A message from the Secretary, new innovations for Parkinson's and parents of premature babies, and brave community efforts. |
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We continue to see incredible outcomes for patients and carers across our state, which is a real example of our commitment to keeping people healthy and safe.
I understand that at times, it’s easy to put aside our own health and wellbeing when we are working hard for the wellbeing of others. But as World Mental Health Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month kick off this Saturday, let’s remember to tune in to ourselves and make our own mental, emotional, and physical health a priority. I will be speaking about this more in the next few weeks but in the meantime, I encourage you to reflect on your current health and ways you can care for your wellbeing.
Last week, the finalists for the NSW Premier’s Awards were announced and it is exciting to see 15 nominations across the nine categories. NSW Health are also partners of nine finalist nominations. |
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Congratulations to the remarkable teams and individuals who were shortlisted.
Our efforts to deliver the best possible care to patients, carers and staff are supported by the amazing innovations developed by our staff. Some of these innovations include a new treatment for Parkinson's patients and a specialised app to support parents of premature babies, which you can read about below. As another month comes to an end, I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment in supporting and providing exceptional care for our community. Kind regards,
Susan Pearce
Secretary, NSW Health |
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New treatment helping Parkinson’s patients |
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Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital’s Neurology Parkinson’s Clinic recently marked its first year being open and had its first course of the Duodopa treatment given to a patient with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Duodopa can help Parkinson’s patients absorb their medication which can help alleviate their symptoms.
Suliana Manuofetoa, Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant at the clinic, said the treatment was a welcome addition to existing patient services as it helps patients and their carers to have a better quality of life. |
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“Offering Duodopa is an exciting development for us as there is unfortunately no cure for Parkinson’s. This treatment can allow patients to live better with their condition, reduce their symptoms, and hopefully maintain some degree of independence too,” said Suliana.
In its first year being open, the clinic saw 50 new patients, including 68 neurologist follow-ups. Previously, patients awaiting a diagnosis or needing follow-up treatment for Parkinson’s would need to wait to attend the clinic at Royal North Shore Hospital or attend a private clinic.
The clinic can diagnose Parkinson’s disease, conduct physical examinations, check medications and update treatment plans. It complements the existing Parkinson’s rehabilitation clinic which is available at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. |
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| Name: Dr Jeremy McAnulty
Role: Executive Director, Health Protection NSW, NSW Ministry of Health
Now let's get to know you a little better... What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you? Addicted to chocolate Last great TV show or movie you watched? Mad as Hell. Sadly, it's over now, but Shaun Micallef and the cast are hilarious. |
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Let’s talk about media – what are some recent things you have watched and read? I’d like to say Ulysses, but I have started it about seven times. People think you are smart if they see it on your bookshelf.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? To play the Tenor Recorder without annoying my neighbours so much. If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating? Pasta. Any hidden talents? I can juggle three oranges with a bit of practice. |
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Monkeypox vaccine rollout continues |
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NSW Health is partnering with ACON, who have been fundamental in communicating and educating the importance of prevention and vaccine access for monkeypox, as well as providing practical resources to support at-risk communities.
Since August, more than 7,000 people have been vaccinated in NSW. We are working to ensure the most vulnerable people access the vaccine first.
The vaccination program is being expanded further in October 2022 to allow many more people throughout the state to access vaccination. We will continue to share information as this work progresses. |
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So far, 52 cases of monkeypox have been identified in NSW with two people confirmed to have acquired the infection in NSW.
Since the first case of monkeypox in NSW was identified in May 2022, the Ministry of Health has been working with local health districts, GPs, sexual health services and our community partners to respond to the healthcare needs of positive cases, as well as raise awareness of symptoms, prevention and vaccination. We continue to work in partnership with ACON to ensure people at greatest risk of monkeypox are aware of the symptoms, how to reduce the risk of infection and how to access vaccines.
For the latest information on monkeypox, visit the NSW Health website. |
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App helping parents and carers of premature babies |
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A new app created by experienced nursing and allied health clinicians from neonatal intensive care units and special care nurseries at hospitals across South Western Sydney Local Health District is supporting parents of premature babies.
Baby Ayaan Dissanayaka arrived into the world three months early, weighing just one kilogram. Ayaan's mum, Manoshi Wickramasinghe, was one of the first parents to use the Neonatal Care and Me app which provides free, accessible information to help support and empower parents and carers. |
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The app complements the high-quality care that our staff provide in Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Care Nurseries. It shares real-life, useful content to help people care for their early bundle-of-joy including advice on taking baby’s temperature, tube feeding, changing an oxygen probe and tracking age and weight on the growth chart. “The discharge information helped explain what to do when you take your baby home for the first time, how to bathe and cuddle him and position him when he’s sleeping,” said Ms Wickramasinghe. “I also liked the ‘tummy time’ activities to build his strength and the singing and reading sections which focus on his development.” "This app makes a big impact on parents because having a premature baby can feel overwhelming at times.” As we continue to transform the delivery of care to patients, innovations like the Neonatal Care and Me app show how we can help improve the safety, lives and experiences of new mums like Manoshi and baby Ayaan, beyond clinical settings. |
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Madi is taking care of business |
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| Madeline Mercieca (Madi) is a mechanical fitter by trade who has worked in the maintenance operations team at Westmead Hospital for over six years. While looking for an exciting change, Madi was intrigued by the prospect of working in a hospital. She applied for the role at Westmead Hospital and became the first female tradesperson on staff.
Madi enjoys the practical component of her job and is proud to be breaking down stereotypes along the way.
“When people think of a female welder or a female tradie in general, I think people have a certain idea of a woman with more “masculine” traits, however I’m quite different and I didn’t have to change who I am to fit in,” said Madi. |
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We all play a role in delivering outcomes that matter to patients. Madi’s passion and pride in her role as a tradesperson helps to create a safe and caring environment for staff, patients and her community. |
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Keeping communities safe as they rebuild |
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Our colleagues in Northern New South Wales are working with flood-affected communities to raise awareness of the risk of lead poisoning and how they can protect themselves as they repair and rebuild their community.
Higher blood lead levels can cause health complications such as anaemia, kidney problems and neurological or developmental effects. Lead poisoning can occur in people of all ages, but the risk is greater for pregnant women, babies and children. |
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Dr Paul Douglas, Director of North Coast Public Health Unit and his team are putting their effort towards protecting the safety of people in these areas. "Our work with these communities is ongoing. We are ensuring that people are careful when dealing with lead-based materials and products as their safety is our priority," said Dr Douglas. |
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Mini Olympics with big spirits |
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At times it was played with the intensity of Olympic-level competition, but the Mini Games event hosted by Coffs Harbour Health Campus’ Mental Health Services was all about fun and friendship.
Sporting skills were on show across a range of events, all in an effort to create an enjoyable, community-focused event for staff and patients at Coffs Harbour to engage in together.
Organiser and Peer Support Worker Dane Owen said the event was a great success with lots of participation from both staff and inpatients. |
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“There was much anticipation in the lead up to the games, with trophies and prizes up for grabs. It was great to see our staff and patients get involved and embrace each of the different activities planned,” Mr Owen said.
Some of the games that staff and patients could compete for gold in were table tennis, kelly pool, paper planes, quoits and the ultimate clash - the egg-and-spoon race.
“It really didn’t matter who the winners were, it was a chance for everyone to come together, support each other and have fun,” Mr Owen said.
“Having said that, congratulations to Ashleigh and Matt who took out the titles for the best competitors on the day.” With the ‘bragging rights’ settled for another year, training will soon begin for the 2023 Mini Games. |
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The NSW Premier's Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise the world class public services delivered to the people of NSW.
NSW Health received an impressive 15 nominations across the nine categories, with partners in nine of the finalist nominations. This is a testament to our staff and the incredible work we have achieved this year.
Winners will be revealed at a hybrid event ceremony on Tuesday, 29 November 2022. Access to the online event will be available closer to the date. |
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Congratulations to the new Chief Executive of Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
Wendy Hoey has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network.
Wendy’s health management and clinical career spans over 30 years. Her commitment, passion and leadership in clinical care and quality outcomes for consumers and staff will continue in her new role. |
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Warm welcome to the new Deputy Secretary Health System Strategy and Planning We are pleased to announce the appointment of Deb Willcox as Deputy Secretary, Health System Strategy and Planning who joins the Ministry from Northern Sydney LHD. Deb brings her notable experience and passion for quality health care and patient outcomes to her new role. |
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Masks in non-clinical settings
From Tuesday 27 September, masks are no longer required for staff in non-clinical areas of public hospitals or private health facilities if the staff member is not interacting directly with members of the public.
Masks are still important to protect against COVID-19. We recommend that people wear a mask where they cannot physically distance from others. |
| Making sexual health a priority
The latest NSW Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2022-2026 guides the prevention, testing, and treatment of Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) and sets out how you can support people in making their sexual health a priority.
Read about what we’re doing to prevent, test and treat STIs in our latest NSW STI Strategy 2022-2026. |
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| Digital Health Summit We’re just three weeks away from the Digital Health Summit event on 17 and 18 October.
The Summit provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the advances in digital health, and a chance to focus on the research and innovation priorities within NSW Health’s Future Health Strategic Framework.
You may view the event program and register |
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal traditional custodians of the land in which we live and work and pay respects to all Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working with the NSW Government. |
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