the July 2015 Pulse

Local legend Dedicated volunteer retires after 17 years at Blacktown Page 3

Aussie Turning the Four- Pride tables on legged View our diabetes healing Pride of Prevention Therapy work dogs spread Medal ramps up the love nominees in western Page 7 Page 4 Sydney Page 7

www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au From the Chief Executive

In our business of health care we are accustomed to doing our day– From the Board Chair to-day work in teams.

National Diabetes Week (July Traditionally, these teams have 12-18) reminded us approximately been comprised of colleagues Emeritus Professor 280 Australians develop diabetes Stephen Leeder within our own department, or every day and 14 - 15 a day in Board Chair a virtual team of professionals western Sydney. This is important for communities from elsewhere who we seek such as ours in western Sydney opinions or advice. Diabetes goes back a long way. where diabetes associated with It was described in an Egyptian obesity is rife. So we are putting manuscript in 1500 BC. Indian Across our district we are in place preventive programs that physicians recognised it around changing who we see as our address the root cause of diabetes, the same time. The Indians called partners and what we want, and that help children to develop healthy it ‘honey urine’ because ants were need, to achieve. eating habits. attracted to the sugar in it. We are working with councils to At Auburn there is a strong The two main varieties of make our suburbs more walkable. partnership with University diabetes – due to insulin We are developing programs with of Notre Dame Australia, at deficiency and due to insulin our general practitioners and others Blacktown with the University of resistance that follows from so those with diabetes can get the Western Sydney and Westmead obesity – were recognised best possible care. there are growing partnerships during the first century AD by with our colleagues who share the amazing Persian physician In saying that obesity is the principal the precinct. Avicenna. cause of diabetes, we don’t make much progress because obesity is so Insulin became available to treat difficult to treat. In the past, we may have gone diabetes in the 1920s, first in about our business almost Canada. Genentech grew the Too much food and too little physical independently, but now there first synthetic insulin through activity contribute to much of this is a shift to align our strategies biotechnology in 1978. problem. We need community to better serve the people of action to enable people to have western Sydney. We are lucky: we live in a time in access to affordable healthy food history and a place in the world and better public transport that where patients with diabetes can Stronger partnerships with our encourages more physical activity. be treated with insulin and drugs. patients, their families, Children’s There is commitment at every level Hospital at Westmead, NSW We know weight loss in obese in the LHD to prevent and manage Health Pathology, and Sydney people can dramatically cut the diabetes better. University are examples of how chances of developing diabetes. the Westmead Precinct will be That is something we can do, Thank you to all who help in this different in the near future. albeit with difficulty. mission.

Danny O’Connor Chief Executive

The Pulse July 2015 2 Smooth operators help raise funds

WSLHD Aboriginal Health Education GWS Giants’ Adam Treloar Parramatta Eels’ Beau Champion and ’s officer Vickie Mason with WSLHD Zoe Johnson prepare for the challenge Occupational Therapist Kathy Walker

Parramatta Eels talent Beau Well done to Zoe - a champion for Champion, rising star Adam Treloar stepping in and giving the footballers Tent boosts from the GWS Giants and Crown some real competition! community health Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) To support our cancer centres in Dry Clinical Nurse Consultant Zoe Johnson July visit: sculled, chugged and sipped an Our staff engaged with more than Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess oversized smoothies as part of a Mary Cancer Centre https://au.dryjuly. 200 people at the Riverstone drinking competition to kick-off the com/team/westmeadhospitalcrown- Neighbourhood Centre’s NAIDOC centre’s Dry July campaign. princessmarycancercentrestaff celebrations this month. Adam Treloar took out first prize, Blacktown Hospital’s Oncology Unit Community members had access gulping the chilled beverage in less a https://au.dryjuly.com/team/black- to a health tent full of important minute and a half. towncancerconquerors services including cholesterol screening, blood pressure tests and Taking smoking off the menu flu vaccinations. The tent was coordinated by our Toongabbie Aboriginal Health Unit. resident Kate Black Other representatives at the event and 7 included Wentwest Primary Health month-old Network and the NSW Cancer daughter Council. Abbie support the WSLHD Aboriginal Health new bans Education officer, Vickie Mason was delighted with the community interest and response.

“We will follow up with anyone who may require further checks or referrals after viewing their results.” Health Minister Jillian Skinner joined to issue on-the-spot fines of $300 local mothers at Parramatta Park Cafe for individuals and penalties of up to The theme for NAIDOC 2015 was to announce the statewide smoke-free $5,500 for business owners who ignore We all Stand on Sacred Ground: ban in outdoor dining areas. the ban. Learn, Respect and Celebrate. Under amendments to the Smoke-free For further details call the Tobacco In- Environment Act 2000, smoking de- formation Line on 1800 357 412 or visit vices - including cigarettes, pipes and www.health.nsw.gov.au/smokefree water pipes - are now banned in seated To quit smoking, visit outdoor dining areas. www.iCanQuit.com.au or ring the NSW Health inspectors have the power Quitline on 13 78 48.

The Pulse July 2015 3 Our Aussie pride Pride of Australia Nominees

The NewsCorp Pride of Australia Medal celebrates and acknowledges the remarkable contribution and achievements of members of the community.

Volunteer unsung hero Contributing approximately 19,000 unpaid hours over 17 years, volunteer Anthony Guiselli has kept the medical supplies for the Medical Ward (B45) at Blacktown Hospital well stocked.

Anthony, who has been nominated for the Care and Compassion Medal, started volunteering at the hospital after his wife of almost 50 years, Anne, died from renal failure.

“I wanted to give something back to the hospital. I got to know the staff and everyone was like family,” he said.

Anthony celebrated his 89th birthday on July 23. His story recently featured on the Weekend Today Show.

Anthony with Weekend Today presenter Deb Knight

Dedicated team Improving lives Caring for mums

The Westmead Respiratory Ambulatory Westmead Hospital’s director of Blacktown Hospital’s psychiatry clinical Care (RAC) staff provide support and neurophysiology Steve Vucic helped nursing consultant Jean Hawkins has rehabilitation programs for sufferers of devise a quicker and more effective helped more than 200 mums identified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease test for ALS patients that ­allows a or at risk of mental health issues during (COPD). They have been nominated for diagnosis from as early as two months. their antenatal period. the Care and Compassion Medal. The breakthrough has ­enabled Jean’s efforts have earned her Clinical nurse consultant Mary Roberts treatment to begin earlier, potentially a nomination for the Care and forms a passionate team of nurses and increasing survival time and the Compassion Medal. physiotherapists. remaining quality of life before ­patients become paralysed. “I love working with mums and “We assess patients with COPD – midwives and receive great satisfaction Prof Vucic’s tireless ­dedication which is caused mainly from smoking from seeing the end result of happy to improving the lives of ALS - to design and individually personal mums and bubs,” she said. sufferers has earned him a deserving exercise programs and provide the skills nomination in the Care and and tools to live a normal life,” she said. Compassion category. The Pulse July 2015 4 Quality Awards showcase

Mark your diaries for this year’s Quality Awards showcase at Westmead WentWest rebranded and Blacktown ! Western Sydney Medicare Local is now known as WentWest, Western Imagination, innovation and excellence will be on display on Tuesday Sydney Primary Health Network August 18 at both facilities and the public will get the chance to vote for (PHN), replacing Medicare Locals. the Community Choice Award. WentWest, Western Sydney For the second consecutive year we received a record number of PHN will work closely with our submissions with 56 entrants in eight categories. local health district, as well as general practitioners, allied health The Community Choice Award is one of three peak accolades that include professionals and the broader the Chair of the Board Award for Innovation & Excellence; and the Chief community. Executive’s Award. They will remain a partner of Winners will be announced on Tuesday October 13 at this year’s WSLHD WSLHD, working in collaboration Annual Public Meeting in the Auditorium, Level 3, University of Western on shared initiatives for integrated Sydney Clinical School, Blacktown Hospital. care mental health, Aboriginal, population, child and family health, The WSLHD Quality Awards recognise the success and achievements of eHealth and aged care. staff and services through innovative programs benefitting patients, their carers and families, staff and the community. For more information about WSLHD’s partnership with Showcase times and locations are Westmead Hospital, Crush Area of WentWest, contact Naomi Van Steel, Westmead Education and Conference Centre (WECC) between 10am - Strategic Partnership Manager, 12pm and Blacktown Hospital, main foyer between 2pm - 4pm. Executive Medical Services [email protected] or 0417 252 448

The Pulse July 2015 5 Building the future

Update for our dynamic ‘W’

The Westmead Redevelopment team with the WSLHD Consumer Council

Like the Westmead precinct, the Westmead Redevelopment Project logo is evolving.

To signify the stronger commitment to integration, innovation and collaboration across the precinct and to welcome new partners, the Westmead Redevelopment Project logo has been updated.

The dynamic linked triangles remain, representing the transformation, growth, expansion, revitalisation, energy and advancement of services and buildings at Westmead.

The tagline ‘Building health, transforming lives’ has been retained to signify building the capacity within our health services as well as the construction of the new building.

It also highlights the transformation across the precinct for Oliver, Edward and Harper with Coolamon Cottage child care centre manager Melissa patients, staff, students and the community.

Big month for little kids Consumer voices for Westmead

Our Blacktown Hospital Cancer and Haematology WSLHD Consumer Council representative Dr June Heinrich, Centre has received a little help from an unexpected who worked on the original Westmead Hospital in the ‘70s, praised the team’s approach to consultation at the recent place. consumer meeting. Kids from Coolamon Cottage child care have given Executive medical director Dr Kim Hill and project leader up their favourite toys – blocks, train sets and Deanne Turner presented an overview of the Westmead Wiggle CDS, to raise funds for the hospital’s Dry July concept, focusing on the vision for the precinct and the campaign. hospital. Representatives were impressed with the work done to date Their efforts raised more than $1,000 and earned and plans to involve consumers. them celebrity status on social media when their story “I found today’s presentation exciting. I think it’s really was picked up by The Wiggles and retweeted to their important that the consumer’s voice is heard early on in the 80,000 followers. project,” said consumer representative Dr June Heinrich AM OAM. If you missed the video you can see it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qakas2V-i2s See the interview with Dr Kim Hill and Dr June Heinrich at www.westmeadproject.health.nsw.gov.au

The Pulse July 2015 6 Four-legged healing

The adorable Nepean Therapy Dogs put big smiles on patients’ faces at a special visit to Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals recently.

The adorable cheer squad consisted of Cavalier King Charles spaniels, golden retrievers, a shih tzu poodle and a papillon.

The group regularly visits various hospital wards including rehabilitation, palliative care, dementia day care, cardiac, children’s wards, emergency and dialysis units, to spread joy among patients, visitors and staff.

Nepean Therapy Dogs handler Nicole Celeban has visited Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals for the past 13 years however with the recent establishment of her business she relies heavily on the team of volunteers to visit patients.

“We are looking for additional volunteers and therapy dogs to keep providing this essential service,” she said.

If you are interested in joining the Nepean Therapy Dogs Inc and you have a clean, well mannered, obedient, calm, tolerant, friendly dog call Nicole Celeban on 4727 7292 or Toddler Isaiah Celeste cuddles up to golden retriever, Gus visit www.therapydogs.com.au Turning the tables on diabetes

During Diabetes Week (July 12-18), our health experts encouraged the community to take action against diabetes. Western Sydney is a hot-spot with 150,000 residents diagnosed and many at risk. Diabetes expert Professor Glen Maberly said that lifestyle change and regular testing is important. “Speak to your doctor and ask for a quick and easy test. A large number of people don’t know they have the disease,” he said. “Diet and exercise is key to slowing or even preventing diabetes. “The NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service is a great way to receive one-off dietary and lifestyle advice or a six month program.” For more information about the NSW Get Health Information and Coaching Service visit www.gethealthynsw.com.au or call WSLHD employee Avelyn Chand recently took advantage of the NSW Get Healthy Information 1300 806 258. and Coaching Service and made some important lifestyle changes.

The Pulse July 2015 7 Cumberland Hospital home to major TV production

Cast and crew from the Seven Network’s production A Place To Call Home called Cumberland their home for a few days while filming the third season of the series.

It airs in September on Foxtel’s SoHo channel.

Congratulations project Sweet Tweets With Sia Anthopoulos management graduates It’s been a great couple of weeks on social media for WSLHD. Read Deserving teams from WSLHD have on to see what our lovely followers been awarded their Diploma in Project tweeting about us: Management at the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) graduation ceremony. Kder@swkayde Another great WSLHD teams representing Re-ACT day at work. #ilovemyjob (Redesigning Allergy Care Together) Tony 2148@Kernos1 Very yummy and Breast in the West (Breast Screen sausage sizzle at Blacktown Sydney West) were awarded for Hospital today raising funds for developing their project management Dry July & the new Oncology skills and application. Unit. #yumm Re-ACT team (rear): Sydney Children’s Ashley Ubrihien@AshleyUbrihien Re-ACT is establishing an integrated staff Nicole Pearce, health care system across primary, WentWest representative Jasmine Great to be in Riverstone for secondary and tertiary services for Glennan, Rebecca Sertori and Tim #NAIDOCWeek talking about @ Hoffmann children with diagnosed or potential WestSydHealth services with (front): Sydney Children’s Hospital food allergies in western Sydney. Network staff Professor Dianne local residents. Campbell, Christie Graham, Carolina Julie@julsphn Thank you to all The Breast in the West program hopes Valerio, Jessica Evans to increase the number of general the people at Westmead Hospital practitioner referrals to Breast Screen who set up the legal studies Sydney West. lecture for the #HSC15 student this year. WSLHD executive medical director Dr GM Westmead & Auburn@ Kim Hill congratulated the graduates. gmwestmead $72.1 million for “We are all proud of how our teams Westmead Project in 15/16 are working in partnership with and $30m towards Stage 2 @ key stakeholders to develop robust BMDHProject. Great news for @ solutions with positive results,” she WestSydHealth #budget2015 said. #nswpol #nswbudget Graduates utilised specific methodology, improving service Breast in the West: Breast Screen Sydney WesternSydneyHealth delivery and the patient journey to West’s Margie Drake, Melissa Mackay and @WestSydHealth obtain their diploma. ACI’s Professor Brian McCaughan

The Pulse July 2015 8 Two babies, a wedding and a grand fall

With a program that has been Dr Nigel Lyons, WSLHD Director of Some will be receiving further challenged by two babies, a wedding Education, Dr Roslyn Crampton and acknowledgment during the year. and a fall from a French Alp, this did WSLHD Executive Medical Director “We congratulate everyone for their hard work,” she said. not stop the 13 Clinical Leadership and (CLP) Executive Sponsor Dr Kim Program (CLP) candidates graduate. Hill enjoyed the quality and variety of “We look forward to the next cohort Clinical Excellence Commission A/CEO their presentations. with perhaps less drama,” she said.

Reaching staff for Concert urges HIV Testing patient concerns

Westmead Hospital’s Kay de Ridder, Tricia Cummins, Yervette Jones and Matthew Han REACH is a Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) program that invites patients, families and their carers to be part of the care team by letting them know how to alert staff regarding concerns about a patient’s condition. The program recognises that those Ten per cent of HIV positive people members to keep check-ups in mind. closest to the patient often notice in NSW may be unaware they are “The concert aimed to entertain and deterioration earlier. infected, a statistic WSLHD wants to encourage at-risk people to take a Dr Karen Luxford from the CEC will change. quick test. provide an insight to the REACH During HIV Testing Week, Australian “Music helps to make conversations Program in the Patient Centred Care idol finalists Paulini and Kate DeAraugo about sexual health and HIV part of the Symposium during Westmead Hospital performed at Parramatta Town Hall norm,” he said. Week on August 19. as part of the statewide #EASYTOUR concert. For more information on HIV testing, For further information contact treatment and prevention go to Kay De Ridder, Patient and Carer Ashley Ubrihien, HIV and Related www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv or Experience Manager: Programs manager said the concert call 1800 451 624, or visit the Western 9845 9919 (Westmead) was a great way for community Sydney Sexual Health Centre website. 9881 8313 (Blacktown) or email [email protected]

The Pulse July 2015 9 WSLHD celebrates Reconciliation Week Staff and visitors found out more about our shared culture as we celebrated National Reconciliation Week.

Blacktown and Westmead Hospital foyers echoed with the sound of the Yidaki – Aboriginal Australia’s traditional instrument made of hollow stringybark.

After a warm and informative Acknowledgement of Country from Uncle Ray Douglas and Aunty Doreen Peters, there was a traditional dance performed by local cultural ambassadors, the Pittman family, which included Westmead Hospital’s Aboriginal Liaison officer Narelle Holden.

Traditional artefacts on loan from were also showcased, thanks to Aboriginal Liaison officer Trevor Bates.

As the home of Australia’s largest urban population of Aboriginal people, Western Sydney Local Health District is building on this status by being the first in NSW to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.

Staff who would like to contribute to this plan should contact [email protected] or [email protected]

The Pittman family perform with Narelle Holden

Funds pumped into Cherished memories Smart Pix the community for loving parents With Carlos Furtado*

Capture all the action When it comes to smartphone photography we don’t always get the most out of our device.

The photo burst feature is something we don’t take full advantage of it and is underrated.

The Millennium Seniors Group Blacktown Hospital’s Birthing Unit Nurs- To use this feature hold your finger present a cheque to Trish Dalgleish ing Unit manager Julieanne Barrett and firm on the shutter button for educator Rachel Morgan Local groups donated more than longer than three seconds. $14,000 to Mount Druitt Hospital’s Precious memories, images and details Smartphones capture a burst of Supportive and Palliative Care Unit are now being recorded and placed in 8-10 photos per second. recently. a memento book, symbolising the loss This function is best used outdoors The New Millenniums Seniors of an infant through pregnancy, birth Group, the Nepean Blue Mountains or if a baby has been taken into care. under external conditions and Prostate Support Group and Mount natural lighting. These books are created and Druitt Cardiac Volunteers chipped supplied by a generous caring staff You will be unable to use the flash in to purchase Nikki pumps. member from Blacktown Hospital when using this feature. Mount Druitt Supportive and who has retired. Palliative Care Nursing Unit The recommended time to use Scrap booking business Stampin manager Trish Dalgleish said the the photo burst feature is when up demonstrator, Christie Kunkel Nikki pumps are invaluable. you don’t want to miss out on any has offered to continue supplying “These pumps help keep our the memento booklets for grieving action. patients out of our hospitals,” she families. Happy snapping! said. In appreciation for their contributions, “They provide 24 hours of support, time and creative skills, we * Carlos Furtado is our Senior Corporate Communications Specialist – Audio Visual medicated pain relief for patients would like to thank Christie Kunkel, in their homes. Belinda Brown, Belinda Hennessey, Jayne Mercer, Joanne Stanford, Sam “Thank you to all the groups for Wilson and Sue Embrey. their generous contributions and supporting our local community.” The Pulse July 2015 10 Research & Education

Tackling diabetes with all hands on deck

National Diabetes Week (July 12-17) Our attempt to bring services to was an opportunity to showcase our the patient more smoothly is being recent work to slow and prevent the evaluated by Professor Jenny Reith disease in our region. and colleagues at the University of Western Sydney (UWS), and At Blacktown Hospital, endocrinologist Professor Glen Maberly is looking Professor Mark McLean and colleagues at ways to better integrate care for are concentrating on diabetes in diabetes between general practice pregnancy to identify women who and the hospital. have a high risk of permanent diabetes, and to improve outcomes for Other work at UWS is mapping them and their babies. Emeritus Professor Stephen Leeder where diabetes occurs most Director, WSLHD Research & commonly in the district. All of Westmead’s endocrinologist Professor Education Network these projects tie in with what the Wah Cheung and colleagues are A program of integrated care, Ministry of Health is doing through also working on plans in the areas bringing hospital and community special programs for diabetes. of diabetes in pregnancy, general services together, is also underway practice and hypoglycaemia in critical Together we can make a difference! and diabetes is one of three key illness. diseases receiving attention.

Internet: http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Research---Education Intranet: http://wslhdintranet.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Education-Network/REN-home

Leaders of the future Clinical Journal Club prepares Each year the Stan Westmead staff for the next Williams Young Leaders’ generation of nursing Award is presented to first and second Westmead Hospital’s Nurse and Midwifery Research year trainees at the Committee recently held workshops for clinical nursing Australian College of leaders to enhance their skills in critiquing journal Health Service Managers articles and establishing Journal Clubs within clinical (ACHSM) Graduate Health areas. Management Program graduation ceremony. Westmead Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery WSLHD Trainee Monique Youness Joanne Edwards commended all presenters for their Congratulations to and Australian College of Health enthusiasm. Monique Youness for Service Managers Vice-President being awarded the 1st Paul Presobrajensky “I was very impressed that each review was relevant to Year training award and one of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Matthew Tadorian for the 2nd Year Trainee Award. Standards and each presenter could replicate each The program prepares health managers to successfully review in a local setting,” she said. undertake a diverse range of management roles at middle Congratulations to the committee for their vision and and senior levels within a complex health care system with commitment for mentoring clinicians, allowing them to an emphasis on operational management. gain new skills and for continuing to invest in nursing WSLHD Graduate Health Management Program executive and midwifery research. sponsor and Executive Medical Director Dr Kim Hill congratulated WSLHD trainees. If you are interested in attending future workshops contact Cheryl Dickson, Chair of Westmead Nursing “We warmly recognise Monique and Matthew for their and Midwifery Research Committee by email at achievements, and in representing our District so well,” she [email protected]. The committee said. plans to repeat the program later this year. For further information about the Graduate Health Management Program, contact Carole DuBern at [email protected] The Pulse July 2015 11 Westmead physiotherapist, Jane Bradshaw, consumer representative, Karen Walker and WSLHD Consumer and Engagement manager Dr Coralie Wales Living with pain is a pain National Pain Week (July 20-26) encouraged chronic pain and President of Chronic Pain Australia Dr Coralie Wales said sufferers to talk about their invisible burden. some people who experience chronic pain will experience loss of identity, grief, loss, isolation and depression. WSLHD patients and staff rode to Blacktown Hospital in a double-decker bus to raise awareness of the debilitating “There are services and clinics available that offer strategies to condition that affects an estimated 4 million Australians help community members cope with their pain,” she said. each day. For further information on pain services or fact sheets visit WSLHD Community and Consumer Engagement manager www.nationalpainweek.org.au

The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Spread the news Nursing Fellowship 2015 grant available The Pulse is a great way to share your project, initiative or event. A unique opportunity exists for a supportive and palliative care nurse working Our publication is distributed to within the Sydney West Cancer Network to apply for The Crown Princess Mary more than 10,000 staff in Western Cancer Centre (CPMCC) Nursing Fellowship for 2015. Sydney Local Health District and This will provide an opportunity to travel to Aashus University Hospital in Denmark our many stakeholders. to observe and share an Australian nursing perspective. To submit your story for A $7,000 grant is available to assist with travel and accommodation costs during consideration, email the exchange. wslhd-corporatecomms@health. nsw.gov.au or 8890 4564. For further information contact Scott Daczko on Publication is at the discretion of [email protected] or visit the editor and chief executive. Items www.sydneywest.org.au/events/other/cpmcc-nursing-fellowship-2015 may be edited for length, style and quality.

July Edition Editorial co-ordinator: Jenny Harrison

The Pulse July 2015 12 Thanks a bunch Save the date

Exemplary care for a teaching hospital 2015 Hospital Week August 19 - 21 I’m writing to express my thanks for the splendid care I have received on four separate occasions as an inpatient and an outpatient at Westmead Hospital Westmead Hospital On each occasion, the care level extended to myself and all patients in my To register for this year’s Hospital observation has always been exemplary and of the highest level possible. Week contact Georgette Hanna on 9845 7983 or email All services available to the public – ultrasound, X-ray, scans, pathology, [email protected] radiation and chemotherapy treatments are in a most efficiently administered complex in a teaching hospital. Please accept my most sincere thanks and City2Surf appreciation for the wonderful efforts to me by all staff at Westmead Hospital. August 9 Don Ritchie, Northmead Have you got what it takes to join WSLHD’s ‘Hot Clots’ to help raise awareness of the need for Happy traveller risk assessment and prevention of Venous Thromboembolism I wish to compliment the wonderful doctors, nurses and operating staff at Auburn Further information or to join, email Hospital. My 2-year-old daughter was operated on for grommets and adenoids. [email protected] We travelled tup from Canberra to the hospital. From the time we walked in the door we were wonderfully treated. Blacktown Hospital 50th Birthday celebrations My daughter had some complications and was upset after surgery and the nurses September 7 - 11 even sang Frozen to her to keep her calm. I would highly recommend Auburn Stay tuned! hospital and would happily travel from Canberra again to be seen by the doctors for further procedures. Back to the ’60s Nicole O’Halloran, Canberra Blacktown Bash: Dinner Dance Salute hard working staff Friday September 11 Stay tuned! I recently had the misfortune of being admitted to Blacktown Hospital and would like to praise all the staff, from the to the wards, WSLHD Annual Public including the cleaners. They all acted in a professional manner, putting up with Meeting and Quality things most people would not while all the time maintaining a smile. Awards

Tuesday October 13 I salute the dedicated, hard-working staff in the system and 2.30pm thank them for making my four-day stay as comfortable as possible. Auditorium, Level 3 Joel Cowen, Kings Langley University of Western Sydney Clinical School Top-class whole-of-care approach Blacktown Hospital

I was in Westmead Hospital’s Endoscopy Unit to have two procedures WSLHD Quality Awards performed. What a great medical experience. Mary and her support staff had true character and at all times were professional right down to the wards man Showcase who wheeled me to and from the operations. Tuesday August 18 Westmead Hospital

WECC Crush Area I phoned the hospital to speak with Jenni Cook and the lady on the switch was the same. Who is training these people? Possibly the hospital’s general manager 10am - 12pm - what a world class service! What a great experience Westmead Hospital, I will Blacktown Hospital share this with 2GB stars Ray Hadley and/or Alan Jones. Main foyer Ian Martin-Brown, Sydney 2pm-4pm

The Pulse July 2015 13