How we are being mindful, grateful and kind this International Happiness Day, celebrating International Women's Day and supporting Turkish and Syrian communities. |
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Today is International Women’s Day! An occasion to celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of every woman working across, and with, NSW Health and beyond.
I am enormously proud to see the substantial representation of women throughout NSW Health as it strengthens not only diversity but also experience, knowledge, skills and perspectives.
Pleasingly, 46 per cent of leadership positions across NSW Health are now held by women - getting much closer to the target of 50 per cent. |
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Ahead of International Women's Day, the NSW Secretaries Board released a Leadership Statement calling on NSW Government employees to support safe and inclusive workplaces by demonstrating these behaviours, reporting instances of workplace harassment and supporting colleagues who might be experiencing it.
Our workplaces are ones where all employees should feel safe, included and respected. We do not tolerate bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination or racism in the NSW public sector. Watch the video as we share our commitment to creating public sector workplaces that are safe and welcoming for everyone.
Coming up on 20 March is International Happiness Day where people around the world are encouraged to be mindful, grateful and kind.
Our CORE values are at the heart of NSW Health, but culture thrives in our daily actions – how we communicate as a team, how we treat others and how we support each other.
As you read through this edition, you will see some of the ways that staff are creating moments of joy and building a workplace we can all be proud of. Finally, I’d like to remind everyone that the official Caretaker Period for the NSW State Election has begun.
While our crucial work supporting the health of NSW will continue, it does mean that no significant decisions and appointments, or contractual arrangements should be made until there is a clear outcome from the election.
You can read more about what caretaker means for your work by reading the 2023 State Election - Caretaker Conventions guide. Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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Be mindful, grateful and kind |
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You might remember Alison Taylor, Clinical Nurse Educator from the 24th Annual NSW Health Awards 2022.
Alison and fellow Nurse Educator, Matt Flowers, are part of the Words Matter team who won the People and Culture Award in 2022. Together with their team at the Coffs Harbour Mental Health Unit, they continue to use words in a way that creates a safe space for staff to communicate to each other day-to-day and with their patients.
To recognise the International Day of Happiness (20 March), Alison and Matt have shared a few words to help spark joy and encourage others to ask themselves a few mindful questions. Watch the video below for some inspiration on how to be mindful, grateful and kind today. |
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Growing up with doctors for parents, eHealth NSW Director of Strategy, Mona Thind, always thought she would work in medicine.
That was until she discovered that she faints at the sight of blood! Years later Mona landed her first job in data and technology.
“It was in this role that I realised how much I enjoy bringing data together to drive improvements, and how technology enables me to do this,” said Mona. Now, Mona and her team are using data to shape what the future of care looks like. “I enjoy understanding the challenges that our health system faces and listening to clinicians to help us find a solution,” said Mona. |
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Mona also believes that data and technology play an important role in access, inclusion, and ways of working.
“For remote communities, data and technology provide the opportunity to supplement care when face to face is not practical, such as virtual care. It also provides the opportunity to work flexibly from remote locations,” said Mona.
To recognise International Women’s Day (8 March) and to mark this year’s theme, Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future, Mona is encouraging any girl or woman to consider a career in data and technology and imagine the possibilities.
“While technical skills are in demand in the IT sector, soft skills go a long way. It’s important to find a mentor and advocate, someone who will speak with you and for you. Above all, believe in yourself, and take that chance. You won’t know what you are capable of until you do!” |
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Name: Anthony Schembri
Role: Chief Executive, St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney
Now, let’s get to know you a little better… What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you? Loyal, caring, chilled. Last great TV show or movie you watched?
Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15 – totally obsessed. Favourite book or podcast?
Too many to list but last book I enjoyed was Michelle Obama’s latest book ‘The Light We Carry’, great insight on adapting to change. |
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If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Speak Maltese and surprise my relatives in Malta. If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating?
Seafood BBQ. Any hidden talents? Fencing, my favourites to fence are foil and sabre. Here are a few bonus questions to celebrate International Happiness Day!
How are you feeling right now? Energised and enthusiastic for the year ahead.
What are you thankful for? My mates for their comradeship, support, good times and fun.
Who do you want to send love to? My amazing nieces and nephews Isabella, Samuel, Marcus, Antonio, Savannah and Igea for bringing so much joy in my life and for putting up with their uncle. |
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'At the CORE' of St Vincent's Health Network |
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Our CORE values are at the heart of everything we do at NSW Health. At the CORE showcases the teams, initiatives, and achievements from around the System that display our values in action. Empowerment: The care and compassion at St Vincent’s Special Needs Dentistry Clinic is helping to put a smile on the face of patients and staff.
The team care for people from vulnerable communities who may have substance dependencies, who are experiencing homelessness, living with mental illness, or have been incarcerated. The team take great care to educate patients and empower them to take care of their oral health, regardless of their personal circumstances.
“Teeth are so important when it comes to empowering these patients to feel confident, have social connection, and find employment,” said Dr Nguyen, Special Needs Dentist at St Vincent’s.
St Vincent’s Special Needs Dentistry Clinic are one of the few services in NSW dedicated to helping vulnerable communities. They provide restorative treatments, extract broken teeth, and if needed, provide a whole new smile with dentures.
“It’s really rewarding for our team to be able to see the change by bringing back a smile to the lives of these patients.” |
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“It has certainly reignited my passion for healthcare,” said Dr Nguyen. Many St Vincent’s services are dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and allowing patients not just to survive, but to thrive.
Watch the video with Dr Nguyen to hear how they are empowering patients with the tools of dentistry! |
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Mental health support for Türkey and Syria | |
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Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, people from these communities in Australia, both newly arrived refugees and longstanding members, need support more than ever. The remarkable team from the Transcultural Mental Health Centre at Western Sydney Local Health District acted fast to transform existing support resources to address the mental health needs of communities impacted by the situation overseas.
The resources include a range of information for service providers supporting these communities including: - Background information about Türkiye and Syria in NSW
- Demographic profiles of the Turkish and Syrian communities in NSW
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A summary of factors that may influence the mental health and wellbeing of Turkish and Syrian communities
- A list of journal articles and resources on the mental health of Turkish and Syrian communities
- Service providers and bilingual mental health professionals
- Community organisations
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Multilingual resources
Find information online to help support our Turkish and Syrian communities. |
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Small things make a big difference |
When we are kind, patient, open, respectful and inclusive, we are creating a positive workplace environment.
It doesn’t take much to build a positive culture and often the smallest of moments, have the biggest impact. Far West Local Health District and Western Sydney Local Health District have shared some examples of how staff are creating a unique, thriving and supportive workplace culture. |
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Team work is the DNA of the Far West Brayden Borbely, registered nurse at Broken Hill Health Services (BHHS), received a helping hand from his colleagues, just because.
“I was attempting to clear the very cluttered storeroom on the medical ward when Heather Chapman walked past and said, ‘good job’,” said Brayden.
Brayden asked Heather for some suggestions on how to make more room, not expecting that she would return with an extra set of hands to help get the job done.
“Heather returned with Teresa Sayers and together all three of us cleared the storeroom and made it more accessible to get equipment,” said Brayden. Heather and Teresa are part of the Catering Department at BHHS. “This was not their job or even close to it,” said Brayden.
“I want to draw as much attention to the help they gave — it’s an amazing show of what it means to live and work in the Far West!” |
Brayden Borbely, Therese Sayers and Heather Chapman. |
| Drop it like it’s hot in Western Sydney
A squat challenge has taken over Blacktown Hospital. Two nurses from Western Sydney Local Health District, Fiona Liu and Camille Coladilla needed a new healthy habit to get their bodies moving.
“We used to go for a morning walk, but because the sun is quite harsh at the moment, we thought, why not do squats in the air-conditioning!?,” said Fiona. Each day Fiona and Camille do 100 squats to get moving and fit in some exercise. The challenge quickly caught on and now more than 20 staff at Blacktown Hospital join in to implement some heathy habits and break up their day. “It’s fitness and team building rolled into one, and I feel better about myself physically,” said Camille. |
Blacktown Hospital staff part of the squat challenge |
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Register for the next Value Based Healthcare event
Don’t miss out on the next Value Based Healthcare event on Tuesday 14 March from 11:00am. The next event will focus on how value based healthcare is helping to Close the Gap.
The Value Based Healthcare series explores how a value based approach to healthcare design and delivery is central to improving patient experience and outcomes.
Register now to secure your spot. |
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Round of a-paws for the new Orange recruits |
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A few furry friends are joining the team at Orange Health Service emergency department (Orange Hospital ED) in Western NSW Local Health District to help boost staff morale.
Ben and Freyja are two paw-fect dogs who have been promoted from ‘best pal’ to their most important role so far - Support and Wellness Dogs at Orange Hospital ED. Dr Greg Button, Director of Emergency Medicine, who began the Wellness Dogs program shares how Ben and Freyja are making a positive impact on the team. “We really wanted to do this for our ED staff who work incredibly hard in challenging situations. The dogs are here to provide support, lend an ear to scratch or a friend to take for a walk,” said Greg.
The team is making their wellbeing a priority and believed it was the perfect time to trial the new program. So far, the response has been outstanding. Nurse Unit Manager at Orange Hospital ED, Mim Eaton, shares how Ben and Freyja are helping to create a supportive environment for staff and helping them to unwind. “If we have to have difficult conversations or someone’s had a stressful day, it’s wonderful to have the dogs around to help support those conversations,” said Mim. |
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Ben and Freyja with Orange ED staff |
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Supporting, empowering and educating staff is just how things are done at NSW Ambulance and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD). Staff have been busy attending workshops to learn new skills, become more culturally aware and strengthen their resilience.
Discover the workshops that are shaping NSW Ambulance and NBMLHD. |
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Allied Art Workshop at NBMLHD Allied health staff explored Aboriginal culture by participating in the Dalmarri Aboriginal Workshop. The workshop focused on Aboriginal culture and art, and inspired staff to create culturally safe workplaces. “The Dalmarri Aboriginal Workshop was an innovative way to learn about Aboriginal culture and to work together to produce some fantastic art. It was relaxing and fun and everyone’s contribution was valued,” said Sharon Hammad, Senior Physiotherapist.
While staff were busy getting creative, the workshop facilitators - Trevor and Jason, shared stories of the Darug and Gundungurra people, art tips, and information about Aboriginal culture.
“The Dalmarri workshop was truly inspiring. I can now appreciate the intricate details of the artworks and how much hard work it takes to tell a story,” said Amanda Seymonsbergen, Senior Care of Older People in Surgery Physiotherapist.
NBMLHD now has five new spectacular artworks that symbolise openness, collaboration and a culturally safe space for Aboriginal communities. |
NBMLHD allied health staff with their finished artwork 'Mana – Badayla' |
| Wellness workshops empowering NSW Ambos
A crucial program at NSW Ambulance is helping to support the mental and physical health of the service’s workforce. Since its inception, 85% of NSW Ambulance have attended a workshop to learn simple, yet powerful strategies to enhance their health, safety, self-awareness, wellbeing and quality of life. Kogarah Paramedic Jodie Anderson said the workshops have been a huge help.
“Box breathing is an example of what I have implemented into my regular routine, especially after a big shift when I need to calm myself,” said Jodie. “I’ve also made a point of hopping into the ocean more after a shift, particularly when there have been traumatic jobs I’ve had to attend.” Soon enough, the Wellbeing Workshops will be cemented into NSW Ambulance services and become part of the orientation program for new staff.
Every single staff member is expected to have taken part in the workshop by June 2023, at which point the workshop will transition become part of the orientation program for new staff. |
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Getting help for a workplace issue |
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All staff play an important role in contributing to a positive workplace culture by working in a professional and productive manner. NSW Health has a policy framework for managing complaints, depending on the nature and circumstances of the matter.
When issues arise, policies and guidance are available to help you through appropriate resolutions. You are encouraged to raise any concerns with your manager where it is practical to do so, or through key personnel within your local health district, network, pillar or health organisation, such as through workforce, internal audit, or executive management.
In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for you to contact the NSW Ministry of Health or other organisations (for example, the Health Care Complaints Commission or NSW Ombudsman) if you are unable to raise concerns locally, or have already escalated concerns through local channels and there has been no outcome.
To find out more about the policy framework, how to get help with a workforce issue, and the role of the NSW Ministry of Health, Health Care Complaints Commission and NSW Ombudsman visit the NSW Health website.
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Ear and hearing care for all |
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World Hearing Day was celebrated on 3 March. The Audiology Service team at the Central Coast Local Health District is carrying out this year’s theme, Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality! by integrating ear and hearing care within primary care.
Richard Davies, clinical audiologist at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals explains just how.
“We have a very close relationship with the ear, nose and throat, oncology and neurology teams working in the hospital. We've been able to engage with their patients at an early stage to introduce hearing assessments as part of health checks,” said Richard.
For the team at Central Coast, strong community engagement is key to bettering hearing care locally. They are dedicated to working with priority populations to ensure everyone in their community can access hearing services. |
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Richard Davies and Karen Gillison from the Gosford Hospital audiology department |
| “We have a really strong relationship with the Indigenous health community who have enabled us to set up audiology screening programs as part of their infant and early childhood care programs,” said Richard. “The programs allow us to target those at a higher risk of developing ear problems and we’ve been able to identify issues early and at a young age to improve patient outcomes,” said Richard.
Richard and his team are kept rather busy, servicing a wide-spread region, providing ear and hearing care for everyone living across the Central Coast. |
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| Improving health outcomes in regional, rural and remote NSW
The new NSW Regional Health Strategic Plan 2022-2032 was recently published.
The Plan is a 10-year roadmap that focuses on a strengthened regional health workforce, better access to high-quality health services, expanded integration of care, prevention and education, supporting a sustainable health system and building community engagement in regional, rural, and remote NSW. |
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New Oral Health Strategic Plan
The Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022 – 2032 is now available and provides direction for public oral health services over the next 10 years.
The plan focuses on reducing dental disease and providing equitable access to oral health care for all patients, especially in achieving better outcomes for priority populations. |
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Join the Voluntary Assisted Dying mailing list Thank you to everyone who attended the first webinar on the implementation of voluntary assisted dying in NSW. If you couldn’t attend and would like to learn more, you can watch a recording of the webinar here.
To follow the implementation of voluntary assisted dying in NSW, register for our mailing list. |
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New videos encouraging young people to ‘Respect Your Brain’
Ministry of Health’s Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAOD), and Tobacco Control Unit have collaborated on two, easy-to-understand videos to add to the Respect Your Brain suite on the ‘Your Room’ website.
The videos address the impact of mixing alcohol and antidepressants, and vaping on the brain.
Discover the full suite of resources here. |
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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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