Meet the staff making kindness their superpower |
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This week, NSW Health is hosting the Gathering of Kindness (11-15 November), which unites us around a shared purpose – caring for our community. Whether it’s a smile or a thank you, small acts of kindness make a big difference to the experiences of our staff, patients, families, and carers across NSW Health. In our busy lives, the Gathering of Kindness helps reset our focus, and reconnect with why we chose to work in healthcare.
Please join the conversations this week as they explore the theme of Kindness is my superpower. Find out how to get involved by reading the 2024 program guide. Today is also World Kindness Day. I’m delighted to be joining Dr Rebecca Deans discussing Kindness in Innovation and pioneering Australia’s first uterus transplant. I invite you to tune in virtually at 10am.
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During this week we are also launching the Health and the Arts Framework 2024–2032. The arts improve both mental and physical health and wellbeing. They provide staff, patients and communities a more positive, welcoming and inclusive experience within healthcare settings. The Framework also supports our Future Health strategic priorities by providing better value care, cultural safety, and health literacy. Arts programs enable patients and carers to have positive experiences and outcomes that matter. You can see in the Many hands make artwork story below the positive impact that art can have, from bringing together a community to creating a positive environment.
Thank you for the extraordinary care and support you provide each other, and our community.
Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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The intensive care unit (ICU) at St George Hospital is partnering with a team of dedicated community quilters – The Palace Patchworkers – to make a difference for families facing the end of life of a loved one.
Quilt donations are provided to Michelle Vaughan, a ward clerk in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. She works with Belinda Hocking, a social worker, and Lisa O’Reilly, an organ tissue donation clinical nurse consultant, to ensure the quilts are received by the families. |
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Belinda and Lisa with The Palace Patchworkers |
| They consider each patient’s interests, hobbies, and favourite colours to provide a carefully selected blanket. “I will always remember that we had a patient who had, unfortunately, fallen while tending to his beehives and passed away. Lo and behold, there was a quilt with little bees and honeycomb on it,” said Belinda. “The quilts always seem to find the right person, which is why families are so moved by this gift.” |
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The Palace Patchworkers also create small quilts for premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, caring for our most vulnerable patients. This year, they have donated 61 quilts to the ICU and 59 to the neonatal unit. |
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The Armidale Refugee Health team in the Hunter New England Local Health District supports refugees resettling in Australia. The multidisciplinary team spans nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and administration, working together to provide health assessments and support on arrival. |
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“Their job is not only to provide healthcare, but to also let them know that they’re in safe hands,” said Ashley Young, Manager of Multicultural and Refugee Health. “The whole team is exceptionally kind, passionate, and dedicated to supporting refugees.”
As the majority of the refugees don't speak English, the team engages interpreters.
“Interpreters are crucial to building rapport and connecting to refugees,” said Ashley. |
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Ashley Young, Janessa Sherrin, Baeho Joo and Mattias Grasselli |
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“When someone communicates with you in a kind and respectful way, it makes a big difference. They really helped to look after our healthcare and wellbeing,” said one of the refugee program’s participants. |
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When Junee resident Rita Craig broke her leg and required hospitalisation a week before her 100th birthday, it seemed unlikely that her celebrations would go ahead. However, the NSW Health team were determined that Rita’s special milestone would not go unnoticed. Together, Krystal Fitzgerald, Clinical Nurse Educator, and the Junee Multipurpose Services (MPS) team in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District planned an intimate party to lift her spirits. “We wanted to make sure that she was still able to enjoy her special milestone,” Krystal said.
Attended by family and friends, including people joining by video link, the party spirit was in full swing. |
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“Everyone at the MPS was happy to lend a hand and make it a special day. “The staff even set her hair and our lovely resident nurse student, who was also a beauty therapist, volunteered to do her make-up.
“It’s not every day you turn 100, and we wanted to make sure Rita, her family and friends had lasting memories,” she said. |
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Evaluation and research webcast series webinar Register now for the next Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) Evaluation and Research Webcast Series webinar. Join Professor Darrell Evans on 11 December from 6pm to 7pm as he shares practical tips and potential pitfalls to avoid when designing and delivering online teaching for healthcare professionals.
For more information about the series, visit the HETI website. |
| Virtual Careers Fair
The NSW Health Virtual Careers Fair, run in partnership with Department of Education, is an opportunity for high school students to explore careers in NSW Health in both clinical and non-clinical professions. There are 36 sessions, with NSW Health staff sharing their career stories and answering questions about training, pathways and supports. Share this link with any schools you may know and encourage them to register. |
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Ka Tam is an administration assistant who makes custom-knitted bears for her BreastScreen NSW colleagues in the Northern Sydney Local Health District.
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| Each bear is tailored to reflect the recipient’s personality.
“I hope the bears provide daily motivation and encouragement for everyone, and I hope my colleagues love their bears,” said Ka. “As everyone is unique and special, I wanted to customise each bear for each individual,” she said.
“Ka’s act of kindness has brought plenty of joy to our staff,” said Meredith Kay, Director of the Northern Sydney and North Coast BreastScreen NSW. “She is a terrific staff member who is very motivated, kind, and always cheerful.” |
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To date, Ka has crafted 27 bears since coming up with the idea in April as a way to spread joy and happiness. |
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Estelle and Doris are volunteer superstars. As honorary ‘ward grannies’, they understand the impact that simple acts of kindness can have.
Their dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of children and families in the Children’s Ward at Nepean Hospital in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. |
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Together, Estelle and Doris offer comfort during challenging times by keeping the toy room stocked and ensuring young patients have a playful and welcoming space to enjoy.
“I find joy in knowing that I can help others, even in small ways. The camaraderie among volunteers has been a wonderful surprise. It feels natural for me to give back to a community that has given me so much,” said Estelle. “Every day brings new challenges and joys. Being able to help is what makes it all worthwhile,” added Doris.
Together, Estelle and Doris bring warmth and light to the hospital, leaving a lasting mark on the parents, children, and the staff. |
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“They both have a lovely, caring presence whenever they interact with the patients and families. They are truly valued members of our paediatric team,” said Tanya Walker, Child Life Therapist. |
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Kindness has the power to make a meaningful difference in our daily lives, especially in times of challenge or stress.
In honour of the Gathering of Kindness (11–15 November), three NSW Health staff members share their personal experiences by answering the question “What's an act of kindness you've received lately?” |
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| “This week, a small but meaningful act of kindness was when a colleague noticed my diary was overflowing and checked in to see if I needed any assistance.
They offered support and encouragement, which not only eased some of my workload but reminded me of the incredible impact we can have on each other’s day. These thoughtful gestures and check-ins go a long way in building a supportive and connected workplace.”
Anne Marie Hadley, Chief Experience Officer, NSW Ministry of Health |
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"Christine, a colleague of mine, knew multiple priority requests for assistance came through simultaneously to me and that I was starting to fret regarding my building workload. She acknowledged my visible concern and promptly asked what she could do to assist me and try and make a difference.
She kindly offered to draft a piece of work she knew would be just one less thing I had to deal with in a very busy week. It was great to know a colleague genuinely cared for me."
Adam Quested, Interim Director People and Culture, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District |
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“One of our colleagues arranged an amazing Halloween morning tea, decorated with themed tablecloths, a spooky talking doormat, spiders and Witches hats. The experience brought joy to everyone. We shared lots of laughs and connection over some treats.” Dan Shaw, Nurse Manager, Strategic Priorities and Patient Experience |
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Local artist Hiromi Tango collaborated with hundreds of patients, staff and community members to create GARDEN | Healing Together. It is the centrepiece sculpture commissioned for the new Tweed Valley Hospital in the Northern NSW Local Health District.
Watch the sculpture come to life in the video below. |
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Once a month, patients at the Forensic Hospital participate in the patient-led, vocational Op Shop program. The program, held at the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, develops patients’ vocational skills such as communication, social awareness, literacy and teamwork in a supportive setting.
By fostering these skills, the program prepares patients for future employment opportunities once they re-enter the community. |
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At the start of their visit, patients receive four tokens to spend on second-hand clothes and books donated by staff. The Op Shop also includes a cafe, library, art exhibition and busking space. “Each store is managed by a patient volunteer and helps build career and life skills, from store management to customer service skills,” said Laura Rodgers, Team Leader of the Allied Health Functional Recovery.
The Op Shop has been running for over 10 years, thanks to the generosity of patients and staff who donate their items and time. |
| Staff donated books and shoes at the Op Shop |
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“It’s heartwarming to see so much kindness and generosity within the program. The patient volunteers really value the interactions and skills gained through volunteering,” she said. |
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In Focus with Dr Jeremy McAnulty |
Q: Australia is facing one of the hottest summers on record. What can I do to prepare and protect myself and others from the impacts of extreme heat?
A: Extreme heat is dangerous. It kills more people in Australia than all other natural hazards combined. It can affect anyone but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems.
You can help by talking to your family, friends and neighbours about the dangers of hot weather and how to stay safe. |
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Before hot weather: - Check that air-conditioners and fans are working
- Stock up on food, drinks and medicines so you don’t need to go out in the heat
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Fill ice trays or put some cool packs in your freezer
- Know where in your local area you can go to get out of the heat.
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| During hot weather: - Keep your home cool by using air-conditioning, if possible, and closing blinds and curtains
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid going out in the heat
- Do chores or exercise early in the morning when it is coolest
- Cool yourself down by wetting your skin, placing cool packs on your neck and shoulders, taking cool showers or baths or putting your feet in cool water.
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Lastly, check in on others who may be more at risk during hot weather. Acts of kindness like looking out for your neighbours makes our communities safer and stronger.
For more helpful tips, see the NSW Health Beat the Heat website. Dr Jeremy McAnulty Executive Director, Health Protection, NSW Ministry of Health |
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| Alison Houssenloge, General Volunteer, is one of the Sara Quadruplets. Born at Bellinger River District Hospital, they were Australia’s first surviving set of quads and the fourth recorded in the world.
But the challenge that comes with raising four babies required the entire Bellingen community to lend a hand. And just as the town took care of her family back then, Allison is now giving back to her community by volunteering at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
“We were famous in the media. It was 1950, the war had just ended, and we were the first quads to survive in Australia,” said Alison. “It wasn’t unusual for a member of the community to come and pick up a baby and look after it for a day. |
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| “It takes a village to raise a child, and Bellingen rose to the challenge.”
Today, Alison helps her community in the Mid North Coast Local Health District by directing patients and visitors to where they need to go. “I just like being busy and I like being with people,” she said. |
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Unwell and not sure where to go? Call 1800 022 222 |
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If you or someone in your family is unwell and needs medical advice, call healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222.
A registered nurse will provide advice and help you access the care you need anytime, day or night.
They can connect you to your nearest GP or pharmacist, find you an urgent care service, connect you to a virtual care service, or call you an ambulance if it’s an emergency. |
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Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme midwifery sign-on bonus NSW Health are offering a $20,000 sign-on bonus for midwifery roles in rural and remote NSW. Midwives who choose to relocate and start work in rural and remote NSW will be eligible as part of a trial until 31 March 2025. The incentive is part of the NSW Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme which will help deliver outcomes that matter most to our NSW community. For more information on eligibility criteria and terms and conditions, visit the NSW Health website. |
| From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations.
Recent features include: - Remote monitoring heart failure patients, improving frailty care and AI-assisted detection for polyps and for fractures
- Paramedics providing palliative care, ‘crisis cafes’ and AI governance framework for healthcare
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare.
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Enhance your clinical practice with digital health
Digital health and data use enhance healthcare and improve outcomes. These foundational modules will support you to develop knowledge and skills to strengthen your clinical practice.
Visit My Health Learning to access the Digital Health and Data Pathway for clinicians and allied health professionals. |
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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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