Westmead Hospital has hosted the first of three Maternity Services Days across Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) welcoming more than 500 expectant mothers and their loved ones into the hospital Consumer Health Education and Information Manager in the Women’s and Newborn Health department at Westmead Hospital says that familiarity with the hospital can have a positive impact on birthing mothers “Knowing their way around the hospital helps birthing mothers feel more calm and confident when labour begins,” Jane said and who they’ll meet reduces stress and uncertainty, especially during a time when emotions can run high,” Jane said nearly 50% of the population were born overseas it’s quite possible they have not yet visited an Australian hospital—especially if this is their first pregnancy here or if they are newly arrived,” Jane said and lack of transport or support can all contribute to limited interaction with hospital services That’s why open days like these are so valuable—they help break down barriers and build trust through face-to-face connection.” Jane said Expectant mothers and their loved ones can look forward to a warm and engaging experience at the Maternity Service Open Days There will be guided tours and a walk through the birthing suites Locals will have the opportunity to learn about facilities “The key takeaway for mothers is a sense of confidence, knowing what to expect and the support available throughout pregnancy Midwives and other maternity professionals will be available to answer questions about pregnancy “The goal of the Maternity Service Open Day is to build confidence and connection by helping expectant parents and their support people feel informed and supported in their maternity journey,” Jane said If locals are interested but unable to attend on the day and postnatal support—by speaking with your care provider or visiting our website for more information Future events are also scheduled to take place at Blacktown Hospital in June and at Auburn Hospital in August Western Sydney Local Health District is committed to delivering world class healthcare to support the health and wellbeing of our community We aim to work together to make our community the healthiest in NSW Photos must be high resolution and include correctly spelled captions with names from left to right Read the Disclaimers, Privacy and Copyright notice doctors say it will be ‘a waste of money’ if the government does not address staff shortages Construction of a new mental health facility set to become the largest in New South Wales began on Wednesday in western Sydney but psychiatrists say it will be an “empty shell” until the issues within the state’s workforce are resolved The peak body for psychiatrists has said the $540m Westmead integrated mental health complex is likely to suffer the same fate as several recently opened facilities in western Sydney which are only able to operate at less than half the available beds due to lack of staff Over a third of the permanent public sector psychiatrist positions were already vacant in the state before the remaining specialist doctors resigned en masse in a high-profile dispute with the state government which remains in arbitration before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. on Wednesday said the “state of the art” facility at Westmead would have 250 to 300 beds to be able to care “across the continuum from those experiencing severe to those who are experiencing situational distress It’s all here under the one roof in an integrated complex “We don’t want people experiencing mental distress shunted away in small We want to bring their care into an integrated network of health facilities,” Jackson said Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter the chair of the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists the fate of the new Westmead unit will be the same as other newly built units or it will run at only a fraction of its capacity” Gunaratne said at the new facility at Campbelltown only two of six beds are open at the mental health intensive care unit (MHICU) while only eight of the 16 beds are open in its high-risk civil rehab unit including the only female high-risk civil rehab beds in the state – all due to lack of staff “None of the female beds are open so there are no high-risk female beds in NSW Currently the waiting time for patients accepted to this unit is over 6 months,” Gunaratne said only 16 beds are open due to lack of staff “Until we sort out crisis in our mental health workforce in NSW opening such new units will be a waste of time and money dangling a mirage-like new unit we know can’t fully function mocks the anguish of those patients and their families who are crying out for proper care.” Ian Lisser, Asmof’s manager of industrial services, said: “Emergency departments are overwhelmed. Patients in crisis are waiting up to 90 hours for care Unless the government takes urgent steps to attract and retain psychiatrists Asked about the workforce shortage at a press conference said the government believed it would have enough mental health professionals “whether it’s psychiatrists or others that work in the system” and was now recruiting paying what it regards as competitive salaries Minns said the government had come to the table with the “best offer for psychiatrists and doctors and public sector workers in this state for over a decade” and it would accept the decision of the independent umpire (the IRC) “What we can’t do is hand over a blank cheque.” denied the government was investing in bricks and mortar and not the workforce saying “the biggest challenge that I see is not new buildings That remains the thing that keeps me up at night.” In a quiet corner of the new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit coming to Westmead Hospital will sit a special space open to all The multi-faith room will be a sanctuary where belief and solace intertwine to support consumers and their families during a difficult journey WSLHD’s Director of Supportive and Palliative Care said the space will support all religious and spiritual practices and extend as a place for stillness and has been purposely designed for comfort “We have learned so much over the years from our patients and families about what really matters when receiving care during the last year of life especially from our recent ‘two way learning’ work with our communities and Western Sydney University Addressing faith and spiritual needs is crucial for holistic patient care meaning and support which can improve quality of life and facilitate a dignified end-of-life experience.”  has been involved in the design of the Supportive and Palliative Care Unit from the beginning.  “We wanted to bring a room into the space that would cater for our diverse western Sydney population We have people of all backgrounds and religions and it’s so important to provide a respectful space especially throughout a supportive and palliative care journey “Our multicultural health team works very closely with many cultural and religious groups across the catchment Supporting their cultural safety and needs is a key part of our service “As part of the design process we (as the whole Schematic and Detailed Design Project User Group that was involved in the discussions) drew on learnings from previous projects and our diverse knowledge experiences insights for the requirements of a multi-faith room,” Monica said the Westmead Hospital Chaplain also participated in the project design process he noted the importance of being inclusive of all people.  to be very mindful of inclusion of all people “We agreed that the space would be flexible and inclusive – a space that would be welcoming friendly and frequently used by people of different religious and/or cultural practices.”  As part of a program of improved healthcare facilities for patients families and staff across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network the Westmead redevelopment program will deliver new and expanded health services for our state’s children Email: SCHN-Redev@health.nsw.gov.au Currently in its delivery phase, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead redevelopment program commenced stage 2 in early 2022. Stage 2 redevelopment builds on the work delivered in Stage 1 and furthers the Westmead Health Precinct as one of the largest health education and training precincts in the world The NSW Government is investing $619 million towards Stage 2 redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead which includes a new state-of-the-art 14-storey Paediatric Services Building the building will house critical care services like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit pharmacy and inpatient units and a complex care centre the redevelopment is on track to be one of the pinnacles of children’s healthcare in Australia Beyond the new Paediatric Services Building, the Stage 2 project includes a new forecourt entry to the hospital offering a fresh food grocer and retail spaces, a multi-storey car park plus significant improvements to areas within the existing hospital. You can learn more and stay up to date on the latest construction progress for Stage 2 online via their website The redevelopment team is dedicated to listening to as many people as we can to ensure our buildings and services meet the needs of patients their families and the community now and into the future there is a commitment to co-design and putting patients and families at the centre of everything we do.   we have collaborated with our consumer and community advisory groups and held workshops or activities to engage patients consumer groups and the community updated on construction progress and project milestones We also have prototype rooms available which have brought the floor plan designs to life and will help clinicians prepare develop and refine their clinical and operational processes before the new hospital opens The Children's Hospital at Westmead's redevelopment program reached its first major milestone in March 2021 when the new Emergency Department Children's Short Stay Unit as well as medical imaging and pharmacy to support those services opened in the Westmead Health Precinct's newest building the Central Acute Services Building (Stage 1) The building was a partnership between Western Sydney Health District Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and the University of Sydney and is the first facility in the state to feature integrated health services for children and adults As a part of the larger redevelopment of the Westmead campus the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia around 28,000 people are expected to use the Parramatta Light Rail every day with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project It will double rail capacity between Westmead Commuters will only be two minutes from Parramatta and twenty minutes from Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD Sydney Metro West is a new 24-kilometre metro line with stations confirmed at Westmead Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD Construction started on Sydney Metro West in 2020 Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network acknowledges that our facilities are built on the lands of the Bidjigal Our services extend across the lands now known as New South Wales.  Aboriginal people believe these lands hold the ancestral spirits of those who have come and gone before them Police are appealing for assistance to locate a woman missing from Sydney's west was last seen at a hospital on Hainsworth Street about 4.50pm yesterday (Tuesday 29 April 2025) Officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command were contacted and commenced inquiries to locate her Sarah is described as being of Caucasian appearance of medium build with blonde hair and blue/grey eyes She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black tights Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Follow our live coverage of the 2025 federal election here. Kangaroo Valley is a picture postcard piece of NSW it attracts visitors with its collection of antique dealers and cafes from nearby Sydney most weekends But the 600 or so voters of Kangaroo Valley will be pivotal in the battle for the ultra-marginal seat of Gilmore where sitting member is trying to fend off the Liberal Party’s Andrew Constance Picturesque Kangaroo Valley has defied the voting trends of the seat of Gilmore at the past two elections What sets apart Kangaroo Valley residents is that unlike much of Gilmore which stretches along the NSW South Coast support for Phillips has grown sharply over the past two elections Phillips won Gilmore by just 373 votes last election with that support in Kangaroo Valley proving critical The community is an example of suburb or small population in many of the nation’s 150 electorates that could dictate Saturday’s poll. Voters in one suburb might turn against a party while another group of voters 10 minutes up the road may be unmoved Kangaroo Valley illustrates the importance of these swings within seats the swing to Labor in the valley was 9.2 per cent From being a relatively safe Liberal booth Kangaroo Valley and its 600 voters have become a safe Labor booth The cumulative swing to Phillips in Kangaroo Valley over the past two elections is the largest of any part of Gilmore just 20 minutes away in Bomaderry voters swung sharply away from Phillips after backing her in 2019 Political parties have developed sophisticated tools to reach these clusters of swinging voters says former Labor campaigner turned pollster Kos Samaras The Coalition is targeting the Labor-held seat of Hawke in Melbourne’s west Samaras said the parties might want to get their message to older more commonly white voters in the established suburb of Melton who felt more disenfranchised than newer more economically strained constituencies that have been there longer more likely to dump the Labor Party,” he says on programs watched by those more established voters on apps such as Netflix and TV channel on-demand services Because the target voters are slightly older they would be more likely to watch programs such as Married at First Sight rather than listen to podcasts This is an issue in the Melbourne seat of McEwen Peter Dutton has spent much of his time targeting outer suburban seats such as McEwen where long-time Labor member Rob Mitchell suffered a 2 per cent swing against him at the 2022 election even though Labor enjoyed a 1.7 per cent swing to it across Victoria The emerging suburb of Doreen in McEwen’s east has seen its population more than double over the past decade to 30,000 the booths in Doreen became increasingly supportive of the Liberal Party Two of its three booths showed swings of more than 5 per cent against Labor Unlike the usual story told of multicultural Melbourne more than three-quarters of Doreen residents are Australian-born Peter Dutton campaigning in the Labor-held seat of McEwen which the Coalition is hoping to win.Credit: James Brickwood where 95 per cent of residents live in a separate house with 46 per cent of them with at least 4 bedrooms One in five homes has at least three cars in the driveway Almost 60 per cent of the population has a mortgage higher than the seat average (52 per cent) and the national average (32 per cent) And those mortgages are about $500 a month higher than the Victorian average This is the type of area ripe for targeting by the Liberal Party “You just focus on the areas where there is volatility,” Samaras said Kangaroo Valley is country roads and bed-and-breakfasts But pivotal communities are spread across the country One of them is the western Sydney suburb of Westmead where apartments and townhouses are the norm won by Labor’s Andrew Charlton in 2022 with a moderate swing of 1.1 per cent The most recent redistribution has reduced his margin to a notional 3.7 per cent against Liberal opponent Katie Mullens which have successively increased support for the Liberal Party The combined swings away from Labor range between 6 per cent to 15 per cent This is a young part of Sydney (the median age is just 34) that is also highly educated with more than half its residents holding bachelor’s degrees Around 76 per cent of people live in a unit or apartment Andrew Hughes from the ANU’s research school of management said political parties delved deeply into data such as the census to get a grasp of the demographic characteristics of particular parts of the country The major parties are trying to change behaviour over just five weeks – it’s crazy,” he said Hughes said the swing away from major parties was due to individuals and communities ditching the traditional way they identified themselves I might have identified with my parents and the life that they had Voters don’t tolerate parties like they used to and if you don’t deliver as an MP then you’re gone.” Individual suburbs can swing the result of an election Liberal Keith Wolahan fended off a 6.3 per cent swing in the eastern Melbourne seat of Menzies in 2022 But a redistribution since then has notionally made the seat a Labor electorate on a margin of 0.4 per cent That means every vote will be pivotal for the well-regarded Wolahan to hold on against Labor’s Gabriel Ng He may have to spend time in the suburb of Bulleen which is sandwiched between the Eastern Freeway and Yarra River One showed just a 0.4 per cent swing to Labor But the other registered a 9.4 per cent move away from Wolahan Much is made of the large China-born population of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs A fifth of the suburb’s residents say they have Italian heritage (compared to 8 per cent for Menzies as a whole) Vietnamese or Malaysian heritage compared to other parts of Menzies There are more Greek and Italian speakers than Mandarin speakers Bulleen is far more Catholic than the seat with a third saying they are of the Catholic faith The Liberal campaign on mortgage interest rates may not play as well in Bulleen as other parts of the seat Almost half of the suburb’s residents own their homes outright If Bulleen residents can’t be swayed to support Wolahan in great numbers Peter Dutton will struggle in other parts of the country One of the biggest surprises of the 2022 election was the way Labor’s vote soared 7 per cent across the Perth suburbs while the Liberal vote crashed by almost 11 points held by Labor for just two of its 50-year history had been considered safe Liberal territory to the south of the Swan River until former Malaysian police officer and dolphin trainer Sam Lim won the seat with a near-12 per cent swing The suburb of Bull Creek had already given an inkling that Lim could take the seat and each moved towards Labor at the 2019 election in which the rest of Tangney shifted towards the Liberal Party Lim achieved a 25 per cent swing while there were also out-sized swings of 14 per cent and 16.2 per cent at the other two booths About three in five houses have four or more bedrooms – that’s 4 points above the seat average and 26 points above the national average About 13 per cent of the population speaks Mandarin at home while 8 per cent of residents were born in Malaysia Lim was born in Malaysia and served in its police force Anthony Albanese with his partner Jodie Haydon and Labor member for Tangney at a barbecue during a campaign stop in the seat.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Bull Creek had been a canary in the Liberal Party coal mine before the disaster of 2022 If the residents back Labor this election as they have in the recent past Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter is trying to fend off the Liberal Party\\u2019s Andrew Constance The community is an example of suburb or small population in Voters in one suburb might turn against a party while another group of voters 10 minutes up the road may be unmoved The Coalition is targeting the Labor-held seat of Hawke in Melbourne\\u2019s west \\u201CYou would want to focus on the older more likely to dump the Labor Party,\\u201D he says The emerging suburb of Doreen in McEwen\\u2019s east has seen its population more than double over the past decade to 30,000 \\u201CYou just focus on the areas where there is volatility,\\u201D Samaras said \\u201CI wouldn\\u2019t advertise in the stable areas won by Labor\\u2019s Andrew Charlton in 2022 with a moderate swing of 1.1 per cent with more than half its residents holding bachelor\\u2019s degrees Andrew Hughes from the ANU\\u2019s research school of management said political parties delved deeply into data such as the census to get a grasp of the demographic characteristics of particular parts of the country or \\u2018Dumb Ways to Die\\u2019 in Victoria The major parties are trying to change behaviour over just five weeks \\u2013 it\\u2019s crazy,\\u201D he said \\u201CPeople don\\u2019t identify like that Voters don\\u2019t tolerate parties like they used to and if you don\\u2019t deliver as an MP then you\\u2019re gone.\\u201D That means every vote will be pivotal for the well-regarded Wolahan to hold on against Labor\\u2019s Gabriel Ng Much is made of the large China-born population of Melbourne\\u2019s eastern suburbs A fifth of the suburb\\u2019s residents say they have Italian heritage (compared to 8 per cent for Menzies as a whole) Almost half of the suburb\\u2019s residents own their homes outright If Bulleen residents can\\u2019t be swayed to support Wolahan in great numbers One of the biggest surprises of the 2022 election was the way Labor\\u2019s vote soared 7 per cent across the Perth suburbs while the Liberal vote crashed by almost 11 points About three in five houses have four or more bedrooms \\u2013 that\\u2019s 4 points above the seat average and 26 points above the national average Cut through the noise of federal politics with news Students explored a variety of important issues that impact our communities today and worked collaboratively to brainstorm solutions that can be implemented within our school community focusing on the cleanliness of our waterways and oceans We performed a body prayer and learnt about the importance of having access to clean water discovering how numerous developing countries struggle with a lack of this essential resource This was a stark reminder of the privilege we hold and the responsibility we have to advocate for those who are less fortunate One key initiative we discussed was Catholic Religious Australia’s ‘10,000 Trees for 10 Years’ project We learned how this initiative aims to combat climate change improve water quality and enhance degraded soil and how our school community can play a part in this vital environmental effort we can help reduce our carbon footprint and contribute positively to the planet’s future we explored how our water consumption at home may be unnecessarily high and the many ways we can make a difference by reducing our usage From simple actions like shorter showers to ensuring we don’t leave taps running unnecessarily every small change can collectively lead to significant environmental benefits and learning how we can look after the planet in our Mercy community and the small things we can do as individuals whilst meeting new people from the other Mercy schools.” we had the chance to network with students from other Mercy schools and planning interschool initiatives that will further build community the spirit of mercy and the value of stewardship where we united for a common cause and made connections that will empower us to take action toward a more sustainable and just future for all Term 2 Parents and Carers Meeting 😀 All parents and carers are invited This meeting will be a chance to hear what is happening at the school The Catherine McAuley Weekly Review for Thursday 1st May is now available: LEST WE FORGET 🌹 Year 11 Modern History students led the school this morning in an ANZAC Reflection Students and staff were asked to remember the Australian men and women who died or suffered in the great tragedy of war YEAR 7 😀 Year 7 returned for their second term at high school today this time wearing their winter uniforms for the first time Remember that students must wear their blazer to and from school and that stockings are part of the winter uniform #year7 #winteruniform #catherinemcauley #catherinemcauleywestmead WELCOME TO TERM 2 😀 Welcome to all students returning today for Term 2 2025 The autumn colours are beginning to show in Mercy Square Year 11 Catherine McAuley students joined Donna Davis MP at a community engagement event to discuss plans for North Parramatta Year 9 MAG Leaders (Mercy in Action Group) and the Environment Student Leaders attended the Mercy 5 Eco-Justice Retreat Day at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer Two writing examples from Year 8 English students A Year 11 Legal Studies student has been selected for an online media internship program Construction of the Integrated Mental Health Complex in the Westmead Health Precinct the state’s largest mental health facility Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy was joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson and local MP for Parramatta Donna Davis as the sod was turned “This is a really important step forward in building a more accessible and integrated mental healthcare system for New South Wales,” Premier Chris Minns said Set to be completed in 2027 it will deliver an uplift in beds addressing the growing demand for mental health services in the area and providing best-practice care for Western Sydney communities “Mental health is an important and ongoing conversation This investment is about ensuring when people need help in a place that has been designed to provide the best care possible,” Premier Chris Minns said “We know that mental health care cannot and should not be separated from other forms of healthcare which is why it’s so important that this project includes a bridge connecting the mental health services to Westmead Hospital,” Premier Chris Minns said Designs for the new complex were developed in close concert with key stakeholders including hospital staff community members and those with a lived experience in the New South Wales Mental Health System Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson says the new complex ‘not only addresses the immediate needs of people in crisis but also fosters long-term recovery’ “The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will be a game-changer for New South Wales and will ensure people can receive the best possible care in an environment that prioritises their wellbeing the construction of this complex will include a link bridge connection to Westmead Hospital providing better integration between mental health care and other services including the emergency department and psychiatric emergency care existing mental health inpatient and outpatient services at Cumberland Hospital West Campus will be relocated to the new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead Health Precinct There will be no disruption or changes to patient care until the complex is complete This marks a milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to support community mental health and wellbeing by increasing the essential help available to the people of New South Wales when they need it (‘The Pulse podcast: uncovering health stories with clinical experts’ is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts) Billy ‘The Kid’ Dib is known by most as an icon of Australian boxing as WBO Lightweight Oriental champion and IBF Lightweight international champion with two world boxing championships under his belt but Billy has been facing a completely new opponent following a cancer diagnosis in 2022 He underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his stomach in October and has subsequently been treated for an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer Billy has remained upbeat and optimistic about his recovery He joins us for this podcast from the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre at Westmead Hospital in the Western Sydney Local Health District where he was receiving treatment He discusses his journey from diagnosis to remission and reveals what has kept him going in his biggest fight yet (‘The Pulse podcast: uncovering health stories with clinical experts’ is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts) This episode is hosted by Natalie Noordhuis and Sarah Mason from the WSLHD Corporate Communications team over 500 supporters gathered at Accor Stadium for the third annual Bloody Cells Ball: a moving and meaningful evening dedicated to raising vital funds for Westmead Hospital’s Haematology Ward C5A and the patients bravely facing blood cancer The event was founded by Pauline and Gordon Fallance after Pauline’s own battle with acute myeloid leukemia in 2009 and unwavering support she received left a lasting impact The couple created the Bloody Cells Ball as a heartfelt way to give back and support others facing the same fight The Bloody Cells Ball has grown into a major fundraising initiative raising over $400,000 for the Westmead Hospital Foundation in support of the C5A Haematology Ward One of the evening’s most moving moments came as guests watched a video interview with former Westmead patient Beth who shared her powerful journey through leukemia and her inspiring recovery after six months in hospital— all made possible thanks to the incredible care from the team at C5A “I get to do the simple things again,” Beth said Community support is at the heart of the Bloody Cells Ball and provide vital support services to blood cancer patients and their families “Bloody Cells Ball is a night that brings together community all in support of something incredibly important,” Bianca Crvelin “We stand with the patients facing the fight of their lives.” Help patients like Beth and Pauline get a second chance in life. Donate to Westmead Hospital’s Haematology Ward today: Westmead Hospital Foundation : C5a then a Neonatal Fellow at Westmead Hospital performed life-saving interventions for identical twin girls born prematurely with undiagnosed Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) are thriving professionals in the environmental sciences.  reached out to The Pulse to reflect on the moment her daughters were born Umesh intubated so fast and worked on her expertly It was all such a blur at the time.”  Erika felt compelled to express her gratitude who had since moved to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and was preparing to return to India He was delighted to hear the girls were thriving He said no one had ever gotten back to him to say thank you before.”  “I was surprised and overwhelmed by the connection after so many years,” Dr Vaidya said There is no greater happiness for a neonatologist than to see the wonderful long-term outcomes of high-risk babies.” Freyja is an Environmental Scientist with the Department of Environment is currently in Antarctica researching climate drivers while completing her PhD Freyja had the chance to meet Dr Vaidya in Pune These are truly memorable events in the life of a doctor.” “It is uncommon to see an NICU graduate as an adult let alone one who has flown across continents to meet her doctor Meeting Freyja was exceptional and very gratifying and she thanked me for the care she received decades ago.”  The meeting also provided an opportunity for Freyja to visit the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Pune who were very happy and impressed with her visit.”  Dr Vaidya noted the impact of his training at Westmead Hospital Westmead Hospital donated two refurbished Bear Cub Neonatal Ventilators which saved hundreds of babies every year for more than a decade.” neonatal care in India has advanced significantly and I’m proud to have been part of this journey.” “Freyja’s visit rekindled my memories of my training in Australia and the journey that followed.”  they will forever be grateful for Dr Vaidya’s skill and dedication It was beyond happiness for Freyja to shake the hand of the man who saved her life It was a wonderful reunion—one we will never forget.”  The Movement Disorders Neurology Service is celebrating two years of providing specialised care to Mid North Coast residents living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders with fly-in services provided by Westmead Hospital specialists The service provides patients with a hybrid model of face-to-face and telemedicine appointments with specialist neurologists in either Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie It is a collaboration between Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) the NSW Rural Doctors Network and Parkinson’s NSW The Movement Disorder Specialists fly-in once a month removing the need for patients to travel to Sydney for their treatment [and eases] the carer burden of taking someone to an appointment in Sydney and their overnight stays,” Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Vince Carroll said Mr Carroll works closely with many patients with movement disorders on the Mid North Coast The service is led by renowned Westmead Hospital specialists and neurologists Dr Victor Fung and Dr Hugo Morales Briceno “With most specialists residing in the metropolitan areas partnership working is crucial for rural and regional Australia,” Mr Carroll said bringing world class care to the Mid North Coast of NSW.” Patients consistently report high satisfaction with the service better care coordination and significant reductions in travel time and accommodation costs Ninety-five per cent of patients say they are extremely satisfied with the level of care and coordination with many saying they are relieved by the reduced travel burden with fewer trips required to Sydney for specialist consultations (Pictured above: MNCLHD Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Vince Carroll WSLHD Westmead Hospital Specialist Neurologist Dr Hugo Morales Briceno and Registered Nurse Jemma Werrell at the Movement Disorders Neurology Service in Coffs Harbour.) WATCH: Westmead Hospital Security Manager Andrew Moore describes the joys and challenges of his role and how his experience working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) prepared him for management Keep up to date with the Western Sydney Local Health District: LinkedIn: / westernsydneylocalhealthdistrict a new form of bypass surgery using nano technology to eliminate the risk of lymphoedema in breast cancer patients has been performed at Westmead Hospital Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Frank Hsieh is the first in Australia to introduce lymphovascular bypass surgery and has now performed the technique on 20 patients with no reports of lymphoedema Lymphoedema is a condition of localised swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system and is commonly experienced by people with breast cancer following the removal of lymph nodes Graeme Loy said with up to 40 per cent of people who have lymph nodes removed developing lymphoedema this breakthrough is already changing lives for breast cancer patients “This new form of surgery by Dr Frank Hsieh at Westmead Hospital is groundbreaking in preventing women diagnosed with breast cancer from potentially developing lymphoedema which can be debilitating,” Mr Loy said This is a fantastic breakthrough for breast cancer patients in western Sydney to have access to this potentially life-changing procedure allowing women to live their lives with strength and confidence Dr Hsieh said the new surgical technique being piloted at Westmead Hospital uses nano technology where the tip of the instrument is super fine to enter the body with the magnification able to reach 70 times The lymph fluids are trapped and just want to get out so we use the nano technology to re-route it into another system,” Dr Hsieh said “The lymphovascular surgery is performed in the same procedure as lymph node clearance and only adds 30 minutes to the operation time “This is really the pinnacle of microsurgery A surgeon has to be proficient in microsurgery first (around 1.5 mm in diameter) then you can challenge the <0.8mm in lymphatic surgery which is called supermicrosugery.” The first patient to undergo Dr Hsieh’s new surgery in January 2024 was Urhay Hawel who was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 27-years-old and three lymph nodes were removed from her right arm as cancer was found in all three lymph nodes she had to undergo a full clearance which can increase a person’s chances of developing lymphoedema “I was extremely distressed hearing this news He told me he would perform a procedure called anastomosis on a microscopic level; essentially re-routing my lymphatic channel,” Ms Hawel said “This would decrease my chance of developing lymphoedema I did not have to think twice about this option as my worst fear (second from cancer) was developing lymphoedema I have been actively training at the gym and lifting heavier weights than I did pre-cancer The 12-month pilot phase of the procedure at Westmead Hospital has now been completed 6 and 12-months post-operation showing no signs of developing lymphoedema Dr Hsieh’s work will be published following his 18-month follow-up appointments with all patients Dr Hsieh will also look at expanding the use of the procedure by training more surgeons in this field of plastic surgery A trial of the procedure involving six hospitals in North America (USA & Canada) started in 2013 and is now performed in top units in countries such as the UK With few surgeons trained and experienced in the microsurgery the procedure is still very limited in scale It’s a long way from the deck of a naval ship to the hospital hallways but that’s the sea change Kate Wood was looking for when she left the Navy Kate is one of 100 new graduate nurses to begin in the Western Sydney Local Health District They join another 19 new midwives who began their positions in February with the desire to protect and assist others,” Kate said Kate spent 14 years serving in the Royal Australian Navy before pivoting her career to healthcare “Once I had left the Royal Australian Navy nursing was a way that I could use this passion to help those who truly need it,” Kate said the transition from serving our country to serving the community was borne of the same passion “I have always had a desire to be able to do more for others and to positively impact people through my actions,” Kate said Kate says watching a family member being cared for when she was younger made a distinct impression on her “I observed the manner in which he was cared for which demonstrated to me the positive impact the nursing profession has on patient care and recovery,” Kate said Building on her skills working for the navy Kate believes her time serving in the armed forces will enhance her skills as a nurse “I look forward to consolidating the fundamental skills learnt throughout my studies whilst building confidence in my ability to work independently as a nurse and gaining the trust of my allocated unit in my capability,” Kate said Kate will begin her work at Westmead Hospital and is hoping to specialise in Medical Oncology I found that I particularly enjoyed understanding the specifics in cancer development and its progression as well as how we use modern medicine to combat these cells on a molecular level.” The new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead is a step closer with the main works contractor appointed The NSW Government is investing $540 million into the new facility which will be the largest mental health facility in NSW best-practice care for the communities of western Sydney Richard Crookes Construction has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process with main works construction set to begin in early 2025 Northern Region Leisa Rathborne said the next phase of construction is about to begin for the largest mental health facility of its kind in NSW the new complex will further cement the Westmead Health Precinct as one of the largest health staff and the community to design facilities that meet their needs and support recovery in a safe dedicated mental health facility will be connected to Westmead Hospital’s Central Acute Services Building via a new link bridge integrating mental health and other clinical services and facilities including the Emergency Department This new complex will integrate mental health services from the Cumberland West campus and address the growing demand for both acute and sub-acute care Consumers will be treated in a therapeutic environment that is welcoming and person-centred in line with state and national mental healthcare reforms Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy said the new facility underscores the importance of addressing mental illness “The new complex will be focused on providing support and recovery to mental health consumers and helping our clinicians deliver the highest quality care “It’s integration with Westmead Hospital will enable our team to work collaboratively with other clinical services to ensure the best care is delivered for consumers and their families,” said Mr Loy The project complements the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and investment in new and upgraded mental health facilities for Western Sydney including new mental health units at Blacktown Hospital and the Westmead Mother and Baby Unit Consultation with key stakeholders including staff carers and the local community will continue as the project is delivered Westmead Hospital Rheumatology Advanced Trainee Teresa Yu is on the attack representing Australia in women’s football.  The fullback turned forward is one of 30 women selected to represent Australia at the 2025 World Medical Football Championships Women’s Cup The international tournament brings together national teams from representing countries Westmead Hospital’s Ryan O’Keefe and Alan O’Grady will join Teresa in the international tournament as they represent the men’s side The Doccerroos Despite Australia joining the World Medical Football Conference in 2003 it was only in 2024 that a women’s side was established the Matildas were a driving source of inspiration for the creation of the women’s side “Watching the Matildas in the world cup was amazing I had just passed my physicians exams and got to watch a few games live it was great to see the nation cheering on the women especially the mothers on the team like Katrina Gorry,” Teresa said Teresa has played club football since she was 16 years old and always loved the sport but found it hard to continue with her club during her medical training “After the success of the Matildas I knew I had to try out for the Medtildas I couldn’t use age or career as an excuse anymore,” Teresa said “Playing football is a great stress relief it puts things in perspective,” Teresa said Teresa says that juggling her football commitments and the demands of her career can be difficult “It keeps you happy and healthy and I think if you’re not happy or healthy you are more able to be empathetic and pleasant to work with so I think there are personal and professional benefits,” Teresa said Orthopaedic Registrar Ryan O’Keefe has been part of the men’s team for four years and echoes Teresa’s thoughts “Football helps me achieve work life balance by keeping me fit and keeping me in touch with lifelong friends made on the field,” Ryan said He says the comradery of the team is a great source of personal and professional support “Not only is the team very understanding but it’s a great opportunity to learn tips tricks and habits from people at various stages in their careers my professional performance is improved by me staying fit and happy outside of work,” Ryan said Competing as a player in the inaugural tournament last year the Medtildas took home the trophy winning the competition and are keen to retain the title Consultant Interventional Radiologist Alan O’Grady says the men are eager to win the cup after watching the women take home the title Alan has been playing football for as long as he can remember and says it’s a crucial part of his life “Football is almost meditative for me a way to focus purely on joy and fun and forgetting about the more stressful aspects of life,” Alan said “I have made some fantastic friendships through playing as a teenager and with the Docceroos,” Alan said Locals are encouraged to come and watch a local match between a combined Medtildas and Docceroos team as they take on Transplant FC at Valentine Park The game is supported by the Westmead RMOs Association and aims to raise awareness for organ donation as the doctors take on transplant recipients and living organ donors You can follow the Medtildas and Docceroos’ journey on Instagram and Facebook The Liver Outreach Team from the Storr Liver Centre at Westmead Hospital has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Hepatitis NSW Cheryl Burman Award This accolade celebrates their groundbreaking efforts in viral hepatitis care and their unwavering dedication to serving communities impacted by hepatitis B and C.  The Cheryl Burman Award is presented to an individual or team in NSW to recognise an outstanding commitment to the advancement of prevention management or treatment for people living with viral hepatitis – and is assessed on the work performed in the two years leading up to each Annual General Meeting The Liver Outreach team has long been a driving force in the hepatitis sector renowned for their innovative practices and community-focused approach Their pioneering initiatives include implementing GeneXpert Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) and leading mobile health van outreach programs which have delivered expert hepatology care to underserved communities They were also early adopters of hepatitis B testing and treatment setting a benchmark for others in the field.  The commitment of the Liver Outreach Team is epitomised by their resourcefulness and determination often going above and beyond to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every corner of the community with a remarkable four hepatology nurses present demonstrates their passion and dedication.  This team has been a trusted partner in the fight to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 offering not just expertise but also compassion and care have earned them this well-deserved recognition.  and former Hepatitis NSW Board member and President Cheryl Burman honours individuals or teams who have made outstanding contributions to the prevention Hospital Week has been another huge success in 2024 thanks to The Westmead Association The event presented a large three-day program on August 22 and 23 at Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Georgette Hanna is the Executive Manager for Medical Services for The Westmead Association and is the brains behind organising the event “The reason why we do Hospital Week is to showcase the expert work at Westmead Hospital and to encourage everyone around Sydney to know what we do at Westmead interstate and overseas who attend and more than 80 companies want to be part of it It’s a big thing and it involves everyone in the hospital Everyone comes and they all get something out of it,” said Georgette Westmead Hospital Week runs annually at Westmead Hospital and represents a unique opportunity to bring together all the staff of the hospital The week features a mix of scientific and social events highlighting Westmead Hospital’s role as a premier teaching institution and showcases Westmead Hospital’s clinical and research expertise Do you have images to add to the WSLHD staff and patient gallery Please email wslhd-thepulse@health.nsw.gov.au From triaging hundreds of patients to a media press conferences Westmead Hospital has mobilised for an impressive exercise featuring over 150 staff simulating a crisis response Using the scenario of a nearby stadium collapse teams were broken into 20 groups and spent a day running through the exercise to test system capacity operations and response when faced with a disaster situation this exercise is a Swedish disaster training tool provides a chance to review mass casualty plans particularly following COVID This event was the first to run in NSW since 2019 and took over six months of planning The day started with an all-in briefing at one of the lecture theatres in Westmead Hospital outlining the details of the disaster (dubbed ‘Exercise Janus’) which involved a stadium collapse and the assessment of preliminary impacts on the hospital Staff were then split into teams according to their function in the crisis and separated to each of their departments in the Westmead hospital WECC This ranged from the hospital’s emergency operations centre (EOC) to departments representing areas like emergency with participants from a variety of specialties to simulate as closely as possible how a real-life disaster event would unfold Each team was equipped with a special phone line packs containing details of the scenario and live updates were relayed back and forth to the EOC and clinical areas to recount new information which would impact proceedings After several hours to let the exercise run its course for immediate reactions and establishment of workflows in this event all participants reconvened to share key learnings from the practice Whether it was an increased need for communication between departments or a surplus of helpers that were identified by each group these learnings helped to demonstrate how the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) community would rally in the event of a large-scale disaster The day was organised by Deputy Director of the Emergency Department at Westmead Hospital and involved the assistance of over 40 instructors medical umpires and runners to execute the detailed plans “Exercise Janus has provided us with a very unique opportunity to prepare for the worst case scenario and refine our strategy for mass casualty events in a controlled environment,” Kavita said “Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of staff from all areas of the hospital was very rewarding and I sincerely thank all who participated for their dedication to patient care “It speaks volumes of the staff at Westmead Hospital and the district that we can invest our time and energy into these training exercises and have such a positive outcome from this learning opportunity.” CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Professor Henry Pleass has shared a heartfelt and creative insight into the emotional and professional realities of life as a surgeon with his poem Surgery: The Beauty and the Pain Prof. Pleass has been a senior specialist transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at Westmead Hospital for nearly 21 years forging new frontiers in pancreas transplants while mentoring other surgeons The poem captures the duality of surgery—the triumphs that provide hope and healing and the profound challenges that leave lasting scars the equipoise between the beauty of success and the pain of failure To share one’s professional and personal experience The rhythmic beauty of an anastomosis created The separation and exposure of the great vessels dissection and protection of vital structures To make a complex operation seem straightforward within the sanctuary of the operating theatre When your young patient with unresectable cancer turns to you and says “I’m not going to see my baby daughter grow up and no words can satisfactorily answer their question which are eased by their friends and family who understand the balance between the beauty and pain To watch a young surgeon gain in confidence and skills walking happily and confidently out from under your watchful eye That is the true beauty of surgery and far outweighs the pain created by those less fortunate was the first to be scanned on the first MRI scanner in the Radiation Oncology Department at Westmead Hospital Isileli is a pastor for the Tongan community in western Sydney He  shared his experience being the first to use the new MRI scanner “It felt normal to me (laughs) but I’m grateful “It’s very nice here and the staff are lovely and easy on December 20… Happy Birthday Izzy!) expressed satisfaction with his treatment being told by the doctor he is responding well to it I was in shock about my diagnosis and I didn’t feel anything In the past patients would be referred to a radiology practice outside Westmead Hospital to have the MRI scan performed the MRI can be done in-house at Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre This is much more convenient for patients who have no out-of-pocket expenses The  MRI images are digitally fused with CT scan images in the radiation therapy planning computer system seamlessly allowing the planning of highly precise treatment Director of the Radiation Oncology Network in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) emphasised the importance of patient-focused care and maintaining a positive patient experience in a technical environment “Going through cancer treatment is incredibly stressful for every single person even if we think they don’t have a very aggressive cancer it’s a big deal and  life changing We try very hard to make sure that all our staff are very aware that the patient experience needs to be a good one for every one of our patients “We started using the new MRI scanner for prostate cancer patients and we have a physicist and radiation oncologist working together to make MRI planning available for patients with other types of cancer as well,” said Dr the department has also just installed two brand new linear accelerators (LINACs are used to deliver external beam radiation therapy to cancers with pinpoint accuracy) at Westmead Hospital in the last year Isileli chose LINAC radiation therapy over surgery to avoid interrupting his work as a church minister so I didn’t want to take months off for surgery.” Ahern and the team are appreciative of how the new machines will improve their workflow “The radiation therapists are excited to work with new equipment and refurbished work areas.” Ahern stressed the implementation of this new equipment was done with exemplary teamwork “You can’t implement sophisticated new equipment like this without everybody working together We’ve had broad consultation amongst all of the radiation oncology team and input from people in other departments as well such as Radiology and Anaesthetics to get this up and running Everyone’s help has been enormously appreciated,” said Dr Westmead Hospital has had its first patient undergo robotic colorectal surgery suffered from locally invasive advanced rectal cancer and underwent robotic colorectal surgery to remove the tumour Colorectal Surgeon at Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) led the surgery and said the benefit of robotic colorectal surgery is mainly for patients with rectal cancers particularly in obese patients and patients with a narrow pelvis “Westmead Hospital now joins only one of a few public hospitals in Australia which offer robotic surgery I believe that it has the potential to improve patient care and outcomes,” he said Minimally invasive keyhole surgery is usually performed with rigid instruments An assistant is required to operate the fixed instrument tips and the camera as the surgeon cannot hold two instruments and the camera at the same time Robotic technology assists minimally invasive keyhole surgery by offering 3D imaging the ability to control four instruments with up to seven degrees of freedom with motion scaling and tremor free movements as well as ergonomic comfort for the surgeon It also reduces the risk of needing to convert keyhole surgery into open surgery the patient praised the staff who supported them through their health journey “I cannot thank Professor Toh enough for his professionalism and good work ethic The team he worked with are also to be thanked for the great effort they spent throughout the entire time of my surgery,” they said to be treated the way this care team has treated me I can say that there is no doubt that Westmead Hospital medical teams are true professionals and they genuinely care about their patients “Not to mention Lee Gavegan and the Stoma Nurses who have shown great care and support especially when I was having difficulties finding the right apparatus to use for my own situation they still made sure I knew I could reach out to them for any assistance who is also Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Sydney said robotic assisted surgery has been gaining popularity worldwide over the past two decades since it was first approved for use in the year 2000 “Robotic systems are currently mainly being utilised by subspecialties including urology gynecology and paediatric surgery,” he said The use of robotic technology has been gaining momentum in general and in colorectal surgery Associate Professor Toh said the benefits of robotic technology at Westmead Hospital are useful to both patients and also to surgical trainees in the WSLHD who thus far have had limited exposure to robotic systems “I would like to thank my colorectal and urology colleagues as well as our robotics team of surgeons Da Vinci ® representatives and the executives of WSLHD who made commencement of robotic colorectal surgery possible.” Westmead Hospital’s Physiotherapy Department has undertaken an exciting and groundbreaking initiative to enhance the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) across all staff levels The project was spearheaded by the Physiotherapy Department Research Committee Health Professional Educator and Chair of the Physiotherapy Research Committee and aims to foster a culture where evidence-based practice drives better patient outcomes “The vision of our committee is to grow a real appreciation for evidence-based practice build capability and capacity in the research space and support local initiatives that bring evidence to our patients here in western Sydney,” Katherine said involving the whole department in both the training and application of EBP we explored what opportunities we had to develop a project that would be inclusive of all staff from entry-level to senior clinicians,” Dragana said “We wanted to give everyone a taste of research and show how evidence can significantly enhance clinical care.” The project kicked off with a staff needs survey which informed the creation of five targeted training sessions and developed the training to make sure it was engaging and practical.”  “We wanted people to feel confident and capable of using evidence to inform their clinical practice.” “We emphasised that everyone can be a leader and contribute to the team We wanted to nurture that mindset so that staff could continue to grow their strengths and improve patient care One of the standout outcomes from the project was the creation of “one-pagers” – succinct summaries of the best available evidence for specific clinical areas Staff were encouraged to use these one-pagers in their day-to-day practice continually updated with the latest evidence and can be used at the bedside to ensure best practice is always followed,” Katherine said “This helps our clinicians feel confident that the care we provide at Westmead is gold standard and aligns with the latest clinical guidelines.” The results from the project were impressive Pre and post training surveys using the Health Sciences Evidence-Based Questionnaire and barriers related to evidence-based practice “We were surprised by the significant change we saw in the survey results,” Dragana said haven’t always achieved such strong results.” “We believe the key difference was that our training program was specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of our staff.” The initiative’s success has generated interest beyond the physiotherapy department The team presented their findings during Westmead Hospital Week and shared their project with the Allied Health Research Committee sparking interest in scaling the approach to other Allied Health departments across Western Sydney Local Health District the project team are preparing to publish their findings which could have wide-reaching implications for how evidence-based practice is implemented in clinical settings “We’re currently writing up our study for submission.” “It has been a real team approach by the physiotherapy research committee to write up the publication.” We’re hopeful that it will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on how targeted staff-driven initiatives can truly make a difference in patient care “We’ve been fortunate to have the backing of our district’s Allied Health Research Unit as well as the Research and Education Network team Westmead Hospital recently launched a significant addition to their Women’s Health Clinic with the introduction of their new Colorectal Women’s Health Clinic The clinic represents a significant advancement in Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) commitment to providing comprehensive collaborative care for women in western Sydney particularly those requiring complex surgical interventions for conditions such as endometriosis Amy Cao brings extensive expertise in colorectal surgery to Westmead Hospital enhancing their ability to offer integrated care,” Supuni Kapurubandara Staff Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology Working alongside the hospital’s experienced gynaecologists Cao will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to address complex cases of endometriosis “Endometriosis is a common condition affecting up to 1 in 7 women and those assigned female at birth.” “It occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus and impacts on emotional and physical well-being.” “Research consistently shows that collaborative care improves patient outcomes by delivering tailored treatment plans that address all aspects of the condition.” patients will benefit from personalised care pathways designed to meet their unique needs whether through advanced surgical techniques or a holistic approach to pelvic pain Cao and our team of specialists will work closely with each patient to ensure they receive the highest standard of care tailored to their specific circumstances.” Westmead Hospital is also a recruitment site for the National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Network offering patients the opportunity to participate in this vital national endometriosis study “This new clinic not only expands our capabilities in managing complex gynaecological and colorectal conditions but also underscores our dedication to advancing medical care through collaboration and innovation while maintaining a patient centred approach.” The team welcomes referrals from the district and broader community for endometriosis or related gynaecological conditions we can empower and support people to take control of their health and well-being backed by a team of clinicians committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has played a crucial role in supporting the incredible journey of twin girls the twins have defied the odds thanks to exceptional care at Westmead Hospital and ongoing support services like Angel Flight Harper and Maddie are dichorionic diamniotic twins meaning they each had their own sac and placenta a rare complication led to a shared vascular system resulting in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTT) “They are only two medical records in history of TTT happening in DCDA twins and Maddie and Harper are the first known to survive it,” said Harper and Maddie’s mum their case study was published by the delivering Obstetrician Head of Department of the Westmead Institute for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Westmead Hospital Harper was born with a heart malformation and severe complications After being transferred and discharged from Westmead Hospital the twins required extensive ongoing medical intervention at Westmead Children’s Hospital the Gardner’s faced the ongoing challenge of getting Harper to specialist appointments in Sydney This is where Angel Flight stepped in to help Angel Flight has provided 27 flights for the family transforming stressful eight-hour car trips into efficient 90-minute flights This vital service has alleviated immense pressure on the family allowing them to focus on Harper’s well-being.  “The flight alleviated so much stress during an intense time,” says Mum “The efficiency and directness of the flight was a godsend for our family.” including open-heart surgery at just seven months old walking without a walker and beginning to run and jump she now eats well and requires ongoing therapy in preparation for school We are eternally grateful to the discharge coordinator from Westmead Hospital who referred us to Angel Flight We had been in our previous space for over 20 years and it had aged so in this new space I am very excited at what we will be able to do and how it will improve the students' learning for many years to come Year 7 students during their Music class this week in the new spaces We hopped on a bus for a one-hour journey to the stunning yet threatened coastline at Collaroy Beach Everyone was provided with a booklet that we used to capture the information shared by the environmental guides but this didn’t stop our exploration of the beach and our learning of how the coast undergoes the effects of various processes like the tides caused by the lunar cycle We split into our three classes and walked along the beach We used equipment like a compass to find out the wind direction and a Kestral Meter to gauge the wind speed We learnt about coastal management strategies such as seawalls and rock revetment walls that ensure the protection of housing and the dunes It was interesting to see how these strategies prevent damage from storms and whether or not they were proven effective we had lunch with a gorgeous view of the beach enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of each others' laughter we headed towards Narrabeen Beach where we learnt about the key zones of the beach and took samples of ground sediments we reflected on what we learned and some of us napped after an eventful day A shoutout to our awesome guides who taught us a lot Westmead Hospital’s Paul Robertson, Transplant Co-ordinator for the National Pancreas Transplant Unit recently volunteered as an honorary medical officer for the Australian Transplant Games With over 30 years of experience managing renal and pancreas transplants at Westmead Hospital Paul was eager to contribute to this inspiring event “Having the opportunity to help manage any medical needs during the games gave me a great opportunity to see people enjoying sport and seeing them outside of the health care environment,” Paul said “It involved providing a planning and liaison service between first aid providers and specialist services for participants at the transplant games,” he explained His experience at the event was deeply fulfilling “I had the most amazing time seeing patients who were excelling at their chosen sport.” “It was incredible seeing the support between all participants—even when the last-placed finisher was some time behind Paul also highlighted the broader significance of the Australian Transplant Games an event that brings the transplant community together in a celebration of health and resilience “It is important to showcase the value of involvement in life and sport.” “The event highlights the importance of organ donation that allows for transplantation.” Paul emphasised the importance of making your intention to be a donor known “Ensure that you discuss organ donation with your family and make your wishes known.” Find more information on how to become an organ donor here Westmead Hospital has appointed Dr Hemal Vachharajani as Director of Intensive Care Services (ICS) bringing with her an impressive 20 years’ experience and a significant clinical background from various tertiary Intensive Care Units (ICU) across New South Wales Hemal’s appointment as Westmead Hospital Director of ICS is a full circle moment as she first started her career in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) at Westmead Hospital ICS in 2002 as a Junior Registrar when she successfully completed her ICU training she obtained a fellowship from the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM) and went on to work as a Junior Consultant at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) Prince of Wales (POW) Hospital and Concord Hospital before returning to Westmead Hospital in 2017 In addition to her newly appointed role as Director of Intensive Care Hemal also holds other significant roles across the district Clinical Lead for Organ and Tissue donation for WSLHD and she has been a supervisor of training for the College of Intensive Care Medicine for the past five years With such extensive experience across intensive care medicine The Pulse interviewed Hemal about what continues to interest her in the high-pressure field of ICS and she passionately explained her drive and the drive to pursue this field comes from the opportunity to manage critically ill patients with complex medical conditions that requires a deep sense of understanding of multiple organ systems high-stake decisions in a timely manner which would have a significant impact on patient outcomes “Delivering high-level care requires teamwork and collaboration which is unique to working in ICU and is the cornerstone of delivering excellent patient centred care “Being an Intensivist has helped me build resilience and become more adaptable to handle rapidly changing dynamic situations.” Hemal has a strong vision for what she wants to achieve as Director of Intensive Care I hope to create a vibrant and cohesive environment where teamwork ensuring every member of our team feels valued and empowered to contribute to our shared goal of providing exceptional patient centered care The ICS is a team of highly driven and motivated clinicians who strongly believe in teamwork collaboration and integration both within the ICU and with other teams in the hospital and across western Sydney We care about the wellbeing and welfare of all our staff and have worked hard to create and maintain a positive encouraging and well supported work environment for all staff such that they enjoy coming to work at Westmead Hospital ICS Admission to ICS can vary from an elective admission after major surgery or an emergency admission requiring organ support such as after a car accident and many other medical conditions that may cause critical illness Every patient admitted to Westmead Hospital ICS is seen daily by an ICS Specialist and an update is provided to the patient and/or their family regularly I am extremely proud to be a part of Westmead Hospital and WSLHD To work as an integral part of Westmead Hospital collaborating and functioning as a part of Western Sydney LHD and Intensive Care NSW services Hemal brings to this role a profound devotion and dedication to the field of intensive care providing vital support and expertise to staff across WSLHD and the entire western Sydney community It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as the Director of Westmead Intensive Care Service to lead and work alongside such a talented and compassionate team dedicated to delivering the highest standard of patient centred care to our community I am incredibly humbled to be in this role in the unit that trained me to be the Intensivist and the person I am today and is a second home to me “You have helped make sure people are warm during winter you have helped make sure people have dinner each night and you have helped make sure refugees and people seeking asylum are accompanied every step of the way,” said Vin Gajanayake “On behalf of JRS I want to extend a huge thank you for your support and generosity We can’t do this work without you.” The school has been fundraising and raising awareness of JRS during Term 4 Coolock and Dobson Houses have taken the lead this term with events like the 'Minute to Win It' competition and a number of fundraising stalls Next week this will continue with the Santa photos and the option for students to make a donation when they wear a Christmas themed item on Thursday Vin spoke to students and staff at the school assembly telling them about the mission of JRS to accompany people seeking asylum and migrants in vulnerable situations Every year JRS provides support to around 3000 people in Australia through a number of programs including the food bank service a women’s only space and emergency support a refugee leadership program and engages in political advocacy “Refugees and people seeking asylum are often heavily restricted on their options whether it is due to English language requirements age or being on visas which might restrict their access to government supports like Medicare and Centrelink,” Vin said “For many people experiencing this hardship we are their last hope.” The school is currently collecting items for the JRS Foodbank and Vin thanked families in advance for their support “The donations that you will give our foodbank will be such a huge support for the 200 families we help each week.” Download the food list a much-loved patient at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre sadly passed away in October 2024 but his legacy is set to live on A number of donations made in memory of Brendan have led to the purchase of a vital piece of medical equipment for the CPMCC at Westmead Hospital.  Brendan’s wife and children wanted to honour his memory in a way that would support both the staff and future patients of the centre she asked family and friends to make donations to the CPMCC.  “Brendan was always very much a part of his community,” Brendan’s wife “When I was asked where people could send donations I wanted it to be something that could really be donated in Brendan’s memory and keep his memory alive for everyone around us.” “The hospital let me know they were trying to raise funds for a vein finder so this felt like the perfect way to give back.”  The funds raised – coming from Brendan and their children’s loved ones across Australia and France – were used to purchase a new AccuVein light system for the Day Care Suite This technology helps nurses locate veins more easily during cannulation reducing stress for both patients and staff.  “The machine is what we call the vein finder,” said Adelia Fuschini Nursing Unit Manager of the Day Care Suite at the CPMCC “It will make it easier for nurses to find patients’ veins particularly when they are difficult to locate Having this equipment means a smoother process for both our team and our patients.”  The AccuVein system arrived just before Christmas and is now in use thanks to the generosity of the Cleary family and their community.  “I hope that this donation and the purchase of the light will make life easier for the staff at the clinic and help patients feel more comfortable,” Heidi said To be able to give back to the team that looked after Brendan so well – it means a lot to me and our family.  This innovative program introduced students to problem-solving techniques used by leading companies Students collaborated in teams to brainstorm prototype and present solutions to “how they might use technology to solve a challenge for students in schools in Australia” Year 10 student Shallavi was part of one of the teams who made it through to the finals with their idea of creating an earpiece to reduce noise/distractors for neuro-diverse students and has written about her experience: I really enjoyed this experience because we got to work with students from other schools which sparked more ideas and made the collaboration really exciting It felt like a free and open space where everyone could share their ideas without any type of judgment The management team throughout the program set a great example of the kind of career path I hope to pursue when I leave school The experience was a fantastic way for students to develop creative thinking inspiring them to approach challenges with confidence and innovation The students are to be commended for being outstanding school representatives and for fully engaging in the day’s activities A big thank you to the facilitators in Google education who made this memorable learning opportunity possible You can now take a look at the artist’s impression of the new purpose built Supportive and Palliative Care Unit to be delivered at Westmead Hospital The new Unit is part of the $93 million allocated for capital investment as part of the NSW Government’s World Class End of Life Care Program and will feature contemporary supportive and palliative care bedrooms with ensuites within a rooftop expansion zone on Level 5 of the Clinical Acute Services Building at the Westmead Hospital was selected following a comprehensive campus-wide site investigation The location is close to complementary health services within the hospital while also providing for patient and family privacy “We are excited to partner with Supportive and Palliative Care health professionals community and expert designers to deliver a world class unit right here within Westmead Hospital for continuity in excellence of care for patients and carers within our local health district.” This Unit will enhance a network of Supportive and Palliative Care delivered in a seamless professional service across the flexible setting of home based care outpatient clinics and inpatient care established at Auburn and Mt Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Units The planning and design of the new Unit have been informed by extensive consultation with Supportive and Palliative Care health professionals The new Unit will provide a culturally sensitive and home-like space to provide care a multi-faith room and access to an outdoor veranda area from all rooms The new dedicated Unit will provide purpose-built facilities within a home-like setting for palliative care staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives Planning and design for the new Westmead Hospital Unit will continue over the next few months Construction timeframes will be confirmed following the completion of the design process and once a building contractor has been appointed Academy U is a program run by WSU which enables students to complete a university level subject alongside their high school studies Successful completion ensures students receive an early offer at the respective institutions Year 9 has written about the Innovation and Investigation Day: The Academy U Innovation and Investigation Day was great fun and an engaging day where we were all able to learn about two fields of university study I chose to learn about both nursing and marketing/public relations and was able to enjoy interactive sessions where participants were able to learn many new things and ask questions As the final task of the day we were asked to create and submit a report in our teams Thank you to the Academy U event organisers at Western Sydney University for providing an engaging and worthwhile day for the Academy U students We have further developed our communication skills discovered new perspectives and were challenged to think and work differently Nurses and midwives at Westmead Private Hospital have walked off the job today as calls for better pay and conditions ramp up members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) rallied outside Westmead Private Hospital to fight against Ramsay Health Care’s “unacceptable pay and conditions” offer The four-hour work stoppage resulted in many operating theatres being closed and a ban on working overtime nurses and midwives are also refusing to do non-clinical duties such as answering phones Westmead Private Hospital nurse and NSWMA delegate Kathryn Bloomfield said it was a difficult but necessary decision to strike “[The industrial action] wasn’t taken lightly there was a lot of consideration because we want to make sure our patients are all cared for but we feel that this is the only way that Ramsay Healthcare are going to listen,” she told Parra News “We’re just trying to send the message to Ramsay that this not good enough The nurse of over 20 years and Parramatta local said Westmead Private Hospital staff are “fed up” of the current working conditions feeling devalued because Ramsay like to say that they care about people but they aren’t really caring for their staff and ultimately caring for their patients,” Bloomfield added The Westmead rally coincided with the first day of Ramsay’s second vote to members after they increased their pay offer slightly to 12.5 per cent over three years The union is asking for 18 per cent over three years But the Westmead Private Hospital’s staff aren’t just fighting for better pay – they’re also calling for safe nurse-to-patient ratios “The NSWNMA is continuing to call on the private hospital operator to put staff and patients before profits and come to the table with a pay offer that is above inflation and takes into account cost of living increases,” a NSWNMA statement said “It is also demanding Ramsay commits to safe staffing ratios for all wards and units in their NSW hospitals.” “We can’t provide the care that we want to provide and are expected to provide [without ratios] because we’re just chronically understaffed and exhausted,” she said we can’t retain staff because people are just exhausted… why would you want to work there when it’s just so difficult?” Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards Western Sydney Local Health District’s Westmead Hospital held their Quality Awards on 22 August the QuWest awards celebrate achievements in Quality Safety Read on for a winners list and photo gallery as The Pulse congratulates the dedicated teams and individuals of Westmead Hospital who were acknowledged at the ceremony Environmental SustainabilityProject: Composting at Parramatta Community Health Centre Service: Parramatta Community Health Centre Excellence in Staff Empowerment and GrowthProject: The implementation of Schwartz Rounds at Westmead Hospital and supporting the rollout in other NSW Health Facilities as a demonstration site Services: Research and Education Unit Social Work,  Workforce Nursing and Midwifery Transforming Patient ExperienceProject: Admission PossibleService: Maternity Ward – Women’s and Newborn Health Division Health ResearchProject: Embedding  Pozqol a Patient Reported Outcome Tool measuring Quality of Life in People Living with HIV into Routine Clinical Care at Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre Service: Western Sydney Sexual Health Keeping People HealthyProject: Improving Syphilis Treatment Outcomes in Western Sydney via a Direct Referral Pathway between Public Health and Sexual HealthService: WSLHD Public Health Unit and WSLHD Sexual Health Service Patient Safety FirstProject: Reducing ICS Acquired Pressure InjuriesService: Intensive Care Services Health Innovation Project:  Immediate Postpartum Contraception ProjectService: Women’s and Newborn HealthCollaborative Team of the YearOptimising Patient Care in Allied Health Services (OPAHS) QI Team  Exceptional Contribution AwardSarah Niblock This black and white photo gallery offers a rare glimpse into the compassionate and innovative care provided at Westmead Hospital’s One-Stop Shop clinic Established to improve healthcare access for adults with complex developmental disabilities the clinic streamlines essential medical services This pioneering approach reduces the stress of multiple appointments and ensures patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs The gallery captures the dedication of healthcare professionals and the positive impact of this initiative Read more about the One-Stop Shop clinic here The students have been learning about surf zones identify rips and what to do if caught in one The students were also shown basic survival skills and learnt how to paddle a foam surfboard and catch the waves back into shore Some of the Year 7 students have reflected on the day below: School Principal Ms Mary Refalo told the Year 7 students gathered in Mercy Square on Tuesday morning for their first day at Catherine McAuley to remember to ‘Strive For Higher Things’ “Remember the school motto and always Strive For Higher Things,” Ms Refalo told the students “We look forward to seeing that from you this year and in Year 8 and every year until you finish in Year 12.” Amy and Rashmitha were all very excited as they waited in Mercy Square on Tuesday “I am excited but also scared,” said Aditri “I do have my friends with me so I know I will be alright.” The three friends had all attended Westmead Public School and were looking forward to the new opportunities high school would bring “I am particularly looking forward to cooking,” says Amy whereas Rashmitha says she is looking forward to learning in all subjects but is particularly looking forward to Maths “I really want to use the bunsen burners,” she said said that despite her daughter starting at Catherine McAuley by herself she was feeling very calm “There has been great communication from the school through the newsletters and other items so I feel the process has been very smooth I feel comfortable and calm and feel I know what I need to know said his daughter was feeling very happy to start her new school “She woke up very early today because she couldn’t wait to start,” Joseph said “She had everything set up the day before” also said his daughter was very excited and was keen to make new friends given she has come without any other students from her primary school “She wasn’t nervous today because she felt comfortable after the orientation day She is excited and happy to be here,” Manu said We were very eager to get admission to Catherine McAuley Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 told the students on Tuesday that they shouldn't be afraid to ask for help “What is really important is that you remember that there are many many people around who you can ask for help at any time” she told the students as they assembled in the BM Building (Sister Barbara McDonough Building) Mrs Cowling also asked the students to look out for each other “Look for anyone on their own or anyone who is looking a little bit unsure and see if you can smile at them say hello to them and ask them to join your group” Check in with each other and make sure everyone is OK Westmead Hospital’s Intensive Care Services (ICS) ward marked its 18th anniversary with a lunch and cake-cutting ceremony that brought together staff from across the ward This milestone not only highlighted the ward’s legacy of providing critical care but also underscored the strength and unity of the team that has driven its success over the years While it is celebrating its 18th year in its current home in E block the Intensive Care Services at Westmead Hospital have been a part of the facility for much longer Director and Senior Staff Specialist at Westmead ICS who has been a part of the unit since 2017 and began her career in Australia as a junior doctor at Westmead ICS in 2003 spoke passionately about the significance of the occasion “Celebrating our ICU’s birthday is more than just marking time; it is honouring the resilience and lives saved within these walls.” It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our amazing staff and we acknowledge the strength of our team and the hope we have brought to our patients and their families with each year we celebrate The ICS team at Westmead is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach to patient care which has been central to its ability to handle some of the most complex and critical cases in the region “What I value the most about Westmead ICS is the dedication of the team and commitment make a difference in the most critical moments turning fear into trust and uncertainty into healing.” This sense of pride and appreciation for the team was echoed by other key figures at the event praised the ICS for its integral role within the hospital “The care they provide to our patients and the support they provide in outreach is exemplary Their integrity and professionalism in delivering best practice care as a multidisciplinary team are what I value most about the ICU,” Dr New stated Acting General Manager of Westmead Hospital highlighted the importance of the ICU’s role in a tertiary hospital like Westmead “Building a team culture to embed why we’re here is really important not only as a team but also in how we deliver care to our patients for successful outcomes The ICU plays a critical role in providing the highest level of care which is essential for our community,” she said before Westmead Hospital Intensive Care’s move to its current ward “The success of this unit is because we have a very good educational team that provides a robust education program to ensure our nurses are well-trained and capable.” We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and our focus on safe patient care will never be lost As Westmead Hospital’s ICS ward celebrated its 18th birthday the event served as a reminder of the unit’s enduring commitment to excellence in patient care Our ICU’s milestone is a celebration of compassion and the pursuit of better outcomes for our patients we renew our promise to care for those who rely on us the most In a remarkable display of medical innovation Westmead Hospital’s Professor Michael Bourke played a pivotal role in changing the radio presenter James Valentine’s cancer journey Originally set for a life-changing surgery to remove his oesophagus after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer James was presented with an alternative approach by Michael James Valentine had publicly announced his diagnosis in March explaining that he was preparing for an esophagectomy—a surgery that would have removed most of his oesophagus After publishing an article on his cancer journey James Valentine spoke to Professor Bourke on the ABC “I announced it on the radio… and then it didn’t happen at all I ended up having quite a strange few months,” James said some of James’ colleagues advised of the prospect of alternative options for early oesophageal cancer – an advanced endoscopic resection technique Michael’s approach leveraged 25 years of expertise in endoscopic resection to remove the tumour without needing to remove the entire oesophagus the role of advanced endoscopy in treating early cancer of the oesophagus has evolved allowing us to fully assess its depth and spread,” Professor Bourke said The procedure was groundbreaking for James who underwent it with relatively minimal disruption It took James about a month to fully recover due to a combination of the procedure and prior radiotherapy which has developed significantly in recent years allowed Michael to accurately stage the tumour and remove it without extensive surgery “If there’s no tumour left in your oesophagus what is the point of cutting out the primary organ to save you from something somewhere else?” this alternative was a life-changing decision one recommending complete removal of his oesophagus and the other offering a less invasive solution really only on the basis of a very simple fact—I can do his first he could still undergo the more invasive surgery later if necessary the decision he made has given him a future without losing his oesophagus “I’ve found it to be an interesting conversation over the last few months because like many people with serious medical issues I ended up with several options and had to choose.” I had the expertise of Professor Bourke and the amazing team at Westmead Hospital Staff at Sydney’s busiest hospital have said a lack of beds is leaving some patients stuck in emergency for days four years after taxpayers spent $900 million on a major redevelopment Hospital data released in December revealed half of patients at Westmead Hospital spent at least 6½ hours in the emergency department the longest time spent in emergency anywhere in NSW Patients spent longer in the emergency department at Westmead than any other hospital in NSW between July and September.Credit: Dean Sewell Only one-third of patients left the department within four hours between July and September and one in 10 patients spent over 21 hours between arriving and leaving More than 27,000 patients were admitted to Westmead between July and September They spent an average of 7.1 days in hospital Some patients spend up to four days in the department while waiting for a bed on a ward two emergency staff members told the Herald requesting anonymity to protect their employment “Whether it be for a broken finger … or a heart attack or a stroke you just have to stay in emergency because there’s no bed for you,” one doctor said “All the pressure that generates just blows up the place is just absolutely out of control.” This “bed block” is causing patients with less-urgent conditions to wait longer for treatment another employee working in the emergency department said we’re getting diagnoses … [but] if patients were sent to the ward quicker it would allow us to focus more time and resources on new patients waiting to be seen,” they said Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Graeme Loy said the winter flu season contributed to “very high demand” for emergency care with visits increasing by 4 per cent compared to the same time last year Loy said more patients were starting treatment on time at Westmead than at the same time last year “All patients are seen and triaged on arrival at the ED and the most seriously unwellpatients are treated first,” Loy said people with less urgent conditions will experience longer wait times.” Health Minister Ryan Park declined to say whether Westmead which recently underwent a $900 million redevelopment to add 300 new patient rooms and a new emergency department but said the government had invested $500 million to improve patient flow and direct patients away from the state’s emergency departments Park said the decline of bulk billing by GPs had put pressure on hospitals around the country Opposition health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane said the blowout in wait times could not be blamed on the primary care crisis because most people visiting emergency were too sick to see a GP “Families in Western Sydney should be able to rely on one of our biggest hospitals to deliver timely urgent care when they need it most,” she said Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter Staff at Sydney\\u2019s busiest hospital have said a lack of beds is leaving some patients stuck in emergency for days Hospital data released in December revealed half of patients at Westmead Hospital spent at least 6\\u00BD hours in the emergency department \\u201CWhether it be for a broken finger \\u2026 or a heart attack or a stroke you just have to stay in emergency because there\\u2019s no bed for you,\\u201D one doctor said \\u201CAll the pressure that generates just blows up the place is just absolutely out of control.\\u201D This \\u201Cbed block\\u201D is causing patients with less-urgent conditions to wait longer for treatment we\\u2019re getting diagnoses \\u2026 [but] if patients were sent to the ward quicker it would allow us to focus more time and resources on new patients waiting to be seen,\\u201D they said Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Graeme Loy said the winter flu season contributed to \\u201Cvery high demand\\u201D for emergency care \\u201CAll patients are seen and triaged on arrival at the ED and the most seriously unwellpatients are treated first,\\u201D Loy said people with less urgent conditions will experience longer wait times.\\u201D but said the government had invested $500 million to improve patient flow and direct patients away from the state\\u2019s emergency departments Opposition health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane said the blowout in wait times could not be blamed on the primary care crisis because \\u201CFamilies in Western Sydney should be able to rely on one of our biggest hospitals to deliver timely urgent care when they need it most,\\u201D she said Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories