How staff are caring for our ageing community and recognising those who have spent a lifetime at NSW Health |
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In this edition, we’re showcasing some of our services that are supporting healthy ageing and the remarkable staff behind them that make a difference to the lives of older people.
Supporting the health of our ageing community is a priority and there is so much work already being done across the system to enable older people to live active and healthy lives. This work means we can help people live more years in full health and independently at home.
Thank you to all NSW Health staff, including the aged care workers and geriatricians, who not only provide compassionate healthcare for older people, but who work hard to protect the dignity of everyone across our health system, no matter their age. |
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You’ll also hear from some of the staff who have worked with us over many years in many different roles and witnessed firsthand how healthcare has changed on-the-ground throughout their dedicated service.
Last week I had the great pleasure of attending the first meeting of our newly formed NSW Health System Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is made up of frontline clinicians from across the NSW Health system who will use their networks and connections with their colleagues to help inform and shape the delivery of healthcare. Health Minister Ryan Park opened the meeting and conveyed his enthusiasm for the group to bring the voice of frontline staff to help shape decision-making.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you to complete the Time for Care survey, as it will help us understand how we can reduce the amount of time spent on non-clinical and administrative tasks that you away from what matters most; patient care. |
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On another note, I recently had the opportunity to visit a number of services in Southern NSW LHD and had a great time meeting staff across the district who are doing remarkable things every day. Meeting the team at the South East Regional Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit was a highlight as they celebrated 365 days without a seclusion event. The care and support you provide to your consumers makes a real difference to their lives, and you should be extremely proud. There is more about my visit to Southern NSW in this edition. Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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Susan Pearce and Minister Park meeting members of the Advisory Council |
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Aged Care Rapid Response Team
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A team of clinicians from Northern Sydney Local Health District are helping acutely unwell older patients get the right care, at the right time and in the right place.
The Aged Care Rapid Response Team (ARRT) offer virtual assessments and home visits, treating patients for acute illnesses such as infections, falls, heart failure and delirium.
James Hardy, Geriatrician and Head of Department at Royal North Shore Hospital, is incredibly proud to be part of the ARRT team. “We’re able to see patients improve their health and stay well and happy at home,” said James. |
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“Our focus is to treat older patients in the most appropriate place. At times that might be in hospital, but often it’s at home where they feel safe and are the only patient in the room.” A lot can be done to help a patient before they are admitted to hospital. According to ARRT Clinical Nurse Consultant, Therese Jepson, the key is to listen. “Some people assume older people are incapable of making their own decisions,” said Therese. “Our team are there to advocate for their voice. We give older patients and their families time to express their wants and listen to their needs, so we can have caring and compassionate conversations about their care.”
Since 2020, ARRT referrals have doubled, and the team remain dedicated to their service. “I get to work with an amazing group of people who all put energy in providing a service that we all believe in,” said James. |
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Together at NSW Health for almost a century |
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Max Graham, his wife Gail and his brother Darryl, have together worked for NSW Health for 94 years.
Darryl has had many different roles over his 46 years at NSW Health, but today he works as a Health and Security Assistant at Macksville Hospital in Mid North Coast Local Health District.
“I really enjoy interacting with people and learning a bit about their background. Being a small community in Macksville, there’s a strong sense of community and comradery. We are more like a family,” said Darryl.
Max is not too far behind Darryl with 30 years of service, where he is currently the Food and Hotel Services Manager at HealthShare NSW.
“You have to be accepting to change. I've enjoyed doing what I do and have always been open and accepting to change. I started in a casual role and just kept saying yes to every opportunity. “I get a lot of satisfaction from training my staff. If my staff are happy then I know a happy day is ahead,” said Max. Gail works as a Food Services Assistant also at Macksville Hospital and has been with NSW Health for 18 years.
“I’ve always been a people person. I get to see all types of patients in the hospital, and I find our older patients are the most interesting! |
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"It’s a joy to be able to look after those who are more vulnerable and help steer them through the day-to-day,” said Gail. Max sums up what it's been like to work together all these years.
"Gail and Darryl have shown me all the support in the world. Whether it be work related or about the family, we support each other and give each other the confidence to do anything," said Max. |
| Max, Gail and Darryl Graham |
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Southern's safety milestone |
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The South East Regional Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Southern NSW Local Health District has achieved a remarkable milestone of 365 days without the use of seclusion.
Using seclusion can have a negative impact on patient wellbeing and be disheartening for staff. This is why the team have worked closely together to ensure patients stay safe while in their care.
“Safety for the people we care for, as well as our staff, is the number one priority,” said Gavan Pinne, Acting Nurse Manager. |
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Luke Sloane, Leon Watson, Kaye Jensen, Susan Pearce |
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“We know that seclusion is not a therapeutic practice and can be harmful for everyone involved. The combined effort of the entire team means we’re able to provide safer care and a better place to work.”
The milestone is an incredibly proud moment for the team, which was made even more special when the NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce, along with Luke Sloane, Coordinator General of Regional Health, Damien Eggleton, District Director Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Jacqui Cross, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, popped in to congratulate them. “This milestone is a real testament to the skills, focus and compassion of everyone involved, and what a great outcome for those in your care,” said Jacqui.
“What a great achievement, and such a wonderful example of what can be achieved when we come together as a team.” |
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Luke Sloane, Suzanne Eddie and Susan Pearce at South East Regional Hospital |
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Visiting Southern NSW Local Health District's Executive and Board Leadership team |
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Name: Mark Spittal
Role: Chief Executive, Western NSW Local Health District
Now, let’s get to know you a little better… What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you? Creative, caring, deep thinker, prankster. (My family wouldn’t stick to three …. and I’ve had to censor their replies.) Last great TV show or movie you watched? Too many to choose from. Usually with deep, twisting plots forged from intense human frailty, more than a few subtitles, and a real brain tease at the end. Favourite book or podcast?
Cautionary Tales podcasts by Tim Hartford. Nothing like learning from yours and other people’s mistakes! |
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If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? Playing the saxophone. If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating?
Either a Thai green curry or a chicken roast with kumara and greens (gluten free, of course). Any hidden talents?
On the increasing rare occasions when I have a momentary pause, I disappear into that special inner room and write creatively.
How do older patients inspire staff at Western NSW LHD?
The active community leadership of our local Aboriginal Elders is extraordinary, wise and deeply grounded in the most human of ways. They give so much for so little recognition. To experience the Dubbo Dementia Choir is also truly inspiring.
When the time comes to retire, what is one thing you dream of doing during your retirement?
Writing short stories and poetry in a study full of leather-bound antiquarian books before I relax in a lush, dappled garden overlooking the sea. |
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'At the CORE' of Western NSW |
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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. |
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Empowerment: There are more than 370,000 Australians over the age of 65 living with dementia.
The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Sing Out Choir is using music to empower people living with dementia in their community.
The Sing Out Choir was established by Anne Gemmell, Dementia Counsellor, in 2022. It is open to dementia patients, their carers, family members, friends, volunteer singers and musicians, and has grown to almost 100 members. |
| Sing Out Choir performance at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre
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“Music is medicine for the brain,” said Anne.
“It can help to reduce anxiety and depression, reduce agitation, improve behavioural issues and enhance quality of life.”
The Sing Out Choir has had an incredibly positive impact on people living with dementia. They are empowered to showcase their talents and get up and dance. Many patients are also able to identify and sing along to their favourite song.
“The choir brings together a community of like-minded people and provides a sense of belonging,” said Anne.
Caring for someone living with dementia is demanding, and we’ve seen extensive benefits for carers and families too, providing them with some respite but also the chance for social interaction and community,” said Anne.
In April, the Sing Out Choir sold out the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre for their inaugural performance and are planning to return in 2024. |
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No slowing down after 40 years |
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| As a Technical Officer, So Tran, or better known as ‘Uncle So', is one of NSW Health Pathology’s frontline pathology collectors. With 40 years of blood collection experience and the nickname of, "the man with the golden hands" - there's nothing Uncle So has not seen or dealt with before.
"To be a good collector, you need to be confident in yourself and your abilities. That's how you reassure patients and families they're in good hands. Plus, people think I'm funny, so I tell jokes to help relax those who might be anxious or worried," said Uncle So.
“I believe happiness rubs off on others and I'm always in good spirits and positive. Sometimes all they need is someone to talk to and explain what's happening.” At 62 and with no plans to slow down anytime soon, Uncle So recommends a career in pathology to others. |
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| Staff from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) have the chance to walk in the shoes of older patients.
The In My Shoes program is led by ISLHD Nurse Manager Research, Dr Alera Bowden, who began the program as part of her PhD. Nursing and allied health staff step into the shoes of a virtual reality ageing-suit which allows them to experience what it feels like to be older. |
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“Staff gain firsthand insight into some of the everyday realities for older people and how this might impact their experience as a hospital inpatient,” said Alera.
After more than 15 years of nursing, Alera chose this topic after seeing firsthand the positive difference empathy can have on the way care is provided to older patients. “I have witnessed the influence of empathy on older peoples’ positive experiences during acute hospital admissions.” “I found that wearing the suit improves staff empathy towards older people and leads to positive changes within the clinical environment, like patient safety, communication, shared decision making and the importance of providing tailored, person-centred care,” said Alera. |
| ISLHD Physiotherapist, Melissa Roach wearing the ageing suit |
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The vulnerability of aged care |
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Bradley Warner was nominated by his peers for the Australasian College of Health Service Management - NSW Health Managers Leadership Award and won in the Aged Care category.
A registered nurse by trade, Bradley is now the Bowral & District Hospital General Manager in South Western Sydney Local Health District. Through his many many years’ experience in caring and advocating for older adults, Bradley is sharing some of his insights into aged care.
“Understanding the true impact of vulnerability in aged care is a challenge that we need to be aware of," said Bradley.
"But vulnerability comes in many forms for older people - access to safe housing, many types of elder abuse, navigating the health care systems, building relationships with general practitioners, and the greater community’s perspective of ageing are all what an older person can be confronted with. |
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"It’s important to acknowledge how influential family, carers and friends can be in the aged care space and having the confidence to start a conversation with an older person.” |
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| Kate Gerlinger is back home in Leeton – a small town in Murrumbidgee NSW.
Growing up, Kate would roam the countryside with her sister and use the streetlights as her cue to head home. Now back in Leeton, Kate is working within the dementia wing of Carramar at Leeton Hospital. |
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“Dementia patients often cannot verbalise what is wrong if they are in pain and as a healthcare professional, you really need to be skilled and patient enough to work it out,” said Kate. Kate and her family have settled into their lives in Leeton and are enjoying the slower pace. It’s the perfect place for Kate to complete her registered nursing qualification and eventually specialise in geriatrics.
“The more I work within aged care, the more I know I want to stay in this field,” said Kate.
“It is very interesting and rewarding and I feel that it is even more special to be present in the last part of someone’s life. To be able to be a part of their journey, to assist their family by offering your care, support and skills,” said Kate |
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Nearing 34 years with NSW Ambulance |
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| Ian Johns began his career with NSW Ambulance in August 1989.
After nearly 34 years, despite the role of a paramedic becoming more complex and new challenges arising, for Ian, the role remains about patients and peers.
“For me, the highlight is the privilege of walking into people’s lives at often their worst moment and bringing calm and order. The satisfaction of that remains after all these years,” said Ian. “Everyone can be very proud of the thousands of people who work for NSW Ambulance - they are superlative humans!” For Ian, knowing yourself and being selfless is the blueprint of being a paramedic.
“Caring for people shift-after-shift, decade-after-decade is hard. You have to be resilient, but also learn to lean on the extraordinary support services that are available. Be a lifelong learner. Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, as you never know where it’ll lead and enjoy it.” |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit Evidence Digest focuses on clinical innovations that have the potential to change clinical practice and delivery or organisation of care.
In the past weeks, the Evidence Digest featured: - Bempedoic acid for prevention of cardiovascular events, treatment for type 2 diabetes, and anxiety screening.
- Opioids for back pain, new weight loss drugs, menopausal hormone therapy and dementia, and lung cancer screening in UK for people aged 55+ years.
To receive the digest in your inbox on Wednesday mornings, please subscribe. |
| Appointment of Deputy Secretary, Regional Health
Luke Sloane has been appointed as Deputy Secretary, Regional Health.
The creation of a Deputy Secretary for Regional Health will see the role continue to work closely with the Secretary, Ministry of Health, regional Local Health Districts, and stakeholders to progress initiatives already under way to improve health outcomes in regional NSW.
Read more in the joint message from Minister for Health and NSW Health Secretary. |
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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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