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
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 18| 3 OCTOBER 2025
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