Showcasing the incredible work we do including support and care for our ageing community |
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Meeting and caring for older people can be rewarding, fascinating and even eye-opening for our staff and volunteers. Learning about someone’s life experiences, and listening to older peoples’ stories is a privilege. For some of our younger staff it also highlights how quickly things have changed within the space of a generation – especially the profound impact of technology – from the arrival of mobile phones and the internet, to the latest cutting-edge medical technology.
But regardless of what’s changed over time, some things endure – including our goal of helping older people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Just over one in four people in NSW is aged 65 or over. That proportion is set to grow. It highlights that older people will increasingly rely on us for excellent care and the critical role of NSW Health in nurturing the wellbeing of our ageing community, including our friends and family. |
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While this edition is about the care provided to older people, I also want to acknowledge and thank our older NSW Health staff – many of whom devoted their entire careers – spanning four or five decades - to public service and health. Their expertise, knowledge, and mentorship has a profound impact, and creates a rich legacy for the next generation of talent coming through.
Lastly I had the pleasure of recently attending several events, including meeting the winners of the 2024 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards. And I am delighted to see the momentum continue with International Women’s Day events happening across NSW in support of gender equity and to celebrate the extraordinary women across our workforce, including many unsung heroes.
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Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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Elders make a splash helping close the gap |
Thursdays are a highlight of the week for Aunty Evelyn Pipe and Aunty Robyn Joseph. |
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Each Thursday lunchtime, they take part in Aboriginal Elders aqua aerobics classes at Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital.
“I feel fabulous! It’s great exercise for us,” said Aunty Evelyn. The classes are led by Shannon Gerber, Senior Exercise Physiologist with Sydney Local Health District.
Each week, Shannon takes the Elders through a series of exercises appropriate for the age group. “I always look forward to these sessions,” she said. |
| Shannon Gerber runs aqua aerobics classes for Aboriginal Elders every Thursday |
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Aboriginal Elders Aunty Robyn and Aunty Evelyn |
| "It’s wonderful to see the Elders taking care of themselves while also having fun.”
Aqua aerobics can have many health benefits for older people, including reducing joint pain, increasing flexibility, reducing muscle loss and improving heart health. The project was launched in 2023 by the district’s Aboriginal Cultural Support Team. The idea came from the RPA Elders Advisory Group, which gives local Aboriginal Elders a culturally safe space to share their opinions on health matters affecting their community. |
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“This initiative is an important step in helping to ‘close the gap’ and keeping our knowledge holders healthy and living longer,” said Alexis Joseph, Aboriginal Cultural Support Project Officer. |
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International Women's Day | Meet Cath Ryan |
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This Friday is International Women's Day (8 March).
We caught up with Cath Ryan at the Every Week Counts forum, hosted by Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC).
Cath has been working in midwifery for 40 years. She is currently the District Clinical Midwife Consultant at Western NSW Local Health District.
Watch the video to find out what International Women's Day means to her and to hear her advice for the next generation of women. |
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Hospital stays can be particularly stressful for older people. Thanks to a recent expansion, the dedicated Aged Care Outreach Service (ACOS) is now accessible to all 25 residential aged care facilities in the Illawarra region. |
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“Not only does it prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency department, but it also means residents can receive care in the comfort of their home, surrounded by familiar faces and their familiar routines, which really helps with their mental health,” said Tara Grant, Nurse Unit Manager Aged Care Outreach Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The ACOS team of specialist nurses, doctors and other clinicians provide medical care to residents at home. Launched in July last year, the team saw 1,054 residents in the first six months, with 80 per cent able to be cared for in their home.
“We recently treated a resident who, following an extended hospital stay, was really upset at the idea of going back,” said Tara.
“After four days of in-facility treatment, the resident made a full recovery and was extremely happy that she avoided another hospital visit.
“I’m very proud to be part of such an incredible team that genuinely makes a difference to older people’s lives,” she said. |
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Contractor recruitment briefing sessions
Contractor Central is the team responsible for coordinating contractor recruitment within NSW Health. The team will be hosting sessions for those who would like to familiarise themselves or have a refresher of the process to engage and manage a contractor.
To attend, register your interest for one of the below virtual sessions: |
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For the past 14 years, Max Heslehurst has supported patients and their families in the Mid North Coast Local Health District through their cardiac health journey.
The 89-year-old recently retired from volunteering but has continued to support the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Cardiology Team over the years. His was a finalist of Volunteer of the Year at the 2023 NSW Health Awards.
Learn more about Max's volunteer work and hear from him directly on why he does what he does.
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Independent living on the Central Coast
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A team at Central Coast Local Health District is supporting older people to live independently and stay connected to their community as they age.
A partnership with the University of Newcastle, the Central Coast Health and Wellbeing Living Lab brings together older people, health professionals, academics, students and aged care experts to look at what people need to continue living at home in old age. |
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“More than one in four residents in our district is aged 60 or above, so we want to help them to live healthier, longer lives in the community,” said Maya Smitran, Director Strategic Development and Delivery, who coordinates the Living Lab project.
Older people can face challenges like loneliness, difficulty accessing care or struggling with technology, which can impact their ability to live independently. “The Living Lab gives older people in the district a say in solutions that will be meaningful to them, including care plans, services, products and technology.”
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| Maya Smitran at the Living Lab workshop |
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The first Living Lab workshop took place in February and was attended by 70 local people and stakeholders.
“We do have a real feeling of pride about getting this up and running, it was very heartwarming and inspiring to see everyone come together,” said Maya.
“I think we will be stronger as a community because of this.”
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South Eastern Sydney instills hope |
For some, getting older can bring about mental health challenges, including feelings of isolation. |
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Daniella Taylor, Lara Coates and Cindy Wunderlich |
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Staff at Older Persons Mental Health Service, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, have launched a campaign to support and engage older people at risk of suicide and promote support services.
It includes a video featuring four exceptionally brave older people from the local community with lived experience.
“It was very special to be able to work with people from our community who want to help others and instil hope,” said Daniella Taylor, Access and Pathway to Care Lead, Partnerships and Transitions Team, Mental Health Service. |
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“The messaging helps older people know they are not alone and encourages them to take a moment, one breath at a time, pick up the phone and get in touch with services.”
The video has been played in 52 general practice clinics across the district. The team is working on a statewide rollout to support the broader community, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. |
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Sepsis pathways to empower clinicians |
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Four updated Sepsis Pathways have been launched to help nurses, midwives and doctors recognise and respond to this dangerous condition, thanks to a team at the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC). |
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| The CEC consulted with health professionals and expert groups to develop the four pathways – one each for adult, maternity, paediatric and neonatal patients. Clinical pathways are important tools for health staff, helping them to recognise this condition and provide them with guidance on how to respond and escalate care.
“Sepsis is a medical emergency, and needs rapid intervention,” said Mary Fullick, Senior Improvement Lead Adult Patient Safety with the CEC. “The pathways will help nurses, midwives and doctors respond quickly to reduce the serious impacts of sepsis,” she said.
“These pathways will contribute to saving lives.”
Visit the CEC website for more information. |
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Allied Health Award Winners for 2024 Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the 2024 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards!
Cheered on by colleagues and supporters, NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM awarded winners and congratulated everyone’s achievements.
To watch the ceremony, view the livestream recording on the NSW Health website. |
| Rural Allied Health Assistant Scholarship
The Rural Allied Health Assistant Scholarship supports NSW Health staff in rural areas to upskill as a Pharmacy Assistant or Allied Health Assistant.
Apply now for $3,000 to help with your Allied Health Assistant Career. Applications close 26 April 2024.
For more information on how to apply, visit the HETI website. |
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NSW Health AI Taskforce
A newly established NSW Health AI Taskforce will inform and guide the use of AI across the system.
Comprising subject matter experts and senior leaders, the Taskforce will be supported by working groups to develop an AI Framework for release this year.
The Framework will cover governance, communication, skills and capability, assets and intellectual property, data governance, and align with national and state government frameworks.
Find out more and meet the AI Taskforce members on the NSW Health website. |
| From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations. Recent features include: - Breastfeeding and cardiometabolic risk, AI to improve primary care and resolving physician shortages with new care models
- A trial of CAR T-Cell therapy for multiple sclerosis, between-hospital variation in quality indicators and reducing antibiotic use in primary care
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare. |
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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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