Northern Sydney Local Health District

13/09/2025

✨A STEP TOWARDS NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL TRANSITIONING TO NSW HEALTH ✨

A senior NSLHD team is working at Northern Beaches Hospital over the next four weeks as preparations begin for the hospital’s transition to NSW Health.

The Transition, Assessment and Planning (TAP) team, with expertise in patient safety, digital health, clinical operations, people and culture, and finance, will work closely with NBH staff to understand priority areas for a smooth transition.

NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said:
"I want to thank the incredibly professional and committed workforce at Northern Beaches Hospital. Our teams are working together to ensure safe, high-quality care as we plan for the future."

No decisions have been made on the hospital’s future operations, but collaboration and planning continue to ensure the best outcomes for patients and staff.

11/09/2025

🧠 RESEARCH DRIVING CHANGE IN MENTAL HEALTH 🧠

Around 100 researchers, clinicians, staff and community workers came together at the 12th annual Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Conference at the Kolling Institute.

The event showcased the latest research and innovations from across Northern Sydney Local Health District.

Professor Gin Malhi, Director of the CADE Clinic at Royal North Shore Hospital, opened the event by highlighting the role of research in improving mental health services.

“If you want to improve it, if you want to better it and want to understand it, then you need to examine it. That’s what research is,” he said.

Keynote speakers included Associate Professor Mark Montebello on clinical trials in drug and alcohol, and Conjoint Professor Natalie Cutler on translating research into everyday practice.

The program featured more than 25 submissions, including posters, research presentations and quality improvement projects, with several outstanding entries recognised through awards.

Read more: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/Research-driving-change-across-mental-health-services.aspx

09/09/2025

TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY: RETHINKING BOWEL CANCER SCREENING

Could a single drop of blood help detect bowel cancer early? 🩸🔬

Professor Mark Molloy is using proteomics to study proteins that reveal how cancers grow—and may soon make screening simpler and more accessible.

Early detection saves lives. Listen to the latest episode of Tomorrow’s Medicine Today on our website: https://bit.ly/46vpGNl or Spotify: https://bit.ly/3V9SIfi

09/09/2025

✨INTERVIEW WITH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR SARAH GLASTRAS ✨

“You don’t just wake up one day and have obesity – it’s something that develops over a lifetime.”

In the Tomorrow’s Medicine Today podcast, endocrinologist and researcher, Associate Professor Sarah Glastras shares her insights into why obesity should be recognised as a medical condition, the role of hormones, and why her work is all about helping people live better, fuller lives.

Hear more from Sarah on our website: https://bit.ly/3G271hK, or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/47tEn4F

08/09/2025

🌏 METAL HOLLOWARE MAKES A SUSTAINABLE COMEBACK 🌏

Royal North Shore Hospital has launched the ‘Steel got it!’ project, bringing back reusable metal holloware such as bowls, kidney dishes and gallipots in operating theatres.

The move replaces single-use plastics that have been in use since 2018.

Each year, more than 51,000 single-use items are used at the hospital, costing over $100,000 plus thousands more in waste disposal.

Anaesthetics Clinical Nurse Educator and Net Zero Lead Erin Foulsham said the change supports both environmental goals and staff values.

“Staff want to see sustainable practices embedded in our daily work, and bringing back metal holloware is a practical way to reduce waste without compromising patient care,” she said.

The switch is expected to divert more than 4 tonnes of clinical waste from landfill and cut carbon emissions by about 21,000 kilograms annually.

Read more: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/Back-to-the-future-metal-holloware-makes-a-sustainable-comeback-at-RNSH.aspx

08/09/2025

Our charity partner the NORTH Foundation has launched their first ever printed newsletter, the NORTHERLY - the latest way to stay connected with uplifting stories of impact. From the launch of “Alexis” the surgical robot, to one woman’s vision to change the future for brain injury patients and more, this issue celebrates the incredible power of giving through bequests.
Read how philanthropy is helping to create lasting change across the Northern Sydney Local Health District and beyond 👉 bit.ly/4nfkItO
📩 If you haven’t already, click subscribe at the bottom of the NORTH Foundation website northfoundation.org.au to stay connected with future releases.

06/09/2025

🤝 PARTNERSHIP RENEWED TO STRENGTHEN ABORIGINAL HEALTH 🤝

A new five-year agreement has been signed between the Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) Redfern and Sydney’s five metropolitan public health services.

The partnership, first established in 2010, is focused on closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said the renewed agreement shows the strength of ongoing collaboration.

“It’s fantastic that several organisations can come together, identify the issues and work collectively on solutions,” he said.

Read more: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/Partnership%20renewed%20to%20strengthen%20Aboriginal%20health%20across%20metro%20communities.aspx

05/09/2025

👕 JERSEY DAY AT NSLHD 👕

Today, staff across Northern Sydney Local Health District came together to celebrate Jersey Day by wearing their favourite sporting jerseys!

Jersey Day was inspired by Nathan Gremmo, who, at just 13, became an organ donor and gave the gift of life to six people. It’s a day to start conversations with family, friends and colleagues about the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor - a reminder of the incredible difference one decision can make.

A big thank you to all our staff who joined in to raise awareness and show their support. Registering to be an organ donor is easy - visit www.donatelife.gov.au.

05/09/2025

Life is full of major milestones – relationships, growing families and new beginnings. Your Will should reflect that too.

You can create or update your Will FOR FREE (normally $160) thanks to a special offer from Safewill, made possible through our charity partner, the NORTH Foundation – but only from 1-14 September, so start planning.

It’s simple, secure and only takes 20 minutes online.

It’s also a chance to leave a legacy. By including a gift in your Will to the NORTH Foundation, you will be supporting innovative healthcare and medical research, creating a healthier future for generations to come.

A recent bequest enabled Royal North Shore Hospital to acquire a state-of-the-art surgical robot. This extraordinary gift is already helping patients receive minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain, shorten hospital stays and improve recovery times.

Take advantage of the free offer and start your Will today 👉 bit.ly/NSLHDStartYourWill.

04/09/2025

NSLHD News 🙌

The latest edition of our district newsletter is out now read all about:
o BreastScreen NSW clinic opens at Mona Vale
o Metal holloware makes a sustainable comeback at RNSH
o Wear it Purple Day celebrations
o A step towards NBH transitioning to NSW Health

Click the link here to view:

NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD BreastScreen clinic opens at Mona Vale Main story Short blurb PAGE 4 Read more on Page x Wear it purple da

03/09/2025

🏃‍♂️ MAKING EXERCISE EASIER FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS 🏃‍♀️

Researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital are trialling a new program to support people with knee osteoarthritis to move more and manage their symptoms.

The 12-week study offers participants a self-guided physical activity program with a Fitbit tracker, either with detailed guidance or assistance, aiming to find the best ways to incorporate movement into daily life.

Co-leads Dr Vicky Duong and Dr Sarah Kobayashi emphasise that exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis, helping reduce symptoms and improve health outcomes.

The study is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and supported by Arthritis Australia state groups.

📲 Interested in joining? Read more here: https://www.osteoarthritisresearch.com.au/cascadeoa-study-overview

02/09/2025

📘 NEW SPINAL RESOURCE LAUNCHED WITH BBQ TRADITION 🍔

Families of people with spinal cord injuries now have a dedicated resource to help navigate the days and weeks following an injury.

The ‘SCI Rookie Book’ was launched during a Friday BBQ at Royal North Shore Hospital and is the first of a five-part series co-developed with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA). Written by people with lived experience, it uses simple language and a practical layout to make complex medical information easier to understand.

Spinal ward social worker Helen Tonkin said it fills a long-standing gap for families, helping them feel supported in the early days after injury.

The Friday BBQ continues as an informal chance for families to connect, ask questions, and share experiences with peer workers and SCIA.

📲 Access the booklet here: https://bit.ly/4kY3Rdo