Updates on ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, International Women's Day, and our commitment to supporting healthy ageing |
|
|
It has been a very challenging time for many communities in Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast, and all those affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. While the cyclone was downgraded, severe weather and flooding has impacted, and is still impacting, some areas in the northern parts of the state.
As I shared in my message on Friday, we activated our emergency management plans at a state and local health district level, but the incredible health response has been due to our many dedicated people who have been working tirelessly to provide critical support to communities throughout the affected regions in recent days, while also continuing to deliver vital healthcare services.
I want to express my deepest gratitude and thanks to our staff for their commitment to keeping our communities safe and cared for during this challenging time and NSW Health will continue to do everything possible to support you as we enter the recovery period. |
| |
|
Supporting our ageing community
By 2031, one in five people in NSW will be aged 65 years or older. Our shifting demographics make healthy ageing such an important area of focus for our health service, which is reflected in our Future Health key objectives. We’re already taking steps to meet the challenges that come with providing healthcare to a growing older population by taking a more integrated and collaborative approach – most importantly with older people themselves.
We also partner closely with community organisations and services, health and mental health providers, aged care and government agencies to foster healthy and active ageing.
We recognise that excellent, person-centered care goes well beyond health needs – it’s also about nurturing wellbeing and offering emotional and social support. This is reflected beautifully in the video in this edition about our Multi-Purpose Services.
For some older people in our care, their primary social interactions are often with healthcare workers, which makes the role of our staff and volunteers even more important.
You listen to their stories, offer companionship, and ensure they feel seen, heard and valued. Your small acts of kindness mean so much. A heartfelt thank you for everything you do to support and care for older people in the communities you serve.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
We marked International Women’s Day on Saturday. This year’s theme, March Forward, reminds us that progress requires bold action, not just reflection. With two in three NSW Health staff being women, advancing gender equality is not only a top priority – it is crucial. We are developing our first Gender Equality Action Plan, set to launch in June this year. Through policies, programs, and services, we are focused on making real progress in championing gender equality across our workforce.
In celebration of the day, I am proud to announce our own Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh has been honoured with the title of NSW Young Woman of the Year in the NSW Women of the Year Awards.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr Yeon Jae Kim, who was a finalist in the same category. Both these remarkable young women were recognised for their incredible potential and outstanding achievements. |
|
|
Kind regards, Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
|
|
Fun and Fitness at Culcairn MPS |
|
|
Pumping iron and pedal pushing is part of the everyday fun for residents of Culcairn Multi-Purpose Service (MPS). The Fun and Fitness program started when the MPS team organised fitness sessions in partnership with a local gym.
But the program has since expanded with the gym staff also going to the MPS for exercise sessions. An area within the MPS has been repurposed into a home gym for residents who wish to exercise more often. Kathryn Walters, Culcairn MPS Health Service Manager, said at least half of the residents are doing regular, weight-bearing exercise since the expansion. |
|
Culcairn MPS residents exercising |
|
|
Culcairn MPS residents exercising
|
| “The program has not only improved their overall health and fitness, it also increased their social connections, which is really important,” said Kathryn.
“In some of our residents the changes have been remarkable.” Les Louttit, Culcairn MPS Activities Officer, said the residents love the gym program and they "jump" at the chance to go.
“It’s taking a different approach to exercise and making it a fun and integral part of their lifestyle.” |
|
|
What are Multi-Purpose Services (MPS)?
There are 66 MPS across 8 local health districts in NSW. The MPS program provides integrated health and aged care services to regional, rural and remote communities. This includes acute care, subacute care (such as respite and palliative care), emergency, allied health, primary health and community services.
Watch the video below to find out how the program allows older people in small communities to remain close to family and friends, while receiving the ongoing aged care support they need. |
|
|
The right dose for healthy ageing |
|
|
Older people may be taking the same medication for years without it being reviewed. But what is suitable can change with time. |
|
|
To address this, Professor Sarah Hilmer AM and her Northern Sydney Local Health District colleagues developed the Drug Burden Index (DBI). It is a risk assessment tool that measures an older person’s exposure to medications that slow them down physically and mentally. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve been validating the tool globally to show that the higher your DBI, the worse your physical function and your cognition is, and the more likely you are to fall or wind up in a nursing home,” she said. To put the DBI into clinical practice, Sarah and her colleagues developed a calculator to measure a patient’s drug burden. They integrated the tool into the hospital’s electronic medical record, enabling staff to use it when treating frail, elderly patients. |
| Professor Sarah Hilmer AM |
|
|
Following a successful pilot study at the Royal North Shore Hospital, the team led a clinical trial across six hospitals in two local health districts. The trial aims to help clinicians identify patients whose medications are impairing their function and reduce medication-related harm. The tools are now available for clinical use in the Northern Sydney and Central Coast local health districts and are being expanded to other districts. Sarah is eager to see the tool become part of routine hospital care.
“We need to ensure our ageing population receives the best possible evidence-based care,” she said. |
|
|
Nourishing the golden years |
As we age, eating can become more complex and even a burden. Susan Bloomfield-Stone, Clinical Dietitian, understands this deeply. She works at the Malnutrition Intervention Clinic at Sydney Local Health District to help older adults stay nourished and healthy. |
|
|
| “Food means different things to everyone. It nurtures, nourishes, and represents culture and identity,” said Susan.
“But for many older people, eating can be painful or a reminder of isolation and loss. Physical issues, social challenges, or cognitive changes can also make food access difficult.
As a dietitian, Susan offers patients tailored, evidence-based nutrition care.
“It’s about building upon a patient’s lifelong food habits, while optimising nutrition and educating them. |
|
|
“Many people we see at the clinic are isolated and vulnerable. They need that extra bit of nurturing factored into their care,” she said. Having worked in the role for more than a decade, Susan finds it incredibly rewarding to connect with and empower older people.
“Often with age comes incredible wisdom, life experience and remarkable resilience. It inspires me both as a clinician and a person. “It brings me joy to see patients go from weak, underweight and sad, to finding that spark again and enjoying life. I’m proud to be part of their journey.” |
|
|
Screening through an Aboriginal lens |
The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has developed new dementia screening tools designed to put Aboriginal Elders at the centre of their care. |
|
|
Co-created by Kellee Barbuto, Dementia and Delirium Clinical Nurse Consultant, and the Aboriginal Health Directorate, the tools raise awareness about dementia screening by speaking directly to the community. They include a dementia information flyer, a delirium information flyer, and a person-centred poster. “In a system where many feel fearful and mistrust, this work helps staff approach care through an Aboriginal lens,” said Skye Parsons, Director of Aboriginal Health. “These new tools are here to support some of our most vulnerable community members – our Aboriginal Elders.
|
| Skye Parsons, Aunty Annette Webb, Kellee Barbuto |
|
|
Aunty Annette's Aboriginal artwork |
| "We hope these resources will help close the gap in dementia care, improve the cultural competency skills of the workforce in the district, and allow Aboriginal Elders to receive the highest quality of care.”
Local artist Aunty Annette Webb created an artwork to feature on the resources. She had this to say about the meaning of the painting:
“The start of life- we are born. The brain is a powerful organ. We need it to function, to learn, to heal and to survive. Our brain and our bodies develop to capture the unique beauty of living. The brain changes and we age. We go through life without realising we need our brain to survive. This painting depicts the brains cycle of life. We are born. The brain develops and changes throughout our life as we grow and age. Dementia is a very cruel disease. The end – in the end, it's just black, blank. If it doesn’t function – it's lost.”
|
|
|
At Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, the Older Peoples Mental Health Service support those dealing with dementia, ageing-related needs, or other serious mental illnesses. “Many of our patients are elderly, frail, and living with chronic illnesses. They often experience loneliness and fear,” said Cindy Stoupas, Clinical Nurse Consultant. “By taking the time to understand them, listen to their concerns, and provide the appropriate mental health care, we reassure them that they won't be lost in the system.”
Cindy works closely with Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Watt, aged care teams, and service providers to ensure continuity of care and promote healthy ageing. “We case manage older forensic patients in collaboration with the Mental Health Review Tribunal. |
|
|
Cindy Stoupas and Dr. Andrew Watt |
| Our goal is to ensure they are placed in an empowering environment. We also provide advice and education to staff on mental illness and dementia in older people. “We offer dietary advice and help with anxiety management for patients. I also run reminiscence and reading groups, which help improve patients’ wellbeing.” |
|
|
Cycling from gas to electricity
|
|
|
HealthShare NSW’s Laundry Electrification Program was awarded $25,000 last year to convert NSW Health’s laundry services from gas to electric.
“Our linen service is the largest gas consumer in the NSW Government. This is a challenge for the entire linen sector, given that all providers currently use gas,” said Shadi Batarseh, Engineering, Facilities and Assets Manager for Linen Services.
“By transitioning from gas-powered equipment to electric alternatives, we can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system,” he said. |
| |
|
HealthShare NSW’s Linen Services
|
| The grant will fund a detailed feasibility study, analysing the available technologies, costs and environmental impact of electrification.
“Receiving the SFIF funding was a huge milestone for us. It sets the foundation for a sustainable future for our services, benefiting both our patients and the environment,” said Shadi.
“We aim to be industry leaders in this space, setting a model for others in the sector to follow.” |
|
|
About the Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund
The 2025 Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund provides $20,000 to $50,000 to support staff-led innovation projects that improve patient care and reduce our environmental footprint.
Applications are open until 4 April 2025. For more details on how to apply, visit the NSW Health website. |
|
|
NSW Health Flexible Work Policy Directive NSW Health has introduced a new Flexible Work Policy Directive, in line with Premier's Department Circular [C2024-03] NSW Government Sector workplace presence. Working under flexible arrangements is not new, with many NSW Health employees already working flexibly. The Policy outlines what flexible work means at NSW Health, from what the requirements are, to what flexible work might look like for you, whilst also meeting the requirements of the NSW Premier's Department Circular. There is no one size fits all – everybody and every situation is different.
Flexible work starts with a conversation between you and your manager about the type of flexible work options that may be available to you. For more information, read the policy, visit your local intranet, and reach out to your manager with any questions. |
| From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations.
Recent features include: Artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine in rural communities, smartphone apps and digital peer-support for mental health, anticoagulants for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke GLP‐1 receptor agonists for chronic kidney disease and diabetes, and conversational AI in mental health care.
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare.
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
Feeling social? Follow NSW Health |
| |
|
|
