Royal North Shore Hospital

12/09/2025

🌈 NORTHERN SYDNEY LGBTIQ+ HEALTH SYMPOSIUM 🌈

Join us for an inspiring day of learning, discussion, and collaboration on the future of inclusive healthcare for older LGBTIQ+ communities.

🗓 Friday, 10 Oct | 8:30am – 3:30pm AEDT
📍 In person or online attendance.
Hear from leading experts and community advocates on ageing, dementia, disability, HIV, intersex health, and policy gaps in LGBTIQ+ aged care. Celebrate resilience and help pave the way for better health outcomes.

🎟 Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/northern-sydney-local-health-district-lbgtiq-health-symposium
Accessibility or interpreter needs? Email jemma.clifton@health.nsw.gov.au.

11/09/2025

Thank you to North Shore Living Magazine for its feature on our exciting new podcast: hashtag ’s Medicine Today.

Co-hosted by Professor James Elliott and North Shore Hospital anaesthetist Dr Matthew Doane, the podcast offers an insight into the dynamic clinicians and researchers driving crucial research and high-quality care across Sydney Local Health District and the Institute.

It’s a chance to hear directly from our healthcare experts about what inspires them, and the very latest improvements in care.

Check out the podcast through Spotify https://bit.ly/448P755 or the website https://bit.ly/nslhd-tmt

See page 38: https://northsidelivingnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/magfiles/092025/NL/index.html #

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

10/09/2025

Highlighting the talent and expertise at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Kolling Institute, a group of clinicians took out a collection of coveted awards at the Cardiac Society (CSANZ) scientific meeting.

* The most prestigious research award for young investigators across Australia and New Zealand was awarded to cardiologist Dr. Karan Rao. He was presented with the Clinical Ralph Reader Prize for his valuable study of 200 TAVI patients, which used an implantable loop‑recorder to guide post‑procedural care and risk classification.

* Dr. Hari Sritharan received the Heart Failure Prize for PREDICT‑TAVI, a machine‑learning model that improves individualised mortality prediction after TAVI.

* Dr. Jonathan Ciofani was named Editorial Fellow of the Year for his leadership at Heart, Lung and Circulation, and Dr. Neila Litkouhi won Best Research Poster for the DAY‑STAY TAVI study demonstrating the feasibility and safety of same‑day discharge for selected low‑risk patients after TAVI.

* Head of Cardiology at Royal North Shore Hospital Professor Ravinay Bhindi said it was encouraging to see the focus on this group of emerging research leaders.

“As their research supervisor, I felt immense pride watching Karan, Hari, Jonathan and Neila receive well‑deserved recognition for their relentless dedication to cardiovascular research,” he said.

“Their work blends rigorous data collection, machine-learning analytics as well as practical innovation. It is already reshaping clinical practice and promises to drive even greater advances in patient care.”



Northern Sydney Local Health District University of Sydney

10/09/2025

🔬 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

🏆 MALNUTRITION WEEK 🏆
8th – 12th September

This year’s theme: The Many Faces of Malnutrition.
Malnutrition isn’t always obvious—it can affect anyone, at any age, and in any setting. Did you know that previous RNSH point prevalence research found that 1 in 3 adult hospital patients included in the study had some level of malnutrition? Preventing malnutrition can support faster recovery, enhance quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs.

To raise awareness, the Nutrition Department hosted an interactive stall in the main foyer at RNSH, featuring delicious recipes, educational resources, and a fun spin-the-wheel game for staff, patients, and visitors.

Alongside the stall, staff can join our week-long quiz for a chance to win prizes! Look for QR code posters on your ward to participate.
Let’s work together to recognize and prevent malnutrition!

08/09/2025

📚 BOOKS FOR LITTLE BABIES 📔

To mark International Literacy Day, Royal North Shore Hospital’s maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) received a heart-warming delivery — books for newborns and their families.

The initiative, led by the Australian Literacy Educators' Association (ALEA) Sydney North Local Council, provides donated books wrapped with a brochure on the importance of reading to babies from birth.

Volunteer Wendy Bean, who has been donating books for 18 years, said:
“It's very special to give books to babies born on World Literacy Day."

These books are more than just gifts — they’re a gentle reminder that even the tiniest readers can begin a lifelong love of stories and learning. Pictured is Claire Blackburn, Nurse Manager, NICU, Wendy Bean, baby Teodoro and his mother Marianne.💛

05/09/2025

🌏 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

05/09/2025

👕 JERSEY DAY AT RNSH 👕

Today, our ICU teams at Royal North Shore Hospital held a barbecue to mark Jersey Day, with staff across the hospital also proudly wearing their jerseys in support.

Jersey Day was inspired by Nathan Gremmo, who, at just 13, gave the gift of life to six people through organ donation. His story is a powerful reminder of how one decision can change many lives, and the day encourages us all to have conversations with family, friends and colleagues about becoming an organ and tissue donor.

A big thank you to our ICU staff for bringing people together to raise awareness, have some fun, and show their team spirit in their favourite jerseys. 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 Metal holloware makes a sustainable comeback at RNSH
o Wear it Purple Day celebrations
o Researchers work to reduce debilitating spinal cord injury
o Focus on safety and choice in new induction of labour policy

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

As we mark Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness week, we would like to highlight the clinicians, researchers and members of the community working to improve outcomes for people living with a spinal cord injury.

Our research and clinical teams are today continuing the remarkable legacy of academic and spine surgeon Professor Tom Taylor.
More: https://kollinginstitute.org.au/spine-health-focus Northern Sydney Local Health District University of Sydney Kolling Institute

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

01/09/2025

This SPECIAL RESEARCH FEATURE offers an insight into the impressive clinicians and researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital and the impact of their crucial work.

* Our Kolling Institute teams are driving world-leading research into some of the most significant health challenges, from heart and kidney disease, chronic pain and cancer, to musculoskeletal, neurological and age-related conditions.

* With a large share of our researchers named amongst the top two per cent in the world, the institute continues to build on its research success.

* As you read through the Year in Review, we would like to extend our thanks to our dedicated scientists and the many wonderful donors who help us deliver real improvements to the care we provide.

* Click here to view the Kolling Institute Year in Review:
https://online.flippingbook.com/view/797655397/
Northern Sydney Local Health District University of Sydney NORTH Foundation Kolling Institute

01/09/2025

🚑 RNSH HITS TRAUMA CARE MILESTONE 🚑

Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) has achieved Level 1 Trauma Verification—the highest distinction for trauma care in Australia and New Zealand!

Independent reviewers assessed every stage of trauma care, confirming RNSH delivers the most advanced care for critically injured patients while leading in trauma research, education, and regional support.

Chief Executive Anthony Schembri presented the trauma team with a framed certificate to mark this rare achievement. Dr Geoff Healy highlighted it as a true team effort, backed by the support of senior executives.

This recognition reflects RNSH’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and trauma care across the region.

Read more here: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/RNSH-hits-trauma-care-milestone.aspx

29/08/2025

💜 WEAR IT PURPLE DAY 2025 💜

Today, we stand together with LGBTQIA+ youth to show that everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are. At Royal North Shore Hospital, we are committed to creating an environment where respect, inclusion, and kindness are at the heart of everything we do.

Whether it’s a purple ribbon, a pin, or simply wearing purple today, every action counts. Let’s continue to build a world where all young people can be their true selves — proud, visible, and supported.

28/08/2025

RNSH DOCTOR HEADS AI ETHICS STUDY 🤖💉

Dr Yagiz Aksoy is leading REP-AI, a $2.25M national project ensuring AI in healthcare is used safely and ethically.

The study will help ethics committees review AI research, consult experts and everyday Australians, and develop tools for responsible AI in medical imaging, diagnostics, and predictive modelling.

“AI is already influencing how we diagnose, treat and predict disease,” Yagiz says. “This work is about building trust and using AI responsibly.”

Read more here:
https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/RNSH-doctor-heads-AI-ethics-study.aspx

27/08/2025

🎧 TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY – NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

What if we could reduce harmful medications for older Australians?
Professor Sarah Hilmer introduces the Drug Burden Index — a tool helping clinicians manage medication risk and improve health outcomes for older people.

From tackling polypharmacy to promoting safer prescribing, Sarah shares how smarter medication management can support healthier ageing.

🎙️ Listen now on our website: https://bit.ly/4fQLRAE or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4fQNmyM

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26/08/2025

We would like to congratulate one of our senior research governance managers who has been named a finalist in the NSW Health Research Administrator Awards.

Manmeet Suri, the Northern Sydney Local Health District Research Ethics and Governance Manager has been recognised for her commitment to improving research governance practices across Northern Sydney.

The NSW Health Research Administrator Awards are held annually as part of the Research Administrator Appreciation Day. It recognises the contribution of administration teams to clinical trials and high-quality research.

Manmeet is nominated for the award Empowering Research Administrators Through Leadership.

She says becoming a finalist is exciting and a reminder of the important work the team does behind the scenes to improve access to high quality care. She highlighted the support they receive from the district which enables them to make a meaningful impact.

25/08/2025

Last week our Speech Pathology team hosted a stall in the RNSH foyer to mark Speech Pathology Week 2025.

This year’s theme celebrates the incredible role speech pathologists play in helping people thrive at every stage of life — from young children to older Australians.

Around 1.2 million Australians need support with communication, and behind every person is a story and a dedicated team of professionals making a real difference.

At RNSH, our speech pathologists work across wards, clinics and the community, supporting wellbeing, confidence, connection, independence, inclusion and opportunity.

💬 Thank you to everyone who stopped by the stall to learn more about the vital work of our speech pathology team. Learn more here: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/2025-Speech-Pathology-Week.aspx?WebsiteKey=bf2f5d12-81e9-45de-b848-da380f72ca15

23/08/2025

✨ CALLING ALL YOUNG VISIONARIES IN NSW ✨

The Future Health Worldbuilding Competition is here. NSLHD is excited to support a student-led competition inviting young people aged 12-16 to imagine what healthcare could look like in 2040. Participants can express their vision through storytelling, design, video, prototypes, or any other creative format.

Who can enter?
• Students aged 12–16 in NSW
• Solo or teams of up to 3
• Free to enter
Why enter?
• Shape the future of healthcare
• Build real-world creative skills
• Explore future careers
• Present ideas at the Future Health Symposium, Term 4

Your ideas. Your voice. Your future.

Entries now open: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/futurehealthcomp

22/08/2025

NSLHD News 🙌

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

o New clinic offers protection against tuberculosis
o RNSH doctor heads AI ethics study
o New spinal resource launched
o Making exercise easier for osteoarthritis patients

Click the link here to view:

NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD Main story Short blurb New clinic offers protection against tuberculosis Read more on Page x PAGE 4 New spi

21/08/2025

🌳 RNSH MARKS NATIONAL TREE DAY WITH NATIVE PLANTING 🌳

Royal North Shore Hospital celebrated National Tree Day by planting a native Tuckeroo tree, continuing efforts to make the campus greener and more welcoming for patients, staff, and visitors.

General Manager Alison Zecchin planted the tree outside the hospital, supporting a healthier environment and local biodiversity. The Tuckeroo will provide year-round shade, attract native birds, and align with Willoughby Council’s Tree Master Plan.

National Tree Day, established by Planet Ark in 1996, is Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event, inspiring people nationwide to contribute to a healthier planet.

20/08/2025

📘 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CARBOHYDRATE COUNTER AT RNSH 📘

The Endocrine Department at Royal North Shore Hospital recently marked the 50th anniversary and final printed edition of the Australian Carbohydrate Counter, part of the Traffic Light Guide to Food Series.
The event brought together patients, current and former staff, and dietitians who have contributed to this trusted resource over five decades. Sharon Youde, Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian and current editor, reflected on its legacy:
“For 50 years, this guide has been a cornerstone for people managing diabetes… While this is the final printed edition, its legacy lives on through new digital tools supporting people every day.”

read more here: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/Celebrating-50-years-of-the-Australian-Carbohydrate-Counter-at-RNSH.aspx

19/08/2025

🌟RNSH LEADS THE WAY WITH LATEST IMAGING TECHNOLOGY🌟

Royal North Shore Hospital has made a significant leap in interventional technology that provides clearer images and enables more precsise care to the patient.
The hospital is the first in Australia to install and fully implement the Philips Azurion 7 biplane angiography system – Release 3.

RNSH Medical Imaging Operations Manager Emily Hodgins said the benefits of the latest release were already being felt.

“The improved efficiency, image clarity, and added features are enabling our team to deliver more precise, timely care,” she said.

This technology introduces enhanced imaging resolution, faster processing, and intuitive workflow tools that help reduce procedure times, lower radiation exposure, and support decision-making during complex procedures.

“The new system supports a wide range of procedures, including Portacath insertions for long-term medication access, transarterial chemoembolisation for liver cancer treatment, adrenal vein sampling to investigate causes of hypertension, and life-saving arterial embolisations to control internal bleeding,” Emily said.

“This technology supports our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in patient outcomes.”
As an early adopter of Release 3, RNSH will serve as a reference site for other hospitals exploring similar upgrades, reinforcing its leadership in advanced imaging and clinical innovation.