Royal North Shore Hospital

15/05/2026

FUNDS TO DELIVER GAME-CHANGING APPROACH TO CANCER SCREENING AND TREATMENT

Health researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Kolling Institute will lead a major advancement in cancer care following a $3.75 million Translational Program Grant from the Cancer Institute NSW.
The funding will support the testing and implementation of liquid biopsy technology into routine cancer diagnosis and treatment. Liquid biopsies use a simple blood test to detect and monitor cancer by identifying tumour DNA in the bloodstream, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical biopsies.

Clinician researcher Professor Anthony Gill said the technique has the potential to transform cancer care by helping detect cancer earlier, monitor treatment response, and identify whether disease has returned.
“This technology can pick up small amounts of DNA shed by cancer in the blood, providing crucial information to guide treatment,” he said.

The approach is also expected to significantly improve access to care for rural and remote patients, who often travel long distances for invasive testing.

“Patients from rural and isolated communities often travel hundreds of kilometres for biopsies. With this technique, a simple blood test can be taken closer to home,” Professor Gill said.

RNSH oncologist Professor Nick Pavlakis said liquid biopsies represent a combination of tests used at different stages of cancer care, from screening to monitoring recurrence and treatment response.

The initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of precision cancer medicine across NSW.

14/05/2026

* Check out the bumper Kolling Institute newsletter - profiling the latest impactful research at Royal North Shore Hospital. *

It's an insight into the talented investigators behind the scenes, and their exciting progress to improve the care we all receive.

Our researchers are driving investigations into new cancer therapies, diabetes, and painful, musculoskeletal conditions, and crucially, developing new life-changing models of care.

Flip through our flipping book for all the details: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/867826688
Northern Sydney Local Health District University of Sydney NORTH Foundation

Kolling Institute NEWS May 2026

14/05/2026

✨FROM FAN TO FIRST RESPONDER: RNSH DOCTOR AT KINGS FINAL ✨

A Royal North Shore Hospital emergency specialist has helped save a man’s life after a cardiac arrest at the Sydney Kings NBL Championship Final at Qudos Bank Arena.

Dr Chris Partyka was attending the game with his family on Easter Sunday when a spectator collapsed nearby. Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest, he immediately ran to assist, joining St John Ambulance crews already providing CPR.

“I left my family, ran down to the lower level and met the team as they were bringing the gentleman out of the arena,” he said.

Working alongside NSW Ambulance paramedics, Dr Partyka helped continue critical resuscitation efforts and was later asked to accompany the patient to Westmead Hospital, continuing care during transport.

He said the experience reflected the importance of rapid action in cardiac arrest situations, where early CPR can significantly improve survival outcomes.

“In NSW, only around one in ten people survive a cardiac arrest in the community. Acting early can double a person’s chance of survival,” he said.

The patient has since survived.

Dr Partyka also encouraged clinicians and the public to consider becoming GoodSAM responders, a smartphone app that alerts nearby trained volunteers when someone needs immediate CPR before paramedics arrive.

“Being able to step in early can make all the difference,” he said.

13/05/2026

CELEBRATING ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY

Administrative professionals across Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) were recognised at the 2026 Administrative Professionals Day Awards, celebrating their vital contribution to healthcare and patient care.

Held nationally on the first Friday of May, the day acknowledges the essential role administrative staff play in keeping services running smoothly and supporting clinical teams across all settings. The NSLHD event brought staff together across the district to recognise achievements, celebrate award recipients and thank teams for their ongoing dedication.

This year’s hybrid event was hosted at Royal North Shore Hospital’s Kolling Auditorium, with staff joining in person and online. The program also featured updates on the upcoming Single Digital Patient Record rollout and practical strategies to support workplace wellbeing and manage stress.

Administrative professionals are central to ensuring health services remain organised, efficient and responsive to patient needs.

NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri thanked staff for their commitment, saying:

“Your work plays a key role in ensuring our services are organised, efficient and productive.”

Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients across the district:

Royal North Shore Hospital – Elizabeth Morrison
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital – Vicki-Lynn Swain
Ryde Hospital – Elizabeth Fulton
Mona Vale Hospital – Kerim Alliu
Primary and Community Health – Stacey Spelman
Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol – Akshaya Loganathan
Northern Beaches Hospital – Holly Teu
District-wide Services – Samantha Lee
Chief Executive Award – Kokila Patel
Bronwyn Scully Young Emerging Leader Award – Katelyn Cusack

12/05/2026

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 💙

Today, we recognise and celebrate the skill, compassion and dedication our nurses bring to patients, families and colleagues every single day.

Please see this special message from Chief Executive Anthony Schembri and Executive Director, Nursing and Midwifery Claire Harris.

Thank you for everything you do to care for our community, support one another and make a difference every day. Happy International Nurses Day.

09/05/2026

HUMAN EXPERIENCE WEEK AT RNSH: GATHERING OF KINDNESS ARTWORKS

As part of Human Experience Week at RNSH, we unveiled three artworks born from our Gathering of Kindness week, where patients, visitors and staff came together to paint and share moments of connection.

These pieces were lovingly brought together by our Art Therapist and will now be permanently displayed within the hospital.

Staff and visitors are also invited to help name each artwork, creating a shared legacy of kindness and belonging.

08/05/2026

NSLHD News 🙌

The latest edition of our district newsletter is out now! Read all about:

• Northern Beaches Hospital transitions to NSLHD
• Administrative Professionals Day
• Celebrating International Day of The Midwife
• Funds to deliver game-changing approach to cancer screening
• NSLHD hospitals driving greener care

Click the link here to view:

NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD News NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT Northern beaches hospital transitions to nslhd PAGE 4 celebrating

06/05/2026

TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY: LIFE AFTER TRAUMA

Surviving trauma is only the beginning.

In this episode, Professor James Elliott is joined by Professor Brian Burns to explore what recovery really looks like after serious injury, from acute hospital care through to the often complex return to everyday life.

They also discuss how factors such as va**ng and social media exposure can influence injury risk and contribute to presentations in trauma care.

If survival is the goal, recovery is the journey.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/4tTaF15 or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4upNVFP

05/05/2026

🩷💜 CELEBRATING OUR MIDWIVES 🩷💜

Royal North Shore Hospital marked International Day of the Midwife with a special celebration recognising the incredible work of our midwives.

With speeches, raffle draws and a stunning cake made by Laura Dangerfield, Acting Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery, the event brought staff together in appreciation of the care, skill and dedication midwives bring every day.

To all of our midwives, thank you for the difference you make to women, babies and families.

05/05/2026

✨INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE ✨

On International Day of the Midwife, Claire Harris, Executive Director, Nursing and Midwifery, Northern Sydney Local Health District, shares a message in recognition of midwives across our community.

This year’s theme, One Million More Midwives, highlights the global need to grow and support the midwifery workforce.

To all midwives across our district, thank you. Your care, skill and compassion support women, babies and families every day, and make a lasting difference.

Watch the video below to hear Claire’s message.

04/05/2026

NSLHD ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO RAISE IT! 📞

Northern Sydney Local Health District is encouraging patients, families and carers to speak up if they are concerned a hospital patient is getting worse or not being heard.

At Royal North Shore Hospital, a dedicated switchboard team works around the clock to receive Raise It calls and connect them quickly to the right clinical teams across the district.

The new Raise It 1800 number (1800 777 333) provides a simple, statewide contact point across NSW Health hospitals, making it easier to escalate concerns when it matters most.

Sarah Woods, Acting Corporate Services Manager at Royal North Shore Hospital, said the change improves clarity for patients and families.

“I’m excited about Raise It because having one statewide number makes it simple for consumers and their families to escalate concerns about a deteriorating relative when they feel they’re not being heard,” she said.

The process supports people to speak up early:
➡️ Talk to your care team
➡️ Request a clinical review
➡️ Call 1800 777 333 if concerns remain

Learn more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/we-are-here-for-you.aspx

01/05/2026

Our charity partner NORTH Foundation has launched its EOFY Tax Appeal.

Behind every patient journey at Royal North Shore Hospital is a commitment to innovation and compassionate care made possible by generous donors who choose to invest in the future of healthcare.

Make a tax-deductible donation to the NORTH Foundation to help ensure world-class care is available not only for today’s patients, but for generations to come: bit.ly/4mVs9Ht

28/04/2026

🫁📊 A TOOL TRANSFORMING RESPIRATORY CARE 🫁✨

Respiratory physiotherapy focuses on the lungs and breathing.

Traditionally, clinicians in this field relied on stethoscopes, chest X rays and observation to understand what was happening inside a patient’s lungs.

Over the past decade, a small number of respiratory physiotherapists across Australia have incorporated ultrasound into clinical practice, reshaping the way they assess and care for patients with respiratory conditions.

Dr Louise Hansell, a researcher at Royal North Shore Hospital, is one of only two respiratory physiotherapists in the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and among approximately 12 across Australia trained to use the equipment.

For physiotherapists, it’s a game changer. “It is an emerging diagnostic tool,” says Louise.

“The idea with lung ultrasound is that it's a non-invasive way that we can image the lungs without putting our patients at risk so it doesn't expose them to any radiation,” she says. “It’s also really quick and readily available. We can scan people at the bedside and get results immediately, which helps us with our diagnostic ability and our clinical decision making.”

Respiratory physiotherapists usually work with people recovering from surgery, patients with pneumonia or chronic lung disease, and critically ill patients on ventilators in intensive care units (ICU).

As the tool is so novel in her field, Louise has conducted several research projects exploring its use.

One study involved 43 mechanically ventilated patients in ICU and found that physiotherapist performed ultrasound could reliably detect changes in their lungs, making it possible to identify collapse, fluid or other dysfunction—and track response to treatment.

In a separate study, Louise demonstrated that for physiotherapists, lung ultrasound had a “really high diagnostic accuracy” when compared with traditional tools such as stethoscopes and chest X-rays. It was almost as good as a CT scan, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosing certain lung conditions.

Beyond ICU, Louise is now using ultrasound to investigate unexplained breathlessness, working alongside speech pathology researcher Dr Danielle Stone to investigate how the diaphragm, our main muscle of breathing, behaves.

As ultrasound slowly embeds itself into respiratory physiotherapy practice, Louise believes the profession is only beginning to uncover what the technology can reveal. “It’s a constant discovery process,” she says. “It's exciting and innovative.”

28/04/2026

NSLHD News 🙌

The latest edition of our district newsletter is out now! Read all about:

• Celebrating dedication at Ryde Hospital
• First Emblem of Kindness awarded at NSLHD
• Encouraging staff to Raise It!
• A tool transforming respiratory care
• NSLHD launches 2026 influenza vaccination program

Click the link here to view:

NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD News NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT celebrating dedication at ryde hospital PAGE 3 First Emblem of Ki

27/04/2026

🏆🔬 STATE HONOUR FOR RESEARCHER DRIVING CANCER CARE INNOVATION 🎖️💗

Radiation therapist Meegan Shepherd was named Allied Health Researcher of the Year at the NSW Health 2026 Excellence in Allied Health Awards, recognising her significant contribution to advancing cancer care through research and innovation.

Based at Royal North Shore Hospital, Meegan has been recognised for her work advancing radiotherapy through research, education and emerging technologies, supported by her three master’s degrees and upcoming doctoral studies.

Her research has been published in local and international journals and translated into practice, supporting workforce credentialing, new models of care and improved patient outcomes.

Meegan, who has worked across NSW Health for nearly two decades, said the recognition reflects a collective effort across the district and she feels honoured to have made a difference.

“It’s a real honour and reflects the work we’ve been doing at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre in radiotherapy research, clinical trial and workforce development,” she said.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4edz9gS

24/04/2026

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY AT ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL

Staff, community members and service personnel gathered at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) to commemorate ANZAC Day in a moving ceremony of remembrance.

General Manager of RNSH, Alison Zecchin, reflected on the meaning of ANZAC Day, while Dr John Vassiliadis, a Captain in the Royal Australian Navy and an Emergency Physician at RNSH, spoke about the strong connection between healthcare and the defence forces through their shared values of service, sacrifice and care for others.

A Liturgy of Remembrance was delivered by hospital chaplain Peter Dowd, before Chris Greatrex from the North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch spoke on service and remembrance. Wreaths were laid by hospital leadership, childcare children and hospital partners Ventia.

The Last Post created a moment of collective stillness and respect; flags were raised.

23/04/2026

🧠 TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY – THE PAIN THAT WON'T SWITCH OFF 🧠

“Millions of Australians. One condition that doesn’t show up on scans. And pain that won’t switch off.”

In the latest episode of Tomorrow’s Medicine Today, Professor Paul Glare joins Associate Professor Matthew Doane to unpack one of medicine’s most complex and misunderstood conditions: chronic pain.

He explains why pain can persist long after an injury has healed, how the nervous system can become sensitised and keep generating pain signals, and why traditional treatments like opioids often fail in the long term.

The conversation also explores emerging approaches, including digital text-based support and multidisciplinary care, helping patients safely reduce medications while rebuilding function and quality of life.

This is about shifting from simply treating symptoms to helping people get their lives back.

Listen now on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4vJXOzG or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/41PSGfP

16/04/2026

✨ Tomorrow’s Medicine Today ✨

Are we getting heart health wrong because we’ve studied the wrong bodies?

In this episode of Tomorrow’s Medicine Today, PhD candidate Kirsty McGinley explores a major blind spot in cardiovascular medicine: how s*x hormones influence heart health, and why transgender patients are often missing from the evidence base.

Speaking with James Elliott and Matthew Doane, Kirsty breaks down the roles of oestrogen and testosterone in vascular health, and why decades of research focused largely on male models has left critical gaps in our understanding of disease in both women and gender diverse people.

She also discusses how gender-affirming hormone therapy is opening new opportunities to better understand cardiovascular biology in real time.

This conversation goes beyond identity. It’s about evidence, representation, and what happens when parts of the population are not included in research.

Listen on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4deFE28 or Spotify: https://bit.ly/4cHh2ir

14/04/2026

RESEARCH TO OFFER GENERATIONAL CHANGE

Researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Kolling Institute are aiming to transform pregnancy care in Australia through earlier identification and treatment of gestational diabetes, with the potential to improve health outcomes across two generations.

The research has been made possible by generous funding from the prestigious Balnaves Foundation, which says it is proud to partner with Kolling Institute Professor Sarah Glastras to improve health outcomes for both mother and baby.

One in six Australian women experience disruption to their pregnancy journey due to a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus — a condition associated with serious risks including birth trauma, low blood sugar in newborns, and an increased lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.

Gestational diabetes is the fastest‑growing form of diabetes in Australia and contributes to an intergenerational cycle of chronic disease, which this RNSH and Kolling‑led research aims to interrupt through earlier intervention and improved care.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4tcIqub

10/04/2026

NSLHD News 🙌

The latest edition of our district newsletter is out now read all about:
o 2025 Exceptional People Awards
o Researcher driving cancer innovation wins state award
o Research to offer generational change

Click the link here to view:

NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD News NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT Exceptional People Awards 2025 PAGEs 4 and 5 Art of lived experie

09/04/2026

🏆 NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR RNSH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT 🏆

Royal North Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department has been recognised on the national stage, taking out the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Wellbeing Award.

The award highlights the department’s strong commitment to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of frontline staff, alongside driving positive cultural change.

Established in 2022, the in-house psychological support program provides one-on-one and group support, including burnout support, post-traumatic stress care, leadership coaching and structured debriefing following critical incidents.

Originally developed for registrars, the program has expanded to support consultants and senior nurses, reflecting a whole-of-team approach to wellbeing.

Emergency medicine registrar Dr Shannon Mulder said the program ensures staff have access to meaningful psychological support when they need it most.

The initiative is already making an impact beyond Royal North Shore, inspiring similar programs at other hospitals across the district.

Read more: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/RNSH-Emergency-Department-recognised-with-national-award.aspx

03/04/2026

NSLHD SUPPORTS AUSTRALIA-FIRST RECYCLING PILOT FOR MEDICAL INJECTION PENS ♻️

A new initiative is set to tackle medical waste, with Royal North Shore Hospital joining an Australia-first pilot to recycle used injection pens.

Part of Novo Nordisk’s global ReMed program, the pilot will allow patients to return used pens at participating pharmacies and hospital sites, helping keep valuable materials out of landfill.

At Royal North Shore Hospital alone, up to 20,000 pens are used each year — contributing to around 850kg of waste. This program is a practical step towards reducing that impact.

By supporting safe collection and new recycling pathways, NSLHD is helping drive a more sustainable, circular approach to healthcare.

It’s another important step towards the district’s net zero goals and a cleaner future for healthcare.

03/04/2026

🐰 EASTER TREATS FOR NICU 💛

For the past nine years, registered volunteer Michelle Barry, Acting Psychological Wellbeing Manager, NSLHD has been supporting parents, carers and siblings of sick or premature babies in the Royal North Shore Hospital NICU.

This Easter, with up to 29 babies in the unit, nursing staff will step into the role of Easter Bunny, placing a fluffy toy beside each incubator, while the parent lounge will be stocked with chocolate treats for families to enjoy.

Michelle helped coordinate the collection of 30 Easter bunnies and a large tub of chocolate treats, generously donated by the local community, and provided them to the unit.

These small gestures help bring people together, creating connections between families who understand the challenges of having a baby in NICU. For many, these connections become an important source of support during difficult days and in celebrating milestones along the way.

01/04/2026

🥕🥚🐣 EASTER BUNNY COMES EARLY 🐰🌸🥕

The Easter bunny handed out bunny ears to dozens of children in the Child and Adolescent Ward and the Emergency Department at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Staff from Bunnings Pymble, Chatswood and Artarmon also supported the visit by doing Easter craft activities, giving children the chance to get creative during their hospital stay.

“It’s beautiful for kids and families to have a special visit at this time of year. Being in hospital isn’t easy, but having the Easter Bunny here makes everyone’s day a little brighter,” said Kerry Crannis, Child Life Therapist on the Child & Adolescent Ward.

30/03/2026

Royal North Shore Hospital pharmacist Jessica Bui was one of sixteen staff members to graduate from the Applied Safety and Quality Program.

The year‑long program equips NSW Health staff with the skills they need to lead safety and quality improvements in their clinical services and is delivered in partnership with the Clinical Excellence Commission.

Graduates recently showcased their innovations through talks and a poster display at the half‑day event held at the Northern Sydney Education Centre on the grounds of Macquarie Hospital.

Jessica explained the benefits of moving patients from IV to oral antibiotics. Mental Health Drug and Alcohol peer worker Paula Hanlon presented a framework supporting professional development pathways for peer workers. Sadia Mahboob, Quality Manager for NSLHD Clinical Trials, showcased a survey she developed aimed at capturing the perspectives of patients on clinical trials.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4thRNbo