How we are delivering exceptional paediatric care across NSW |
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One of the great things about working in the largest public health system in Australia is the diversity of roles across our system. This includes our Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners. While they are a small proportion of our workforce, their positive impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities is significant.
Closing the Gap requires close collaboration with Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners are an essential link between our health services and Aboriginal communities. They support Aboriginal communities to engage with NSW Health and play a huge part in ensuring people receive culturally safe care.
Today on National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (7 August), I invite you to celebrate these healthcare professionals and watch this video to learn more about their very important work. |
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A total of 67,029 babies were born in the NSW public health system last financial year. We play a huge part in their lives, supporting children and their families every step of the way. But this is especially true for the first 2,000 days of life – from conception to age five – which are vital for improving children’s health now and into the future. The First 2000 Days Framework provides clear objectives and priorities to ensure children and their families can thrive.
Several initiatives in the implementation strategy are already underway and receiving a positive response. These include the expansion of the Sustaining NSW Families program to eight new locations, developing the NSW Digital Baby Book, and learning modules and resources for parents and carers including Building Brains and Bodies. The groundwork we are laying today will create lasting positive outcomes for future generations to come. I want to thank everyone who contributes to the terrific care shown to our youngest patients, their families and carers.
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Collaborating with the community helps ensure our services meet the needs of the people they serve. Last week, I was delighted to welcome 14 community members to the NSW Health Consumer, Carer and Community Advisory Council. The new council brings together a diverse group with unique perspectives to elevate the voice of consumers, carers and community members, and help guide how care is delivered across the NSW public health system.
Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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| Members of the NSW Health Consumer, Carer and Community Advisory Council |
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More than 200 Disney murals and digital displays now fill the corridors, wards and treatment rooms at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick and The Children's Hospital at Westmead. |
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The skilled staff at John Hunter and John Hunter Children's Hospitals delivered two sets of identical twins in one go! Hear first-hand from Ebony and Jayden about their miracle quadruplets. | |
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the more common developmental disorders among Australian kids and young people, but accessing diagnosis and support can be challenging. |
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To address this, Western NSW Local Health District has launched an ADHD and behavioural management pilot. This new initiative improves access to specialist ADHD services for children and families, streamlining the process of assessment, diagnosis and initial management. The pilot will also incorporate a GP co-management model to support children's ongoing management. Tammy O’Connor, Senior Manager of Paediatrics, is one of the program leads responsible for its implementation.
“My favourite part of the role is making a positive difference for the children and the people I get to work with,” said Tammy.
Despite only launching a few months ago, the program is already having a positive impact on children and family in the region. |
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Tammy O’Connor and her cousin Angus (who isn't part of the program but didn't want to be left out of a photo opportunity!) |
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“One of the first children who went through the model trial was finally able to sit in class and learn recently, which was very touching to see,” she said.
“Seeing children receive the help they need, when they need it, is what makes me look forward to coming to work every day.” |
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For the first time, Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHP) in NSW who have undergone the required training can independently administer influenza vaccinations to people aged five years and over. |
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Wendy Holmes, an AHP from Western NSW Local Health District, administered her first flu vaccine a month ago. “It was for an Aunt who initially came in to get her daughter vaccinated. After a conversation with me, the woman, who was in her 60s, received a flu vaccination for the first time in her life,” said Wendy. “Knowing what I do can potentially save our elders’ lives is so rewarding.
“I hope this program will lead to increased vaccination rates in Aboriginal populations,” she said.
Delivering culturally safe care is close to Wendy’s heart.
“Treating Aboriginal kids and making sure they're immunised, having rapport with families, and spreading the word to keep our Aboriginal communities and families safe is what makes it worthwhile.” |
| Wendy Holmes and Wiradjuri Elder Yvonne Hill |
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Wendy Bryan-Clothier, NSW Ministry of Health’s Manager of Aboriginal Workforce, says the team is pleased to see Western NSW Local Health District include AHPs in their flu vaccination program under the recent changes to the medication authority. “This is a positive change towards closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal People and builds the AHP’s capacity to deliver to their optimised individual scope of practice,” she said. |
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About Aboriginal Health Practitioners Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) connect Aboriginal people to culturally safe clinical care. Working closely with clients and a multidisciplinary team, our AHPs help to Close the Gap in health outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Learn more about what they do on the NSW Health website. |
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The thought of surgery can be intimidating for anyone, but especially for children. However, Sammy was in good hands with the friendly staff at Nepean Hospital there to support him through every step.
Watch the video below to see things from Sammy's perspective, and how our staff provide comfort and care to our young patients. |
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Cancer Conversations webinar
The Cancer Institute NSW is hosting a special edition of Cancer Conversations on Monday 12 August from 4pm to 5pm. It will feature 2024 Australians of the Year Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO, and leading skin cancer epidemiologist Professor Anne Cust. Register now so you don’t miss this opportunity to hear from world leaders about the life-changing outcomes happening in skin cancer research. |
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Being a lifesaver is in the blood |
NSW Ambulance, along with other state emergency services are rallying to donate blood in the 2024 Emergency Services Blood Drive.
Inspector Mark Whittaker at NSW Ambulance is one of the champions encouraging people to roll up their sleeves. |
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Mark Whittaker and other NSW Ambulance champions |
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To get involved, take the eligibility quiz and book an appointment by 31 August, and ask Lifeblood Australia to add your donation to the NSW Ambulance tally. “Being a champion is really important to me because I know how crucial blood products are, and have seen their direct impact in cases I’ve attended,” said Mark. “The great news is that anyone can get involved. You don’t have to work for any of the emergency services to have your donation go towards your favourite service.” |
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“At the end of the challenge the winning agency gets bragging rights. But without sounding cliché, the real winners are the recipients of these products,” he said. |
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For some patients at Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, entering custody is the first time they access any kind of dental care. Dr Kate Jung is one of three dentists at the network. Together, they service 34 centres across the state. |
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“I always wanted to do something that creates a real impact on people while interacting with them. Dentistry provides that, especially with our patients, who either have never been to the dentist, or had bad experiences in the past. They appreciate it a lot,” said Kate.
This week is Dental Health Week (5 – 11 August), an occasion to celebrate our dentists in the system like Kate. “Some of our patients come from challenging backgrounds. Treating them with kindness and understanding really changes their confidence and self-esteem. We really do transform their lives.” Not all correctional centres have the clinical space required for dental services, so the team got innovative. “We created a mobile dental unit which we could bump in and out of Hunter Correctional Centre,” she said. |
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“It allows us to see patients we wouldn’t have been able to see otherwise. The patients also feel reassured that we are making an effort and doing all we can.” |
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2024 People Matter Employee survey |
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The next People Matter Employee Survey (PMES) will run from Monday 19 August until Friday 13 September The PMES is NSW public sector’s annual employee engagement survey. It is completely anonymous and invites everyone to share feedback about their experience of working at NSW Health, including what’s working well, and opportunities to drive improvements.
The link to complete the survey will be emailed to you. The survey does not collect any identifying information, such as your name or contact details and is strictly anonymous. It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. For answers to frequently asked questions about the survey, please visit the Public Service Commission website. |
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Peoples' feedback drives action
In response to PMES survey results, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Mental Health Service has been working to improve staff engagement and recognition through the creation of the Wellbeing Committee. |
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Rachael Mulley and Matthew Russell |
| “The Committee is about ongoing, meaningful engagement with our people. It allows staff to have a real impact on how we respond to PMES, rather than seeing it as just an annual task,” said Matthew Russell, Director of Mental Health Service. The Wellbeing Committee gathers employee feedback, ensuring their voices shape initiatives that enhance staff wellbeing in the long term.
Adult Mental Health Service Manager Rachael Mulley is the Co-Chair of the Committee. “One purpose of committee is to ensure a bottom-up approach to providing ideas and actions that support wellbeing. “We are keen to improve the overall wellbeing of our people in the workplace by gathering ideas from all areas of the workforce,” she said. |
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Deborah Franklin loves her job as a Child and Family Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant – a role she has held for almost 30 years.
During World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August), Deborah shares what she finds most rewarding about her work. |
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“My passion is breastfeeding,” she said. “It’s very rewarding supporting families to meet their feeding goals.” As a clinical nurse specialist, she helps parents and their families in the Canterbury area of Sydney Local Health District navigate life with a newborn, specialising in infant feeding education and support. “We recognise that all families are different, and the local area is culturally diverse, so we have an adaptable approach to caring for everyone. |
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“You have to work in partnership with families. It is important to listen and hear what parents want and validate what they are saying. We are very fortunate to have access to interpreter services if required,” she said.
Feedback from parents and families has been invaluable for Deborah, who is encouraged by even the smallest token of gratitude.
“It’s nice to see when you’ve advised or suggested something, and they come back and say, ‘Oh yeah, I tried that and it’s actually working,’” she said. |
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Public Interest Disclosures
All staff play an important role in contributing to a positive workplace culture by working in a professional and productive manner. When issues arise, policies and guidance are available to help staff through appropriate resolutions. NSW Health has a policy framework for managing complaints, depending on the nature and circumstances of the matter. Learn more about the protections for staff when reporting serious wrongdoing on the Intranet. |
| NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research
Nominations for the NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research are now open and close at 12pm on Monday 19 August.
This annual event celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals and teams within the cancer research community and those supporting innovation and cutting-edge delivery of care.
Submit a nomination today and reach out to the Cancer Institute NSW Grants team if you have any questions. |
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Refugee Transitions magazine The latest issue of Refugee Transitions magazine is now available. Developed by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors, this edition features articles on crucial human rights topics and covers the latest developments in neuroscience treatment for torture and trauma survivors.
You can subscribe or read the magazine online. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations.
Recent features include: - Precision health and mRNA powering a personalised vaccine revolution, WHO guidelines and research priorities for sexually transmitted infections
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The shingles vaccine and dementia risk, blood biomarkers for Alzheimer disease, and magnesium sulphate for preterm foetal neuroprotection
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare.
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Add these upcoming events and awareness days to your diary and keep an eye out for events happening around you. |
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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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Feeling social? Follow NSW Health |
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