Hear about some of the mental health initiatives across NSW Health and beyond |
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October is Mental Health Month. This year’s theme, Let’s Talk About It, highlights the importance of connection and communication in maintaining good mental health.
My thanks to everyone at NSW Health for nurturing the mental health of those around them – patients and colleagues alike. From simply sharing a smile, to providing ongoing, world-class treatment, we all make a difference in someone’s day, but especially in challenging times.
Our patients have consistently echoed these sentiments too. For example, the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) report on Patients’ experiences of hospital care over time shows patients rated health professionals’ kindness highly throughout the past five years, and overwhelmingly said they were always treated with respect and dignity.
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These experiences reflect the strength of our CORE values – collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment – which guide how we work. Our culture is reflected in how we choose to show up each day, our behaviours, and in the small but pivotal moments of kindness and care. To support a positive workplace culture and staff experience, we have launched the new NSW Health Culture and Staff Experience Framework. I encourage you to visit the Culture and Staff Experience Hub to learn more about how we can all contribute and benefit from positive workplace culture and supportive staff experience.
The Public Service Commission has updated the Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW Government Sector Employees. It comes into effect on 1 November 2024. The Code sets out the minimum expected standards we must all meet and aligns with the NSW Health Code of Conduct. It is also a framework to guide our decisions and behaviours each day. A training course is available on My Health Learning (course code 542618852). For more information, visit the Ethics Hub on the Public Service Commission’s website.
Lastly, I recently attended an Ambulance appreciation day event at Central Sydney Ambulance Station to celebrate our NSW Ambulance workforce, and acknowledge their outstanding skill, dedication and commitment to excellence. On Ambulance Appreciation Day (20 September) more than 150 staff were recognised for their commendable acts of courage. I am immensely proud of all the paramedics, doctors, nurses, control centre staff, corporate staff and volunteers.
Kind regards, Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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"Growing up, I watched my mum always putting others first, and I knew deep down that helping people was something I was meant to do."
Jake Gee, Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee, Southern NSW Local Health District
Jake is a proud Kamilaroi man whose drive to pursue a career in Aboriginal health was deeply influenced by his mother’s work as an Aboriginal Health Worker.
“My mum was very passionate about the work she was doing, making connections and advocating for the Aboriginal community. She was so proud to be helping our people,” Jake said.
Tragically, Jake’s mother passed away last year. Her loss left a significant void, but it also inspired him to apply for an Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship. |
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“This traineeship is more than just a job to me – it’s a way to build a stronger connection with my Aboriginal heritage, make a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities, and most importantly, continue the journey that my mum started.
“It means the world to me to be able to carry on her legacy in this way.” For Jake, maintaining mental health is all about staying connected with loved ones. “I make sure to yarn with my friends and family about what’s going on, letting them know I’m okay – or that I’m not, if that’s the case.
“It’s important to show that it’s okay to talk, and that I’m always here if they need to talk too.” |
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Please be aware this video contains themes that may be distressing or triggering for some people. Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, you can contact the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 for free and confidential support. More information on available support can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Joshua Mazzara from HealthShare NSW experienced an eating disorder early this year. Support from his Illawarra Linen Service colleagues, plus the Eating Disorder Service at Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, got him on the road to recovery. Joshua shares how this support, coupled with patient-centred treatment, made him to feel like himself again. Watch the video below to learn more about Joshua’s inspiring story. |
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Meet Jenny Neirinckx. She’s dedicated more than two decades in community mental health – the last 10 years with the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) Plus program.
Funded by the NSW Ministry of Health Mental Health Branch, HASI Plus is a statewide program that provides intensive clinical and psychosocial support in community-based accommodation. It assists people with complex mental health conditions who cannot be discharged from hospital or another institution without this sort of support.
“The support we provide is flexible and individualised. We assist with their daily activities, clinical needs and access to mental health and disability services, and help them engage in meaningful community activities,” said Jenny. |
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HASI Plus client Iusi and Jenny Neirinckx |
| “The ultimate goal is to help them transition from HASI Plus into more independent living in the community.”
As the HASI Plus Clinician at the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Jenny provides clinical assessments, support and advice to both participants and HASI Plus staff. She plays a key part in coordinating care among various teams, ensuring effective communication and focus on the individual’s recovery goals.
“It’s really fulfilling to help people gain the skills and confidence to live in the community, to trust our mental health services, to connect with their local community, and to build a meaningful life. “Seeing people achieve their personal recovery goals, sometimes after many months or years, is incredibly rewarding.” |
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Celebrating our 2024 NSW Health Awards finalists |
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Make green time between screen time |
When Vito Carrozzo first joined the COVID-19 Response Team at NSW Health in 2020, he felt the loneliness of the pandemic. Keen to embrace connection again, he started organising wellbeing walks for his colleagues after the lockdown ended.
Now working as a Faculty Liaison Officer within the Mental Health Higher Education team at the Health Education and Training Institute, Vito’s role has changed, yet the wellbeing walks are still going strong. |
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| “It’s so important to have mental health initiatives at work. It’s the right thing to take an interest in the wellbeing of those around you – be it a colleague, neighbour, or family member,” Vito said. “As office-based workers, it’s easy to get stuck in front of our screens. The wellbeing walks are a reminder of the benefits of getting some fresh air and physical activity into your day.” Several years later, the wellbeing walks are still going strong and have expanded – in both group size and location.
“Since February 2023, the walking group has expanded to Newcastle on a quarterly basis. These walks are larger, with 15 to 20 participants, and more diverse, featuring colleagues from the Agency for Clinical Innovation, HealthShare NSW, the NSW Ministry of Health, and more.
“The part that people love most is the opportunity to connect with colleagues they otherwise wouldn’t have met.” |
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Deployment Program webinar
Are you a nurse, midwife or allied health professional looking to try something new? Short term positions in regional, rural or remote NSW could be just what you’re after with accommodation and travel costs covered. We invite you to join the Deployment Program webinar on 15 October, 2024 at 7pm. Register now to find out more about this rewarding experience. |
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Four years ago, Hayley Cox was a coronary care nurse in a large inner-city hospital. Little did she know that the pandemic would completely change her career path and provide the opportunity for a much-needed sea change.
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When the ward at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney was restructured, she took the opportunity to move to the Northern Rivers with her young family. Hayley started working in the inpatient unit at Byron Central Hospital in the Northern NSW Local Health District. She has since completed a postgraduate certificate in emergency care and is now pursuing a diploma in emergency nursing.
“Being in the emergency department is really exciting. It’s dynamic and suits my energy levels perfectly. It’s perfect for me! “The change from a city hospital is brilliant. I really like being in a regional hospital where I can really make a big difference.
“If there’s no doctor present or they’re busy, we can follow protocols to manage certain clinical presentations. The autonomy and independence is just great.” |
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“I’ve truly found my place as an emergency nurse. We’re a small team – more like a family – and we trust each other. I feel very deeply connected to this emergency department and the community,” she said. |
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Date to mark
Emergency Nurses Day is 9 October. Show your appreciation for emergency nurses and learn more about the crucial role they play on the Emergency Nurses Association website. |
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Nathan Sutherland, Timothy Hewitt, and their colleague Theresa Sharp, are psychologists at the Western NSW Local Health District. They help families in rural and remote areas virtually access the Tuning In To Kids program.
The program teaches parents techniques to support their children’s emotional regulation. Originally developed by the University of Melbourne, a virtual rollout in the Western NSW Local Health District commenced in May 2023.
“There aren’t many existing services like this in rural and remote areas. The virtual factor means we can defy geographical boundaries and serve the wider community,” said Nathan. “We use methods such as emotion coaching, prioritising children’s needs, and creating quality time to help parents build emotional intelligence in their children,” said Tim. |
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Timothy Hewitt and Nathan Sutherland with colleagues Theresa Sharp and Amy Erbacher |
| “Teaching children how to emotionally regulate and deal with emotions significantly reduces emotional issues later down the track.”
For Tim and Nathan, running the program’s sessions is a highlight of the role. “It’s especially rewarding to see how well parents of neurodivergent children have responded to the program – it complements the other therapies their children are undergoing,” said Tim. |
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“The best part is the good news stories and hearing from parents on how the program has improved their children’s behaviours,” said Nathan. |
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Mental Health resources, programs and events available to support you – both at the workplace and beyond. |
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP is available to all NSW Health staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Details on how to access EAP and other staff wellbeing initiatives are on your local intranet. |
| Lifeline
24-hour access to crisis support and suicide prevention services for people experiencing emotional distress. Visit the Lifeline website for more information. |
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NSW Health Mental Health Line
The Mental Health Line is NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service. For more information, visit the NSW Health website. |
| Mental Health Month: find an event near you
Explore a range of local events this October and get involved in Mental Health Month. For more information and available resources, visit the Mental Health Month website.
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NSW Ambulance staff are often the first to arrive at the scene of critical incidents.
To support their mental health and resilience, NSW Ambulance introduced Mindarma, an evidence-based e-learning program designed specifically for NSW Ambulance. The program complements face-to-face training by providing ongoing support in building mental health strategies. It was developed by the University of NSW Workplace Mental Health Research Team and the Black Dog Institute.
“Wellbeing is at the core of the program," said Zoe Wooldridge, Wellbeing Program Specialist. |
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“The ten sessions teach mindfulness, psychological skills and practical strategies to help manage thoughts and emotions, strengthening our staff’s resilience.” The program’s results are impressive.
“Those with the least resilience have the biggest uplift in their resilience after completing the program,” said Zoe. “These gains are crucial in strengthening the long-term mental health and wellbeing of our frontline employees.
"It is heartening to see our initiative making such a difference for our staff, keeping our team strong, resilient and healthy.” |
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In Focus with Matthew Trindall |
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Q: How do we ensure that NSW mental health programs are person-centred, specifically for Aboriginal people?
A: In the Mental Health Branch at the Ministry, we strive to deliver programs and policies that consider the person first, and are responsive to challenges faced by people with a lived experience of a mental health condition.
An example of where this is done well is the Central West NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Program which focuses on trauma-informed wellbeing services for Aboriginal people in the area. It employs a partnership model between Western NSW Local Health District, local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and the NSW Ministry of Health.
The program takes a local and regional approach to mental health and wellbeing, and recognises that Aboriginal people are best placed to lead change in Aboriginal communities. It is a culturally driven, person-centred method of service delivery which benefits the individual accessing care and support services. |
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The program delivers genuine co-designed, culturally safe, holistic and Aboriginal led mental health and wellbeing care. The first phase of the program has already improved service delivery for Aboriginal people in the Central West. All four participating ACCHOs have reported against key performance indicators, including:
With a population of approximately 35,000 Aboriginal people in Western NSW Local Health District, programs like this are critical to ensuring mental health care is person-centered and reflects the needs of the local community. Matthew Trindall Director, Aboriginal Mental Health
Mental health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health |
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National Rural and Remote Health Awards finalists
Congratulations to the NSW Health Awards staff members who have been named finalists in the 2024 National Rural and Remote Health Awards!
Hosted by Rural Health Pro, the awards pay tribute to exceptional professionals who have significantly contributed to improving healthcare in the rural, regional and remote communities.
Check out the full list of finalists on the Rural Health Pro website. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 6 November in Canberra. |
| Join the Accessible Communications Community of Practice
Join the Accessible Communications Community of Practice to help make health information easy to understand.
The Community of Practice brings together staff from across NSW Health to share knowledge and experience in developing best practice accessible communications.
Visit the Accessibility matters website for more information and to complete an expression of interest form. Expressions of interest close 5pm, Friday 11 October.
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations. Recent features include: - ChatGPT and assistive AI in structured radiology reporting and a best practice framework for eHealth with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- High-impact initiatives for reducing ED wait times and interventions for the acute management of migraine
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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