Creating space for men's health, sharing healthy habits, and celebrating International Cleaner's Day and World Refugee Day. |
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This week is Men’s Health Week (12 – 18 June) which provides us the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of men’s health, and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.
I love this year’s theme, Healthy Habits, as it points out that our role is not just to treat people once they have become sick, but to also support and help men to connect to the care and services they need to build healthy habits.
In this edition, you will read stories about how across our health system, staff are supporting the health and wellbeing of men, in and outside of the workplace. Staff also share their personal stories, and their tips on how to keep healthy like taking a walk, or simply asking if you are okay. |
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Whether it is your partner, brother, child, friend or colleague, let’s give them a gentle reminder to think about their health during Men’s Health Week.
On another note, tomorrow is International Cleaners Day, an opportunity to recognise the efforts of all our cleaners. A huge thank you to all cleaners in every hospital, health clinic, and office, for creating safe, clean and welcoming spaces for patients, their families, carers and staff.
Your roles form an incredibly important part in elevating the human experience and our hospitals and health services would quickly come to a halt without you! Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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Mental health first-aid crusade | |
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| Craig Killian, Instructional Designer at eHealth NSW, broke down and rebuilt his idea of what it means to be a man.
After opening up about his experience with depression and anxiety, Craig has gone on to support and uplift men across the state and become eHealth’s first Mental Health First-Aid (MHFA) Officer.
“I’m a big advocate for men’s health and mental health in general. I became a Mental Health First-Aid Officer to reduce the stigma and make it easy for male staff to take that first step in getting help,” said Craig. |
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Craig has helped build a crusade of MHFA Officers who are supporting staff. “Our approach is to be proactive with staff and keep our radar on alert for people showing signs of stress or anxiety, so we can approach them in a friendly and respectful way,” said Craig.
“I’ve had staff call me just for a chat or to seek advice on how to help someone they know who is struggling with their mental health. It means so much to me to be able to be that first-step for people.”
This Men’s Health Week, Craig is sharing his biggest tip for men struggling with mental health. “You can Google ‘mental health’ and get millions of results which can be scary, especially for men and men working in health who have this idea that they must push forward.” “I encourage men to come up with a mental health plan. It's just like a workout plan but for your mind. Make a schedule to do things that will help rebuild mental resilience. I found that Brazilian jujitsu works for me.” |
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| In the lead up to Men’s Health Week, staff from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District joined more than 230 dapper men on a unique motorbike ride through Wollongong to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. For Anthony Percival, Fit Test Assessor and Registered Nurse, and Brendan Delaney, Senior Manager of Workforce Health and Safety, the commitment to men’s health didn’t stop at the end of the road.
“Being able to support men’s health initiatives is important, particularly as we see the impacts of health issues on our workforce and the wider community,” said Brendan. |
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Anthony Percival and Brendan Delaney beginning the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride |
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“Wanting to increase awareness of men’s mental health issues really influenced me taking part in the ride, and having had my own battles with melanoma, I’m constantly reminded that we don’t know what’s around the corner,” said Brendan.
Anthony agreed that it’s important to promote men’s health both inside and outside of work.
“Men tend to hide what’s going on with them, for different reasons. I want to let others know that as a male, a husband, a father and a nurse that it’s okay to show that you are not coping and it’s okay to ask for help,” said Anthony. |
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“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing patients get discharged, happy and thanking you on the way out.”
That is the standard of care that HealthShare NSW's Gregorio Mendellin strives for every shift as Team Coordinator for Patient Support Services in the Emergency Department (ED) at Royal North Shore Hospital in Northern Sydney Local Health District.
To celebrate International Cleaners Day (15 June), Gregorio is shining a light on his team. “No matter how busy it is in ED, our cleaners ensure that the ward is safe, presentable and well-resourced to ensure patients are getting the best possible care,” said Gregorio. |
| Gregorio being recognised for his leadership style and skill |
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“People come into ED stressed, not well, and with a lot of uncertainty. The protection cleaners bring to patients in ensuring that they do not get an infection while admitted to hospital is a massive task that, as a cleaner in any hospital, we should be extremely proud of.” Gregorio takes great pride in empowering his colleagues and encourages the men in his team to be open about their experiences.
“Often it is seen that as a male staff member, you are strong enough to handle traumatic events that may present in ED. I found that consistent communication is the best way to ensure that staff are okay and fit to continue work,” said Gregorio. |
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Name: Stewart Dowrick
Role: Chief Executive, Mid North Coast 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? From my children, loyal and charitable. They often say, “Dad we could write a book to describe you if we’re honest". Last great TV show or movie you watched? The movie 1917 is remarkable and reminds me of the incredible sacrifices of so many. I enjoyed watching the whole series of The Mandalorian recently – it was easy viewing while I was recovering from COVID-19. |
| Stewart Dowrick in his Surf Life Saving uniform |
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Favourite book or podcast?
Any Matthew Reilly novel - what a mind and imagination! Captain Jack West Jr, Shane Schofield (Scarecrow) along with all his characters, who get up to some pretty crazy adventures. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
I admire people with musical talents but I also envy tradespeople who can turn their hand to anything with great craftmanship.
If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating?
I have always been one for a good barbecue or campfire cook up, and nothing can beat seafood. Where we can, we use fresh vegetables and herbs from our garden. Nothing beats fresh zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, mixed salad from your own garden, along with your own herbs to top it off.
Any hidden talents? I do sell a mean meat tray and I have been doing this for many years to fundraise for sporting groups. The generosity of so many to support community organisations always impresses me.
Here are a few more questions to celebrate Men’s Health Week! What are some of your healthy habits? I really enjoy time in the garden. Growing your own vegetables and herbs is good for the mind and soul. I’m also a big believer in keeping yourself fit and healthy - running, swimming, and going to the gym. This year I’ve signed up to do The Push Up Challenge and I thank those who have been so generous in their support. Men’s Health Week focuses on not just physical health, but also men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. How can someone check in on a mate?
There’s a lot that can be said for having a good ear and listening. More than anything, it’s about having the insight to know when to offer support. |
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'At the CORE' of Mid North Coast |
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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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Openness: The Disaster Recovery Team at Mid North Coast Local Health District care for patients in all sorts of non-clinical settings – an open paddock, in a farm shed, under a big shady tree or along the side of the road. Recently Adam Ulrick, Disaster Recovery Team Manager, went out to Aldavilla to check on a local farmer, Tim McCarthy who has been dealing with the ongoing impacts of natural disasters to his property.
“The flexibility of our service gives people the opportunity to decide where and how they receive care,” said Adam. |
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Adam Ulrick with Tim McCarthy |
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“It’s really helpful when we’re going out to farmers as it helps break down some of the barriers they face and allows us to have open conversations, even while on horseback!” Farming is a predominately male industry that continues to have a stigma around mental health.
“Our farming community are very proud and reluctant to access support as they always say, ‘there is someone worse off’,” said Adam.
“We try to act on any opportunity to engage with farmers and have open discussions to put fears of mental health to rest. This may be at local cattle sales or agricultural shows.”
Although watching a farmer muster up cattle on horseback doesn’t happen every day, the team are committed to going out and supporting the men in their community.
“We’ve developed a vast network of services and support including a broad range of resources targeting men. A quick check-in is all it takes to start an important conversation,” said Adam. |
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Engaging effectively with Refugee Communities Forum
Join an online forum on World Refugee Day, Tuesday 20 June, to hear from expert speakers as they launch key multilingual health resources for effective engagement with refugee communities.
The forum is presented by the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service with the NSW Refugee Health Service and Settlement Services International and supported by NSW Ministry of Health.
Join directly here via Zoom. |
| Child Safe Standards information sessions
As part of the forthcoming NSW health Child Safe Action Plan, the Office of the Children’s Guardian is partnering with NSW Health to provide a series of information sessions for all NSW Health staff and leaders.
Register now for one of the all staff sessions on Wednesday 21 June. |
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Since 2019, the Supported Living team in the Mental Health Branch at the NSW Ministry of Health has advocated for refugee communities through the Mental Health Community Living Supports for Refugees Program. Today, the program is helping refugee communities across seven local health districts in NSW.
“The program is the first of its kind to support refugees and asylum seekers with, or at risk of, mental health conditions to recover and live in the community with as little ongoing help as possible,” said Karen de Mar, Principal Policy Officer. |
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“It’s been extremely fulfilling being part of this program that is changing the way we care for refugee communities,” said Karen.
“We’ve collaborated with mental health leads across the state and been part of something that has been shown to make a difference to people’s lives – it is definitely one of my prouder moments.” |
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On average, 173 people access the program each month, helping them live independently, engage socially and avoid acute mental health crises. Anita Smith, Senior Policy Officer, says the theme for this year's World Refugee Day (20 June), ‘Hope away from home,’ is very fitting. “There is a strong focus on community development to help build ongoing support and resilience. The focus is on the whole family to ensure that people are thriving together and as a community,” said Anita. |
| Anita Smith and Susila Kulasingam from the Supported Living team |
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NSW Ambulance know a thing or two about working in a challenging and fast-paced environment – which is often the case for many healthcare workers. During Men’s Health Week, the Health and Fitness team are hosting a webinar to encourage their male staff to maintain healthy habits. Some of the items on the agenda include the benefits of meal-preparation, challenges and solutions for a healthy lifestyle in regional areas, and how to be patient and ask for help if in need. |
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"We want our male staff to know it's never too late to improve their health and wellbeing,” said Richard High, Program Coordinator.
The key take-away for Richard is simple. "We are aiming for consistency, not perfection."
The team is excited to deliver this webinar during Men’s Health Week but understand that taking care of your health is a life-long commitment.
“The risks of being inactive are that you are more likely to have poor health, suffer from illness and have a shorter life span. Healthy habits are about the quality of your life and being able to do the things you enjoy, especially later in life,” Richard said.
“We are encouraging our male staff members to engage in regular physical activity and a balanced diet, if they're not already doing so.” "We're also encouraging them to seek support, which can be from our team, but also family, friends and colleagues.” |
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A helping hand in the healthcare journey |
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Every day is rewarding for Amanda Galati, a National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Participant Follow-Up Function Officer at Cancer Institute NSW.
Picking up the phone to speak to a participant about their positive bowel cancer result isn’t always easy, but it’s certainly rewarding when you’re able to make a positive difference to their experience.
“It’s a special feeling when the encouragement and support we provide leads to a colonoscopy, or cancer being caught at an early and treatable stage,” said Amanda.
Men's Health Week falls in Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (June) and the Cancer Institute NSW is identifying ways to encourage more men to participate in the program. |
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Program Participant Follow-Up Function team
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| “Unfortunately, men had consistently lower participation rates than women in screening,” said Amanda.
“Our research found that men have a reactionary rather than preventative approach to health and so we need to tailor our approach when promoting the program.”
Cancer Institute NSW is developing community resources to promote a maintenance approach to men’s health and wellbeing by highlighting the importance of screening and education. |
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Nominations open for the Multicultural Health Communications Awards Nominations are now open for the Multicultural Health Communication Awards 2023.
Nominations for the awards must be submitted by 5:00pm Friday, 30 June 2023.
For more information on eligibility, categories and to submit a nomination, visit the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service website. |
| Access the GeneEQUAL educational toolkit
The GeneEQUAL team have co-produced a toolkit of accessible, person-centred and inclusive genetic healthcare resources for staff working with people with intellectual disability. The toolkit made in collaboration with people with intellectual disability is available now.
More information can be found on the GeneEQUAL website. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
In the past weeks, the Critical Intelligence Unit Evidence Digest featured: - Direct oral anticoagulants for deep vein thrombosis
- Long COVID in Australia
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Oral treatment for preventing migraines
To receive the Digest in your inbox on Wednesday mornings, please subscribe. |
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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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