Silver screen success for NSLHD Clinicians Professor Sue Kurrle and Nicola Kertanegara are more accustomed to winning praise for their work in the treatment room rather than the green room, but after their recent Emmy Award, that may change. The pair, who both work within Northern Sydney Local Health District, were expert clinicians and commentators on the ABC series Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds which recently won the International Emmy Award for Non-scripted Entertainment. Sue, who holds title of Clinical Director for Rehab and Aged Care for the district, said the win came as a bit of a surprise. “I don’t think being in an Emmy awarded TV series was ever on my to-do list,” she said. “When we were filming I enjoyed watching the interactions between the children and the older participants but none of us thought that the outcome for everyone would be so good with the older people improving their mood and their strength and their mobility. “And even after seeing the final version I thought it was a great show, but never dreamed it would get this sort of international recognition.” She believes the reason for the win was simple. “It brings the importance of family back into people’s awareness, and that is often missing in today’s rather crazy world,” she said. “We all want to get old but we are not keen on the process. This series showed that it can be fun, and you can enjoy life even with some disability. We know it made a difference to the
participants and the benefits continue.”
Senior Aged Care Physiotherapist Nicola was equally as delighted to see the show recognised on the big stage. “It is such a heart-warming positive and uplifting show that really shines a light on what positive changes could be possible in aged care to make it a more positive experience for all ages,” she said. “I feel so lucky to have been a part of this process.” Nicola said the show has even led to her expect more from her patients after previous participants showed us just what is possible. “I learnt that I can expect more from my patients and that I can push them way more than I ever thought,” she said. “When the producers told me they wanted to take nursing home residents to the beach I told them there was no way! I expected everyone to fall, to be too exhausted, to be unable to participate but the reality was they all managed fine and did much better than I would have ever expected. “After such success in the first series I would only wish this success on every older Australian and hope that this type of model could be incorporated more broadly in our communities.” Both Sue and Nicola are currently involved in filming season two of Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.
Professor Sue Kurrle
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
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