MACQUARIE HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER JUNE 2025
From My desk
Dear All
I hope everyone is wrapping up warm and avoiding all of the colds/flu/covid. The roll out of the flu vaccine has had a good uptake by staff and don’t forget it you have not been vaccinated you need to wear a mask in both clinical and non-clinical areas. The service is working on a plan to roll out the covid vaccine across the site for consumers in the coming weeks and this will hopefully help reduce the covid out breaks and keep everyone well.
We recently said a fond farewell to Louise Ingram and Carmen Heffernan after 56 and 22 years respectively. A morning tea was held to mark the occasion and acknowledge all of the wonderful work they have both done here, at Macquarie as a whole and specifically in the social work. There were many people at the event, including staff past and present, plus department representatives from the MHRT who Louise and Carmen have been closely working with for decades. It is the end of an era for the social work team, and we wish Louise and Carmen all the best in their well-earned retirement
Helen Maguire telling us how all three of these ladies went to school together and here they are years later! (L – R Helen Maguire , Louise Ingram, Carmen Heffernan)
Andrew Oehlers headed off to a new role in Sydney Children’s Network last week after 3 years with the PCLI team. We wish him well and thank him for all the work he did with consumers and also the fabulous baked goods he whipped up on a regular basis!
We also say Goodbye and Good luck to Rachel Denzel this week as she heads off to an exciting new job with the Inside Out Institute. Rachel was thrown in to the deep end when she arrived at Macquarie with SNAP accreditation frenzy in full swing. Rachel stepped in, got involved and alongside Lily, did an amazing job, as well as then leading the WHS audit achieving an excellent outcome.
(Lily and Rachel)
We welcome Dr Charlotte Blewitt, who has joined us from the UK and is working as the new permanent Staff Specialist in Hamilton. (Charlotte is also working part time in Ryde Community OPMHS) Please say hello to Charlotte when you see her around and welcome her not only to the hospital but to Australia!
(Dr Charlotte Blewitt )
Without wanting to add to everyone’s survey fatigue, I would like to remind you that we do want to hear your thoughts and feedback via the Patient Safety Culture Survey which has been extended until Tuesday 24 June 5pm. This survey is confidential and only takes about 10 minutes via this QR
Teams with 100% or high completion rates will enter a draw to win one of twelve $1,000 cash prizes for your team to purchase resources or to support staff wellbeing, so encourage your colleagues to complete the survey.
Additionally, I would really appreciate your feedback about physical health care at Macquarie to inform the clinical redesign project https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7K8M2L3
GRAND ROUNDS - Macquarie Hospital
When: Third Tuesday of each month Time: 11:30 AM Location: Yellamundi Room
Open to all interested staff members Come along and engage in insightful clinical discussions and shared learning experiences.
Topics: Will be announced on the morning of the Grand Round.
If you have any questions or have a clinical situation you wish to present, please contact Margaret Hurst at Margaret.Hurst@health.nsw.gov.au
Stay informed. Stay connected. Let’s learn together!
Anne Bajuk Site Director, Macquarie Hospital
Nursing News
International Nurses Day 2025 at Macquarie Hospital
Monday, 12 May 2025, Macquarie Hospital proudly celebrated International Nurses Day (IND). Held in the Yellamundie Room, the event brought staff together for a joyful day of appreciation, connection, and celebration. This year’s theme ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’ highlights the far-reaching impact of nurses beyond healthcare—emphasising how investing in their wellbeing, professional growth, and leadership helps build resilient health systems and thriving communities
Thank You to Macquarie Hospital Nurses
Your dedication, compassion, and professionalism are the foundation of Macquarie Hospital. Your work is deeply valued! To include all staff, pizza was delivered to night shift teams, and every unit received a gift hamper in recognition of their contributions.
Thank You to the Sponsors and Volunteers
Gelato Messina – for donating two 5L tubs of their iconic gelato Budgy Smuggler – for contributing three $50 vouchers
Showcase Jewellers – for donating beautiful pieces of jewellery Harvey Norman Broadway – for providing several small appliances Michelle Meadham , Manager, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Services, MHDA – for donating a beautiful original painting she created herself
A sincere thank you to Macquarie Hospital staff who helped organise, set up and support this year’s event.
Nursing News
International Nurses Day Awards 2025 at Macquarie Hospital Macquarie Hospital proudly acknowledged the achievements of our nursing staff through the 2025 Nursing Awards Ceremony, recognised outstanding contributions across key areas of practice, leadership, safety, and consumer engagement Congratulations to the following Macquarie recipients:
Category 2 – Runner-Up: Tarban Unit Category 3 – Runner-Up: Henley Unit
Category 3 – Winner: Claire Chuang, Nurse Unit Manager Category 4 – Runner-Up: Claire Chuang, Nurse Unit Manager Category 4 – Winner: Maymie Suen, After Hours Nurse Manager Category 5 – Winner: Ashley Cockerton, Registered Nurse, Parkview Unit Director of Nursing Award: Mbalia Lamin, Nurse Educator
World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 at Macquarie Hospital
World Hand Hygiene Day 2025, engaging outdoor event hosted by Piccolo Me, bringing staff together for a day of fun, learning, and awareness. The celebration featured a series of interactive games— including putt-putt, shoot-the-ball, hit-the-duck, a claw machine, and an on-the-spot quiz—making hand hygiene education both enjoyable and memorable. Winners received a well-deserved cuppa, and everyone was treated to Krispy Kreme doughnuts, adding a sweet finish to a day that reinforced a critical message: hand hygiene is everyone’s responsibility—gloves or not.
Welcome to Our New GradStart Nurses Macquarie Hospital is proud to welcome four new GradStart nurses as part of our third 2025 intake, commencing on Monday, 16 June 2025. As they embark on this important phase of their nursing journey, we encourage all staff to join us in making them feel welcomed, valued, and supported empowering them to grow with confidence and compassion in their professional roles
Nurse educator news
Welcoming Nursing Students
Macquarie Hospital is proud to acknowledge and welcome nursing students who have recently completed, are currently undertaking, or will soon commence their clinical placements with us. These placements provide invaluable hands-on experience in mental health nursing, grounded in trauma-informed, rehabilitation, recovery-oriented, and holistic approaches to comprehensive care. We extend our sincere appreciation to all clinical staff and wards for providing high-quality supervision, mentorship, and support to our future nursing workforce. We welcome this group of 20 Nursing Students Currently on Placement: University of Notre Dame – Registered Nurse Students from 26 May – 6 June 2025
Highlights from Recent Clinical Placements
Students reflected on the value of: · Building therapeutic relationships quickly · Strengthening communication with consumers · Gaining confidence in challenging environments · Learning practical skills in discharge planning, documentation, and de- escalation
University of Technology Sydney – Registered Nurse Students Placement Period: 5 – 16 May 2025 “Observing the multidisciplinary team support a consumer during relapse was inspiring and highlighted the value of compassionate, team- based care
Students developed: · Therapeutic communication and documentation skills · Experience in MSEs, shift summaries, and cognitive assessments · Awareness of legal processes under the Mental Health Act
St Leonards TAFE – Enrolled Nurse Students Placement Period: 19 – 23 May 2025 “The team was so welcoming—it made for a great learning experience.” “I only wish the placement was longer!”
Nurse educator news
Macquarie Hospital Education & Training Updates
SafeWards Training on the 3rd of June 2025 Foundational Comprehensive Care Planning Review Training from the 6 – 23 May 2025
A total of 184 staff successfully completed this essential training across multiple sessions and brought together teams from nursing, allied health, medical, and management. It reinforced the principles of collaborative care planning, person-centred engagement, and alignment with NSQHS Standards, supporting the delivery of safe, coordinated, and holistic care. The Macquarie Hospital Education Team are available to provide you and your team with any educational and training support or needs.
To contact the education team, please email NSLHD-Macquarie-TrainingandEducation@health.nsw.gov.au and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
MARK JOYCE DIRECTOR OF NURSING MHDA
Nurse Leadership Nurse leaders are integral to the success of healthcare delivery. They are the backbone of teams and are vital in not just providing day-to-day leadership but also in shaping the workplace culture and strategic direction of their department or unit. A Nurse leader is defined by their actions and not always in a position of authority. Nursing leaders are found at all levels of the health care system, from clinical leaders e.g. Nurse in charge on the ward, frontline nurse leaders, and nurses in senior nursing position including nurses who hold executive positions within health care organisations. They are informed by the patient centred care philosophy of nursing, an understanding of the complex challenges facing the nursing profession and a strong knowledge of the broader health system. These leaders are able to make connections between challenges at the local level and the broader political, economic and social context. What are some Qualities of a Good Nurse Leader?
Several attributes define an effective nurse leader and earns the trust of team members and Consumers.
Delegation: Even the most capable nurse leader can’t do it all. Success in this demanding role means knowing when and how to delegate and matching team members’ abilities with the most appropriate and fitting tasks. Mentorship : One of the most important qualities of a nurse leader is the ability to mentor individual nurses. Nurse leaders should train the next generation of nursing professionals, helping them hone their skills and build confidence maintaining moral. Cultural Competenc e: Cultural competence allows nurses to provide sensitive and appropriate care to all consumers, taking their cultural, racial, social and religious backgrounds and identities into account. Nurse leaders should foster a culture of respect and continuous education to ensure that their teams are as culturally competent as possible. Consumer Care Skills : While nurse leaders require soft skills that help with team building and mentorship, they also need to be proficient in consumer care. These competencies include clinical expertise and judgment in-depth mental health knowledge and an understanding of how to provide mental health nursing care effectively. Technical Skills: Nursing teams benefit from advanced clinical technologies, including electronic health records. Nurse leaders need to have experience with these technologies and the aptitude to keep up with innovations as they’re introduced to health care settings.
Empathy : Nurse leaders must be able to empathize with team members, particularly novice nurses who may feel overwhelmed, burned out or frustrated by their own challenges or consumed by the emotional nature of their work. Critical Thinking: Nurses often have to make fast, informed decisions about what’s best for their consumers, and nurse leaders are no exception. Nurse leaders may also have to apply critical thinking skills (clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, decision making, emotional intelligence) to direct their team members during times of crisis or change. Communication : Clear and effective communication skills are essential for a good nurse leader. Nurse leaders must explain decisions, policies, goals and standards to other team members. They also communicate with other leaders and health care professionals to ensure seamless approaches to care and create safe environments. Team Building : One of a nurse leader’s most important duties is developing a strong, coherent team. This may involve building trust and rapport among nurses, developing a framework for conflict resolution or creating unity around shared goals.
Chaplaincy corner
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. His legacy will continue to inspire people of all faiths and none. A Salutary Reminder: You learn to walk a little more slowly. But with more confidence. You learn to say goodbye, without fear. And you begin to truly appreciate those who remain. Aging is not for the faint of heart. One day, you wake up and realize, youth is gone. But with it. Gone is the insecurity, the rush, and the need to please. To grow old is to let go. To accept. To finally understand that beauty and handsomeness are never in the skin. But in the stories we carry in our souls and spirits. (Hafez poetry) Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM (born 1950) is an Australian Aboriginal activist, educator and artist. She reflects on the importance of spiritual work, and reminds us of the deep wisdom of her people:
“Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us. We call on it and it calls to us. This is the gift that Australia is thirsting for. It is something like what you call “contemplation”. When I experience dairy, I am made whole again. I can sit on the riverbank or walk through the trees; even if someone close to me has passed away, I can find my peace in this silent awareness. There is no need of words. A big part of dadirri is listening. Through the years, we have listened to our stories. They are told and sung, over and over, as the seasons go by. Today we still gather around the campfires and together we hear the sacred stories.
As we grow older, we ourselves become the storytellers. We pass on to the young ones all they must know. The stories and songs sink quietly into our minds and we hold them deep inside. In the ceremonies we celebrate the awareness of our lives as sacred.”
Rosemarie Say Chaplaincy Coordinator
Mental Health Library News
Throughout May, I had the pleasure of delivering a series of in-services and webinars exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental healthcare. Thank you for welcoming me into your units and for your thoughtful participation in these sessions.
If you’d like to revisit any of the content, a series of recordings are available on the NSLHD Libraries AI Essentials page. I’m also happy to arrange a session tailored to your team’s interests – just get in touch
Scan to Watch: AI Essentials Webinars
You can explore the library’s growing collection of print and digital books on AI. View the full list by scanning the QR code below.
Geraldine Marsh (Geraldine.marsh@health.nsw.gov.au)
COMPRHENSIVE CARE PLANNING
With Gratitude and Purpose: Carrying CCPR Forward
As I wrap up my time at Macquarie Hospital, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support, collaboration, and commitment throughout this journey. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and compassionate professionals, all striving to improve care for our consumers. I’ve witnessed the challenges, the questions, and the hard work it has taken from every corner of the hospital—and I’ve also seen the genuine care and determination to get it right. Implementing a new way of working is never easy, but meaningful progress always begins with a few determined steps. So here’s my parting message: don’t give up on CCPR. Even when it feels clunky or uncertain, this work matters. Keep building on the foundation we’ve created together. Keep refining, questioning, and collaborating. And most importantly, keep the focus where it belongs—on the people we care for and the quality of care we deliver. A special thanks to our CCPR Champions—Euan, Luren, Simon, Andrew, Elza, Celina, Samantha, Mbalia, Caitlin, Zeta, Dillan and Ruth. Your willingness to give your time to this working group, on top of your existing roles, has been invaluable. Please continue to engage with your teams, gather feedback, and help shape and improve the process. The Champions group will continue to meet regularly to support staff, discuss ongoing challenges, and help guide the next stages of implementation. To Euan and Luren, thank you for keeping me grounded—for the honest conversations, the healthy debates, and your constant guidance. It’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside you both. And finally, a sincere thank you to the Macquarie executive team—Anne, Mark, Emma, Irina, Dr. Pradeep, and Kris—for your support and for being so approachable in helping me navigate the concerns raised from the ground up. I leave with deep gratitude, pride in what we’ve achieved, and confidence that this work will continue to grow—with heart and purpose.
Thanks
Ravneet (Riva) Sekhon Comprehensive Care Planning Project Manager | Macquarie Hospital NSLHD
Hearing Voices Training
The Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) state-wide Network had the privilege of welcoming Kellie Stastny to facilitate Hearing Voices training to Northern Sydney team members on 21st & 22nd May.
Kellie Stastny is a proud voice hearer, social worker, and Chair of Intervoice, the international network for the Hearing Voices Movement.
Kellie brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise, challenging traditional narratives around voice-hearing and mental health. In her work, Kellie emphasises human rights, shared power, and emancipatory approaches, creating spaces where all voices, perspectives, and experiences matter. Kellie generously and vulnerably shared experiences from both her personal and professional life, which left the participants feeling inspired. Over 30 staff members from MHDA gathered in Northern Sydney Education and Conference Centre across the 1.5 days, with a vibrant mix of clinical and non-clinical roles represented. Kellie guided engaging conversations about the meaning and role of voices and actively demonstrated the skill of creating a safe space to share. She guided participants through practical tools to build trust, safety, and connection (Voice Dialoguing, Voice Profiling).
The second day had emphasis on Compassion Under Pressure – sharing strategies to maintain empathy while exploring our shared humanity, overcoming barriers to service delivery, and employing reflective practices principles.
Thank you to all that participated, and for becoming the newest ‘Hearing Voices’ champions.
WELLBEING AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
An update on the “Garden to Kitchen Project As part of the PCLI enhancement funding that MQH received, a project was commenced, the “Garden to Kitchen Project”. The project aim is to refurbish the existing green house space outside the Cottages to become a single functioning green house and replace one of the older greenhouses with garden beds. Then for the garden area to be utilised for group programs, to establish and grow fresh produce, with sustainable techniques and to create a sensory and community space. The intent is to grow and harvest seasonal produce which will be use in our cooking groups. The groups are currently being planned to start in Block 3 of group programs commencing July 7th. We invite everyone to stretch their legs and walk down and see the changes!”
Macquarie Hospital Annual Calendar of Events 2025
August
September October
April
May
June
July
Coffee and cake at Piccolo me for international Cleaners day- 20 June
International Doctors’ Day Morning Tea 1st April
Inside Out Gallery Open Day– Meet & Talk with the Artist (Date TBC)
Mental Health Month Activities (Date TBC) Allied Health Professionals Day Celebration – 14th October
Exercise Right Event – 20th May
Winter Staff Picnic (Date TBC)
Spring Walk – 30 September
Human Experience Week – 5–9 May (District-wide) International Nurses’ Day Celebration – 12th May
April’s Fall Day event - 29th April
November December
Tune In, Chill Out! – Sensory Modulation for Staff - 12th Nov
Staff Appreciation Lunch (Date TBC)
Thank you
Please send your feedback/articles to be published on August Edition on or before 5.08.25 to Aya @Aya.hassan@health.nsw.gov.au Margaret @Margaret.Hurst@health.nsw.gov.au
Macquarie Hospital Newsletter | June 2025
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