Kindness lives here at NSW Health |
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Last week, I had the great pleasure of joining staff at Prince of Wales Hospital in person – and many more online – to officially launch the new Small Acts of Kindness campaign.
Kindness has always been part of who we are in NSW Health. Many of you may remember when the original Small Acts of Kindness video was launched more than 10 years ago. It ignited conversations about the power of kindness and compassion in the NSW Health System. A decade on, the message remains as important and relevant as ever – kindness is at the heart of outstanding healthcare.
This new chapter of Small Acts of Kindness builds on that legacy. It celebrates the everyday moments of kindness and compassion happening in every corner of our health system. |
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The campaign features heartfelt stories from our own staff, volunteers and patients that remind us how small, thoughtful actions can make a big impact. | |
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Whether it's a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand, these moments matter. The simplest gesture can create a ripple effect – or as Kate, a patient featured in one of the videos, described at the launch event: a tsunami effect of kindness. These acts build trust and connection, and lift us all up – especially during challenging times.
I encourage you to watch the real-life stories on the Kindness Lives Here Hub and recognise a colleague by submitting their small acts of kindness to the NSW Health Wall of Kindness. In the meantime, I am proud to share a few of these incredible stories with you below and look forward to showcasing many more throughout the year. Thank you for the kindness you show each day – to your colleagues, to patients, and to your communities. It’s what makes NSW Health truly special. |
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NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM with Cindy, Ward Clerk at Prince of Wales Hospital, and Kate, patient, at the Small Acts of Kindness launch event |
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It has been a very challenging time for many communities in the Mid North Coast and Hunter New England Local Health Districts, and all those affected by the severe weather and flooding.
As I shared in my message on Friday, our incredible staff have been working tirelessly to provide critical support to communities across the impacted regions while continuing to deliver vital healthcare services.
As efforts turn towards recovery, you can find information on how to stay safe after floods on the NSW Health website.
I want to once again extend my heartfelt thanks for your commitment to keeping our communities safe and cared for, all while managing your own losses or disruptions. Kind regards, Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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Melissa noticed the recovery of long-term patient Colin stalling. Together with his sister, Chris, they organised a special family reunion – featuring Colin’s beloved dogs, Beau and Buzz. This small act of kindness brought a huge smile to Colin's face and provided just the lift he needed. Sometimes, man’s best friend may also just be the best medicine! |
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Walking the path together |
From greeting every person on the ward with a big smile, to taking time to lend an extra helping hand, Cindy has a gift for connecting with people – but especially those going through tough times. As Kate and her family faced a difficult diagnosis, Cindy was beside her at every step of the way. |
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Senior Aboriginal Health Worker Nicole’s kindness to palliative care patients and their families provides a connection to Country and creates cherished memories. She goes the extra mile for her patients and family, including rallying a team to make a palliative care patient’s final wish come true. |
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Recognise an act of kindness |
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Every day across NSW Health, our remarkable people perform small acts of kindness that make a big difference to the people of NSW.
Recognise a colleague by submitting their small acts of kindness to the NSW Health Wall of Kindness. |
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Let's Rock NSW 2025 Let’s Rock NSW is a statewide public service event that encourages us all to re-think disability as we celebrate achievements and drive positive changes together to rock the foundations of disability employment.
When: Thursday 12 June 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm Where: Livestream (link will be available after registration) Register today to attend the event online with inspiring speakers, panel discussions and plenty of entertainment. Comedian Hannah Gadsby will also be participating. |
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A warm welcome by Broken Hill local Jacinta helped her newly arrived colleague Maddie settle in quickly. New friendships, and becoming part of a community, have given Maddie a real feeling of belonging. |
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Trent received a small but powerful bit of advice on his first day as a nurse and he took it to heart. Ever since, he’s not only been following that advice, but sharing it with others, helping to transform interactions with patients and colleagues for the better. |
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Joe’s heartfelt gratitude to the community cardiac team at Woy Woy Community Rehabilitation Centre who supported his rehab journey has now become a source of hope and inspiration for new groups of patients starting their own recovery journey. |
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Help us build a more inclusive workplace |
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Did you know that one in five people in Australia have some form of disability? That includes long-term physical, mental health, intellectual, neurological or sensory differences. Some disabilities are not visible, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, diabetes or dyslexia.
To help us better support you, please take a moment to review and update your personal details in Stafflink. You’ll have the opportunity to share whether you identify as a person with disability. Sharing this information is completely voluntary, but it’s incredibly valuable. Without this information it is harder to make informed decisions about how we can provide the right support.
If you have any questions or are unsure what this means for you, please read the frequently asked questions, which include instructions on how to update your personal details in Stafflink. You can also contact your local People and Culture team for more information.
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Public Service Medal nominations now open
Nominations for the Public Service Medal (PSM) are now open for the next round on Australia Day, 26 January 2026. The medal recognises outstanding service of public sector employees.
For more information, including eligibility criteria and the nomination form, visit the Premier’s Department website. You can also contact the Community Programs and Recognition team at (02) 9228 5188 or email awards@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au.
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| MidStart 2026: An exciting future awaits
Working as a midwifery student in MidStart offers many opportunities and experiences. The MidStart program is an annual statewide recruitment campaign for registered nurses who are wanting to become midwives. Applications for MidStart are now open and will close on 2 June 2025. To learn more about the MidStart program and how to apply, visit the NSW Health website. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations. Recent features include: -
Real-time AI-assisted insulin titration systems, obicetrapib for LDL cholesterol reduction, orthogeriatric co-management for geriatric patients with fragility
- AI in radiology diagnostics, GLP1-RA and mental health, mobile health technology combining telemonitoring and teleintervention for heart failure
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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