SEPTEMBER 2025
ISSUE 8
HORNSBY HIGHLIGHTS NEWSLETTER
Jersey Day Page 6
R U OK? Page 8
Dementia Action Week Page 11
HKH GM Coffee Corner Update Page 3
September 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Dear colleagues,
The past few months have seen some of the largest volumes of patients and demands ever on our health services both here at HKH and across the broader health system and I wish to thank you all for the hard work, resilience and dedication in providing care to our community during these times. In true HKH spirit I have seen examples every day of you all pulling together as a team to provide the very best and safest care and experience for all our patients requiring our help. For this I say a heartfelt “thank you” to each and every one of you for the important jobs you do in keeping our community safe and healthy when it is needed the most. As many of you would know as part of a state-wide transition of hospital based environmental and distribution services to HealthShare NSW our HKH teams’ transition (with other facilities in our district) will occur in early October. Our hospital and community health centres are some of the cleanest in the state and I wish to thank Ovi Chowdhury and our wonderful cleaners and dock workers for the wonderful jobs they do keeping our environment “spotless”, departments “stocked” and above all else safe for our patients and staff. I know HealthShare are looking forward to continuing these very high standards and these very important people will always remain part of the HKH and NSLHD Family. We recently wrapped up the 2025 People Matter Employee Survey (PMES), and I would like to thank all HKH staff members who took the time to share their feedback about what it’s like to work at our hospital and health service. HKH had a 42% response rate that placed us as the 3 rd highest facility/service responder which was pleasing and I would to thank all the survey’s champions at our hospital for helping your peers and colleagues have their say. I am sure those lucky enough to recieve a free coffee (we handed out around 300 vouchers) when completing your survey also helped boost our response rate! Most importantly, like in previous years, your input from this survey will be invaluable as we continue to strive toward making HKH and our district the great place it is to work. I also look forward to sharing the results in the coming weeks with you all and highlighting what’s going well and where we can improve as part of our HKH PMES Action Plan looking ahead.
It was mixed emotions that we say farewell to Jen Loftus who will be departing NSW Health in early October to pursue opportunities within the private health sector. Jen is well known to many of you and her friendly demeanour and hard work ethic will be sorely missed. More recently Jen has provided so much help and support to myself and the HKH Executive Team and we wish her every success in her very bright career ahead.
Best Regards, Simon-General Manager, HKH
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HKH GM COFFEE CORNER UPDATE
This month and with thanks to your feedback and the support of our colleagues in Clinical Technology Services (CTS), some much needed replacement bladder scanners were delivered to some of our HKH wards and the team’s joy was plain to see– so much so that some of the scanners now have some playful “nicknames” to reflect the part of the body they are used for and the very important role they play in safe and efficient patient care delivery. Why This Matters?
This story is more than just about equipment delivery — it’s a reflection of the challenges our clinicians and colleagues often face. We also
Ward 3A
acknowledge the “hurdles” staff encounter daily when trying to advocate for their patients and as a leadership team we will use examples like this to continue to strive to do the best we can for our patients and staff.
We’re sharing this story as an example of our GM Coffee Corner “You Said, We Did” People Matters Employee Survey PMES initiative to: • Celebrate the resilience and advocacy of our staff • Acknowledge the systemic challenges we all face - however - through our team work and collaboration demonstrate that together we can overcome them • Thank our staff for sharing their stories at GM Coffee Corner or Leader Rounding sessions • Reinforce our commitment to making our day to day processes smoother and more responsive. What’s Next? We will continue to work with our teams and colleagues across the hospital to streamline approved equipment requests and ensure that your voices are heard and promptly acted upon . Ward 4C
Ward 3B
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2025 PATIENT SAFETY CULTURE SURVEY AWARDS
We are thrilled to announce that Ward 3D and the Speech Therapy Team have been awarded Prizes for some of the Highest Response Rates across HKH and the district in the 2025 Patient Safety Culture Survey! This recognition reflects these teams’ strong commitment to fostering a culture of safety,” speaking up” and collaboration in patient care. Their proactive engagement in the survey process also demonstrates a dedication to continuous improvement and a shared vision for safer, more compassionate healthcare.
HKH continues to shine in this endeavour thanks to the efforts of you all and teams like these, with:
• 72% of staff rating HKH patient safety and care as Very Good or Excellent • Over 90% positive feedback from patient experience surveys • 92% of staff saying they would recommend their team/unit/work area and HKH to friends or family • Most safety culture factors ranking in the top quartile of the national benchmark These results are a testament to the responsiveness, and teamwork that define our culture. Ward 3D and Speech Therapy have highlighted a great example of how positive engagement and a shared commitment to safety can drive meaningful change. As we continue to work through key themes in identified high-risk areas, we celebrate the teams who are leading the way and inspiring others across the hospital. Congratulations once again to Ward 3D and Speech Therapy and everyone who completed a survey – together your collective thoughts and feedback is making a real difference!
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STITCH KINDNESS, ONE HEART AT A TIME
In the lead-up to Carers Week (12–18 October), staff at HKH are warmly invited to join a drop-in stitching circle to create a beautiful felt heart. Each ‘pocket heart’ will be a small but meaningful gift for a carer supporting a loved one in hospital. “Kindness is already at the heart of what we all do at NSLHD,” says Barbara Lewis, Carer Support Service Manager. “Stitching a heart is a meaningful way to share that spirit. A few stitches can create a beautiful gift a carer can hold onto during tough times. We are reminding them how valued they are.”
For some carers, these hearts arrive at exactly the right moment.
Heidi, from the Hunter Valley, was recently gifted the first heart stitched by a hospital staff member. Her husband was critically ill in ICU. “We’ve been married for 41 years. Seeing him that sick... my heart was breaking,” she recalls. “A staff member handed me a gorgeous little felt heart, and, in that moment, it gave me goosebumps. I keep it in my front pocket and hold it when I need strength. It’s like it’s glowing.”
More than 130,000 unpaid carers in Northern Sydney support loved ones with illness, disability and age-related needs. Balancing care with life’s demands requires resilience and skill – from personal care to advocacy and complex decision-making. Many Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital staff are also carers, managing both work and care duties. “All staff have a responsibility to identify and engage with carers as partners in care,” Barbara adds. “Carers know their loved one better than anyone. The evidence is that including carers in the patient journey leads to better outcomes.” But carers also need our support. According to Carers Australia, carers are more than twice as likely to have low levels of wellbeing than the average Australian adult. “These little hearts are a tangible reminder to our carers that they are seen, supported and never alone,” says Barbara.
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Want to stitch for kindness?
There will be a stitch together lunch session celebrating Carers Week on Monday 13 October between 12-1:30pm on Level 5, Meeting Room 1. All staff are welcome, bring your lunch and join us creating a symbol of kindness for Carers. Please help us plan for the event and have enough kits available by signing up using the QR code.
Alternatively, you can pop in to see Mary Beijerinck-Gooley and Agnes Cheuk at the Carers Centre (Level 1, Building 60) to sew a heart or collect a DIY pack to make hearts at home. If the room is unstaffed, please call Mary on 0434 323 411 or email NSLHD- Carers@health.nsw.gov.au to arrange a time. The project continues beyond Carers Week and every heart helps! Want to know what’s happening for Carers Week in NSLHD? Like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NSLHDcarersupport HKH JERSEY DAY
On Friday, 5 September 2025, HKH came alive with team spirit as staff wore their favourite sporting jerseys in support of Jersey Day—a national initiative to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. From NRL, rugby (Go the Might Warringah Rats!) and soccer to AFL and basketball, jerseys of all kinds were seen across wards, departments, and offices, for a cause that touches countless lives. The event was just not about fundraising but about encouraging open dialogue around the importance of organ and tissue donation and inspiring staff and visitors alike to consider registering as donors. The enthusiastic participation from staff highlighted HKH’s ongoing commitment to supporting life- saving initiatives and fostering a culture of compassion and awareness. Jersey Day 2025 was a powerful reminder that small actions—like wearing your favourite team’s jersey— can lead to big conversations and potentially life-changing decisions. For more information or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit donatelife.gov.au
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HORNSBY HEALTHY KIDS
The Hornsby Healthy Kids program, an initiative led by the Paediatric Team since 2014, has been awarded $10,000 in funding through the Hornsby Council ClubGRANTS Donation Scheme. The Healthy Kids program supports families in the Hornsby area with children under 12 who are above the healthy weight range, offering a multidisciplinary approach to promote healthy weight management and reduce associated health risks in childhood. Thanks to a successful application, the Hornsby Healthy Kids team received a generous donation from Hornsby RSL. To strengthen the program's delivery, the allocated funds will be used to purchase essential equipment and engage additional allied health professionals to provide enhanced education and support for families to develop lasting healthy habits. Dr Kate Webster and Kathryn Williamson (Admin Support Officer) were proud to accept the cheque on behalf of the team at a presentation held at Hornsby RSL. We extend our sincere thanks to Hornsby RSL for their continued support of community health initiatives. SPEECH WEEK
Speech Pathology Week (August 24 – August 30) celebrates the incredible role speech pathologists play in helping people thrive at every stage of their lives. From young children to older Australians, speech pathologists are there, supporting wellbeing, confidence, connection, independence, inclusion and opportunity. Around 1.2 million Australians need support with communication and behind every person, is a story, and a team of professionals making a real difference. Speech pathologists work across homes, schools, hospitals, and communities helping people live fuller, more connected lives. Hornsby Hospital celebrated with a stall including education leaflets, “pin the part on the larynx”, quizzes and trials of thickened fluids.
Thank you to everyone who popped along!
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ASK R U OK? ANY DAY
HKH JMO team with Avant mutual
Ward 3B
Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life. We spend much of our time with work colleagues and can often notice when something seems different. Taking a moment to check in and listen may give them the support and connection they need or encourage them to seek further help. Regular, meaningful conversations can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to. Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
R U OK? has four simple steps to help you start a conversation with someone you may be worried about:
1.
Ask
2. 3. 4.
Listen
Encourage action
Check in
You can find more information on these steps in the conversation guide and in the video here. There is a poster (linked here) you are invited to display in your tearoom, office or on your staff noticeboard as a reminder to check in with each other.
Our staff and their immediate family have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – a free, confidential counselling, coaching and wellbeing service.
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LGBTIQ+ PERSONAL INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE IN EMR
At Northern Sydney Local Health District, we are committed to ensuring that every patient feels respected, safe, and included in their healthcare journey. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to introduce the new LGBTIQA+SB and Intersex Patient Information Form , along with its electronic medical record (eMR) counterpart – the Additional Demographic Information PowerForm and Widget . These tools have been designed to help staff provide care that is inclusive and person- centred by capturing information about a patient’s preferred name, pronouns, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, and intersex status . Why this form matters Many LGBTIQ+ people have had negative experiences in healthcare, often due to assumptions, stigma , or discrimination. This leads to fear and healthcare avoidance. To ensure people feel safe enough to share their personal information and needs in their healthcare, it is vital to speak to them in a way that respects who they are. This form helps us do just that. • Affirming identities – Asking about how someone likes to be addressed and referred to helps us ensure patients feel seen and respected. • Avoiding assumptions – we are all different! We cannot assume everyone likes to be spoken to in the same way. Person - centred care requires us to get to know the person in front of us. • Building trust – A safe and respectful interaction encourages patients to engage more openly in their care, leading to better outcomes. It also makes them more likely to come back in the future! As one recent patient shared after their stay at Ryde Hospital: “Literally every person I interacted with treated me with respect and attentive care… I was overcome with emotion as I’m simply not used to feeling this cared for.” Small actions, like offering this form and checking in about what language someone uses to describe themselves and their lives, make a big difference.
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LGBTIQ+ PERSONAL INFORMATION CONT.
How it works 1. The form is optional for patients and can be offered at intake, in waiting areas, in welcome packs, or whenever a patient shares LGBTIQ+ - related information. 2. Completed forms should be placed in the patient’s paper file and scanned by Medical Records. 3. Information can then be entered into eMR through the Additional Demographic Information Widget , available in the Inpatient Summary , Community Client Summary , and ED Summary pages. 3.1. Preferred name must be updated in Access Management. 4. If there is a number in brackets next to the Additional Demographic Information Widget, then please check this information and use it in your care and communication. Important note: This form does not replace the Notification of Change of Patient Details form, which must still be used for changes to legal name or legal sex. Key points for staff • Always offer the form if a patient shares that they are LGBTIQ+ or tells you their preferred name or pronouns. • Use the information in your interactions – consistently addressing patients in the way they wish to be addressed builds safety and respect. • Remember: you don’t need to be an expert in LGBTIQ+ identities. What matters is a willingness to listen, learn, and use the tools available. A step towards better care This initiative supports the NSW Health LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022 – 2027 , which calls for equitable, responsive, and inclusive healthcare for all. By taking just a few moments to offer and use this form, you are helping ensure that every patient’s identity is respected, and that their healthcare experience is one of dignity and affirmation. Together, we can create a culture of care that truly reflects the diversity of our communities. For more information and training resources, please watch the short 10 - minute training video for the form, visit the LGBTIQ+ Health Intranet Page or contact the LGBTIQ+ Project Manager (contact listed on the intranet page).
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DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK
Dementia Action Week, 15-21 September. Nobody can do it alone.
Dementia is a broad umbrella term for multiple progressive neurodegenerative conditions affecting the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia generally affects memory, thinking, behaviour, mood, and personality and is more common in people over 65 years of age, although it is not a normal part of ageing. There is no cure for dementia, with current therapeutics focusing on symptom management. An estimated 433,300 Australians are living with dementia, with more than 16,000 living in the Northern Sydney region. Dementia can be socially isolating for the individual, as well as their families and/or carers due to societal stigma and misconceptions about the condition.
To reduce this stigma, Ward 4C (general medical ward and dementia/delirium unit) ran a promotion desk throughout Dementia Action Week, talking to staff, patients and visitors about dementia, dementia risk reduction, dementia education opportunities and services available to support those living with dementia or those caring for someone living with dementia. Additionally, Ward 4C hosted education sessions throughout the week, with 140 multidisciplinary staff from across the hospital receiving education on topics including changed behaviours in dementia, different types of dementia, and what Ward 4C does differently in its care of those living with dementia.
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CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
I was extremely grateful for the care I received in 3A. Everyone treated me with respect and with a friendly face. We are very fortunate to have such a good hospital in our community and I congratulate staff for doing their roles so well.
Ward 3A
Maternity
To the wonderful maternity team at HKH, thank you for your incredible care throughout my birth & postnatal care. Each of you were so kind, such a joy to be around, and went the extra mile.
Ward 2D
Huge thanks to each and every one of you for your constant care and support during my stay on your wonderful ward. Your dedication and commitment were invaluable, and I greatly appreciated your hard work and expertise. I want to compliment the Paediatric ward staff who looked after my daughter. They were incredible and attentive.
Paediatric Ward
Outpatients Clinics
We were treated with professionalism and with a personal touch. I was moved by the level of caring that was evident in my consultation. Thanks to all those involved in our worthwhile experience.
Thank you to the 3A team for your dedication, patience and care that made my difficult journey to recovery much easier! You not only look after the patients but also look out for each other.
Ward 3A
RDT
I am unbelievably impressed by the care being provided by the RDT.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us bring our beautiful baby into this world. We are so incredibly grateful to have had such an amazing team. We felt so well cared for every step of the way. You all helped to make it a special and positive experience.
Maternity
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FAREWELL AND THANK YOU LUCAS WOODFORD
We would also like to take an opportunity to highlight the positive impact which Lucas has had at HKH. Many of you will have experienced his operational responsiveness in taking action to support the delivery of safe and high- quality care over the years. Some of his significant achievements include leadership and advocacy throughout the Redevelopment journey, physically transforming the hospital at short notice to support our pandemic response and managing major projects such as the Yarning Circle. We wish Lucas the best in his future endeavours and look forward to working with him in his new capacity within NSLHD. WELCOME MELANIE RIDOUT!
Melanie is a Carer Support Officer -Communications and Marketing. She has built her career as a writer and communications specialist across the government, education and not-for- profit sectors. For the past 10 years, she has worked as a self-employed copywriter,
supporting a range of health, community development and medical research charities with their fundraising campaigns. Her work has included telling the stories of patients, health workers and researchers for organisations such as the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation, and charities including Redkite, Dementia Australia and Melanoma Institute Australia. Melanie is looking forward to supporting carers and the staff who work alongside them by sharing their stories and highlighting their vital contributions across NSLHD.
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NSLHD OUTPATIENT CLINICS GO DIGITAL!
Big news! From 1 September 2025, Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) has gone digital for managing non-admitted outpatient clinics.
We’re saying goodbye to the old paper-based NSHN1618806 Form and moving to the Outpatient Clinic Applications Portal — a faster, smarter, and more transparent way to manage clinic changes. • Access the portal here: http://nsccrnsww08/WFSFiles/Redirects/OCA.html
Note: This change applies to all services except Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) and Affiliate Health Organisations like Royal Rehab and HammondCare.
Why This Matters? • Switching to the digital portal brings big benefits: • Clearer Oversight & Accountability: A standardised approval process ensures decisions are made with the right executive and operational input. • Better Data Governance: Digital workflows reduce errors and improve reporting accuracy. • Smarter Collaboration: The portal supports structured planning, ensuring clinics are patient- centred and strategically aligned. • Ready for the Future: This move sets us up for the Single Digital Patient Record (SDPR) rollout in 2026 — helping deliver seamless, integrated care. What’s Next? Training and support materials are available on the NSLHD Outpatient intranet page: https://nswhealth.sharepoint.com/sites/NSLHD-OPERATIONS/SitePages/Outpatient---Opening,- modifying-or-closing-a-form.aspx
This is a big step forward in delivering high-quality, patient-focused care — and we’re excited to take it with you!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Giving back to the community
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is looking for community members to spare a day or two to be a volunteer and help patients, families and staff. The Pink Ladies and Men Auxiliary is looking for new members to join and help run the volunteer’s Pink Shop at the hospital. The shop is a much-loved part of the hospital which sells home-made items from the volunteers, gifts, toiletries and snacks. The shop is the key fundraising program for the hospital, donating over $100,000 in equipment in 2024. Long-time volunteers Kathryn and Lyn have worked in the shop for many years and enjoy the camaraderie with her fellow Pink Ladies and Men. “Volunteering in the shop and supporting patients and staff for 7 years has been my way of giving back to the hospital that means so much to me. The gratitude and smiles I receive are the greatest rewards”. Lyn, Pink Shop Volunteer. “Over the last 18 years of volunteering, I’ve cherished the connections with patients and carers, fulfilling their needs. The profits we generate go back to the hospital, enabling us to purchase vital clinical equipment for the patients.” Kathryn –Pink Ladies and Male Volunteers, Auxiliary President and Pink Shop Volunteer. Volunteers are needed for one half day or full day on a weekly or fortnightly basis within the Pink Volunteer Shop. If you would like to express your interest in volunteering within the Pink Volunteer Shop, or any other area of the hospital, contact Briony Calvi, Support Services Manager via briony.calvi@health.nsw.gov.au or call 9485 6422.
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ALLIED HEALTH ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2025
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CALD NETWORK SUMMIT – YOU’RE INVITED!
We are excited to invite you to the inaugural CALD Network Summit, hosted by the NSLHD CALD Employee Network. With the theme ‘Our Cultures, Our Strength: Building Belonging, Growing Leaders’ , this half-day event will bring together staff, leaders, and executives to celebrate diversity, share experiences, and build professional capability. Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025 Time: 9.00 AM–1.30 PM Location: Kolling Auditorium, Level 5, Kolling Building (RNSH Campus)
Online option is also available (Register to get the link)
Morning tea and lunch will be provided
The summit promises an exciting program, including an inspiring keynote address, impactful panel discussion, and interactive professional development sessions. You can read the full agenda here, This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, learn from diverse perspectives, connect with colleagues, and celebrate the strengths and contributions of our CALD community. Register now [RSVP] to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!
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