Macquarie Hospital Newsletter April 2026
From my Desk
Dear All Belated Happy Easter to you all.
As you know, on 30 March 2026 we welcomed Riverglen staff and consumers to Building 50 Macquarie Hospital after a successful transition from Greenwich. To ensure things continue to run smoothly we have set up regular meetings with the Riverglen team.If anyone has any questions please let me know and I can raise it with their team.
Last week the MHDA time in-service awards took place and there were a remarkable number of Macquarie staff recognised for their commitment to the service over many, many years, some with 40/45 years in service which is amazing. I totally forgot to take pictures but those who received a Time in Service award were Mehmet Kasif, Ian Pont, Wendy Guy, Anne Duncan, Erzsike Cserepanyi, Russell Nation, Mark Joyce, Terri–Anne Whitsed, Susanne Knox and Kathie Guthrie (if I missed anyone who was there–blame my memory apologies!)
From my Desk
There is a possibility that MHDA may have SNAP accreditation this year, before the district moves to a district wide approach to accreditation rather than by each service. To ensure preparedness, should this happen, MHDA arranged for two consultants to visit MHDA services to provide feedback. This occurred the week commencing 13 April 2026 and provided a great opportunity for us to look at our systems and review if any processes need clarification or amendment. It was also a great chance to discuss the excellent and skilled work that you all do with complex consumers.
You may notice that there is a flurry of activity around the site with Engineering and various contractors working on a large number of projects. We have been allocated some NSLHD funds to spend on repairs and maintenance before the end of the financial year. This will help keep the site functional and safe with work occurring to roads, pathways, plumbing, furniture, painting, carpet replacement and other jobs in various areas across the whole site. All these tasks need to be complete by the end of June, so they are working full steam ahead and I want to thank Nick and his team for the amazing work they do to keep the hospital running. Following the retirement of Helen Maguire, who had been providing hairdressing services to Macquarie consumers for over 40 years, we have been working hard to ensure we are still able to provide hairdressing services on the units for those consumers who are unable to attend hairdressers in the community. We are excited to announce that we have now engaged the services of a mobile hairdresser for an initial 12-month pilot. Melissa is an experienced hairdresser who has also provided haircuts to the homeless. In addition to hairdressing Melissa is an experience wellbeing officer and we are excited to welcome her to Macquarie. Melissa will be attending Macquarie Hospital for an orientation on 17 April 2026 and mobile hairdressing services will be commencing from 24 April 2026. If you have any questions about this service, please contact Emma Barr.
Anne Bajuk Service Director/Site Manager | Macquarie Hospital NSLHD
Nursing News
Celebrating Kristina Jamcotchian
On Friday, 27 March 2026, we gathered to celebrate a very special milestone for Kristina Jamcotchian, Administrative Officer supporting the Nurse Education Team and After-Hours Nurse Managers, with a joyful Baby Shower. The event was filled with laughter, heartfelt wishes, and warm moments as we came together to honour this exciting new chapter in her life.
We wish Kristina all the joy, love, and blessings as she embarks on motherhood and look forward to seeing her return in late 2027, refreshed and full of stories from this wonderful journey.
Welcome to the Team! Please join us in welcoming:
Thomas Donnelly has been officially appointed as After-Hours Nurse Manager effective 14 March 2026. Thomas has been acting in the role since 19 January 2026 and brings extensive experience across acute mental health, psychiatric emergency care, and after-hours leadership. His background includes many years working in MHIPU and PECC, as well as experience as Acting AHNM and NUM. He has collaborated closely with emergency, inpatient, community, and specialist teams across the service.
Nursing News
Keelan Mogan has been officially appointed as Clinical Access and Demand Clinical Nurse Consultant effective 16 March 2026. Keelan has been acting in the role since 13 October 2025 and brings extensive senior mental health nursing experience across NSLHD and NSW Health, with a strong focus on supporting access and patient flow across MHDA services. Timothy Starnawski has been seconded to the Nurse Education Team as Administrative Officer Level 4, backfilling Kristina Jamcotchian’s maternity leave from 7 April 2026 to 30 May 2027.
Welcoming Our 2026 Grad Start Cohort
We are delighted to welcome our 2026 Grad Start cohort, who commenced on 23 February 2026. This year, 17 full-time graduate nurses have joined our service, bringing enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to person ‑ centred care. The GradStart Program supports their transition into clinical practice through structured learning, supervision and mentorship, enabling them to develop into safe, capable and resilient professionals. We encourage all staff to support our graduates during this important transition. Your guidance and encouragement play a vital role in their development and future contribution to patient care.
Henley Unit to Participate in the Advancing Mentoring in Nursing Research Study
Henley Unit has been chosen to participate in the Advancing Mentoring in Nursing (AMiN) research study, an initiative focused on strengthening the future nursing workforce through structured, evidence ‑ based mentorship. AMiN is designed to build confidence, deepen professional connection, and support the development of leadership skills among nurses. As part of the study, researchers will evaluate how the program influences workforce development, staff retention, and overall nurse wellbeing. This is an exciting opportunity for Henley Unit to contribute to shaping a more supported and sustainable nursing profession.
This is an exciting opportunity for Henley Unit to contribute to shaping a more supported and sustainable nursing profession.
MHDA Nominations - International Nurses Day Awards 2026 “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
We are pleased to announce the MHDA International Nurses Day Awards 2026, recognising excellence in nursing practice. Nominations are open in the following five (5) Categories.
Nursing News
1.A Nurse who has made a significant contribution to Person Centred Care Practice. 2.A Nursing Team who has demonstrated a recovery focus in their Nursing Practice. 3. A Nursing Team or individual who has made significant improvement in their culture, focusing on learning to improve clinical care and consumer safety. 4.A Nurse who is recognised by peers to have demonstrated clinical leadership and promoted innovation across A Nursing Team/Service. 5.Consumer / Carer nominated award for an outstanding Nurse.
All teams and services are encouraged to discuss and submit nominations.
🔗 Submit nominations via Survey Monkey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3FQZCJ5 📱 For mobile submissions, scan the QR code:
Thank you for your participation in celebrating our dedicated nursing professionals!
Macquarie Hospital Education & Training The Macquarie Nursing Education Team has commenced the year positively, supporting education and professional development across the nursing workforce. In February, we welcomed 17 GradStart nurses, who are settling well into their clinical areas and engaging positively in their learning. A key highlight in March was the delivery of the first Learning Skills Development Day on 18 March 2026. This annual mandatory program, open to ENs, RNs and NUMs, focused on strengthening the role and identity of the mental health nurse, enhancing therapeutic engagement, and promoting reflective, values-based practice. Basic Life Support (BLS) assessment sessions are currently available via My Health Learning, with separate sessions for clinical and non-clinical staff. Staff are encouraged to enrol using Course Code: 46497905. The Nursing Education Team continues to work closely with clinical staff, preceptors and managers to support capability building, professional development, and a skilled workforce. We look forward to delivering further educational initiatives throughout the year. For education and training support, please contact the Macquarie Hospital Education Team at NSLHD-Macquarie-TrainingandEducation@health.nsw.gov.au, and a team member will respond promptly.
MARK JOYCE DIRECTOR OF NURSING MHDA
Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Beyond Acute Care What Is Psychosocial Inpatient Mental Health Rehabilitation?
Psychosocial inpatient mental health rehabilitation is a specialised model of care that supports people living with severe and persistent mental illness to rebuild skills, confidence, and independence following periods of acute illness or repeated hospitalisation. Unlike acute mental health care, which focuses on stabilising crisis and managing immediate risk, psychosocial rehabilitation centres on recovery, function, and participation in everyday life. It recognises that mental illness affects not only symptoms, but also how people live, connect with others, and engage in their communities. A Recovery Oriented Approach Inpatient rehabilitation admissions are typically longer-term, often spanning weeks to months. This extended timeframe allows consumers to work toward meaningful, individualised goals at their own pace. Care is collaborative and strengthbased, with an emphasis on hope, autonomy, and building on existing abilities. Building Skills for Daily Living Programs support consumers to develop, or relearn practical skills needed for life outside hospital, such as: Establishing daily routines and selfcare Cooking, cleaning, shopping, and budgeting Using public transport Medication management Coping strategies and relapse prevention Group programs both in rehabilitation units and at the day program area commonly addresses social skills, emotional regulation, mental health education, physical health, and substance use recovery. A Multidisciplinary Team Effort Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include mental health nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, peer workers, and welling unit clinicians. Mental health nurses play a central crucial role in daytoday rehabilitation, providing therapeutic engagement, care coordination, skill coaching, and consistent recovery support. Supporting Community Transition The ultimate aim of psychosocial inpatient rehabilitation is to support people to live as independently as possible and reduce the need for future hospital admissions. Discharge planning is a key focus, with strong links to community mental health services, supported accommodation, NDIS providers, and nongovernment rehabilitation services. By shifting the focus from illness to ability, participation, and recovery, psychosocial inpatient rehabilitation provides a vital bridge between acute care and sustainable community living, supporting people not just to discharge, but to move forward with their lives.
Article by Luren Reddy
Chaplaincy Corner
Chaplain Dale created this reflective space around the Chapel with the Stations of the Cross over Easter–a sacred time for Christians as they remember the death and resurrection of Christ. It is a story of hope that has inspired us for over 2000 years. However, it can also be a time of spiritual renewal and reflection for all Faiths or none–a time to celebrate our shared humanity, to show love to each other. And what a wonderful community of caring we have at Macquarie Hospital! The fundraising team (pictured at Gloria Boicheska’s farewell) organised bundles of Easter eggs for each consumer.
And Seamus McMahon kindly supplied Easter buns for the Chapel’s Easter Service. This altruistic ethos was endorsed by Mahatma Gandhi who said: 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.' And Mother Teresa who said: 'We can do no great things, only small things with great love.' And from Betty Reese (American officer and pilot) comes an encouraging reminder (and, after a sleepless night, I concur!): “If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”
Rosemarie Say Chaplaincy Coordinator
Macquarie Mental Health Library News
New NSLHD Libraries AI Essentials session for 2026-Register now Not sure which AI tools are worth your time? These AI Essentials sessions will help you get up to speed quickly, with practical takeaways you can use right away. No time to attend live? No problem, register for the sessions and we’ll send you the presentation afterwards. Register here AI in Research: What’s New, What’s Next: Thursday 30th April 12.30-1pm An overview of how AI research tools have changed in the past year, with a focus on discovery, mapping, and sense ‑ making rather than automation alone. Featuring Scholar Labs, Research Rabbit, and Undermind, this session explores what’s new, what’s improving, and what’s coming next for literature searching and research workflows.
Take off with Copilot: Practical Skills For Busy People: Thursday 7th May 12.30-1pm
Meet Copilot, your NSLHD approved digital assistant. Learn what it is, where to find it and ways to use it. In this session we will be joined by DHS Clinical Business Analyst and Physiotherapist Andrew Wong.
Planetary Health Webinar Series: Live Demonstration of NSLHD Carbon Dashboard
Bring your lunch and join us for an upcoming online webinar featuring a live demonstration of our newly launched Carbon Dashboard. As part of our commitment to planetary health and improving healthcare outcomes, this session will showcase how data-driven insights can help reduce emissions across Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD). The Carbon Dashboard has been designed to make emissions visible, highlight key hotspots and support informed decision-making across our facilities. Hear from Queeny Stafford (Northern Sydney LHD) (A/Research and Data Manager) and Nicola Groskops (Northern Sydney LHD) (Manager) from the Planetary Health team about how the Dashboard was built and how you can use it to gather insights and data beyond our sustainability initiatives. In this webinar, you’ll learn: how NSLHD’s carbon hotspots are identified and where the greatest opportunities for impact lie how your hospital is tracking on emissions reduction practical ways data can be used to support emissions reduction in your team or service see a live demonstration of the Carbon Dashboard and how it can be used in practice There will be time for audience Q&A at the end of the webinar. We look forward to seeing you online! Wednesday 22 April 12-12:30pm, online More information and Teams link here. 💻📊 ♻
Seamus Corner
Please be careful when driving around.
Australian Brush-turkeys are protected in Australia. A large, ground ‑ dwelling bird commonly found along Australia’s eastern coast. Recognisable by its black plumage, bright red head, and yellow (or purple) wattle, this megapode is famous for building massive nesting mounds from leaf litter and soil. Instead of incubating eggs with body heat, brush ‑ turkeys rely on the warmth generated by decomposing vegetation—an impressive natural engineering feat. Although sometimes considered cheeky garden visitors, they play an important ecological role by turning over soil and helping forests recycle organic matter.
Thank you
Please send your feedback/articles to be published on June Edition on or before 5 June 26 to Aya @Aya.hassan@health.nsw.gov.au
Macquarie Hospital Newsletter | April 2026
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