Showcasing the NSW Health staff who provide healthcare to children and recognising World Breastfeeding Week |
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Every year in NSW, our health system supports the almost 100,000 babies born to have the best start in life. We know that the first few years of a child’s life are so crucial to their overall health and development which is why every day, NSW Health staff work hard to make those first experiences of health care positive and deliver the best possible outcomes for every child.
In this edition, we are celebrating the staff who care for the youngest members of our community and focusing on the services we provide that support children and families from birth onwards.
Caring for little ones is a big job! It can be very challenging to care for someone who is unable to communicate what is wrong or how they are feeling. You are also caring for the parents, carers and families and being that reassuring presence during stressful and anxious times. |
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I want to thank everyone who works across our children’s hospitals and paediatric wards for helping to care for sick children and holding parents’ and carers hands along the way. You do an amazing job at keeping children happy and healthy.
Finally, I’d like to thank the thousands of staff who responded to the Time for Care survey. Your feedback will help us understand how, as a health system, we can work to reduce the amount of time spent on non-clinical and administrative tasks that take our staff away from what matters most; patient care. I look forward to sharing more information on the survey’s findings very soon. Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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All you need is Pokémon and a bit of chocolate |
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Sick children can often spend long periods of time in and out of hospital, which is why it is so important to ensure they are having the most positive experience possible.
As a Patient Experience Policy Officer at the NSW Ministry of Health who is passionate about Elevating the Human Experience, Maddie Schmidt knows just how big an impact kindness and compassion can have. Even more so now after her seven-year-old son Harry was in and out of hospital.
“Harry’s care team are just phenomenal. They have wrapped us in a warm blanket and cared for us at different touch points along our journey,” said Maddie. |
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Harry Schmidt at Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick |
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“Harry and his team of nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, respiratory scientists, each have their own relationship. Rather than coming straight to me and asking, ‘alright mum, what’s happening,’ they interact with him, making his experience more positive.”
Harry’s pal and Paediatric Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant, Michael Purcell, is always finding opportunities to provide personalised care and build relationships with children and their families.
“I find developing a therapeutic relationship is pivotal with both the child and family. It engages the children more and it makes having hard conversations much easier. I have a sweet tooth, so it usually starts by bonding over our favourite lollies and chocolates, or in Harry’s case – Pokémon,” said Michael. “I love being able to shape and change the journey of the family. Knowing that years on from now they will be able to look back and have a positive reflection on being unwell sparks that inner fire of mine.” |
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Welcoming babies to Bourke |
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Birthing on Country helps babies build a strong cultural connection to Country, but it is not always possible.
The Western NSW Local Health District Bourke Baby Project was initiated to support the connection for new mums and bubs and is now planning its third annual Welcome to Country Ceremony. Everyone in the community is invited to welcome little babies and even big 'babies' up to 21 years old! Pat Canty, Manager of Partnerships and Community Engagement has been part of the Bourke Baby project since the very beginning. |
| Mum and baby being welcomed by Elder, Aunty Heather Mieni and Mayor Barry Hollman. |
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“The Ceremony is very important culturally and promotes inclusion and belonging in our community. It allows us to come together and share our Aboriginal culture with everyone and introduce all our babies to this great little community called Bourke,” said Pat. The Ceremony opens with an acknowledgement from Aboriginal Elders and is filled opportunities for babies to be welcomed into community and immersed in culture. There is even an opportunity to wash babies’ feet in the Darling River water which flows through the town. “Last year we had fathers bringing their babies up on stage to be welcomed by our Mayor and community Elder,” said Pat.
“With the help of our community groups and services, we’re able to give babies a beautiful welcome and gift them items like bracelets made by Elders and a jar filled with dirt from Country that they can take with them wherever they go.”
Helping babies and parents have a closer connection to land can have a positive flow on effect on their health and wellbeing too. |
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Children are the best teachers |
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Many of the people working in our health system have come full circle. From being born in one of our hospitals, being treated for their first broken bone or having their own children, to becoming one of the remarkable staff members supporting their community.
For Ebony Jones, caring for children is in her DNA. Her mum Rachael has been working at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Hunter New England Local Health District for more than 25 years. Ebony is now following in her mum’s footsteps and assisting in the paediatric outpatients’ clinic as an assistant nurse. “From a very young age I have always wanted to be a nurse. My mum provides me with valuable mentorship and guidance to aid my own personal growth and define my own pathway in caring for children,” said Ebony.
Although Ebony’s mum is what sparked her interest in children’s health, it is the valuable lessons that can be learnt from children that keeps Ebony passionate about her role.
“Working with children can help you see life from a different and unique perspective. I’ve learnt patience, adaptability and problem-solving,” said Ebony. “Witnessing the way children can adapt and overcome the challenges they face with their illnesses can be incredibly inspiring.” |
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| Ebony Jones with mum Rachael |
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Name: Cathryn Cox
Role: Chief Executive, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
Now, let’s get to know you a little better… What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you? Organised, hard working, energetic. Last great TV show or movie you watched?
Slow Horses as Gary Oldman portrayed the lead character exactly as I had imagined the character from the books. I also enjoy some escapism with any Marvel movie and most recently really enjoyed Across the Spider Verse. |
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Favourite book or podcast?
I always have several books on the go as I read something different depending on how I’m feeling. It might range from A.S. Byatt, to Haruki Murakami or Peter Temple. The only genre I’m not a great fan of is science fiction.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? I have always wanted to play the piano and was going to learn when my son learnt to play. I may have left it a bit late though as I never got past chopsticks. If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating?
A country baked dinner is usually my go-to for large family occasions. Otherwise, it will be a trip to the fish market and lots of fresh seafood. Any hidden talents? I love being out on Blackwattle Bay dragon boating. It’s a great team sport and racing is a lot of fun.
What is so special about working in children's health?
Children have the most amazing resilience in the face of adversity and to watch them overcome those challenges is always uplifting. To trust us to care for your child is both a privilege and responsibility. The ability of staff to bring fun and playfulness into how they care for children is incredible.
Some of the children cared for by SCHN grow up to become part of the SCHN team. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I grew up on a farm and thought that, maybe that’s what I would do, however a stint in the physiotherapy department at Narrandera Hospital for work experience changed that direction. I still have a particular affection for chooks as anyone who knows me well will know. |
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'At the CORE' of Sydney Children's Hospitals 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. |
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Collaboration: Sometimes little patients need a big team to help them get back on their feet.
For children like Hugo who are born with complex conditions, it requires a collaborative effort across multidisciplinary teams to provide the best possible care.
Since Hugo was one year old, his family have called Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick their second home. When he was transferred to The Children's Hospital at Westmead, a home was made for them there too. |
| Hugo playing with his brothers |
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Part of Hugo’s team was Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Physiotherapist, Johnny Leung. “Hugo’s success in therapy involved a multidisciplinary approach with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, child life therapy, and of course, his family. He has done very well,” said Johnny. The impact of helping him through his rehabilitation to regain speech, learn to walk, and return to school is monumental.
“It's wonderful to see what can be achieved when hospitals, departments and clinicians all work together for the benefit of the family,” said Johnny.
Hugo’s care team has helped him keep up with his older brothers and let his cheeky personality shine bright and shows how collaboration can create the best outcomes for patients.
SCHN have worked with the Agency for Clinical Innovation to develop a paediatric rehabilitation toolkit to support health care professionals who are helping children like Hugo. |
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The secret to caring for kids |
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Patience and empathy are key when caring for children, especially when you are the person holding the sharp needle.
Two paediatric pathology collectors know just the trick to make children comfortable and relaxed so they can get the care they need – and their parents can take a sigh of relief! |
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Monu Tualau has been at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital for 14 years and has always wanted to work with babies and young children.
“With adults, you can talk to them and make sure they understand what you are there to do. But with kids, it takes work. They may not understand or be too young to communicate their feelings, so you need to put them at ease in other ways,” said Monu.
“Working with a paediatric team is like a big family. We support each other and there’s always something to learn.” |
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| Tanzina Sheikh is a phlebotomist at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick and has been a paediatric collector for 17 years.
“Paediatric collections are unique and need a different skill set including the ability to empathise with the child but, most importantly, relate to the parents and make them feel at ease,” said Tanzina.
“Getting to know the kids and their families is so special. I take the time to make them comfortable, to feel relaxed and I ask them questions and learn things about them, making it easier to explain what I need to do my job.” |
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Building bonds one latch at a time |
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Mary Hourigan is somewhat of a breastfeeding wiz!
Mary is a Child and Family Health Nurse in Southern NSW Local Health District, an accredited lactation consultant, a recently retired breastfeeding counsellor, and a volunteer for the Australian Breastfeeding Association in Bega Valley for almost 30 years. |
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Mary has helped countless women in their breastfeeding journeys and is sharing some of her recent proud moments for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August).
“Supporting women who are breastfeeding is so important,” said Mary. “It is a special time that helps women build a bond with their baby and it can be very rewarding for both mum and baby when they’re together.” Mary noticed a lot of her colleagues are having babies and wanted to apply her years of experience to help them. “I wanted to acknowledge their efforts of combining work and parenthood and so I helped to set up the parents’ room to ensure it is breastfeeding friendly.” Mary’s passion for supporting women and children and her vast connections within the breastfeeding network helped South East Regional Hospital become a certified Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace.
“It’s a really proud moment because it doesn’t just highlight the effort of our hospital staff, but also the importance of our Child and Family team,” said Mary. |
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Painting by Bega Valley Midwife, Lise Hetzel, displayed in the parents' room, symbolising a connection between mother and baby wrapped up in the support of midwives |
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Register for the August Value Based Healthcare Webinar Join us for our next value based healthcare webinar on Tuesday 1 August from 11:00am – 12:00pm.
The webinar will include a discussion and Q&A on Our one health system approach to managing diabetes in NSW with the opportunity for attendees to ask panel members questions.
Sign up now to learn how NSW Health is working to improve diabetes management for patients and keep people well and out of hospital. |
| Learn how voluntary assisted dying implementation is progressing in NSW
On Tuesday 1 August from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant and the Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Team will host a webinar to provide an update for health professionals.
Learn about how patients and practitioners will be supported by the Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator and Pharmacy Service. Register for the webinar here.
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Help in reach for students |
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The Wellbeing and Health In-Reach Nurse Coordinator program is supporting the health and wellbeing of school students and their families.
Wellbeing nurses like Nikki Rabbitte work with school wellbeing and learning support teams in selected NSW public primary and high schools to identify students' health needs and connect them and their families to health and community services. Nikki shares one of her proud moments as a wellbeing nurse in the video below. |
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Changing genetic health care for the better |
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Imagine walking into an appointment unaware of the reason for your appointment. The doctor doesn’t speak to you directly, and major care decisions are made without your input because you are not considered capable of giving informed consent for a genetic test.
This is the reality for many Australians with intellectual disability when receiving genetic health care.
A team of talented and passionate researchers including Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network clinical geneticist, Dr Emma Palmer, embarked on the GeneEQUAL project to create an inclusive and respectful model of genetic health care funded by NSW Health. |
| Jackie Boyle, Julie Loblinzk OAM, Skie Sarfaraz, Iva Strnadova and Emma Palmer.
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“It’s about changing the whole mindset of health care professionals and bringing it back to the person,” said Emma.
The inclusive research team co-produced the GeneEQUAL toolkit with people with lived experiences to help health care professionals provide inclusive, person-centred and respectful care. “Every single step has been co-produced so the voice, preferences and opinions of people with intellectual disabilities are not only heard but responded to.”
“I found that so many of our co-production participants had never before been asked their opinions. They really valued that we could show them exactly how we listened to what they had to say.” Emma is incredibly proud of what the team has been able to accomplish and the positive change that is unfolding. |
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Connecting, listening and responding to maternity care needs |
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Sue Coats and Aimee Thursby job-share the role of Clinical Midwifery Consultant for high-risk pregnancies at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH). They are part of a team delivering a new model of care that enables them to better support women with high-risk pregnancies. “Much of our role involves coordinating and consulting with various clinicians to collaborate on, develop and review individualised plans for women who need extra support,” said Sue.
“It’s a rewarding feeling to know that I’m helping to provide continuity of care that is specialised and supports women during pregnancy, birth, postnatal and early childhood stages.” |
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Aimee Thursby and Sue Coats, clinical midwifery consultants |
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Aimee said having a speciality service has improved high-risk pregnancy care and outcomes by streamlining referral pathways and connecting women in a timely way with the services that best meet their individual needs.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I’m helping to make such an important difference to the lives of these women and their families.”
Sue and Aimee are guided by the Connecting, listening and responding: A Blueprint for Action – Maternity Care in NSW which aims to strengthen maternity care services to improve experiences and health and wellbeing outcomes for women, their babies and families. Find out more about the Blueprint on the NSW Health website. |
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Championing immunisation in schools |
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| Barbara Wilson has worked as the Immunisation Coordinator at Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts for more than 10 years and drives the program encouraging school kids to roll up their sleeves. “I love having the opportunity to educate others. If I can make any hesitant young person feel confident to get vaccinated, then my job is done and it’s very rewarding,” said Barbara.
The NSW School Vaccination Program offers students in Year 7 the Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis and Human Papillomavirus vaccines, and the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is offered to students in Year 10. Barbara travels a long way to reach these students but it’s all worthwhile. |
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“I can ensure their vaccination experience is positive and I take the opportunity to educate students about vaccine preventable disease,” said Barbara.
A new platform has enabled parents to provide online consent for their child’s vaccinations. For Barbara, it allows her to easily access vaccination records and consent forms on an iPad, providing students with a bit of entertainment!
“The kids are quite entertained with us older generation computer users. I tell them that although the technology is new, the challenge is for us old nurses who are using it and we all have a bit of a laugh.”
The platform is improving data quality and security and helping people like Barbara to keep children in the community safe. |
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Chief Executive, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District After over 12 years’ dedicated service and transformative leadership, Kay Hyman, NBMLHD Chief Executive, will retire in September 2023. Since Kay commenced as Chief Executive in 2011, she has exemplified leadership, commitment, and an unwavering passion for improving healthcare delivery in the Nepean Blue Mountains region. The process of identifying an Acting Chief Executive will begin shortly. |
| Videos support a healthy start to life
Northern Sydney Local Health District's Small Bites for Big Steps video suite gives educators, and families practical tips and ideas on how to enhance physical development and encourage healthy behaviours across three age groups; 0 to 18 months, 18 months to 3 years and 3 years to 5 years. Health care professionals working with children in their first 2000 days are encouraged to share these videos with their patients and community groups to help children get the healthiest start to life. |
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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: - Diabetic foot ulcers, secondary prevention of coronary events and virtual reality for fall prevention and post-stroke patients
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Interventions for treating depression after stroke, telemedical monitoring for diabetic foot ulcer and organisational factors associated with outcomes following hip fracture
To receive the digest in your inbox on Wednesday mornings, please subscribe. |
| Support the health and wellbeing of children in the first 2000 days
The Health Education and Training Institute have released a module for health care professionals who work directly with children. The First 2000 Days module provides strategies on how to work collaboratively with children and their families and how to identify pathways for specialised care when needed. Use course code 372863564 to find the module in My Health learning.
This module supports the First 2000 Days Strategic Plan and F2000 Implementation Framework. |
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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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