Read about the allied health workers providing essential support to our communities |
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Recognition and appreciation of the many achievements and positive contributions of our colleagues is an important part of our workplace culture. Following the recently announced NSW Premier’s Awards and NSW Health Awards finalists, this Monday (14 October) was Allied Health Professions Day. It was a welcome opportunity to recognise and appreciate our 15,000 allied health professionals across 23 professions in NSW Health. This edition showcases just some of the many ways our allied health staff support the health and wellbeing of our community. Thank you for the impact you make every day.
Last week, I joined the Hon. Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health and Regional Health, at Blacktown Hospital to see Hospital in the Home (HITH) in action. Where clinically appropriate, HITH can reduce a person’s length of stay in hospital or can even help them avoid admission altogether by providing high quality clinical care to patients who remain at home. Patients benefit from greater comfort and convenience, while HITH also improves patient flow and ultimately helps reduce the pressure on our busy hospitals. It is a great example of the kind of innovations that are benefiting both our patients and our health system.
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This week, I attended the NSW Ambulance Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Goulburn, followed by a visit with Deputy Secretary, Regional Health, Luke Sloane to see the outstanding work at Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health’s Goulburn Correctional Centre. I met with health staff from the centre to hear about their experiences of working at Goulburn, and toured the facilities to see firsthand how we deliver our services to patients in the most secure of settings. This included visiting one of the pods where we met and spoke with some of our patients, seeing the new Multipurpose Unit and the High-Risk Management Correctional Centre.
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It is also National Carers Week (13-19 October). It recognises and celebrates the estimated 958,500 carers across NSW. This year’s theme, Millions of Reasons to Care, acknowledges the diversity of carers who provide life changing care and support. This includes our colleagues working in Carer Support Programs or who are carers themselves.
NSW Health is committed to partnering with carers. The NSW Health Recognition and Support for Carers 2024-2028 (the Key Directions) has been published to uphold the principles of the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 and Carers Charter. The Key Directions outlines statewide actions and will inform planning and initiatives for carers across local health districts, specialty health networks and the broader system. I encourage you to have a read.
Kind regards, Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
| Secretary’s visit to the Goulburn Correctional Centre
Deb Little, Director of Nursing Regional – Primary Care, Shannon McCroary, Nursing Unit Manager,
Wendy Hoey, Chief Executive of Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health, Susan Pearce AM, NSW Health Secretary, and Luke Sloane, Deputy Secretary, Regional Health
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Twenty-six years after graduating as a radiation therapist and joining Western Sydney Local Health District, Cherry Agustin wouldn't move anywhere else. “I only came across the medical radiation science professions when I was going through the careers handbook in high school,” Cherry said.
“I rang Westmead Hospital to learn more about these professions, and was given the opportunity to briefly observe and learn from nuclear medicine technologists, radiographers, and radiation therapists." |
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This encounter shaped Cherry’s decision to become a radiation therapist educator. It also set her on a path to being awarded Western Sydney Local Health District’s Allied Health Educator of the Year for 2023, and a finalist in the 2024 Excellence in Allied Health Awards.
“The most rewarding part of my work is watching students and early career radiation therapists achieve their professional goals.” “I am extremely grateful each time I get the opportunity to listen, mentor, and coach.” Cherry is instrumental in the development and implementation of an education program, the Radiation Oncology Planning Bootcamp. |
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This monthly interdisciplinary learning initiative involves close collaboration with radiation oncology registrars, radiation oncology medical physics registrars and radiation therapists. “The bootcamp has been a transformative experience for both trainees and educators. It's rewarding to see their enthusiasm and growth as they step into their roles with confidence.” |
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Now and then | Class of 1994 |
Thirty years after graduating from the University of Sydney, a group of NSW Health speech pathologists recently reunited. Many have grown their careers exclusively with NSW Health. |
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University of Sydney Speech Pathology Graduates, Class of 1994 |
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2024 alumni and NSW Health colleagues Rachel Kearins, Elisa Woodward, Sue Fitzpatrick, Tracy Kelly,
Meredith Johnson, Stacey Sheedy, Anna Reid,
Dianne Kelly, Christina Mildren, Alison Harding,
Miranda Stewart, Vanessa Howden, Brodie Hughes, Tia Croft |
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HealthShare NSW rolled out the (perfectly laundered) welcome mat when NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM visited teams in the Newcastle area recently. |
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The Linen Services team process more than 40,000 tonnes of general and theatre linen annually - equivalent to approximately 26,667 cars! Operations Manager Goran Saveski says he couldn’t be prouder of the team’s incredible work. “We ensure every patient, in their most vulnerable moments, has clean linen to keep them warm. It’s a responsibility we take to heart, and it drives everything we do.”
At the Cardiff Patient Transport Service hub, Operations Lead Steven Stewart proudly showcased the work underway to improve patient flow and safety.
“Looking after the safety of our patients to ensure they get to their appointments or home safely is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Learn more about how HealthShare NSW supports patient care and their wide range of services. |
| Susan Pearce AM with the HealthShare NSW Linen Services team |
Susan Pearce AM with Goran Saveski |
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| Did you know? Occupational therapy traces its roots back to ancient times, when Greek physician Asclepiades treated patients using therapeutic baths, massage, exercise and music. |
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Simone Henry is an occupational therapist in a mental health inpatient unit in the Southern NSW Local Health District. Having moved to Bega Valley with her partner late last year, Simone is enjoying both her new role and all the area has to offer. |
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“I’m interested in how a person's mental health impacts their ability to engage in their life roles and activities. I work with people to help them understand their strengths and barriers, and identify what their needs are. This involves psychosocial, functional and cognitive assessment,” Simone said. “I also provide recovery and skills-based interventions, which are both individual and group facilitated. One of the ways I do this is by organising a regular BBQ, which allows clients to incorporate skills like food planning, preparation and cooking, and collaboration.” “It’s extremely rewarding to be part of someone’s recovery.”
“The area has a lot to offer too. I love to get outdoors, whether it’s fishing, kayaking or hitting up the mountain bike trails.”
From her fellow team to her clients, Simone says it’s the people who make her job worthwhile. |
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“I really love meeting a diverse range of people. I feel privileged to know people who have different experiences to my own – it helps me make sense of the world.” |
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Virtual Care Awareness Week 2024 | Event spotlights
Next week is Virtual Care Awareness Week (21 – 27 October). This is an opportunity to engage and educate on the benefits of virtual care. This year’s theme, Safe, Secure and Connected Healthcare Anywhere, supports consumers and healthcare professionals to deliver safe, secure and connected healthcare anywhere. Celebrate Virtual Care Awareness Week by checking out the events below. |
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All your virtual care questions answered
Virtual care plays an important role in healthcare, allowing patients to connect with providers from anywhere.
Join the Agency for Clinical Innovation and hear from the experts, who will answer your questions about using virtual care and empowering patients to request it.
Find out more about the sessions available and add the events to your calendar via the Agency for Clinical Innovation website. |
| Virtual Care Awareness Week 2024 Panel
You’re invited to join the NSW Ministry of Health’s online panel discussion to mark Virtual Care Awareness Week.
Join Karol Petrovska, Director of Connected Care at the NSW Ministry of Health, and Associate Professor Amith Shetty as they discuss NSW Health’s vision for the future of virtual care.
Secure your spot by registering on the event page. |
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Tune in to the 2024 NSW Health Awards The final countdown is on for the 2024 NSW Health Awards.
Across the 12 categories, several finalists showcase the exception work of our Allied Health professionals. Visit the NSW Health website to learn more about these fantastic projects and initiatives.
Cheer on your colleagues and be the first to know who our winners are. Watch the ceremony live from 6pm on Thursday 24 October. Find out more about the finalists and watch the awards live on the NSW Health website. |
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Sheran Moore balances two important roles. She is the team leader of sterilising services at the Mid North Coast Local Health District, and a carer for her 24-year-old son Brendan.
“Being a carer is hard. You have good and bad days, and some days it can be overwhelming. But seeing how far he has come makes it all worthwhile,” Sheran said. “It’s wonderful to see how much love he has to give – he does special things for me like making homemade cards and helping me cook. His progress and determination are so inspiring to watch.” |
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Sheran Moore with her son Brendan |
| Brendan has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, and requires constant care and attention. He uses a wheelchair and a walker for short distances, cannot be left alone, and uses respite care while Sheran is at work. Sheran credits her colleagues and workplace for the flexibility and support in balancing both responsibilities. She encourages others in similar situations to connect with carer support groups. “Finding people who truly understand you makes a big difference – you can really pour your heart out to each other. “But it’s also really important to make sure you have regular respite breaks and access EAP from time to time. It’s nice to have someone to talk to and take some time out for your own mental health.” |
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National Carers Week (13 – 19 October) National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, dedicated to recognising the three million Australians who provide care to a family member or friend.
As the peak non-government organisation for family and friend carers in NSW, Carers NSW conducts research, systemic advocacy and education for all carers in NSW. This year, they are delivering several events in celebration of National Carers Week. To learn more about these events and access resources for carers, visit the National Carers Week website.
The NSW Ministry of Health is partnering with Carers NSW to deliver carer awareness training. For further information and to register your interest, contact MOH-Carers@health.nsw.gov.au |
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Trading places | Deployment Program |
Physiotherapist Elissa and social worker Samantha Ferguson completed short-term placements in rural and regional NSW as part of the NSW Health Deployment Program. Read their stories below to discover why they joined the program and how it benefited their careers. |
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Are you a nurse, midwife or allied health professional looking for a change of pace? The Deployment Program offers short term positions in regional, rural or remote NSW with accommodation and travel costs covered.
To find out more about the Deployment Program or register your interest, visit the NSW Health website. |
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Kicking goals on common ground |
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When Michael Kouta found out that he was going to join the Australian Futsal team for the Asia cup, he didn’t think things could get any better.
“I thought about everything it took to reach that point. The feeling was out of this world,” Michael said.
After arriving back in Australia from a tournament in Bangkok, he received a call to play on the biggest stage of his career, a chance to qualify for the World Cup. |
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Although he scored an incredible goal, Michael missed out on the qualification. Not letting it get to him – he’s already back into the swing of the club season. When he’s not kicking goals on the field, Michael works as an Allied Health Assistant in the Forensic Hospital at Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. “Being an assistant is quite diverse. I organise exercises in our recreation hall, assist in art therapy classes, and support exercise physiologists and occupational therapists.
“It’s always great to be able to bring my playing experience to the role. Incorporating fitness also helps to improve the patient’s wellbeing.” Michael sees common threads between the adolescents he works with in the hospital and his own upbringing.
“It takes a lot for our patients to open up. I find that sharing my own upbringing and challenges really helps them feel more comfortable,” said Michael. |
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“It’s rewarding to build that trust and see them start to engage, which ultimately supports their recovery.” |
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Infection Prevention and Control Week
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week (13 – 19 October) recognises the role we play in the prevention and control of infections in healthcare. As the lead agency for NSW Health Infection Prevention and Control and healthcare-associated Infections, the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) provides leadership on safety and quality across the state.
The CEC has developed a suite of education and training resources that promote infection prevention and control practices for healthcare providers, clients, patients, residents.
To mark the 2024 IPC Week, the CEC has also developed a short video with five infection prevention and control practitioners from across NSW Health to discover why they chose a career in this field. |
| NSW Aboriginal Health Governance, Shared Decision Making and Accountability Framework The Centre for Aboriginal Health has launched the NSW Aboriginal Health Governance, Shared Decision Making and Accountability Framework. The Framework, coupled with the recent release of the NSW Aboriginal Health Plan 2024-2034, provides an opportunity to consider how we achieve the highest levels of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people through sharing power in system reform. The Framework introduces guiding principles for Aboriginal governance and accountability, underpinned by the concepts of self-determination, shared decision making and system accountability. Read the Framework and consider what practical actions you can take in your role to enable strengthened accountability for Aboriginal health. |
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Intersex Awareness Day
Intersex Awareness Day (26 October) is a day to celebrate people with innate variations of sex characteristics. It recognises the challenges and human rights issues they face. Intersex variations are biological traits and not about gender or sexuality.
The NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy prioritises responding to the health needs of intersex people in NSW. Each of us can support this by increasing our awareness of the experience, health needs and human rights of people with innate variations of sex characteristics. You can find more information and resources on the Intersex Human Rights Australia website.
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| Cyber security is everyone’s business It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month and a reminder to check you’ve completed your mandatory cyber safety training.
To stay on top of the latest threats, all NSW Health staff need to complete the refreshed Cyber Security Fundamentals module in My Health Learning every year. Please set aside time during October to tick it off. Search ‘Cyber Security Fundamentals’ in My Health Learning and help keep our system safe. |
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| From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations. Recent features include: - World Health Organization guidance for best practice in clinical trials, finerenone for heart failure and integrated mental health video consultations
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BMJ special edition on future health shocks, and machine learning in Parkinson’s disease
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare. |
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NSW Health acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of NSW and pays respect to Elders past, present and future. |
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Feeling social? Follow NSW Health |
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