NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT
Main story Short blurb NSLHD finalists named in NSW Health Awards
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Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Awards 2025 Pages 8 & 9
Streamlining the road to surgery Page 3
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
Dear colleagues, I am always so proud of the incredible work our staff do across Northern Sydney Local Health District, and it gives me great pleasure to share some exciting news about our teams and individuals who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions recently. Our district is proud to have staff and teams selected as finalists in the 2025 NSW Health Awards, representing NSLHD across three categories and showcasing the talent and innovation within our teams. The Brolga Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at Hornsby Hospital has been recognised for developing a new behavioural management framework that has reduced self-harm and aggression episodes and readmissions. Diane McPhail, a volunteer at Ryde Hospital, has been celebrated for her outstanding support of patients and staff and her leadership as Chair of the Consumer Participation Committee. The PRECARE trial team at Royal North Shore Hospital, including Dr Brian Burns, Dr Geoff Healy, and Dr Chris Partyka, alongside NSW Ambulance, has been shortlisted for their work bringing life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment to patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These finalists exemplify the commitment, innovation, and excellence that underpin care across our district and the wider NSW Health system. I wish them luck at the awards. More information about their nominations can be found on page 4 of this newsletter. In other exciting news, Kezia Riggs, Registered Midwife at Hornsby Ku-ring- gai Hospital, is a finalist in the 2025 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, marking a very proud moment and recognising her outstanding leadership, compassion, and innovation in maternity and neonatal care.
Looking ahead, I am very much looking forward to the upcoming Northern Sydney LGBTIQ+ Health Symposium. This is an important opportunity for learning, discussion, and collaboration to improve inclusive healthcare for our LGBTIQ+ communities. You can register to attend in-person or online here: https://bit. ly/3HKgXgH I also look forward to attending the upcoming inaugural CALD Network Summit on 9 October. The summit promises an exciting program, including an inspiring keynote address, impactful panel discussion, and interactive professional development sessions. Staff can RSVP via this link: https:// bit.ly/CALD-Summit. Thank you to all our staff for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to improving care for our patients, families, and communities. It’s a privilege to recognise your achievements. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the passing of a much loved staff member of the district for 33 years, Fiona Thorn. Fiona joined Royal North Shore Hospital in 1992 as a registered nurse and worked across a number of roles across the district, before becoming the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment Manager in 2022. I send my deepest condolences to all of Fiona’s family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time. Fiona has left behind an incredible legacy that will live on through the new hospital and everyone she interacted with. Warm regards, Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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Dr Kanika Chaudri and Dr Andrew Marks were awarded an Innovation grant to help transform surgical waitlists
Streamlining the road to surgery Surgical waitlists are being transformed by a new platform where patients complete pre admission forms online, giving clinicians early insights into health issues that can be addressed before an operation.
the next step will be offering them a service that can actually make them stronger before surgery.” In healthcare vernacular, this approach is known as prehabilitation, and involves physical, nutritional, and psychological preparation for an operation. “A really good way of thinking about ‘prehab’ is training for your surgery,” said Andrew. Preparation can involve helping patients cut back on smoking well before surgery or improving sugar levels or improving their physical fitness. Andrew said the shift from paper has been popular, with over 80 per cent of patients using the online tool and finding it easy. Staff workshops are refining the process, and a health economist has already tracked cost savings. He said getting the NSLHD grant was a game-changer for reforming the surgery process. “You just need that little investment,” he said. “You need the first pebble to fall so the avalanche can start.”
“It really does transform the elective waiting list into a preparation list,” said anaesthetist Dr. Andrew Marks, who alongside Dr Kanika Chaudri, was awarded a $100,000 Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) grant in August 2024 to support the development of a new pathway known as Diamonds. Results from the form feed into a dashboard that automatically gives patients a coloured flag according to their level of risk. “Green” patients are healthy and ready for their operation. Andrew says this saves time for everyone as they don’t need to come into the hospital in the lead-up to surgery. If patients have a red or orange flag, however, clinical staff will spend more time sorting out their health problems. “With Diamonds, we’re at that exciting phase of identifying patients with more issues—and
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NSLHD finalists named in NSW Health Awards Three finalists from across the district have been named for the 2025 NSW Health Awards. There were 198 nominations for this year’s awards, and 41 finalists were selected across 13 categories. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the recognition highlighted the dedication and innovation happening across the district. “Congratulations to our district finalists for being shortlisted in three award categories,” he said. “Having three finalists is a real reflection of the hard work happening across the district to deliver outstanding care and keep pushing for innovation.” The awards ceremony will be streamed live from 6pm on 30 October, with winners revealed on the night. More information and videos of each finalist can be found here: https://bit.ly/NSW-Health- Awards-2025.
The Brolga Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at Hornsby Hospital was recognised for developing a new behavioural management framework that cut self-harm and aggression episodes by 65 per cent and reduced readmissions from 42 per cent to 27 per cent. Finalist - Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award Brolga Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
Diane McPhail
Finalist - Volunteer of the Year
Diane is an exceptional volunteer who supports nurses and engages with patients, offering a calming presence, advocating for their needs, and providing valuable feedback to staff, making her an invaluable asset to the hospital. Diane also provides invaluable insight and input as the Chair of the Ryde Hospital Consumer Participation Committee, including support and mentorship of other consumer advisors. Pre-hospital Extracorporeal Life Support (PRECARE)
Finalist - Health Research Award
The PRECARE trial aims to improve survival outcomes for people in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by bringing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment to the patient. Royal North Shore Hospital’s Trauma Specialist Dr Brian Burns (pictured on left) is the co-chief Investigator for the project and works alongside hospital colleagues Dr Geoff Healy (Director of Trauma Services) and Dr Chris Partyka (Senior Staff Specialist).
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Support services trainees Caleb Perry and Jessica Culhane
Youth Advisory Board helps launch Support Services Traineeship
Two Support Services Traineeships have been funded through the NSW Department of Education’s 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program, thanks to the efforts of the district’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The two-year program, which commenced in March 2025, is designed to support young people entering the workforce directly from high school. It provides an alternative pathway into the health sector for those interested in non-clinical roles, with trainees completing a Diploma of Leadership and Management through SWC Training while rotating across various placements at NSLHD. Trainees Jessica Culhane and Caleb Perry have spent the year gaining a broad understanding of corporate and operational support functions, while also building foundational skills and experience in a dynamic health environment. The district’s Youth Advisory Board, made up of staff aged 18–35, provides a platform to voice
priorities and drive initiatives for young staff and community members, and played a major role in bringing this program to life at NSLHD. NSLHD Youth Advisory Board Co-Chair Rhi Campton said the program is about creating opportunities for young people who may not follow a traditional education pathway. “When I finished school, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. I lived in public housing, came from a single-parent family, and no one in my family had ever attended university or completed any formal education,” she said. “This program is designed for young people who may find themselves in a similar position to what I was in post-school. It is realistic, achievable, and offers a fantastic opportunity for growth and development. “The success of this program is the result of strong collaboration between the Youth Advisory Board, NSLHD executives, and the Department of Education. I hope it will inspire more initiatives that open doors for young people across the health sector.”
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RNSH Pink Ladies Joy Stephen and Marilyn
Pink Ladies raise over $94,000 for Royal North Shore Hospital across the year The Pink Ladies at Royal North Shore
Joy explained how these activities were essential to the group’s fundraising and said the Pink Ladies feel immense privilege when they get to see to the outcomes of their hard work firsthand. “The trolley service has been a wonder this year and our patients really love it,” she said. “After we hand over the cheque and the ward purchase the equipment, we’re often invited to see it in use. “Sometimes there’s even a little tag saying ‘Donated by the Pink Ladies,’ which makes us very proud.” Reflecting on her nearly two-decade tenure with the RNSH Pink Ladies, Joy said that being a part of the group provides connection and community for its members. “We have a true spirit of volunteering,” she said. “The hospital gives us all a sense of belonging and purpose — what we do each day matters.
Hospital have once again made a remarkable contribution, raising more than $94,000 for the year to support patients and staff across the hospital. Led by long-standing president Joy Stephen OAM, the Pink Ladies dedicated their efforts over the past year to funding additional equipment and research. Their donations supported the purchase of a bladder scanner, tonometers (eye pressure testers), endoscopes (internal cameras), a hoist, a Chester Chest for training, centrifuges (machines that spin samples at high speed to separate components like blood cells and plasma), laptops, optometric goggles (vision testing goggles), and melanoma research, among many other needs. Joy, whose generous contributions through volunteering were acknowledged in 2021 after being appointed to the Medal of the Order of Australia, said the committee was proud of what it has been able to achieve this year. “I’m privileged and proud to report that this year we have donated $94,305 to various departments across the hospital,” she said. The Pink Ladies Shop, cake stalls with items baked from the volunteers themselves and their well-known trolley service were central to the success of the year.
“Looking ahead, we look forward to continuing our fundraising for new equipment and research,” she said.
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NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 18| 3 OCTOBER 2025
Allied Health Staff Council
New staff councils to strengthen clinical leadership The district has established two new staff councils, giving allied health, nursing and midwifery professionals a direct voice at the highest levels of governance.
Its leadership includes Anthony as Chair, Heidi Stojic, nurse unit manager at Mona Vale Hospital Urgent Care Centre, as Co-Chair, and Sue Sung, registered nurse with Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service, as Deputy Chair. Heidi said the appointment is both an honour and an opportunity to strengthen the voice of nurses and midwives across the district. “It feels amazing to be appointed as co-chair and to have the opportunity to take an active role in establishing this committee within the district,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing this council provide valuable advice to the NSLHD Executive and Board on the delivery of nursing and midwifery services. I’m also excited to collaborate with colleagues from across all NSLHD sites and the wide variety of services we represent.” Anthony said the councils mark an important step in strengthening clinical engagement. “By embedding allied health, nursing and midwifery voices into our governance, we are ensuring their expertise helps shape the future of care across Northern Sydney,” he said.
The Allied Health Staff Council and Nursing and Midwifery Staff Council will sit alongside the existing Medical Staff Council, expanding the model to ensure the perspectives of all major clinical disciplines are represented. Both councils will provide advice to NSLHD’s Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, NSLHD Executive and Board on matters of strategy, service delivery and workforce. The Allied Health Staff Council will champion collaboration across disciplines and embed allied health leadership into decision-making. Dr Fiona Simpson, clinical specialist and research dietitian at Royal North Shore Hospital, has been appointed inaugural Co-Chair alongside Anthony, with Lauren Comans, senior dietitian at Mona Vale Hospital, as Deputy Chair. Dr Simpson will also join the NSLHD Board as a permanent observer. Fiona said the appointment marks an exciting opportunity for allied health professionals to contribute directly to district-wide leadership.
“My aim over the next 12 months is to lead a Council which can collaborate on issues important to all Allied Health professionals, whilst having a curious but solutions focussed attitude,” she said. “As the position of Co-Chair and permanent observer on the NSLHD Board, I will advocate for all allied health professionals and provide a patient-facing clinical perspective.” The Nursing and Midwifery Staff Council will advocate for nurses and midwives, strengthen patient-centred care, and support knowledge-sharing across services.
Nursing and Midwifery Staff Council
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Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Awards 2025 Recently, NSLHD’s Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) service hosted its annual rewards and recognition ceremony. This year, over 230 nominations were submitted for the MHDA awards from colleagues, consumers, and carers. The event featured a performance by the Inangaro Paradise Dance Group, who showcased traditional island dance and music throughout Sydney. Andrea Taylor, Director, MHDA expressed her admiration for the tireless work of MHDA staff. “Thank you to all of our MHDA staff across the district for your tireless contributions throughout the year,” she said. “The care and compassion you provide to some of our community’s most vulnerable members does not go unnoticed, and I hope you all found a moment to celebrate your hard work.” Additionally, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Director Andrea Taylor presented special acknowledgements to two staff members recognising their courage and dedication: Dr James Leeder and Xue Zhang.
Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Director Andrea Taylor (left) with MHDA award winners and attendees
Ten years of carer support celebrated Mental health carers stepped out from their
and Carer Program Manager Runa Arun Antony said the day honoured the work of the volunteers and their role in the community. “Over the past decade, the Mental Health Carer Network run by volunteer mental health carers has provided essential support and advocacy for Northern Sydney mental health carers,” she said. “This was done in collaboration with Northern Sydney Local Health District and Uniting Family and Carer Mental Health Program.”
supporting roles and into the spotlight to celebrate 10 years of dedication and commitment of the NSLHD Mental Health Carer Network. The celebration recognised the commitment of the volunteer members and partners who give up their time to support carers who look after loved ones with a mental illness. Held at Macquarie Hospital, carers shared their personal journeys and spoke of their hopes for carer support in the future. Mental Health Drug Alcohol Acting Family
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NSLHD Executive Director of People and Culture Kerrie Pryke (left) with MHDA award winners and attendees
Award Winners
• Staff Member of the Year – Non Management: Stephen Sanderson • Staff Member of the Year – Carer Consumer Nominated: Anup Talwar • Manager of the Year: Regan Runnalls • Unsung Hero – Child and Youth Mental Health Service: Ffion Jones • Unsung Hero – Hornsby Kuringai Mental Health Service: Putri Rahma • Unsung Hero – Macquarie Hospital: Claudia White • Unsung Hero – MHDA and District Wide Services: Mahitha Ramakrishna • Unsung Hero – Northern Beaches Community Mental Health Service: Caitlin Boyle
• Unsung Hero – Drug and Alcohol Service: Larissa Moyes • Unsung Hero – North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service: Sophia Krivacic • Unsung Hero – Older Persons Mental Health Service: Dr Mark Yates • Collaborative Team of the Year: Governance Support Unit, MHDA • Collaborative Team of the Year – Consumer/ Carer Nominated: Felicity Smith, Aliyah Kavuzlu, Jack Chau • Support Service of the Year: Macquarie Hospital Environmental Services Team • Inclusive Practice: Santhea Chandramohan • Research, Quality Improvement and Innovation: Natalie Cutler
Carers at Macquarie Hospital shared their personal journeys and their hopes for future carer support
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packed with practical, evidence-based strategies to help people prepare for their quit day. Melissa Palermo, Manager of Alcohol and Tobacco at NSLHD, said the idea for the series came from their team working with Tracey on quit-smoking programs for NSLHD staff. “We saw the potential for broader community benefits,” she said. Each video is under one minute long, designed for clinicians to easily share with patients aiming to quit smoking or for broader distribution on social media “The key to quitting smoking and vaping is preparation,” Tracey says in the opening video. She explains that smokers and vapers often have routines that trigger cravings such as driving, having a coffee, or meeting a friend for a drink. Practical strategies to reduce temptation Vale Fiona thorn It is with great sadness that the district acknowledges the passing of Fiona Thorn, a much-loved staff member for 33 years. Beginning her career at Royal North Shore Hospital in 1992 as a registered nurse, she soon found her passion for education and spent the next decade working in Education and Talent Development as an educational consultant and then a nurse manager of clinical practice. There, her passion for education and excellence touched everyone she interacted with, and this continued throughout the entire course of her career. In 2018, she joined the Nursing & Midwifery Directorate (NMD) and was always regarded as a caring and nurturing leader who was deeply committed to the wellbeing of nurses and midwives. As part of the NMD, Fiona led the original Essentials of Care team with her wealth of educational knowledge and helped the team evolve into the Practice Development model that continues today. Always determined and willing to challenge herself, in 2022 Fiona took on the role of Ryde Hospital Redevelopment Manager. She guided the project from concept to detailed
design, always keeping patients, families and clinicians at the centre. Through her strong engagement skills, she ensured every voice was heard and feedback carefully incorporated. The new Ryde Hospital will stand as a lasting testament to Fiona’s commitment and dedication. Fiona had a way of making people feel seen and supported, always taking time to check in, offer encouragement, or share a quiet moment of kindness. Even as she faced her own illness, Fiona’s instinct was to care for others with grace, strength, and unwavering passion.
Fiona will be greatly
missed and is remembered by her children, Amber and Tim, and her grandchildren Henry, Lucy, and Evie.
Fiona Thorn
NSLHD creates Videos to help quit smoking and vaping Smokers and vapers looking to quit now have easy access to expert advice, with a new video series developed by Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD)’ Presented by NSW Health smoking and vaping expert Tracey Greenberg, The Prep to Quit series includes nine short videos include keeping cigarettes or vapes in the car boot or switching up the morning coffee routine by heading to a café instead of staying at home. Melissa said that under a current pilot program, NSLHD staff have access to 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural support through the NSW Quitline.
“Prep to Quit is designed to complement the advice health professionals already provide,” said Melissa. “We encourage clinicians to use them as part of routine care—every small step counts.” The videos can be found using this link: https://bit.ly/prep-to-quit.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Program team
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The celebrations for twenty years of the Clown Doctors at RNSH included a morning tea and exchanging stories and memories
20 years of Clowning around at RNSH Royal North Shore Hospital recently
people at RNSH have experienced the joy they bring” Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, NSLHD, attended the celebration and acknowledged the emotional care Clown Doctors provide. “Celebrating this partnership together reminded us of the power of humour in healthcare and the importance of nurturing these relationships as we look to the future,” he said. “Thank you to the Humour Foundation for reminding us that humour truly is a powerful part of healing.” The celebrations for twenty years of the Clown Doctors at RNSH included a morning tea and exchanging stories and memories.
celebrated 20 years of partnership with the Clown Doctors, who have been their unique brand of medical care to RNSH for over twenty years. The milestone was marked with a morning tea in the paediatrics ward where members of The Humour Foundation, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and RNSH staff. “Clown Doctors help children feel heard, safe, and connected,” said Emma Pollard, CEO, The Humour Foundations. “They provide a source of comfort and hope, not just for children but for their families. A recent study found that 96 per cent of children respond positively to the Clown Doctors,” she said. “Over the past year alone, more than 5,000
NSLHD CE Anthony Schembri with Dr Boogie and Dr Toot
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Allied Health Professions Day 2025 Tuesday 14 October
The team enriching health in millions of ways every day
For further information, scan the QR code or visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/alliedhealth
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