How we’re keeping patients and staff safe across NSW Health |
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Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in the 2024 People Matter Employment Survey (PMES). Your input is central to making improvements across NSW Health – from enhancing workplace culture to identifying learning and development opportunities. I look forward to sharing the results with you later this year.
Safety informs every aspect of our work and is a key pillar of our Future Health Strategic Framework. While it’s always top of mind, we marked World Patient Safety Day on Tuesday (17 September). As part of driving continuous improvement, the Clinical Excellence Commission created NSW Health’s first Comprehensive Care – Minimising Harm safety model. It helps frontline staff provide safe, patient-centred care to older people in hospital. Other new initiatives include a statewide medicines formulary and the rollout of education and tools for healthcare workers across NSW.
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Safety at work encompasses mental health and emotional wellbeing. A safe workplace goes hand-in-hand with a culture of care, respect, and support. Alongside the support of your colleagues, and initiatives that support people in their workplace, please also remember NSW Health provides staff free access to 24/7 support via the Employee Assistance Program (details are on your local intranet). Services include work-related issues and life issues such as relationship stress and financial concerns, and are often available to your immediate family members too.
And finally, a big shout out to all the HealthShare NSW teams in Charlestown that I was lucky enough to spend some time with this week. More to come on the incredible work these teams are doing with great skill and passion to support our health system in a future Check In. Kind regards, Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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Celebrating diagnostic excellence |
Ensuring patient safety in the emergency department is a passion for Dr Melanie Berry. As an Emergency Physician for the Western NSW Local Health District, she knows firsthand that sharing tools and insights with colleagues is vital.
“First, we need to acknowledge the intensity of the scenario. Staff are almost always busy, have competing priorities, and may be tired or stressed,” said Melanie.
“Diagnosing a patient, often multiple patients at once, in that environment, requires a balance of learned and lived skills, reaching out to other medical colleagues, and instinct – trusting your gut feeling.”
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Kate Christopher, Dr Matthew Smith, Dr Melanie Berry and Ryan Thomas |
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Melanie spoke about her experiences with Dr Matthew Smith, Executive Clinical Director, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District, in the latest Safety and Quality in Action podcast. Hosted by the Clinical Excellence Commission they delved into the importance of accurate and timely diagnoses in ensuring patient safety.
“Clarity of mind is essential. Never be complacent. Work with family members to gather information but also ensure professional interpreters are used when required, as sensitive questions or medical nuances may not be accurately communicated by family,” said Matthew. Melanie and Matthew believe that celebrating excellence in diagnosis is as important as supporting staff when diagnostic error occurs. |
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World Patient Safety Day was 17 September. Listen to the Clinical Excellence Commission’s podcast series on Spotify. |
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Q: What are Budget Estimates?
A: Budget Estimates is a key process that enables Government accountability and transparency. Last week, senior executives and I participated in the annual Budget Estimates inquiry. Over three days, we appeared alongside the Hon. Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health, the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Mental Health, and the Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Medical research. This is an important part of our democracy. As public servants, it is our responsibility to ensure that our work and decisions are open to scrutiny, and the budget estimates process plays a vital role in maintaining the trust placed in us by the people of NSW.
During the sessions, we are typically asked about a range of topics. Questions can span the breadth of NSW Health. Given our organisation’s size, we may not always have the answer to each question at our fingertips. This is where we take a question ‘on notice’ and undertake to provide a response promptly either during the session or in writing afterwards, ensuring accurate details are provided. |
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If you would like to find out more about democracy in NSW, the Parliament has a great website, is open for visits, and is even hosting a free Family Fun Day next month. Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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David Campbell is a pharmacist at Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. He provides pharmaceutical services to all public correctional centres in NSW, as well as the Forensic Hospital. His work includes direct patient care, such as medication distribution and vaccinations, and indirect responsibilities like stock management and ensuring compliance.
Originally from Belfast, David was inspired to pursue pharmacy after his sister became a pharmacist and helped get him his first job at a pharmacy. |
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| Shortly after arriving on the sunny shores of Sydney 16 years ago, David seized the opportunity to join the Justice Health team.
“I wanted something more clinical, and that aligned to my values, which included looking after complex and marginalised patients,” David said.
“I love my team. The work I do every day is different and challenging, and I get to make an impact. I can’t change the world, but I like the idea that I help where I can and make my difference.”
David now heads up the Sachet Medication Program with the same team he started with.
“Instead of clinicians manually taking medication out of webster packs, the robot, nicknamed Sasha, dispenses the correct medication, and pharmacists complete a final check. This increases clinical safety, giving pharmacists greater oversight and the ability to perform clinical reviews for patients,” he said. |
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Launching our Statewide Health Literacy Hub NSW Health is excited to announce the launch of the Statewide Health Literacy Hub, dedicated to driving system-wide change and building staff capacity. By providing essential tools and resources, the Hub will empower staff to communicate more effectively.
The statewide launch of the Hub builds on the Health Literacy Hub initiative of the Western Sydney Local Health District developed in collaboration with the University of Sydney. The launch event is happening on 2-3 October. To learn more about how this initiative will help you and make a significant impact on consumer outcomes, visit the event page. |
| HETI Evaluation and Research Webcast Series
Register now for the next HETI Evaluation and Research Webcast Series webinar.
Join Dr Samarasekera on 25 September, 6pm to 7pm, to understand how Interprofessional Education can prepare students for rapidly evolving healthcare environments in a volatile, uncertain and complex world. He will share the National University of Singapore’s journey and learnings from the introduction of an interdisciplinary curriculum for Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. For more information about the series, visit the HETI website.
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As Wellbeing Lead at HealthShare NSW, Kate Taeidi is passionate about taking a proactive approach to wellbeing.
“There are so many ways to address employee wellbeing holistically. At HealthShare NSW, we do this through various initiatives, including reward and recognition programs, wellbeing goals, annual skin checks and non-work-related injury management,” said Kate.
“We also make full use of available resources, such as the Employee Assistance Program, Fitness Passport, and Call2Connect peer support.” |
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| Recently, one of Kate’s team members discovered a squamous cell carcinoma during a skin check clinic, which led to early intervention.
“While it may not seem like a traditional success story, early detection and treatment were crucial. Without this program, it might have gone unnoticed,” she said.
For Kate, the most rewarding aspect of her role is knowing that these initiatives truly make a difference.
“HealthShare NSW is a large organisation, so it’s sometimes hard to see our impact. Hearing success stories is a reminder that we truly are helping people,” said Kate.
Looking ahead, Kate is focusing on expanding offerings to encompass all aspects of wellbeing – psychological, physical, social, and financial – to encourage team members to prioritise their health and avoid reaching a crisis point. |
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Every NSW Health staff member has access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. EAP sessions can be tailored to suit your lifestyle needs and be accessed face-to-face or over the phone, video call or live chat.
Through EAP you can access independent, confidential and professional support services for work-related issues such as conflict resolution, people management and leadership skills, and life issues such as relationship stress, financial concerns, legal issues, and more.
Details on how to access EAP and other staff wellbeing initiatives are on your local intranet. |
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| Pathologically Speaking
Are you interested in forensic pathology? Ever wondered what happens to blood donations or why only female mozzies bite you? Then this is the podcast for you. Pathologically Speaking is a new podcast from NSW Health Pathology.
Host, Liz Farquhar, chats to a fantastic line up of guests about their roles at NSW Health Pathology, interesting stories, discoveries, breakthroughs, career tips, personal and professional triumphs and hurdles, and the power of curiosity when finding the answers that matter to people.
Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio or Podbean.
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Future Health Podcast new series The trailer for Future Health Podcast Series 6 dropped yesterday. New episodes will be released on the last Wednesday of each month, starting 25 September.
This season shines a spotlight on the "Change Makers" reshaping Australian healthcare, kicking off with insights from NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.
Listen now on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. |
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| Rural Health Pro podcast Rural Health Pro has released new episodes of podcast A Healthy Exchange.
Designed to inspire rural health professionals to thrive, the podcast features frank and vulnerable conversations about achieving personal and job satisfaction without sacrificing your health and wellbeing.
Listen to the latest episode featuring NSW Health staff Chloe Campbell on the Rural Health Pro website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
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Meet Lauren Hannah. She is a Service Desk Analyst at eHealth NSW responsible for processing and triaging a variety of access forms including Network Access, Shared Drive, electronic medical records (eMR) and Remote Access forms. |
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After eight years in IT, her passion for problem solving, innovation and supporting the next generation of IT health professionals burns bright.
“Seeing how technology impacts business and everyday life inspired me to explore a career where I could apply my skills and contribute to meaningful change,” said Lauren.
“A large portion of my workload is managing and processing eMR accounts for onboarding doctors and junior medical officers and liaising with medical admin staff.”
“I love helping healthcare professionals and clinicians provide better care for the community. I enjoy building relationships and interacting with other teams within eHealth and having a healthy work life balance,” she said.
Lauren shares her advice to those who are starting their career in IT. |
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“IT is a fast-evolving field, so take advantage of learning opportunities such as online courses, and use the resources available for continuous learning and improvement.
“Network with other IT professionals. Building relationships with other people can open up a world of opportunities.” It was National IT Professionals Day on 17 September. Learn about how you can celebrate your IT team and their dedication to keeping things running smoothly on the IT Pro Day website. |
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Treatment and Rehabilitation Clinic
Justice Health NSW has launched the Treatment and Rehabilitation Clinic (TRC), a statewide service treating complex disorders resulting in problematic behaviours. Run by the NSW Community Forensic Mental Health Services based in Surry Hills, the TRC offers evidence-based treatment to those at high risk of reoffending, particularly in cases involving problem sexual behaviour.
To get in touch with the Treatment and Rehabilitation Clinic team, to make a referral or request more information, please email the TRC team or call (02) 9700 2815. |
| New online learning for cancer pharmacists
The Cancer Institute NSW eviQ Education program Pharmacy anti-cancer drug (PAD) course is now available on the My Health Learning platform.
The PAD course provides foundation-level education for pharmacists working in the cancer care practice setting. Pharmacy assistants and technicians may also find components of the course useful for their practice.
Search for course 534969824 on My Health Learning to self-enrol and learn about working safely with anti-cancer drugs and the patients receiving them. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations.
Recent features include: - Semaglutide and finerenone for heart failure, SGLT-2 and reduced risk of dementia, and same-day discharge after bariatric surgery
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Neurostimulation interventions for chronic back pain, expert consensus on digital surgery and AI-guided screening for pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare.
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Support is available if the topics covered in this edition are distressing. For immediate support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. |
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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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