Celebrating all the incredible achievements of 2023 |
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There’s a famous story about United States President John F. Kennedy’s first visit to NASA’s headquarters in 1961. While touring the NASA space center, President John F. Kennedy noticed a janitor carrying a broom. He walked over to the man and asked: “What are you doing?” “Well, Mr. President,” the janitor responded, “I’m helping to put a man on the moon.”
The story highlights how everyone – no matter their individual role or responsibility – contributes to achieving a larger mission, and is united by a bigger purpose than just the tasks at hand. In NSW Health, that is providing excellent experiences and outcomes of care for the communities we serve.
As we head towards the end of 2023, let's take time to reflect on our shared purpose and our many achievements across NSW Health this year. |
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Our collective accomplishments span award-winning innovations and outstanding care to keeping our hospitals running smoothly to helping a colleague, a patient, or their family or carer through a rough patch with an act of kindness.
During these busy times, I hope you can celebrate and take genuine pride in the difference you all make. Because while it is impossible to list every achievement across the breadth of NSW Health and the many wonderful people who work here, each of you contributes to delivering world-class healthcare underpinned by kindness and compassion, in your own way. I hope this is reflected in this edition's stories and you enjoy reading them. Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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It’s a very exciting time for the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS), as their Transitional Nurse Practitioner (TNP) program is now a reality.
Laura Scerri and Sarah Binchy are the first transitional nurse practitioners chosen for the program.
“It’s a huge achievement to be able to work as part of the amazing team in developing the first TNP program, where nurse practitioners will be trained in both neonatal and paediatric intensive care retrieval,” said Sarah Binchy. |
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“The program gives us an exciting opportunity to meet the needs of our service and provide the best care to our patients. I’m very excited and ready for the challenge,” said Laura Scerri. NETS transports newborn babies from 23 weeks old to 15-year-old teenagers between hospitals by both land and air, taking intensive care to patients to stabilise and then transport them in mobile intensive units.
“I really enjoy working in collaboration with different teams, travelling around NSW, and sometimes interstate, and caring for the sickest newborns and children," said Laura.
“I am so grateful for the support from both nursing and medical colleagues and we are excited for the future professional development opportunities for the NETS nursing team." |
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Laura Scerri and Sarah Binchy |
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“We get to meet and treat many families with a diverse range of conditions, and it is very rewarding to make a meaningful difference to these families’ lives,” said Sarah. |
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NSW Australians of the year fight their biggest battle |
Close colleagues and friends, Professor Richard Scolyer AO from NSW Health Pathology and Sydney Local Health district and Professor Georgina Long AO from Northern Sydney Local Health District have achieved what was believed by many to be impossible.
Their work in immunotherapy has made the once fatal advanced melanoma curable for more than 50 percent of patients. “Cancer impacts many thousands of Australians each year, and to be at the forefront of research and clinical advances which are saving lives across the country is incredibly rewarding,” said Richard.
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Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer |
| “We are incredibly honoured to receive recognition for our hard work, but we couldn't have done it without our amazing team,” said Georgina. The pair are co-medical directors of Melanoma Institute Australia and were named 2024 NSW Australian of the Year for their work in melanoma.
When Richard was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer, they decided to apply their expertise in melanoma to Richard’s brain cancer. |
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“We’ve transformed melanoma, and we want to see if it can make a difference in brain cancer too. I’m happy to be the guinea pig,” said Richard. Richard became the world’s first brain cancer patient to have pre-surgery combination immunotherapy, as well as a personalised cancer vaccine. “We are so excited and happy with the results so far – they have been encouraging and we are all blown away,” said Georgina. |
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Name: Syd Dudley
Role: Volunteer, Murrumbidgee Local Health District Now, let’s get to know you a little better…
What was it like to win the 2023 NSW Health Volunteer of the Year Award? It was daunting, humbling and really an honour.
What is your favourite part of being a volunteer in Murrumbidgee?
We are constantly receiving feedback about what our community wants from the health service. Being able to take on the sentiment of the community that I represent and manifest those thoughts in a forum and into the system is really rewarding.
What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you? Resourceful, reliable and faithful
Last great TV show or movie you watched? Would I Lie to You? (The English version)
Favourite book or podcast? I’m always on the go so I pick one book up, read a few chapters and put it down. Sometimes I have two or three going at once. One of them I’m reading now is The Healthy Brain. |
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If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
To speak a new language! I'd probably go for French or German. If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating?
Spag bol Any hidden talents? I love my garden and people usually come to me for advice since I'm an old farmer.
What does International Volunteer Day (5 December) mean to you?
It’s about embracing Murrumbidgee and the community that I serve, and it’s a reminder of their needs and how I can advocate for my community. After all, I’ve been doing it for 30 years!
Hear more from Syd about what it means to be the Volunteer of the Year on the NSW Health website. |
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'At the CORE' of Murrumbidgee |
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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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Respect: Recognising the shortage of doctors in regional communities, Murrumbidgee Local Health District came up with an innovative solution - The Murrumbidgee Model.
“The Murrumbidgee Model is built on the foundation of respect. It recognises the needs and challenges faced by junior doctors, as well as the importance of general practices role in providing holistic healthcare in rural communities,” said Dr Alam Yoosuff, Director Primary Health Care.
“It provides a secure employment contract with all the incentives that any other medical training registrar would have, which isn’t common in general practice training.”
The Model has won the NSW Health Awards and NSW Premier’s Awards this year, and will be rolled out across the state. |
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Ariah Steel, a GP registrar in the program, said the Model has been successful in retaining doctors because of the training and variety it provides to junior GPs.
“I really love having diversity in my role. I get to work in the emergency department, in the clinic, and sometimes I do some obstetrics work,” said Ariah.
“The best thing is I may see a patient who has come into emergency over the weekend and instead of referring them back to their GP during the week, I am the GP they follow up with during the week.” |
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Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
The team at Justice Health NSW are in the final weeks of implementing the electronic Medication Management (eMeds) solution across all their settings. The change from paper-based medication charts to online has been a significant achievement for the organisation, improving patient safety and saving time for clinicians. |
| NSW Ambulance
The NSW Ambulance is the first emergency service in the state to achieve gender parity within its rank. This year, they invested in 10 new stations, 90 additional ambulances, 80 4WD ambulances, CORPULS 3T defibrillators and a LUCAS mCPR device in every frontline ambulance. They also launched GoodSAM and two research projects for cardiac arrests.
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Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health
The Mental Health Branch facilitated a knowledge sharing session with a group of Ukrainian psychiatrists and psychologists. The branch shared frameworks on how mental health services are delivered in NSW and offered practical tips for programs that will help support the trauma and torture survivors of war in Ukraine.
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| Clinical Excellence Commission
The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) released the Fall Prevention in NSW White Paper 2023, which highlights the impact of falls on individuals and the community, and provides key recommendations. CEC’s maternity intelligence system QIDS matIQ now captures data on 100% of public hospital births in NSW, which means clinicians can access data statewide in near real-time! |
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Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2023 |
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Evaluation and Research Webcast Series webinar In the field of health professional education, there is a shift from measuring the measurable to teaching and assessing what matters most.
Join Professor Brian Jolly to discuss the challenges and merits of workplace-based assessment in health professional education at the upcoming HETI Evaluation and Research Webcast Series webinar on 6 December from 6pm to 7pm.
To register, visit the HETI website. |
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International Day of People with Disability online event
Celebrate this International Day of People with Disability by tuning into the Public Service Commission's online event on Tuesday 5 December from 10am to 11am.
You will hear from keynote speaker Nas Campanella, ABC’s National Disability Affairs Reporter, Kathrina Lo, NSW Public Service Commissioner, and Anti-Discrimination NSW on what you can do to improve accessibility and foster inclusion in your workplaces. There will be Auslan interpreters and captions at the online event.
Register now and email diversity.inclusion@psc.nsw.gov.au if you have other accessibility needs. |
| Elevating the Human Experience December Showcase
You’re invited to the Elevating the Human Experience Showcase on Thursday, 14 December, from 10am to 12pm. The showcase will celebrate the achievements of 2023 and shine a spotlight on projects that are transforming the experiences of patients and staff across NSW Health. Register to attend to receive a calendar appointment, or add the appointment to your calendar now. If you’re experiencing any issues, please contact the Ministry of Health Experience Team. |
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After a four-year journey of innovation, HealthShare NSW introduced the Texture Modified Foods (TMF) statewide this year, improving the experience of patients and residents on a pureed or minced diet. Designed for patients who have trouble chewing or swallowing, the new TMF products are produced by the Food Production Unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, using a new and improved recipe. “We will continue seeking feedback from patients and carers, staff and clinicians, but early results are really promising,” said Melanie Frost, Associate Director, Food Service Reform. |
| Patient Thelma enjoying a puree meal |
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The Texture Modified Foods team |
| Around 80 per cent of patients have reported improvement in their mealtime experience, saying the new products “look appetising and have a much better taste.” There is also a 10 per cent reduction in plate waste. “It comes down to providing the best possible experience for our patients during mealtimes,” said Anne Buckley, General Manager. "We’re all proud of the outcomes we’ve achieved." |
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Our people: deployment proves a win win |
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Meet Jane Lee, a Central Coast-based pharmacist who wanted to help after hearing Broken Hill was short-handed, and operating with just two pharmacists. She signed up for a short-term regional deployment in the Far West Local Health District, kicking off in August 2023. "One of the things that really stood out for me was the staff. They were so warm and welcoming and very grateful for the help," said Jane.
"I felt part of their team straight away and it was really nice to see that different health districts were able to help each other." Watch the video below to hear from Jane about her experience in the deployment program. Deployment Program At a Glance - Covers accommodation and travel costs, with other incentives provided.
- Lasts between two to 13 week with temporary, full time and casual positions available.
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Deployed 83 staff since February.
- A-MA-ZING feedback from regional local health districts and staff alike.
- Open to allied health professionals, nurses and midwives.
Interested in a short term regional placement yourself? Find out more. |
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For Occupational Therapist Elise Kerle, being born with a vision impairment has given her a unique perspective of her role at the Royal North Shore Hospital in the Northern Sydney Local Health District.
“I often work with patients who have just acquired their disability, so I have to remind myself that this isn't something they've had since birth like me, and they'll need time to adjust,” said Elise.
“I’m able to share what I know about processes and services available, which someone who doesn't have a lived experience might not be aware of.”
Elise is an advocate for recognition, which is exactly what the upcoming International Day of People with Disability (3 December) is all about. |
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“It’s about saying ‘hey, we see you, and we know the world isn’t always built for you’ and acknowledging us as people and the value we bring to society,” said Elise. “I encourage workplaces in all industries to take part in this awareness day because being seen is a powerful thing.”
Elise’s manager helped her to obtain a 27-inch monitor, a laptop with built-in magnification software, a large print keyboard, and handheld magnification devices. Workplace adjustments like these, and many more, can be accessed by contacting your People and Culture Team or visiting the Public Service Commission website.
The support Elise has received has allowed her to help more people in need. “I have been able to help people return home happily and safely, which is what I love the most about my job,” said Elise. |
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Michelle Beets Award for Inspirational Paediatric Care |
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Four NSW Health staff were recognised in The Humpty Dumpty Foundation's 2023 Michelle Beets Award for Inspirational Paediatric Care. The award recognises health professionals who inspire peers through their efforts to advance the health of children in NSW. |
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Shannon Evans, NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park MP, Robyn Shoemark and Andrew McDonald |
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The metropolitan winner is Dr Andrew McDonald, South Western Sydney Local Health District, and the regional winner is Dr Margaret Kummerow, Far West Local Health District. Both of them will each receive $25,000 worth of medical equipment and a $5,000 grant for professional development, training or research. Robyn Shoemark, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haemophilia, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Shannon Evans, Clinical Nurse Educator of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District were named metropolitan and regional highly commended recipients respectively. Congratulations to all! |
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Each year the NSW Health Awards celebrate the achievements of the remarkable, passionate, and committed people in NSW Health.
Check out the highlights video from the event below. If you didn’t get a chance, you can watch the ceremony or learn more about the finalists and winners on the NSW Health website. |
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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 weeks, the CIU Evidence Digest featured:
Hepatitis D treatment, ECPR, oxytocin in active labour and making the most of virtual wards
Deferred cord clamping, telerehabilitation, OECD effective AI policy and NICE treatment choices for menopause.
To receive the digest in your inbox on Wednesday mornings, please subscribe. |
| New taskforce to guide AI in NSW Health
NSW Health, led by our Clinical Innovation and Research Division, will establish a dedicated taskforce to help inform and guide the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Comprising subject matter experts from across NSW Health, the taskforce will develop a framework that ensures the successful and safe adoption of AI in ways that benefit everyone working in our health system and, most importantly, the communities we serve.
To learn more, visit the NSW Health website or email MOH-AI-mailbox@health.nsw.gov.au.
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Tertiary Health Study Subsidies
The Tertiary Health Study Subsidies will open for applications on 15 January 2024.
The new subsidies will support up to 12,000 students over five years to study nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, allied health, Aboriginal health, and medical interns. Up to $12,000 paid over three years is available for students starting their studies in 2024-26. Or consider applying for one of the 2,000 one-off $8,000 payments if you're graduating and starting work with NSW Health. Register now to receive a reminder when applications open. |
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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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