Shining a light on the unique needs and challenges of women's health during Women’s Health Week. |
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The theme of this year’s Women’s Health Week (4-8 September) is ‘Grow your knowledge’, which is all about supporting women to make informed decisions about their health. This edition features stories about how staff across the NSW Health System are supporting and improving the health and wellbeing of women.
From new health initiatives to heartfelt stories of compassion and support, this edition reflects the many remarkable contributions our people are making in the field of women’s health. |
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This week we are also celebrating Multicultural Health Week (4-10 September), which aims to raise awareness of health issues experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
I am immensely proud of the work across NSW Health to deliver excellent patient-centred care that meets the needs of diverse communities throughout the state.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge World Physiotherapy Day, which is coming up this Friday (8 September). A huge thank you to all our physiotherapists for your commitment to supporting our community.
Finally, the 2023 People Matter Employee Survey has been open for two weeks and I’d like to sincerely thank all of you who have already had your say.
For those yet to participate, I would encourage you to please take a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes on Friday 15 September.
Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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When Kirsty England joined NSW Ambulance at Coonamble station 25 years ago, there were less than 10 female paramedics working in the area.
Today, Kirsty and her colleagues celebrate a very special milestone as women now make up more than 50% of the NSW Ambulance workforce. |
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“I clearly remember the day when a member of the public told me that they were surprised the ambulance service ‘allowed’ two females to work together. We have come so far since those days,” said Kirsty, Acting Manager of Clinical Education.
NSW Ambulance is the first NSW emergency service to reach gender parity in its ranks. “It is such an amazing privilege to be a part of this milestone! I am constantly reminded of the incredible work done by the pioneering women who went before us and paved the way for female paramedics,” said Kirsty. |
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Lee Clout was the first ever female paramedic in NSW – joining the ranks in May 1979 at Wagga Wagga ambulance station.
“I’m really pleased that people are now being employed for their skills and experience, with women receiving the same opportunity,” said Lee. “Gender has got nothing to do with it. It’s just about what you can bring to the job.” |
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Safe pregnancy journey for refugee women |
When Nawal Nadar fled her home country of Lebanon and ultimately arrived in Australia, she experienced first-hand how difficult it was to navigate the health system as a pregnant foreigner.
For this year’s Multicultural Health Week (4-10 September), Nawal shared how her personal experience inspired her to support pregnant women from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds through their journey – a mission she has pursued for more than 14 years. |
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“Pregnancy is a special time for all women. However, women from refugee backgrounds often carry war-related trauma,” said Nawal. “Many of us don’t speak English, have a lack of understanding of the health system and a lack of trust in hospital staff.”
After completing a bachelor’s degree in interpreting and translation as a 40-year-old mother of four, Nawal joined the Blacktown Hospital as a maternity liaison officer. The midwifery team provides culturally specific pregnancy care services to refugee women in the Western Sydney Local Health District. |
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“I know what it’s like to give birth away from families with no support because that’s what I experienced,” said Nawal.
“I speak with women about my journey while giving them hope and encouragement. I’m delighted to be part of a team that provides support and care for these women.”
Nawal’s compassion and dedication to helping refugee women was celebrated in the 2022 NSW Humanitarian Award when she won in the Government category for her exceptional positive contribution towards refugee issues in NSW. |
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As a proud local Wiradjuri woman in a leadership role, Ashleigh Marsland was honoured to attend the first ever Gook-int-ji-Nhunngku Gathering, which means “women’s gathering” in Barkindji language.
“To have 100 women come together in Bourke and share their stories was incredible,” said Ashleigh. |
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Ashleigh Marsland with NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM |
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“Everything was wrapped in Aboriginal culture, and it was so inspiring to hear how they overcame barriers to get to the positions they’re in today with the ability to influence real change.” Aboriginal women are a strong voice in their communities which is exactly what was showcased at the gathering in Bourke. “When you have strong women out in the community determined to make a difference, they’re unstoppable,” said Ashleigh.
“The gathering has motivated me to ensure there is space for local Aboriginal community voices to meaningfully contribute to the way our health services are delivered to improve health outcomes of Aboriginal people.”
The gathering aimed to give women in Western NSW Local Health District the opportunity to be empowered and to lead. |
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“Celebrating Aboriginal women in leadership roles is the kind of visibility we need to improve equality for Aboriginal people and inspire future generations to be successful in anything they want to achieve,” said Ashleigh. “We spoke about women’s business, but true reconciliation is up to everyone.” |
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Gook-int-ji-Nhunngku Gathering |
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Name: Dr Rebecca Deans
Role: Gynaecologist, South Eastern Sydney 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? Busy, energetic and determined. Last great TV show or movie you watched? All Quiet on the Western Front. Favourite book or podcast? All the Light We Cannot See. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? Sailing.
If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating? |
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A roast dinner. Any hidden talents? Ski touring. Your commitment to women's health, including paediatric and adolescent gynaecology, endometriosis and fertility was recognised earlier this year when you won the 2023 NSW Woman of Excellence Award. What does this moment in your career mean to you?
It’s wonderful to have recognition for multiple decades of dedication to women’s health. Why is it so important to address the unique needs of women’s health?
For such a long-time women’s health has taken a back seat in health funding. It is amazing to finally have this supported as an important area of research. We live in an age where we have resources to support improvement in quality of life, and my work focuses on these improvements for all women, from the cradle to the grave. As a health system, how can we encourage more open conversations about women's health?
It is getting the message across to all women to discuss topics openly such as periods, and infertility. It is only when we can get over the taboos of women’s health that we can start addressing these as legitimate health concerns for a large number of women. |
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'At the CORE' of South Eastern Sydney |
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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: One in three women in Australia experience bladder or bowel control problems, also known as incontinence, but help wasn’t always available. As we approach World Physiotherapy Day (8 September), Hannah Graetz takes us through her journey in helping and empowering women who suffer from this condition.
“During the early days of my career, I saw how much research there was to prevent bladder and bowel control problems in women, and realised there weren't many physiotherapists working in this area,” said Hannah.
“As a junior physiotherapist I couldn't understand how our profession's strongest evidence wasn't being implemented for such a chronic condition that isolates so many Australians.”
That’s when Hannah found her passion for women’s health. She joined the Royal Hospital for Women in South Eastern Sydney Local Health District eight years ago, and currently leads the exceptional team of pelvic health physiotherapists.
“Every woman we see has a story. Some may not have shared with anyone before, or may have shared without receiving validation,” said Hannah. |
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“Each day, I’m gifted the opportunity to validate their experience and to work with them to find their voice.” “Women put up with a lot, often in silence. To empower a person to take back control of their bladder, their health and improve their quality of life, is why we do what we do,” said Hannah. |
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2023 Health Literacy Seminar ‘Spotlight’ Series: Bridging the gap between health literacy and disability
Everyone can help build a disability inclusive, health literate environment and approach into our healthcare and health facilities. To support you, the Health Literacy Hub is hosting virtual sessions covering: -
guidelines for accessibility
- how you can support communication with people who have disabilities
- what you can do to include accessibility in your health communication.
Sessions are free to attend and suitable for everyone at every level within our healthcare system.
Register to attend a virtual session on digital or face-to-face communications today. |
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| Open conversations about menopause used to be few, far and feared, but the new integrated care menopause service is getting the word out to women. The menopause service has been welcomed into the Far West Local Health District, expanding on the districts existing women’s health services, and Clinical Dietitian Ellen Phillips is excited to be the district’s first Menopause Coordinator. “I know from experience that women’s health issues are not spoken about as openly as they should be, leaving many women suffering in silence. In this role I’ve been able to go out to my community and talk with women to understand their experiences and how we can help,” said Ellen. Educating women and empowering them to ask questions is the first step to helping them better understand what they’re experiencing and know that help is available. |
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“Conversations about menopause are starting to happen everywhere and it’s very rewarding to be a part of it,” said Ellen.
“What I love about being in a regional area is that there are so many fun and different ways to get the word out and the whole community gets behind you. People are sticking up our posters in their businesses and welcoming us on to their cattle stations to have a chat,” said Ellen.
Ellen can’t wait to meet and speak with more women in the Far West. “We’re planning to host more menopause symposiums and I’m so excited to have a stall at the menopause musical that’s coming to town!” |
| Jane Davies, Women’s Health Nurse; Tahlia Crampton, Allied Health Assistant; Ellen Phillips, Dietitian and Menopause Coordinator |
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A group of women from the imaging team at John Hunter Hospital have found a unique way to bond outside of work. Maureen Fulmizi and a few other women in Hunter New England Local Health District have been enjoying a sunrise swim at the local ocean baths. |
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Colleagues from Hunter New England Local Health District jumping in for a sunrise swim |
| “A few of us would jump in for a swim and do about 20 laps of the pool; others come just to have a coffee and a chat,” said Maureen.
The group use this time together to connect and reset. “As good as swimming is for our physical health, it’s really nice to socialise with colleagues out in the sunshine,” said Maureen.
“We are always joking with each other, and that laughter follows us back to work. It also brought us closer as we get to know each other more.” Maureen has shared some of her thoughts for Women’s Health Week 2023. |
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“As women, it is important to connect with each other freely, vent to each other when we need to, and embrace our shared experiences,” said Maureen.
“Building friendships both at work and outside of work helps to form these connections, and is good for the mind and soul!” |
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Appointment of Chief Executive, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Lee Gregory has been appointed as Chief Executive of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, commencing the role on 4 September 2023 for up to 12 months.
Lee is dedicated to innovation and collaboration and will support the district’s focus on continuous improvement. |
| Empower, listen and act together
We’ve launched the Child Safe Action Plan to embed child safety in our hospitals, health services and in online and virtual spaces.
Child safety is everybody’s business. The Action Plan sets out how we will implement the Child Safe Standards across all of our workplaces.
The Child Safe Action Plan is available on the NSW Health website. |
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R U OK? Day 2023, I'm here to hear RUOK? Day is coming up on Thursday 14 September.
The day reminds us to ask a very important question that lets our friends, family members and colleagues know we care, especially if they might be struggling with life’s ups and downs. This year’s theme is I’m here to hear. You can find out more about the day and how to ask an important question on the R U OK? Day website. |
Chief Executive movements at South Western Sydney Local Health District
Amanda Larkin, current Chief Executive of South Western Sydney Local Health District, has been appointed as the lead of NSW Health Response to the Special Commission of Inquiry, which will review healthcare funding in NSW.
Sonia Marshall, currently Director, Nursing, Midwifery and Performance of the district will act as Chief Executive until recruitment to this role progresses. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest focuses on clinical innovations that have the potential to change clinical practice and delivery or organisation of care.
In the past few weeks, the Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest featured:
- An alternate model for managing coronary artery disease in rural settings, AI for radiotherapy contour planning, RSV immunisation for US infants and EG.5, a new SARS-CoV-2 “Variant of Interest"
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NICE recommends home faecal immunochemical tests for colorectal cancer, expedited transfer to cardiac arrest centre for non-ST-elevation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and an emergency department avoidance service for older people.
To receive the digest in your inbox on Wednesday mornings, please subscribe. |
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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working with the NSW Government. |
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