Celebrating Men's Health Week by spotlighting our people, services and more! |
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Keeping people healthy and well is a key pillar of our Future Health Framework and a great reason to get behind Men’s Health Week (10-16 June). It’s a reminder of the health and wellbeing challenges boys and men face, and highlights the physical, mental and emotional supports available to them.
NSW Health is proud to have been a front runner in developing a Men’s Health Framework. But there is much more we can do. Research indicates that men are still less likely to seek help, visit a doctor, or get mental health support. Importantly, help is available. So, whether it’s a family member, friend, or a colleague, please point them towards the services and programs available to support the diverse health and wellbeing needs of boys and men of all ages.
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Yesterday, we also marked Thank a First Responder Day in recognition of the enormous contribution of our stellar paramedic workforce and volunteers.
First responders encounter extraordinarily difficult circumstances. But their ability to rise to a challenge, alongside their unrelenting dedication, commitment and compassionate care is widely recognised across the state. Communities know they can rely on you in times of need. Thank you for your hard work, care and vital support for peoples’ health, wellbeing and safety.
Meeting our staff, along with recognising their outstanding achievements, remains a highlight of my role. Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network Town Hall. I was also delighted to congratulate and celebrate the nominees and winners of the Southern NSW Local Health District Staff Excellence Awards.
The King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List was released this week too. I hope you will join me in congratulating our colleagues in health who have been recognised. These awards acknowledge outstanding community contributions and distinguished public service, and recognise the diverse and significant impacts made by people across the state. You can view the NSW Health recipients on our website.
Lastly, thank-you to everyone who worked through the King’s Birthday long weekend. I hope you can enjoy some quality time with family and friends soon. |
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Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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Treating prostate cancer with laser accuracy |
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Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. But many men are afraid to seek diagnosis due to the potential treatment side effects.
“Traditional treatment options include surgical removal of the whole prostate gland,” said Doctor Celi Varol, Associate Professor and urologist at the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
“While it's effective, it can also be quite destructive to delicate nerves and tissues surrounding the prostate. It might result in urinary leakage and sexual dysfunction – reasons why men would rather not seek diagnosis and treatment.” |
| Associate Professor Doctor Celi Varol (right) and his team |
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Inspired by his own family history of prostate cancer, Celi came up with an alternative treatment. It uses laser energy to accurately target only the cancerous region while conserving the delicate nerves and tissues surrounding the prostate gland. “By targeting the cancer itself and leaving the organ intact, we have found that patients experience next to no side effects, with a remarkable 90 percent success rate after a single session,” said Celi. “The procedure is relatively inexpensive, usually requires no overnight stay in hospital, and has minimal recovery time for the patient."
The treatment is currently approved for use under the Special Access Scheme, and is set to undergo Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approvals next. |
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International Cleaners Day | Ethan Davis |
Ethan Davis joined the Far West Local Health District as a casual cleaner in 2017. His bubbly personality and genuine care for others quickly made him stand out. After a promotion to Housekeeping Team Leader, he was responsible for keeping the hospital clean, plus, managing the daily operations of the cleaning staff. A few months ago, Ethan became the Acting District Manager of Support Service – and says he's “loving every single day."
International Cleaners Day (16 June) is an opportunity to celebrate our colleagues including dedicated cleaners like Ethan. Watch Ethan's 'absolutely fabulous' video below. |
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Justice Health's men's health portal |
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It’s common for men in custody to have low rates of health literacy. Improving their health, and equipping them with knowledge and confidence to access health services before returning to the community is crucial. |
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That’s where the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network’s Men's health and wellbeing in custody project comes in.
The focus is chronic disease prevention and health promotion – specifically regarding preventable diseases like obesity and diabetes. It also provides easy-to-understand information on topics including testicular and prostate cancer.
Consisting of 16 resources and an animated video featuring the voices of men in custody, the information has proven popular – and is currently accessed via in-cell tablets and other digital devices. |
| 'Men's health and wellbeing in custody' video screening |
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“Custody can provide the time and space to help men change lifestyle habits that lead to chronic disease,” said Katherine Tree, Health Promotion Senior Project Officer.
“People in custody experience poorer health outcomes than their community counterparts. Our team is passionate about ensuring our patients have access to health information to make healthier choices.
“Ensuring each of our patients returns to their communities healthier helps reduce the likelihood of re-offending and future imprisonment.”
“Developed in partnership with Corrective Services NSW, the video and supporting online information are a hit with our patients. More than 250 male patients attended the project launch in one correctional centre alone,” said Katherine.
The Men's health and wellbeing in custody project won a Justice Health NSW quality award in 2023 for improvements to men’s health. |
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For Thank a First Responder Day (12 June), NSW Ambulance Paramedic, Nikki Murphy, reminded us of the huge difference the small gestures make. |
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| “We had a hospital transfer for a patient who was very unwell and wanted to spend her last moments in her own home, surrounded by family. She lived in a small rural town. On the way home she asked if we could stop at the headland lookout to take in the view of her hometown one last time,” Nikki recalled. “Fortunately, we had time to stop. We pulled out the stretcher and I sat there with her. She asked if she could hold my hand, and while we sat there to take it all in, I saw that she had a beautiful glisten in her eye.”
It’s moments of connection like these that remind Nikki why she loves her job. “Helping people is something that I’ve always been interested in. Working with people and doing what I can to make someone’s day a little bit better... it’s a feeling that no words can properly describe.” |
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Join the conversation: Dr Emma O’Brien OAM on the importance of arts in healthcare Dr Emma O’Brien OAM is a singer, performer, music therapist, composer, researcher and entrepreneur. She founded the music therapy service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1998. Emma also started the Global Scrub Choir. It now has more than 400 staff members and aims to provide music therapy, enable connection, and aid recovery.
Join Emma in conversation about the importance of incorporating arts into healthcare on Tuesday 25 June at 10am by downloading the calendar appointment or contacting the Experience team.
This event is held as part of Conversations in Human Experience. To access a recording of the event, visit the event page or subscribe to the July edition of the newsletter.
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“I could not have dreamt of my life when I first started. I’ve had a truly fulfilling career, but it’s not over yet. I’m ready to hit my 40 years at Manning Hospital!” Dr Moheb Ghaly, general surgeon, Hunter New England Local Health District |
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| Moheb recently celebrated 50 years in the health industry, with 38 of those in the Lower Mid-North Coast region.
“Manning is such a beautiful place, and I have a sincere love of the tranquillity that regional and rural living offers,” Moheb said.
Born in Egypt, Moheb moved to Australia in 1981. Throughout the years, he has gained experience in various surgical fields including paediatrics, gastroenterology, and microsurgery techniques.
“I love that I can go from operating on a 4-week-old baby to an 80-year-old person in the same day,” said Moheb.
“Working regionally allows you to be learning all the time. Just this month I consulted with my previous residents at John Hunter Hospital on a congenital condition I had never heard of. They recommended an approach for surgery which was successful. |
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“It was a full circle moment,” he said.
At the age of 74, Moheb shows no signs of slowing down. With three marathons under his belt, he continues to operate, cycle, and row on the Manning River every week. |
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In emergencies when blood supplies are urgently needed, NSW Health Pathology’s Transfusion teams are just a phone call away. The Transfusion teams make sure our first responders, including local rescue helicopter services, have immediate access to blood products. They manage the supply of precious blood and plasma donations, ensuring they reach their destinations promptly and precisely when needed. “Everything stops in the lab once we get these phone calls,” said Bonny Stratton, Senior Hospital Scientist in charge of the Transfusion team at Wollongong Hospital.
“The ability of our staff to jump into action to get these blood products ready in a timely manner and packed up for the police or aeromedical team is truly remarkable.” |
| Bonny Stratton and the Wollongong transfusion team |
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Ana Paulina Barahona Sosa |
| Ana Paulina Barahona Sosa has been working at the Wollongong Blood Bank for three years and says it’s an incredibly rewarding role. “Knowing that what we’re doing helps the patient receive the best treatment possible is the best part of this job,” she said.
World Blood Donor Day (14 June) is a great reminder of the importance of donated blood and blood products for the treatment of patients across the health system. If you are able to donate – now is a great time!
Find a local donor centre near you on the Lifeblood website. |
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It's World Refugee Day on 20 June. Htjaru Htjaru, is a multicultural health officer, but also a former Burmese refugee.
“I came to Australia in 2015 to join my wife. Before coming here, I worked with refugees on the Thai-Burma borders. I truly felt their sense of being in limbo and feeling lost,” Htjaru recalled. Today, Htjaru supports clients from refugee backgrounds to access culturally safe healthcare services in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Reflecting on his role, Htjaru shared a particularly memorable experience assisting a palliative care patient. "I was honoured to help a palliative patient access vital health services, and provide her with language and cultural support. |
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"I recognised that she was a pious Buddhist. So I arranged with the Chaplain for a Buddhist monk who spoke her language to visit her, and offer comfort and spiritual guidance in her last days,” said Htjaru.
“The patient was extremely grateful. She told me how much better it made her feel and thanked me for bringing the Buddhist monk to her. “It isn’t easy to resettle and rebuild a life in a new country, especially when English isn’t our first language. By treating every refugee with empathy and patience, we can help them rebuild their lives in Australia.
“The greatest thing about living in Australia is that you are never alone. All you have to do is ask for help.” |
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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 kidney disease, epidural analgesia during labour and AI quality standards in healthcare
- Seven-axis robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty system, treatments for hyperlipidaemia, clinical text datasets for medical AI, and SOMANZ hypertension in pregnancy guideline
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare. |
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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working with the NSW Government. |
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