Northern exposure - Northern NSW Local Health District · that Mr Wayne Jones has been appointed to...

Northernexposure Newsletter, Issue 4May/June 2016

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Page 7: We talk to Grant Rogers, Director Medical Services at The Tweed Hospital

Page 11: International Nurses Day celebrated across the LHD

Northern Exposure May/June 2016 Page 1

From left, MLC Ben Franklin, Minister for Mental Health Pru Goward, former member for Byron Don Page, Minister for Health Jillian Skinner, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, NNSW LHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones, and Tweed Byron Health Service Group Executive Director Bernadette Loughnane participate in the cutting of the cake at the official opening ceremony of the new Byron Central Hospital.

Byron officially openedByron Central Hospital (BCH)was

officially opened by NSW Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Minister for Mental Health Pru Goward on Monday 9

May, 2016.Mrs Skinner said the $88 million

Byron Central Hospital will transform health care in the Byron Shire.

“Hospital and ambulatory care patients will both be able to access expanded clinical and integrated

Continued Page 3

I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to the many staff and clinicians who have sent me congratulatory messages on the announcement of my appointment to Chief Executive of Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW LHD), I am extremely humbled by your support.

I wish to thank the Board for their confidence in appointing me to this very challenging role and I look forward to working with them as we progress the exciting opportunities that lay ahead.

What an exciting first week as the new Chief Executive for NNSW LHD. In my first few days in the role I had the pleasure to join the Minister for Health and Minister for Mental Health to open the new Byron Central Hospital (BCH).

It was a strange feeling in some ways as I was up on the podium speaking on behalf of NNSW LHD whilst Chris Crawford, the former Chief Executive who advocated for the development of the BCH for many years and deserved recognition for his role in obtaining the funding for the project, was in the audience.

Whilst it has been a long journey the new BCH is an outstanding health facility and I know the community and staff will benefit from it for many years to come.

On Thursday 12th May I had the opportunity to give an address at the Nursing & Midwifery Symposium on International Nurses Day.

The Symposium is in its third year and is the result of collaboration between NNSW LHD Nursing and Midwifery Directorate and Southern Cross University.

The address gave me an early opportunity to acknowledge the incredible role nursing plays in the delivery of health care and to thank those present for their individual efforts in caring for our community.

The opportunity also allowed me to speak to some key messages that I will be progressing as Chief Executive, including active engagement with clinicians and staff in decision making, a focus on supporting our clinicians to continue to provide the high quality of care that they give to our communities, building upon the translational research base that we currently have and enhancing local system understanding on the funding models to ensure the funding NNSW LHD receives reflects the volume, quality and complexity of work we provide.

Whilst I have been a familiar face on the Northern Rivers for a number of

years in a variety of roles I will be going around to sites and services over the next few months to meet with staff and clinicians as Chief Executive to discuss the opportunities and challenges that present to us in providing the health care services our communities require.

Whilst I am acutely aware of the challenges confronting NNSW LHD over the next few years I am genuinely excited about the opportunities that are there to support our clinicians and staff to continue to develop the high quality services that our LHD delivers.

I look forward to working in collaboration with you in delivering upon those opportunities.

Wayne JonesChief Executive


Executive Update

From the Board Chair

On behalf of the NNSW LHD Board I am pleased that Mr Wayne Jones has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive of the NNSW LHD, a role to which the Board believes he will serve the LHD and communities of Northern NSW well.

Wayne’s experience and corporate knowledge are a perfect fit for meeting the challenges that an ever changing and growing health service requires.

I also wish to congratulate Ms Elizabeth Koff in her appointment as Secretary NSW Health.

The NNSW LHD Board met with Ms Koff in her previous role as Deputy Secretary, Strategy and Resources in September 2015 and was impressed with her openness and candour and looks forward to working with her in her role as Secretary NSW Health.

q q qThe NNSW LHD Board

believes domestic and family violence is an issue

affecting everyone and is a concern for all, beyond the women and children most commonly the targets of such violence.

While every Australian can act to reduce the prevalence and impact of domestic and family violence at an individual level, to support individual efforts, key community leaders need to take a strong stance on the issue.

In recognition of this, the NNSW LHD Board is formally taking a public stance against domestic and family violence.

To achieve this goal, the Board undertakes to lead and put in place strategies that will address the issue of domestic and family violence, focusing on one key strategy each year.

In 2016 the focus for the Board will be to raise awareness of the senior executive staff of the Local Health District of domestic and family violence.

All Board members and the Local Health District Executive team will attend domestic and family violence education to empower them to take a stand to be effective active bystanders, and challenge attitudes and practices that condone or support domestic and family violence.

As Board Chair I encourage all NNSW LHD Staff to support the Board in “saying no to domestic and family violence”.

Brian PezuttiBoard Chair


Minister’s official visitFrom Page 1

services under one roof. The emergency department is now offering a higher level of emergency care than previously available in the district,” Mrs Skinner said.

“I thank the project team and Byron’s dedicated health professionals for delivering this long-awaited hospital to the community.”

BCH services include a state-of-the-art 14-bay ED, low-risk maternity services, enhanced x-ray and medical imaging, increased cancer care and an on-site pharmacy.

The purpose-built facility also provides expanded integrated services for ambulatory care clients, with community and allied health services including a dental service with four chairs, physiotherapy and a rehabilitation gym.

Ms Goward said the new 20-bed sub-acute mental health facility was a first for the Byron Shire.

“The district now has a dedicated space to treat mental health inpatients and

community mental health services are also available on-site,” Ms Goward said.

The commissioning phase continues with the hospital anticipated to open to patients by the end of May.

Minister for Mental Health Pru Goward, left, and Minister for Health Jillian Skinner cutting the ribbon to officially open Byron Central Hospital.

Lismore on trackWhile visiting the

Northern Rivers, Minister for Health Jillian Skinner took the opportunity to visit Lismore Base Hospital (LBH) with Member for Lismore Thomas George to celebrate the completion of the first section of the $80.25 million

Stage 3A redevelopment.Construction of the

emergency department and renal unit is now complete, with the finishing touches also being put on the new 270-space, multi-storey car park worth $9.3 million.

Mrs Skinner said the

hospital’s new 12-storey south tower reached the highest point of construction in December, which includes a new helipad on top.

The tower is now the highest structure in Lismore.

“The new and improved LBH will have more

spacious treatment areas and light-filled rooms throughout.

“We can now see the completed and expansive emergency department inside, which is over three-and-a-half times bigger than the current emergency department,” Mrs Skinner said.

Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Member for Lismore Thomas George face the media inside the new LBH Emergency Department.

From left, Thomas George, Acting Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Narelle Gleeson, Executive Director Richmond Clarence Health Services Group Lynne Weir, Minister Jillian Skinner, Health Infrastructure Chief Executive Sam Sangster.

Casino now part of Fitness Passport

The Casino Health Club is the latest facility to sign up to the Fitness Passport Program.

Casino Health Club offers a broad range of fitness equipment including top quality brands such as Life Fitness, Cybex, Technogym, Nautilus, Hoist, Matrix

Casino Health Club also provides users with 24/7 access, with Fitness Passport members able to purchase an access card on their first visit for a small fee.

The Casino Health Club offers a discount gym program that is only available to LHD employees. Casino Health Club is located at 207 Centre Street, Casino.

To join Fitness Passport, go to www.fitnesspassport.com.au


What really matters in the end?

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the delay in publishing the May edition of Northern Exposure.

While this edition was scheduled to be sent out at the start of the month, and I thank you for the inquiries as to where it was, I was unfortunately absent due to the death of my father.

My father‘s passing was quite sudden, yet not in the grander scheme of things, unexpected. Thankfully, we had time for many discussions around the unpleasant ‘end of life’ subject.

When my mother passed away several years ago, no-one in my family was prepared and so we vowed to do it better the next time around.

I can remember at the time thinking how almost everything in life is taught to

us, yet the subject of death and dying remains taboo. When the time does come to bury a loved one, so many of us are unprepared.

For this reason, I encourage you all to talk to your loved ones about how you, and they, would like the end of their life to be managed.

Professionally, it is often difficult for nursing staff and medical officers to know what is important to consider when dealing with a patient‘s end of life, and what information is important to share.

To this end, the NNSW LHD is holding an education forum in Lismore at the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH), Uralba Street, titled ”Decision Time - What Really Matters in the End?” on June 19 from 5pm to 9pm.

Knowing what to say and do at the end of someone‘s

life can make an enormous difference to the grieving process for those of us left behind. q q q

I would like to add my congratulations to Wayne Jones on his appointment to the position of Chief Executive.

Wayne‘s arrival signals change for the NNSW LHD and the monthly Chief Executive Newsletter Northern Exposure is not immune to the reveiw process.

As a result, the next Chief Executive Newsletter will be published the first week of July. While the name ‘Northern Exposure’ may not survive the review, please be assured that the newsletter will continue - so please continue to send in your contributions.

Acting Editor, Lee McDougall

What’s up?What is going on in

your part of the NNSW LHD? Would you like the rest of the LHD to know?

Please email your contributions for Northern Exposure to [email protected] l th .nsw.gov.au . Photos and dot points with all the information are most welcome. For inquries phone 6620 2141.

Our Nurses and Midwives - Quiet Achievers

Editorial

Name: The Nurses and Midwives of Northern NSW Local Health District

Each year on May 5 the life affirming contribution of midwives is celebrated on International Day of the Midwife. Seven days later on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the enormous contribution made by nurses is recognised across the globe for International Nurses Day.

These two days were celebrated locally with a range of activities occurring across the LHD (see Page 11), including a visit by NSW Minister for Health Jillian Skinner, pictured left with Lismore Base Hospital Theatre RN Tracey Cook and Member for Lismore Thomas George.

Each year the International Nurses Day has a theme and this year’s was: ”Nurses: A Force for Change: Improving health systems’ resilience.”


Community day for Byron ShireMore than 750

community members from Byron Shire and its environs took the opportunity to have a preview of the new Byron Shire Hospital (BCH) in April ahead of its official opening.

NNSW LHD Acting Chief Executive Annette Symes said it was wonderful to see so many members of the community take the time to attend the open day.

“We were happily surprised by the level of support from the Byron

Shire community in wanting to come along and view for themselves the new BCH,” Ms Symes said.

“I would like to give a big ‘Thank You’ to all the staff members, Hospital Auxiliary members, and community members who provided their time on the day to showcase our new state-of-the-art facility.”

The commissioning phase of BCH continues with the move into the new hospital expected to occur by the end of May.

Tweed Byron Health Services Group Executive Director Bernadette Loughnane, right, give, from left, Kobi, Jolene and Oskar Buckroyd a tour.

Above, community members stream through the doors to view for themselves the new BCH. Below, tour guides, from left, Mel Franz, Lorraine Gilmore, Felicity Stenning, Gavan Jones, and Deb Carney.

Pictured left, Health Infrastructure Project Director for Byron Central Hospital Jeffrey Arthur checks out the artwork created by Rachel Stone in the Paediatric Gymnasium.

Entries called for Primary Health Care Awards

NNSW LHD staff are invited to enter the inaugural Primary Health Care Excellence Awards, hosted by North Coast Primary Health Network.

Covering the area between the Tweed Coast and Port Macquarie, NCPHN is the region’s coordinating body for out-of-hospital health care providers.

The awards are themed as “Celebrating the Stars of Primary Health Care on the North Coast”, with the submission period now open.

Deadline for submission is noon, Friday 3 June, with the awards to be presented at a dinner in Coffs Harbour in September.

Those eligible to enter include GPs, allied health practitioners, community health workers and social services.

There are four Award categories:

• Innovation, Integration and Partnership.

• Improving Health Care Access and Outcomes

• Reducing Health Inequity

• Promoting Healthy Living

In addition, two Community Choice awards will be presented, based on evaluation of the finalists by a community panel.

NCPHN’s Chief Executive, Dr Vahid Saberi said the awards honour the partnerships, teams and individuals who work tirelessly to keep the people in our communities healthy and out of hospital.

For more information on how to make a submission visit www.ncphn.org.au/excellence/


All staff of the NNSW LHD are being asked to “Jump on Board” and participate in the People Matter Employee Survey.

The Survey asks the 400,000 NSW Government employees questions related to your work, your team, your manager and your Local Health District.

Your confidential responses will contribute to initiatives and decision

making on matters that affect our workplaces.

Be sure to let your voice be heard by responding by the 31st May 2016

Visit the NNSW LHD Intranet and click on the

Have Your Say People Matter Employee Survey link.

Alternatively, the survey can also be accessed by visiting https://www.nswemployeesurvey.com

One great step for CasinoChronic disease within

Aboriginal communities was the focus for the large number of people attending the 1 Deadly Step program held in Casino in April.

The 1 Deadly Step program is a State-wide campaign aimed at increasing awareness of chronic disease within Aboriginal communities.

Casino locals were given the opportunity to meet sporting and health heroes while learning about chronic disease.

The 1 Deadly Step program was developed in partnership with NSW Health and the Country Rugby League.

Participants to Casino's

1 Deadly Step day were provided with mini health checks, education on the risk factors of chronic disease, and health referrals.

“The 1 Deadly Step program is a community strategy aimed at tackling chronic disease,” local co-ordinator Troy Combo said.

Participants of Casino’s 1 Deadly Step program held in April at the Casino Sports Stadium and Civic Hall.

Time again to Have Your Say

Quality Awards time againThe annual NNSW LHD

Quality Awards are now open for submission.

The NNSW LHD Quality Awards use the same categories as the NSW Health Innovation Awards. Local winners for these categories become the LHD entries in the NSW Health Innovation Awards.

The eight categories

are: Patients as partners, Integrated health care, translational research, local solutions, preventative health, collaborative team, reducing health care associated infections and enhancing the patient’s experience through the arts.

Additional local categories for NNSW LHD,

with winners of these categories supported to present at a conference, include Clinical Practice Improvement and Corporate Practice Improvement.

For further information click on the Quality Awards icon on the NNSW LHD intranet site under the Clinical Governance tab.

When you first hear Grant Rogers’ soft New Zealand accent, the immediate thought is: ‘He’s a long way from home!’ Yet it doesn’t take long to realise that Grant feels completely at home taking up the clinical reins of The Tweed Hospital.

“The Tweed Hospital is at that wonderful point of needing to decide in what direction it is heading,” Grant said.

“In the past three months I have discovered that there is a really good group of people here who are genuinely excited about the future of TTH and wanting to embrace change and do what is required to work towards that change.”

While the challenges facing TTH have often been front page news in recent years, a quick glance over Grant’s CV indicates that he may be just the person to address these challenges with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of outcomes.

Born in New Zealand’s North Island in the Hawkes Bay area, best known in Australia for its beautiful wines, Grant completed his medical training at Dunedin University as a general surgical registrar doing cardio thoracic surgery.

“It sounds glamourous when you say you’re part of the heart surgical team, but in reality, after many months of replacing veins day in and day out, I was looking for new challenges,” Grant said.

“So, in 2000 I did a full jump sideways and started working as a rural GP. I went from doing 15 hours a day in surgery to starting work on the Monday in a rural GP practice where the husband and wife team handed me the keys and left for a three week holiday.

Grant spent 18 months working as a rural GP in Coromandel Peninsula, east of Auckland, before relocating back to Hawkes Bay. There he worked as an urban GP before emigrating to NSW for a 12 month locum GP position in many rural and remote locations.

“My wife and I did figure eights of NSW, mostly west of the Great Dividing Range,” Grant said. “I remember we arrived in Dunedoo (just west of the Black Stump), a single GP town. The GP met us, handed us the keys to his house and practice, wished me luck, said ‘See you in three weeks’, and drove out the drive.

“It was incredibly challenging at times, but it also taught me a lot about best practice management.”

Following these 12 nomadic months, Grant and his family relocated back to Dunedin where he completed an Master of Business Administration (MBA). Once back into the workforce he proceeded to complete his

first Fellowship in General Practice.

In 2007, Grant and his family moved to Suva, Fiji for him to take up the position of CEO of a private hospital.

“My wife is from Fiji, so this job was a great opportunity for us to spend time with her family following the birth of our daughter, Maya” Grant said.

“We remained in Suva for three years. I can remember, after about 18 month in the role, the taxi driver, who didn’t know who I was, commented that ‘Two years ago there was no difference between the public and the private hospital. They were both bad. Now, the private hospital is worth every cent’.”

While in Fiji, Grant commenced his second Fellowship in Medical Administration. This enabled him to take up the position of Deputy Chief Medical Officer initially, before adding Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO; the equivalent of Clinical Director of IT) for Bendigo

Health.“The Health system in

Victoria is slightly different,” Grant said. “There is no Director of Medical Services, but rather the CMO and CMIO roles. I held these three positions for the 12 months prior to coming to TTH.

When asked of his first impressions of TTH after three months, Grant provided a very considered response.

“I see a hospital that is literally bursting at the seams,” Grant said.

“There is massive opportunity to blossom for TTH. For this to occur, it needs to be resourced adequately to recognise the demand that is being placed upon it by the exploding population.

“TTH is a good hospital, but I think the time has come for it to refocus its direction so that it can become a great hospital.

“For this to happen, the staff and managers need to be empowered to do their roles to the full extent of their ability, and to be comfortable and accountable for their actions.

“We are an industry that cares. That caring approach needs to start with each other. If our staff really enjoy what they are doing, work collaboratively and experience job satisfaction, then they will pass on those good feelings to their patients and/or clients.

“My role is to enable people to do their job better. If we get it right for all our staff, our patients benefit. This may be considered a radical position from where many organisations operate. Yet by ‘paying it (CORE values) forward’, it builds a sustainable organisation that is great to work for.”

Interview with Grant RogersThis month Northern Exposure sat down with Grant Rogers, the newly appointed Director Medical Services (DMS), for Tweed Byron Health Service Group. Grant talked with Lee McDougall about his past three months adjusting to life in the Tweed Valley.


Northern Exposure September 2015 Northern Exposure May/June 2016 Page 8

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These pathways provide latest evidence based information on how to assess, manage and refer patients to local services in a timely manner. Patient information and clinical resources are also provided.For more information: • Call the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) on 1800 653 809. • Call the local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

FeedbackYour feedback/comments are always

appreciated and are important in helping us provide a useful and usable website. If you find any information that may be inaccurate, please let the team know. You can send feedback to the HealthPathways Team by using the send feedback button located on the top right hand section of the Homepage or Pathway.

To obtain further information on HealthPathways email: [email protected] and North Coast HealthPathways Website: https://manc.healthpathways.org.au Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d

Research needsethics approval

All human research, involving the patients, clients and staff of Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW LHD) must not commence until the following is received:

• Approval from a NSW Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), and

• NNSW LHD Research Governance authorisation.

If you are approached or receive an invitation to participate in a research study, please contact your manager, in the first instance, to ensure that the above processes have been completed or alternatively you can contact the NNSW LHD Research Ethics and Governance Office on 0266 720 269.

Further information about Research Ethics and Governance in NNSW LHD is available from the links below.

Intranet: http://int.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/clinical-governance/human-research-ethics-and-governance/

Internet: http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/northern-nsw-local-health-district/human-research-ethics-and-governance/

A special Captain Starlight smileA special visit from the Captain Starlight Foundation to Lismore Base Hospital’s Childrens’ Ward recently resulted in broad smiles from staff, parents, and patients alike. For four-year-old Lillie Landers-Cassidy, pictured, the visit was a welcome distraction from her hospital admission.

Coraki Health One plans on displayThe community of Coraki and surrounds

were invited to the Coraki Campbell Community Health Service last month to attend an open afternoon.

The purpose of the afternoon was to showcase the plans for the new Health One at Coraki.

Comments were encouraged from the community and positive comments were received from a number of community members.

Executive Director Richmond Clarence Health Service Group Lynne Weir, pictured, said the day was well attended by the community.

Ms Weir gave thanks to all the staff who assisted on the day providing health

checks, face painting, and information stalls from Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation Richmond Valley NSW and the North Coast Primary Health Network.

Northern Exposure May/June 2016

BreastScreen NSW has launched a new television campaign to encourage women aged from 50 to 74 to have a potentially life-saving mammogram.

The campaign features the story of Kerri Welsh, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 after a routine mammogram.

On a number of occasions, Kerri delayed the mammogram that ended up saving her life.

In the campaign, Kerri urges women not to be complacent about prioritising their health.

In Kerri’s story, she didn’t feel a lump, so her cancer could not have been

detected by hand through breast self-examination.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in NSW, with one in eight women developing the disease during their lifetime.

For these women it is crucial that their cancers are found in the earliest stages.

As demonstrated by Kerri’s story, early detection is the key to successful treatment - a free 20 minute mammogram every two years can save your life.

The campaign is running throughout May and June 2016. To view the campaign

videos and find out more about the campaign please see the link below:

https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/kerris-story/

Mammogram a lifesaver for Kerri

Left to right, Kerri Welsh, the Chief Cancer Officer of NSW and Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor David Currow and NSW Minister for Health Jillian Skinner at the launch of Breastscreen NSW's latest campaign.

Who will the next faller be? You?Congratulations to all

staff of NNSW LHD involved in the April Falls Month promotions.

Several sites participated offering activities from eye catching noticeboards and information stands to extra educational sessions for staff, and extra time talking with patients and carers about falls prevention.

NNSW LHD Falls Prevention Coordinator Julia

Dayhew said Lismore Base Hospital Nurse Educators spoke with 52 general staff, 24 medical staff and 91 members of the public as they approached people in the foyer with the message “Don’t be an April Fall!”. while in Ballina District Hospital 43 staff completed the Falls Prevention HETI modules.

There are approximately 4000 falls across the NNSW

LHD each year for people aged over 65, with about 75 per cent of these people transported to hospital.

“Northern NSW has the highest rate of “day only” admissions due to falls than elsewhere across the State,” Julia said.

“This number is likely to increase as our ever lovely environment remains inviting to retirees.”

The good news is most falls can be prevented by participating in strength and balance activities every day.

These include Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, specific Stretch and Strength type classes, and even gardening activities!

For relevant classes near you or your family member visit http://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.

gov.au/ and type in your postcode for local classes.

For more information contact Julia on 6620 7262 or email [email protected] 66207262. Julia can provide a Staying Active and On Your Feet booklet, or a Kettle Exercise tea towel.

Mrs Margaret Von Sanden, right, and Willa Maguire at Kyogle Memorial Hospital talk Falls Prevention.

Nursing staff at Maclean District Hospital get into the spirit of April Falls Month promotions.


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The Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council held its community meeting at Baryulgil on Wednesday 4 May 2016.

The meeting was attended by more than 45 participants including community members and representatives from NNSW LHD, North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN)

and Bulgar Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Service Clarence Valley.

Presentations and consultations included: an update from NNSW LHD Aboriginal Health; Domestic Violence is Foul

Play Awareness Campaign; Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Screening Rates in Northern NSW; and Integrated Care for Aboriginal People.

Ngayundi holds four community

meetings a year in various locations across Northern NSW.

If you have an issue, project or program that you or your community would like discussed at a Ngayundi Community Meeting please contact Murray Spriggs on 0438 882 817 or email [email protected]

Attendees of the Ngayundi Aboriginal Health Council Community meeting held recently at Baryulgil, north west of Grafton.

Baryulgil welcomes Ngayundi


International Nurses Day 2016

Pictured above, left to right at rear, Casino District Hospital nurses Francis Passfield, Christine Bulmer, Ellen Palmer, Angela Ditrich, Colleen Wallwork, Rachael Hoffman and Rebecca Lyon; at front, Leigh Hooton, Marie Taylor (in bed), and Aleisha Scanlan. Pictured right, The Tweed Hospital Anaesthetics NUM Amanda Wilson, left, and Acting NUM Murwillumbah District Hospital, Linda Gahan. Pictured below right, Professor Iain Graham, Dean of Health and Head of School, School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University welcoming attendants to the Nursing and Midwifery Symposium - Celebrating the diversity of nursing and midwifery professional practice, held at Invercauld House on International Nurses Day.

International Nurses Day was celebrated across the LHD on 12 May, Florence Nightingale’s birthday who is widely considered the mother of modern nursing.

At The Tweed Hospital (TTH) the day was celebrated with a special celebratory morning tea and the announcement of the winners of the inaugural Tammy Gibb Memorial Award for contribution to operating theatre patient care.

Linda Gahan, Acting

Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), MDH, and Amanda Wilson, NUM TTH anaesthetics were named the winners.

At Casino District Hospital the staff and community nurses gathered for a special luncheon barbecue, while in Lismore nurses from across the LHD gathered at Invercauld House for the annual Nursing and Midwifery Symposium to celebrate the diversity of the profession.

MidStART is a NSW Health program providing a career pathway for registered nurses to become registered midwives.

The program involves employment as a student midwife in a NSW public health facility whilst studying a postgraduate

midwifery degree at university.

For information on ow to apply visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/midstart

For general enquiries about the MidStART program, email [email protected].

Become a midwife today

The last word …


Mullum ED doc retires

Staff and management of Mullumbimby District Hospital (MDH) said a fond farewell to Dr Liz Elliott, pictured centre with Emergency Department RN Bruce Lang and former EO/DON Jenny Shaw, last month as she announced her retirement from medical practice.

Dr Elliott has been a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at the MDH for the past 11 years and said that, with the opening of the new Byron Central Hospital, the time had come for her to hang up her stethoscope.

Dr Elliott has had a long and varied career working also as a journalist and starting yoga centres.

Grafton Midwives celebrate

Students from the Year 9 Child Studies Class at Maclean High School, pictured with Grafton District Hospital midwives Bettina Almond, left, and Keltie Foster, learnt the joys of being a midwife on May 5 to mark International Midwives Day.

NNSW LHD co-ordinators of the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) Program, pictured left, attended training in Sydney recently on the new HOTV vision screening charts.

StEPS Program Co-ordinator Jennifer McKay

said the HOTV charts would be replacing the Sheridan Gardiner charts for StEPS screeners from 24 May in NNSW LHD.

The StEPS program is an initiative of NSW Health that provides free vision screening to all four-year-old children prior to them entering Kindergarten.

Training for new StEPS

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