and getting to see so many fantastic ideas brought to the forefront,” he said. “I would like to congratulate the winners and thank our sponsorship partner The NORTH Foundation for their support. “Thank you to all of our staff members who took the time to apply and I look forward to seeing the next round of submissions.” Winners RNSH Endocrinology was awarded $150,000 for the HypoHACs: Reducing incidence of hospital acquired hypoglycaemia with predictive modelling, and targeted care project. RNSH Site Operations & Corporate Services was awarded $80,000 for their RNSH Campus Care Compass (CCC): Digital wayfinding system implementation across the Royal North Shore Campus project. Primary and Community Health was awarded $55,000 for their Adult Complex Needs Clinic project. Finalists Commercialisation of a handheld pressure sensor for prevention and management of pressure injuries - Assistive Devices, District Finance and Corporate Services ‘Bridging the Gap: A Peer Worker and BreastScreen NSW Collaboration to Enhance Mental Health access - Breast Screen, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol TickSense: Advancing Precision Diagnostics for Infectious & Immune-Mediated Tick Illnesses - RNSH Infections Diseases
RNSH Site Operations & Corporate Services team
Members of Primary and Community Health with their cheque
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RNSH ICU staff with the C3 Wave
New tech improvements at RNSH ICU New technology in Royal North Shore Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) is helping
“We’re able to complete procedures much more quickly and safely.” Previously, clinicians relied on chest X-rays to confirm PICC line placement, which added time and required radiology support. Now, with the C3 Wave, ICU nurse practitioners can confirm placement themselves—streamlining the process and enhancing patient care. “We had one other device used by the Vascular Access Service, but this technology is making a world of difference in ICU,” Katie said. “The real-time feedback means we can act faster and reduce delays.”
to deliver safer, faster procedures for patients and improve efficiency for staff. The new device, C3 Wave, improves patient care by confirming the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) without the need for a chest x-ray. The C3 Wave uses electrocardiogram (ECG) technology to provide real-time analysis that allows clinicians to correctly place the catheter, reducing radiation exposure and speeding up the process. ICU Nurse Practitioner Katie Kelleway said the technology is already proving invaluable.
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NSW Health Secretary visits Hornsby hospital Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital staff were very excited for a special visit by NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.
said. “It was great to show her around our fabulous hospital and our staff and volunteers really appreciated Susan’s heart-warming feedback on the outstanding jobs they do caring for our community.”
Receiving a warm welcome, Susan toured the hospital and visited staff from different departments including the emergency department, renal dialysis, chemotherapy unit
rehabilitation wards and the Pamela Margaret Andrews Simulation Centre. Susan chatted to patients, nurses, doctors, allied health clinicians and support services staff as she made her way around the hospital. General Manager Simon Hill said staff were eager to meet Susan and have the chance to showcase the great work they do every day. “Susan is so kind and welcoming and she reflected on her many visits to HKH over the years and the very positive changes to the hospital campus since the redevelopment project,” he
Simon Hill, General Manager (far left) Hornsby staff with Susan Pearce AM, NSW Health Secretary (third from right)
Improving Cancer Detection in Youth with NF1 Researchers from Royal North Shore hospital
The project aims to inform national guidelines and improve outcomes by enabling earlier detection and treatment of cancer in people with NF1. The Royal North Shore Campus Research Grants scheme funds exceptional research that lifts standards of care and achieves better health outcomes locally and regionally. This grant scheme offers up to $150,000 over two years for projects that will improve health care provision on the RNSH campus. Staff interested in the opportunity should search Research Grants on the intranet or email nslhd-researchgrants@health.nsw.gov. au
will lead Australia’s first study of whole- body screening for young people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Led by Dr Sue-Faye Siow from the department of clinical genetics, the study was awarded a grant through the RNSH Campus Research Grants Scheme, and also an additional $30,000 in support from the NORTH Foundation. NF1 is an inherited cancer-predisposing condition that affects 1 in 2,500 people. Young adults with NF1 face a 20-fold increase in cancer-related mortality, yet there are currently no routine imaging guidelines in Australia. The study will recruit 50 patients aged 18-40
years old to assess the utility, feasibility, and psychosocial impacts of WBMRI. Sue-Faye said the grant was life-changing. “This is the first study of whole-body MRI screening in individuals with NF1 in Australia. We have the opportunity for early detection in this group of young individuals with a devastating cancer- predisposing disorder,” she said. The research will be conducted through the Royal North Shore NF Clinic, a statewide service led by Associate Professor Mimi Berman, in collaboration with national partner Omico.
Members of the NF1 research team
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Obesity a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis New research from the Kolling Institute and the University of Sydney reveals that obesity, having a knee injury and occupational risks such as shift work and lifting heavy loads are
developing knee osteoarthritis by 14 percent across the population. “We urge governments and the healthcare sector to implement policy reforms that address occupational risks, subsidise knee injury prevention programs, and promote healthy eating and physical activity to reduce obesity,” she said. Co-author and Kolling Institute researcher Professor David Hunter said the research identified some key trends. “Women were twice as likely to develop the condition than men, and older age was only mildly associated with increased risk,” he said.
primary causes of knee osteoarthritis. Published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the study was led by Dr Vicky Duong and A/Professor Christina Abdel Shaheed from Sydney Musculoskeletal Health. Using data from 130 studies involving people from 20-to-80 years old, the researchers examined over 150 risk factors to determine which were associated with an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that affects over 500 million people around the world and is a leading cause of disability. The research found that addressing lifestyle factors, such as losing weight or adopting a better diet, could significantly improve people’s health. The study also found that following a mediterranean diet, drinking green tea and eating dark bread could reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Lead author and Kolling researcher Dr Duong said eliminating obesity and knee injuries could potentially reduce the risk of hydration checks, games and a ‘Hand Hygiene Jingle’ performance by the RNSH Child Care Centre Choir. Ryde Hospital showcased hand hygiene activities. At Macquarie Hospital, outdoor activities included the “Putt2x” game, with coffee and doughnuts for staff. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital ran a roving bingo, “Spin the Wheel” and quizzes. Northern Beaches Community Mental Health Services combined activities with International Nurses Day for a joint celebration. Clinical Nurse Consultant Mae Sia emphasised the importance of ehnacing the hand hygiene program. “Hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most powerful precautions we can take to protect our patients, our colleagues, and ourselves,” she said. “Thank you to the infection prevention andcontrol team, IPAC champions, sponsors and all staff who contributed.”
Healthy lifestyle can reduce knee osteoarthritis risk
World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 celebrated Across NSLHD NSLHD recently marked World Hand Hygiene Day 2025, with events led by the district’s infection prevention and control (IPAC) team. The theme, “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene,” reminded staff of the ongoing importance of good hand hygiene in all settings. Royal North Shore Hospital held skin
Andrea Taylor, Director, Mental Health Drug And Alcohol joined staff for the celebrations at Macquarie Hospital
NSLHD IPAC Director, Jo Tallon popped by the stalls at Royal North Shore Hospital
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Recipients of the district’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards with Deputy Board Chair Mary Chiarella AM (far right) and NSLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery Claire Harris (middle back) Shining a light on nursing and midwifery stars The district recently hosted its annual • Registered Nurse of the Year Award – Ashley Cockerton, Macquarie Hospital
Nursing and Midwifery Awards to celebrate outstanding contributions across nursing and midwifery. Held each year after International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, the ceremony honours winners who were shortlisted through site and service level awards. Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the yearly awards are always a proud moment to acknowledge outstanding care across the district. “Reward and recognition of nursing and midwifery staff is incredibly important to our district,” he said. “Congratulations to all of the winners for 2025 and thank you again to all of our nursing and midwifery staff for all that you do.” The award winners for 2025 are: • Gradstart of the Year Award – Annie Henderson, Ryde Hospital
• Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award – Mary Separovich, Royal North Shore Hospital • Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Award for Excellence in Practice – Usha Simkhada, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital • Mary Chiarella Medal for Clinical Nursing and Midwifery Research – Professor Margaret Fry AM, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, NSLHD and UTS.
• Enrolled Nurse of the Year Award – Ms Deidre Fitzgibbon, Enrolled Nurse, Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service Ku-ring-gai, PACH • R egistered Midwife of the Year – Kezia Riggs, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
Mental Health Drug and Alcohol award winners at the local International Nurses Day celebrations, attended by CE Anthony Schembri
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