YEAR IN REVIEW 2020-21 - NSW Government
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2020-21
We Acknowledge
Western Sydney Local Health District acknowledges
the first people of the land. The overarching Aboriginal
nation in Western Sydney is the Darug nation.
We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the significance of land, water, spirit, kinship
and culture, and the importance that these elements have to
the health, well-being and future of the Aboriginal community.
2019/20
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Contents
Our Board 6
Our Executive 7
Bright future at Westmead Health Precinct 8
Moving into Westmead’s 14-storey health tower 9
Building our staff culture 10
Our Staff 12
Vaccinating Western Sydney 14
01
OUR PEOPLE 16
Our Patients and Community 17
Staff Numbers 2020/21 18
02
WHAT WE DO 19
Our Health 20
Doing the numbers 22
District Achievements 24
03
OUR HOSPITALS 25
Westmead Hospital 26
Westmead Hospital Key Activities 27
2020/21
Auburn Hospital 28
Auburn Hospital Key Activities
2020/21 29
Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals 30
Blacktown Hospital Key Activities 32
2020/21
Mount Druitt Hospital Key Activities 33
2020/21
04
OUR SPECIALTY SERVICES 34
Mental Health (Cumberland Hospital) 35
Drug Health 36
Oral Health 36
Allied Health 37
Aboriginal Health 38
Integrated and Community Health 39
Population Health Key Activities 2020/21 41
05
INNOVATION AND QUALITY 42
Digital Health and Patient Safety 43
Research and Education Network 44
Glossary and References 46
Artwork by Leanne Tobin. Leanne’s artwork reflects
the vibrancy and transitional motions of the dragon-flies
Opposite Local Mount Druitt Aboriginal Dancer group “Garabara”
as they move through their journey of life.
performing at NAIDOC week flag raising event. Held at Mount
Druitt Hospital Aborginial Health Unit.
A word from the Chief Executive
Above WSLHD Board Chair Richard Alcock AO and Chief Executive Graeme Loy at the official opening of the Central Acute
Services Building.
When 2020 came to a close, we thought it was a year never to be repeated.
2021 may have proved those predictions wrong but our health heroes stepped
up again, this time to an even greater challenge.
The unknowns of a global pandemic Frontline workers from across Western Thank you to every single frontline
rivalled with the dedication and sacrifice Sydney worked exceptionally hard to worker who continually showed up to
of our District; proof of what we were vaccinate Sydneysiders against a virus work in our hospitals, testing clinics and
capable of in the most difficult that has claimed so many lives around vaccination centres during the height
of circumstances. the world. Our incredible vaccination of the pandemic. These efforts, and
clinics at Westmead and Blacktown the willingness of the Western Sydney
Western Sydney was the epicentre of
Hospitals were only the beginning, community, helped keep our community
the Delta outbreak – a more devastating
before Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination safe, control the spread of COVID-19,
and virulent strain of the virus, which
Centre, the biggest vaccination centre in and helped re-open our State.
put subsequent pressure on our health
the State, delivered over 360,000 doses.
system like we have never seen before. At the same time, our resilience and
On its busiest day, it administered an
Our incredible staff tackled COVID-19 astonishing 26 doses per minute, versatility came to the fore as we
– through testing, treating and helping contribute to our vaccination improved services, increased our
vaccination. Public squares became milestones – both in Western Sydney commitment to research, looked after
testing clinics, our hospitals transformed and across NSW. our staff, and planned for the future
both wards and their models of care, and of healthcare.
Our vaccination outreach program
places – from community halls to concert We opened the Central Acute Services
helped vaccinate vulnerable and
arenas – became vaccination centres. Building as the development of the
priority populations at churches,
In the face of the most difficult temples, homeless shelters and even $1.1 billion Westmead Health Precinct
circumstances, the Western Sydney meat processing facilities. We partnered continued. As part of the new building,
community proved the doubters wrong with Kimberwalli, the Aboriginal Centre Westmead Hospital opened its elite
– they stepped up, rolled up their sleeves for Excellence in Whalan, for Aboriginal trauma service – a dedicated ward
and were vaccinated in astonishing and Torres Strait Islander people to to care for patients with multiple life-
numbers to protect themselves, their get vaccinated in a culturally safe, threatening injuries. The new Cultural
loved ones, and our entire community. welcoming place. Gathering Place was unveiled to local
4
A WORD FROM THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and the
community alike. It’s a space designed in consultation “Thank you to every
with local Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal
Liaison officers to serve as a safe space for reflection single frontline worker
and education for all hospital visitors.
We unveiled a leisure and recreation hub for mental
who continually
health consumers at Cumberland Hospital along with
the refurbished Merrylands HealthOne community
showed up to work
health centre. Work has commenced on significant
upgrades to our mental health facilities at Blacktown in our hospitals,
Hospital while construction is set to begin a purpose-
built Mother and Baby Unit at Westmead Hospital testing clinics and
– the second of its kind in the State for pregnant
women and new mothers experiencing mental illness. vaccination centres
At the heart of our District’s work is care. From
assisting local residential aged care facilities with
during the height of
their COVID-19 response, to a ‘Share the Dignity’
vending machine in Auburn Hospital’s ED for women
the pandemic.”
experiencing period poverty, we are always there for
the community when they need us most.
Our commitment to research is stronger than ever
with the appointment of our first District Director of
Research, and successful grants covering every area
of health from heart regeneration and liver cancer to
parental health literacy and phage therapy. Seeing
our researchers look to the future of medicine, locally
and globally, is a testament to their brilliant minds
and their desire to bring about breakthroughs which
would otherwise be unimaginable.
While our work may not stop, we can take the time
to stop and reflect on those who have made our
District as successful as we are. It’s one of the reasons
I am proud we launched our culture program, ‘Our
Place Our People’, along with the introduction of
the ‘Years of Service’ awards. As we become a more
inclusive and welcoming place to work, we will
continue with change-making programs such as
our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan and
‘Respect the Difference’ training.
None of these achievements would be possible
without the incredible work of the people who have
made them happen. I could not be prouder of our
staff and want to thank them for everything they
do each day for the people of Western Sydney.
2021 has truly been a year like no other and while we
can’t predict what 2022 will be like, I know Western
Sydney Local Health District and its health heroes can
manage, confront, and overcome any challenge we
might be faced with. Above, from top Chief Executive Graeme Loy, Operations Manager
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Bernadette Wykes, Physiotherapist Nerissa
Grebert, Client Relations Management Officer Saskia Hartog, COVID-19
Graeme Loy Vaccination Program Admin Manager Louise Weston. Chief Executive
Graeme Loy, Director Aboriginal Health Strategy Braiden Abala and
Chief Executive Aboriginal Elder Uncle Wesley Marne at the Westmead Central Acute
Western Sydney Local Health District Services Building smoke ceremony.
5
WSLHD Board*
The members of the WSLHD Board are appointed by the NSW Minister
for Health and Medical Research for a term of up to four years.
Mr Richard Alcock AO Ms Loretta Di Mento Ms Narelle Bell Mr Andrew Bernard
(Chair) (Deputy Chair)
Professor Michael Edye Professor Donald Professor Diana Dr Keith Hartman AM
Nutbeam O’Halloran AO MB, BS, (Syd), FRCOG,
FRANZCOG
EX OFFICIO
The following ex-officio Board
members participate in agenda items
relating to their areas of expertise:
Mr Graeme Loy
Mr Barry Mitrevski
Dr Mark Priestley
Adjunct Professor Adjunct Professor Dr Emma McCahon
Debra Thoms Michael (Mick) Reid AM
Ms Caroline Farmer
Ms Alison Derrett
RESPONSIBILITIES OF OUR BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE INCLUDE:
• Improving local patient and population • Ensuring services are provided
health outcomes and responding efficiently and responsibly;
to issues;
• Production of annual reports
• Delivering services and monitoring that are subject to state financial
the performance of WSLHD against accountability and audit frameworks;
measures in the local health district
• Maintaining effective communication
service agreement including an agreed
with local and state public health
budget based on annual strategic and
stakeholders.
operating plans;
6 *As at November 16 2021
OUR BOARD AND EXECUTIVE
Executive Leadership Team
The members of the Executive Leadership Team support the Chief Executive to lead,
direct and coordinate the operations and performance of WSLHD.
Director People and Culture Executive Director Operations General Manager Integrated &
Luci Caswell Alison Derrett Community Health Jasmin Ellis
DipAppSc (Nursing), GradCert BSocWk MBA (HlthServMgt) BSc, BHlthSc (Paramedicine)
(Emergency Nursing), MHA
Chief Digital Health Officer Director Allied Health
A/General Manager Auburn Hospital Dr Christina Igasto Jacqueline Dominish
Amanda Green MSc, PhLic, PhD CompSc BAppSC (Occupational Therapy),
BNg, EMPA, DipHlthServMgt, (Healthcare) Cert IV (Education and Training),
DipHlthSysMgt MHM
General Manager Oral Health
General Manager Blacktown and Brad Ceely Director Office of the Chief Executive
Mount Druitt Hospitals Ned Katrib BNg, MNg Tiffany Sly
BBus (Hons), MPA BAppPsych, MAppAnth
Chief Executive Graeme Loy
Executive Director Medical Services MBA (Hlth) Director Corporate Communications
Dr Emma McCahon Sia Anthopoulos
Director Aboriginal Health Strategy
MBBS, FRACP (Paed), MBA BComn (Public Relations)
Braiden Abala
Director Finance Barry Mitrevski B/BehSc, MHealth, IntDevel A/General Manager Westmead Hospital
BComm (Econ), DipAcc, MBA, CPA Jenelle Matic
Director Redevelopment and
BNg (Hons), Grad Cert (Critical Care
Executive Director Mental Health Services Infrastructure Matt Sydenham
Nursing) MBA
Professor Vlasios (Bill) Brakoulias MBA (SGSM), DipBA (WSU),
MB BS (Hons), MPsychiatry, FRANZCP, DipASc (USyd)
Cert Psychotherapies, PhD Director Nursing & Midwifery, and
Addiction Staff Specialist and Service Clinical Governance Caroline Farmer
Director Robert Graham RN, Cert Coronary Care, BHlthSc,
MB BS (USyd) FAChAM MHlthServMgt, EMPA, GAICD
7
2020/2021
WESTMEAD HEALTH PRECINCT
Key Stats
With a current workforce of 20,000, the
Westmead Health Precinct is destined
to be one of the largest health precincts
in the world, employing 50,000 health
professionals and researchers by 2036,
making it an economic powerhouse and a
key provider of jobs for the Western Sydney
region. Western Sydney is one of the State’s
fastest growing areas with more than
1.3 million residents estimated by 2031.
Westmead Health Precinct comprises over
400,000m² of high end health related
developments, including four major hospitals,
five world leading medical research institutes,
two university campuses and the largest
research intensive pathology service in
New South Wales. Westmead has the second Above The new Westmead Hospital Central Acute
highest percentage of residents with a Services Building.
postgraduate degree in Sydney, at 26.3%.
Bright Future
2000+ research projects each year 1500+
research personnel (researchers, staff & at Westmead
students) across the precinct $155M+ in
grant funding 2019/2020 FY up to 1000
clinical trials taking place at one time.
Health Precinct
Our vision for the Westmead Health Precinct is to bring
together global innovators united in a common purpose to
harness world leading services, research and innovation and
achieve life changing health outcomes.
3000+ active clinical trials over 30 patents in
therapeutics, medical devices and diagnostics The Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health,
contract clinical trials active for 100+ industry education, research and training precincts in Australia and a
key provider of jobs for the greater Parramatta and Western
partners $28M+ in shared research equipment.
Sydney region.
Our mission is to transform health outcomes for everyone
through cutting edge innovation, progressive research and
collaborative partnerships with real impact.
Westmead Health Precinct delivers over
Westmead is a flagship for highly specialised and integrated
$1.9 billion in public healthcare to 946,000
health, research, education and innovation and a major lever
people across more than 120 suburbs
for economic stimulus.
spanning 780 square kilometres.
This year a governance committee was established across
the Precinct partners Western Sydney Local Health District,
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Children’s Medical
Research Institute and the Westmead Institute for Medical
85,531 annual admissions 3000 daily Research) with Office of Health and Medical Research and
non admitted patient occasions of service Health Infrastructure as key partners. This group provides
32,767 annual surgeries 128,307 annual the strategy and alignment for the precinct and how it
emergency department presentations. aligns with the broader government agenda.
8
WESTMEAD HEALTH PRECINCT
AND MOVE TO THE CASB
Honouring Our
Ancestors at Westmead
Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders caught their first glimpse of
Westmead Health Precinct’s new Cultural Gathering Place. Welcomed to inspect the
forecourt gardens of the Central Acute Services Building (CASB) by Western Sydney
Local WSLHD Aboriginal Health Strategy Director Braiden Abala, the Elders felt an
instant sense of belonging and connection to culture in the hospital environment.
Designed to ensure a safe and welcoming place for all people, Country and kinship,
the space features four art projects – Tools of Knowledge, All That Remains, Mudinga
and Sound of Water. The art infuses the garden with sight and sound direct from
Parramatta River to help celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and
its connection to land and water. An adjacent room also offers a quiet space for
family and friends of patients. WSLHD Aboriginal Health Strategy Director Braiden
Abala said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients were five times more likely
to discharge themselves against medical advice than other patients and hopes the
Cultural Gathering Place will help reduce this statistic.
Right, from top Aboriginal Elder Aunty Stella Cunningham. Aboriginal Liaison Officer Narelle
Holden, Red Cross Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Social Support Worker Vicki Lonsdale-
Micallef and Aboriginal Elder Pauline Stockham visiting the Cultural Gathering Place.
Above, from left NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff and WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy at the opening of the new
Westmead Hospital Central Acute Services Building. The official opening included a tour of the new 14-storey building.
Moving into Westmead’s
14-storey Health Tower
Staff and services began relocating to the new Central More operating theatres, patient rooms and
Acute Services Building in February with both the adult and world-class services, including two new emergency
children’s emergency departments now open and combined departments, are all part of the clinical tower that officially
as the largest emergency services hub in NSW. opened in March this year. It is the highest health building
in Australia and is the stunning centrepiece of the more
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Chief than $1 billion Westmead Health Precinct redevelopment.
Executive Graeme Loy said the opening of the building was
The building at the centre of the Precinct was awarded the
a proud day for Western Sydney, saying it was an exciting
2020 Health Project of The Year at the annual Boomtown!
step in the evolution of Westmead Health Precinct. The
Property & Infrastructure Summit at the International
official opening included the unveiling of an official building
Convention Centre, Darling Harbour in December 2020.
plaque and a tour of the new 14-storey building for members Key features of the new Central Acute Services Building
of the NSW Government. NSW Minister for Health and include: Two new emergency departments — one for adults
Medical Research, Brad Hazzard said the collaboration and one for children; 25 digital operating theatres; more than
between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at 300 patient overnight beds; and 1.5 floors for the University
Westmead and the University of Sydney meant patients of Sydney to further integrate education, research, and
would receive cutting-edge treatment and care. health services.
9
Above WSLHD Multicultural Health Community
Educator Officer Ngatho Mugo.
Building Our Staff Culture
Amidst all the pandemic activity, our Culture A Flexible Working Policy has been released
team has enjoyed a positive year with many to support our employees. WSLHD promotes
positive changes. flexible working, acknowledging the different
needs and preferences employees may have
We successfully launched the WSLHD Culture
with respect to how they work.
Statement ‘Our Place Our People’ this year,
with immediate priorities in the areas of Our People and Culture team supported
Leadership, Behaviours and Communication, significant resourcing changes in the
which was supported by a communication COVID-19 response including establishing
pack and associated branding. and resourcing testing clinics, entry screening
stations, managing temporary service
We started to develop a district wide closures and the effective redeployment of
reward and recognition framework as well, staff, surge planning, red and amber wards,
commencing with the launch of our ‘Years new COVID-in-the-community services,
of Service’ recognition award, and the vulnerable healthcare worker risk assessments,
subsequent recognition of over 10,000 staff. working from home arrangements and
We continued our work in the areas of COVID-19 workforce advice.
cultural capability, with the Disability and The WSLHD Organisational Restructure
Inclusion Action Plan developed ready for was also completed in early 2021. Successful
launch. We implemented new processes consultation with staff and unions led
for self-reporting, and commenced a new to the implementation of a district wide
program called ‘Ask the Question’ to help Clinical Network structure supporting the
staff engage with the Aboriginal Community development of clinical specialties, while
on their personal preferences on service allowing each facility or service to remain
needs. We also continued our ‘Respect the focussed on the operational aspects of
Difference’ training across the district. healthcare delivery.
10BUILDING OUR STAFF CULTURE
Above, from left Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine Dr Kavita Varshney. Reg Nurse Eric Vuong. Patient Services Assistant Ravi
Kulathilaka. Colorectal Surgeon Dr Toufic El-Khoury. Paediatric Fellow Dr Neela Sitaram. Hospital Assistant Eloisa Catingub. Hospital
Assistant Megha Patel. Nurse Unit Manager Vinka Vargas. Medical Officer Rashmi Weeraratne. Security Officer Jason Noonan. Medical
Officer Dr Roberto Gennari. Acting Nurse Unit Manager Christine Hutabarat.
11Our Staff
WSLHD Staff were provided with a rostered Above Surgeon Dr Amy Hort, Senior Transplant
and Hepatobiliary Surgeon Professor Henry Pleass,
2-hour leave window to allow them to get
Surgeon Dr Peter Yoon and Surgeon Dr Taina Lee.
their vaccinations during work hours to meet
COVID-19 Vaccination Compliance.
A Wellness Hub Portal was also launched to
support staff. The Hub includes a curated list of
resources around key topics like resilience, guided
mindfulness meditation, practical team wellness
sessions, staying connected, keeping active, Below, from top Director People and Culture Luci Caswell at
stress and anxiety, and positive relationships. the Westmead Vaccination Hub. General Services Staff Cleaner
Codie Fuller, Porter Darrin Smith and Cleaner Jade Hookey.
We have 30 trained staff in Mental Health First
Aid who formed a network to support staff
across the District and RUOK Day activities
were also promoted across the hospitals.
2020/2021
KEY STATS
30
STAFF TRAINED IN
MENTAL HEALTH
FIRST AID
1325
PATIENTS RECIEVE
ANNUAL CHECK-UPS
12OUR STAFF
Professor
Jacob George.
Image: Cancer
Council NSW.
Renowned Liver Physician Professor Jacob
George was named as the third recipient of the
illustrious Sally Crossing AM Award in April from
the Cancer Council NSW for his work studying liver
disease and liver cancer.
The Sally Crossing AM Award recognises outstanding
achievement in cancer research, particularly research
Above Nurse Sharon Hausler working at C3C COVID-19
that includes consumer involvement.
ward Westmead Hospital.
Prof George is a world leader in hepatology and
continues to run significant research projects into
With the emergence of global infectious diseases fatty liver disease and liver cancer. He is also a leading
such as COVID-19, there is a need for health mind in Westmead Health Precinct as Head of the
workers to be able to work safely and be well Westmead Hospital Department of Gastroenterology
protected against the exposure of airborne and Hepatology, Chair of Hepatic Medicine at Sydney
infectious agents. Medical School, and Director of the Storr Liver Centre
at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research.
We have implemented a robust Respiratory
Protection Program across the District’s hospitals Liver cancer is one of the top 10 causes of cancer
and speciality services as part of the larger statewide death in Australia, with a low survival rate and high
Respiratory Protection Program lead by the Clinical rate of recurrence.
Excellence Commission.
Prof George’s work aims to understand what drives
Our facilities have established ongoing respirator fit liver disease and liver cancer to develop preventative
testing provisions for our health workers. strategies or treatments that cure the disease.
What began at Westmead Hospital now involves 40
The fit testing method determines the brand, size and
academic institutions in 15 countries around the world.
type of respirator that achieves an adequate seal on
an individual’s face, protecting our health workers who Australia is on track to eliminate Hepatitis C by
perform their roles in high-risk patient care areas or 2030, and Hepatitis B is now treatable. Thanks to
where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or airborne the achievements of Prof. George and his team, 1,325
precautions are required. patients receive annual check-ups, which has led
to the earlier detection of 106 cancers so far.
This has contributed greatly to the ongoing
improvements in the safe use of respirator masks and 487 patients with Hepatitis B are part of the nurse-
their management, resulting in health workers that are led GP program, delivering optimal and convenient
well protected and feel protected as they provide safe treatment while reducing the burden on the
and quality care to our patients. hospital system.
1350,000+
doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine were
administered across the Westmead
and Blacktown Hospital Clinics in May
49,000
vaccinations made avaliable to eligible
Vaccinating
Western Sydney
authorised workers from Western and
South Western Sydney in mid-to-late August
We responded rapidly to the 2021 COVID-19
outbreak, opening vaccination clinics at
Westmead and Blacktown Hospital and
shortly afterwards, at Qudos Bank Arena.
15,390
year 12 students given first dose
A streamlined recruitment process took place thanks to tireless
commitment from staff and partnerships with Randstad Source
Right recruitment agency, The Health Education and Training
Institute (HETI) and Qantas, screening and onboarding over
2200 staff to the Qudos facility.
January 24 marked the 1st Anniversary since the first patient
was treated for COVID-19 at Westmead Hospital. Since then,
some monumental milestones have been achieved.
41
Aged Care and Disability Westmead Hospital was one of the first vaccination clinics to
Home outbreaks managed open in NSW when the vaccine rollout for frontline workers
in Western Sydney from began in February 2021.
29 June to 28 October 2021 We then opened a second vaccination clinic at Blacktown
Hospital as the district continued to vaccinate tens of
thousands of eligible people.
With the addition of the Qudos Arena Vaccination Hub, an
31+
additional 120,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 testing
were administered later in the year.
clinics open in Western
Sydney during the Prior to the Delta wave, Residential Aged Care Facilities and
2020-21 financial year Disability Group Homes in Western Sydney had not had a
COVID-19 outbreak.
Our support to Residential Aged Care Facilities and Disability
Group Homes during COVID-19 outbreaks included daily
governance meetings with the facilities, NSW Health,
400,000+
Commonwealth Aged Care, and Australian Quality and Safety
Commission; on-site infection prevention control assessments;
rapid delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE);
coordination of on-site COVID-19 testing of residents and
COVID-19 tests performed in community staff; the deployment of nursing staff to fill roster vacancies;
clinics across Western Sydney contact tracing and case interviews; and on site vaccinations in
conjunction with support from the Commonwealth.
Medical specialists from our District who supported COVID-19
outbreaks at Residential Aged Care Facilities and Disability
Group Homes included geriatric, palliative care, renal medicine
500,000+ and infectious disease experts.
Residential Aged Care Facilities were further supported to
reduce COVID-19 impacts by the running of weekly Public Health
COVID-19 vaccinations delivered by WSLHD webinars, including “Lessons Learnt” webinars, which included
14VACCINATING WESTERN SYDNEY
Westmead welcomed local celebrity
Kyle Sandilands to receive his vaccinations
and launch #GetVaxxedBaby
#1 FM breakfast radio host Kyle Sandilands received his first
COVID-19 vaccination at the Westmead Hospital Vaccination
Clinic in June this year as eligible people across Western
Sydney and NSW received their vaccination doses.
He also rolled up his sleeve again for his 2nd vaccination,
with the hope that the publicity would encourage eligible
adults to #GetVaxxedBaby.
Above, from left WSLHD Outreach COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Gallipoli Mosque Auburn. Patient Athar Gohar and Medical Officer Dr Zarza
Rashidi at WSLHD Outreach COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Gallipoli Mosque Auburn. Reg Nurse Shirin Al Rabii and Patient Hacer Korkut at
WSLHD Outreach COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Gallipoli Mosque Auburn.
presentations from staff of Residential Aged Care Facilities Western Sydney Local Health District COVID-19 Outreach
who had just experienced an outbreak. Vaccination Team provided COVID-19 vaccinations to
vulnerable and priority populations across Western Sydney.
Aged Care and Hospital In The Home COVID-19 Programs
were rolled out to care for our most vulnerable members Amongst many community events, our Outreach teams visited
of the community. the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque in June 2021, and the Kimberwalli
Vaccination Centre opened its doors to the Aboriginal and
In August 2020, we formed a Residential Aged Care Facility
Torres Strait Islander community in September 2021.
COVID-19 Outbreak Preparedness Taskforce to review and
assess the Outbreak Management Plans of all facilities within The WSLHD COVID-19 Outreach Vaccination Team returned
Western Sydney. This included site visits to 62 Residential to the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque in July for recipients in the
Aged Care Facilities across the district to review current Turkish-Australian community to get their second dose of the
outbreak management processes and plans. Formal COVID-19 vaccine, which included refugee groups, culturally
feedback was given to the facilities to support their and linguistically diverse communities, people with a disability
outbreak management processes. and people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Integrated & Community Health developed a comprehensive The Kimberwalli Vaccination Centre ensured priority groups
model of care for COVID-19 positive patients in the community had access to COVID-19 vaccination in culturally appropriate
in December 2020. Four GP sites were commissioned through settings and was open to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait
the Primary Health Network to support patients in the model. Islander people from Western Sydney and their families and
The model allowed for Hospital in the Home care of patients, household members, aged 12 and up. A Yarning space was
supported by the Clinical Referral Service who called patients available to guide people through the consent process and
to check in daily. The model allowed for the safe transfer of staff who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
care of low risk COVID-19 patients into a GP model, alleviating provided information about vaccination.
inpatient bed demands on the district.
151 OUR PEOPLE
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Our
PeopleOUR PEOPLE
Our Patients
& Community
COVID-19 patient David urges Our selfless, tireless Volunteers As he left
Sydney to get vaccinated
after marathon 399-day
National Volunteers Week was celebrated in
May 2021 and Western Sydney Local Health
hospital,
stay at Westmead District (WSLHD) recognised the hundreds of David also
volunteers who have dedicated time, service
David’s long journey began when he was
and care to our hospitals and patients.
made an
admitted to Westmead Hospital suffering
from COVID-19 on July 29, 2020. WSLHD Executive Director of Operations, impassioned
He spent seven weeks in intensive care
Alison Derrett said the volunteers had been
greatly missed since their absence from the
plea for
before eventually being well enough to be
transferred to the respiratory observation
hospitals last year due to COVID-19. people to get
unit in September last year. This year’s theme for National Volunteer vaccinated for
Week was Recognise. Reconnect.
With the help of the medical, nursing,
Reimagine. COVID-19
physiotherapy and speech pathology
teams, David slowly regained his strength
as part of his long recovery. Kimberwalli Outreach
The hardest part was removing his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
tracheostomy tube, which was finally from Western Sydney aged 12 years and
successfully taken out on August 10, 2021 over were urged to book their Pfizer
– after more than a year of being unable COVID-19 vaccination at the Kimberwalli
to breathe independently or talk. Outreach Centre.
Finally, after a 399-day admission, David’s Staff who identified as Aboriginal or
journey is continuing with ongoing Torres Strait Islander provided information
rehabilitation beyond Westmead Hospital. about vaccination and helped administer
the vaccinations.
Respiratory Observation Unit Manager
Trudy Darling said the staff were extremely A yarning space was available to guide
proud to see David overcome the odds. people through the consent process and
Above Westmead Long
farewell packs were provided. Term COVID-19 Patient
As he left hospital, David also made
David Avila Mellado was
an impassioned plea for people to get The vaccination centre was opened to ensure admitted for 399 days
vaccinated for COVID-19 and prevent people have access to COVID-19 vaccination at Westmead Hospital.
them from ending up in hospital. in culturally appropriate settings.
We have released the
Community and Consumer
Partnership Framework
2021-2025
Developed in partnership with
consumer representatives, the
framework aims to help us deliver
better services and quality of care
in the community.
Visit https://www.
wslhd.health.nsw.
gov.au/Consumer-
Partnership/All-
about-consumer-
engagement for
more information.
Opposite Intensive Care Service Nurse Rachel Stuart. Above, from left David Avila Mellado was clapped out by scores of hospital staff in
September 2021. Mount Druitt Palliative Care Volunteers Mary Vincent and Maria Greenwood. Aunty Jenny Ebsworth receives her COVID-19
vaccination as part of WSLHD’s Vaccination Outreach Program. 171 OUR PEOPLE
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
2020/2021
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Staff Numbers
1774 1339
MEDICAL STAFF ALLIED HEALTH
STAFF
5924 719
PROF. & PARA
NURSING STAFF PROFESSIONALS
& SUPPORT STAFF
1
488
SCIENTIFIC
& TECHNICAL
CLINICAL STAFF
307
ORAL HEALTH
PRACTITIONERS
2 3
2274 53
CORPORATE MAINTENANCE
SERVICES & TRADES
554 TOTAL
HOTEL SERVICES
13,491
4
1 Senior Resident Medical Officer Dr Shruti Sarkar. 2 Left to right: Reg Midwife Nursing Clare Digirolamo, Orderly Robert Digirolamo. 3 Westmead
switchboard staff Karen Edwards. 4 Blacktown Hospital COVID-19 health screener Joseph Nacua. Opposite Westmead Renal Physician Dr Richard
18 Phoon and Patient Rezek Nametaalla.WHAT WE DO WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW 2 What We Do
2 WHAT WE DO
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Our Health
COVID-19 Community Response
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
WSLHD COVID-19 Protection Unit (CPU) was
established to support rapid COVID-19 testing
especially for vulnerable communities including
people from culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities and socioeconomically
disadvantaged communities.
Hospital In The Home facilitated access to support
COVID-19 swabbing and serology in the home for
people unable to attend a clinic.
The Public Health Unit conducted a total of 1034
COVID-19 safety inspections at the end of June
2021. Businesses were assessed across five critical
compliance areas: COVID-19 safety plan; wellbeing
of staff and customers; physical distancing; hygiene
and cleaning; and record keeping.
An interagency Microsoft Teams site was
established as a central repository for COVID-19
resources, Public Health Orders, and complaint
follow-up and inspection outcomes and reporting.
The site was accessible to Local Councils, NSW
Police, Liquor and Gaming NSW and Nepean
Blue Mountains Local Health District.
2020/2021
KEY STAT
1034
COVID-19 SAFETY
INSPECTIONS
CONDUCTED BY
THE PUBLIC HEALTH
UNIT AT THE END
OF JUNE 2021
Right, from top First patient to get the COVID-19 vaccination in
Western Sydney Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager
Dante Canete and Reg Nurse Carly Hanington at the Westmead
Vaccination Hub. Dekota German having her COVID-19 vaccination at
Mount Druitt Aboriginal Health Hub family vaccination day. Deputy
Director Centre for Population Health Western Christine Newman and
Reg Nurse Andrew Frageskides at the Blacktown Vaccination Hub.
20WHAT WE DO
Western Sydney Diabetes
Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD)
rapidly adapted to the COVID-19
pandemic with the establishment
of ‘WSD Virtual Care’ with
telehealth and cloud based digital
solutions, replacing face to face
consultations.
WSD’s educational forums and
events were held virtually including
a 2020 Masterclass Series that ran
over 10 weeks to provide support
and education to health care
professionals on evidence-based
practice for the management of
type 2 diabetes. In addition, more
than 10 forums were held during
this financial year targeting both
health professionals and consumers
respectively, and covering topics
such as diabetes and mental health,
childhood obesity, and eating well.
WSD’s community engagement
continues to thrive with Healthy
Living Toongabbie and the support
of a new Filipino Leaders Group.
Patient Reported
Experience Measures
(PREMs) and Patient
Reported Outcome
Measures (PROMs)
Above, from top Westmead Patient Experience Officers - Kerrie Lloyd, Karren Hay, Hind
Patient-Reported Outcome Abdel Halim, Sandra Byrne, Guneet Dhillon, Katherine Mason, Christine Fryer. Blacktown
Community Diabetes Nurses Theresa Tang, Sharon McClelland, Sian Bramwell.
Measures (PROMs) capture
patients’ perspectives on how
illness or care impact their health
and wellbeing. Patient-Reported
Experience Measures (PREMs) Residential Aged Care Facilities
assess the patient’s experience (RACF) across western Sydney in
and perception of their healthcare. COVID-19 readiness.
There were 876 PROM and 827 Collaborative engagement allowed
PREMS collected during 2020/2021. the sharing of expertise including Patient-Reported
The program aims to enable
patients to provide direct, timely
infection prevention and control Outcome
principles, PPE education, and
feedback about their health-related clinical advice from infectious Measures (PROMs)
outcomes and experiences to drive
improvement and integration of
diseases, geriatrics, palliative care,
and public health.
capture patients’
healthcare across NSW.
Continued engagement through perspectives on
Residential Aged Care an Advisory Council, Steering how illness or care
Committee, and weekly webinars
Facilities COVID-19 enabled a desktop COVID-19 impact their health
Response outbreak scenario to facilitate
a safe simulation and testing
and wellbeing.
Integrated and Community Health
(ICH) leveraged the existing of interagency responsiveness
relationships through the Public between the RACF, WSLHD and the
Health Unit, to engage the 64 PHN and lines of communication.
212 WHAT WE DO
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Doing the Numbers
Amidst the ongoing impact of the pandemic, we continued the trend from last year of
achieving commendable savings through better management of employee-related costs,
and improved savings in purchasing supplies and services.
This financial year, we achieved a total of more than Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic added additional
$4 million in additional savings in purchasing clinical and pressure to staff and services across the District. The
medical supplies as well as sourcing of corporate services. impact was managed through good planning and great
This represents a continuing trend from our previous year. teamwork. An additional $143.68m was invested by the
NSW Government into managing the health and safety
The total of WSLHD’s expenditure for 2020/21 was $2.101
of our staff and residents during the pandemic.
billion. Employee Related Expenses made up for 66.8%
of that total. Our staff continue to be the backstay of our Own-source revenue contributed $204 million towards
service provision, although partnering with private health funding health services. This is a slight increase to previous
providers was significant during 2020/21 in efforts to year ($203m). The COVID-19 impact on revenue from
manage surgical wait lists. patient fees, car parking and commercial returns continues
to be significant.
REVENUE EXPENDITURE
65.6% Sales of Goods 66.8% Employee Related Expenses
and Services
26.6% Other Operating Expenses
34.4% Other Revenue
3.8% Depreciation and Amortisation
2.3% VMOs
0.5% Grants and Affiliated
Health Organisations
FINANCE STATISTICS 2020/21
$2.101b WSLHD
EXPENDITURE
$204m OWN-SOURCE REVENUE CONTRIBUTED
TO FUNDING HEALTH SERVICES
Met Expenses DELIVERED SERVICES
WITHIN ALLOCATED
Budget Targets EXPENSES BUDGET
FOR 20/21
WSLHD COST PER NWAU VS STATE FOR 2021-2022 IN
DOLLARS (NSW AVERAGE AND WSLHD AVERAGE)
In terms of Activity Based Funding (ABF) efficiency, the District Draft 2021/22 ABF price is
assessed at $4,858 per NWAU. The State Draft Efficient Price is $4,931 per NWAU, indicating
the WSLHD is operating in an efficient manner. ABF cost per NWAU for 2020/21 financial year
is dependent on finalising impact of COVID-19 on activity and expenses.
22WHAT WE DO
Annual Finance Highlights
01
Completion of $1b
Westmead Hospital
02
Managing the response
to the COVID-19
Redevelopment pandemic (preparation,
including delivery of diagnosis, treatment, and
a brand new 14 floor vaccination of COVID-19
Central Acute Services patients), the District
Building (CASB)*. expended an additional
$143.68m during 2020/21.
1
03
The District achieved
it’s 2020/21 Activity
Based Funding
(ABF) activity target
within its budgeted
expenses allocation.
2 3
04
Close to $4m in
additional savings
05
Continued to manage
an affordable bed
in procurement base with improved
of clinical and management of beds
medical supplies. and rostering practices.
4
*emergency departments for WSLHD and Sydney Children’s Hospital - Westmead, hybrid and digital operating theatres, day surgery, inpatient
beds, and National Infectious Diseases Unit (NIDU). Overall footprint includes University of Sydney and Innovation Centre areas.
1 Central Acute Services Building. 2 Westmead Oncology Car T Cell Transplant Patient Sandra Lee Austen. 3 Settlement Services International
Staff member Geena Rekhi having her COVID-19 vacination. 4 Westmead Intensive Care Staff Specialist Dr Hemal Vachharajani.
232 WHAT WE DO
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
District Achievements
Western Sydney team Futuristic, lifesaving
investigate airborne heart research given
COVID-19 spread in $5 million boost in
world-leading Westmead Health
research Precinct
1
The “Quadpill”:
Westmead Health
Precinct heart research
finds more effective
treatment for high
blood pressure
2 3
Westmead Hospital’s New unit provides
new dedicated trauma mother and baby
unit for severely mental health support
injured patients to Western Sydney
4
1 Director of Western Sydney Local Health District’s Public Health Unit Dr Shopna Bag led the contact tracing efforts at the district. 2 Westmead
Hospital Cardiologist Professor Clara Chow led a study which found that high blood pressure can be safely and more effectively controlled using
a combination of four different existing medications in a ‘quadpill’. 3 Westmead Hospital Interventional Cardiologist Associate Professor James
Chong’s team’s futuristic research involves growing new cardiomyocytes – heart muscle cells that are predominantly responsible for the pump
function of the heart. 4 Nurse Unit Manager Britney Raj working in the new Westmead Hospital Central Acute Services Building Trauma Ward.
Opposite Westmead Breast Cancer Institute Director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan.
24OUR HOSPITALS
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW 3
Our
Hospitals3 OUR HOSPITALS
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Westmead Hospital
Westmead received The simulation happens in real-time so said the relocation to the 14-level CASB
every decision must be made quickly. was designed to offer an even better
a $50,000 grant from
service for its communities, offering new
gaming giant for heart This support could significantly expand
treatment spaces and equipment, and
the capabilities of the training program,
attack simulator according to Nathan Moore – Digital
providing patients and carers with easier
Innovation Lead at Western Sydney access and drop-off.
The engine behind action scenes in
The Mandalorian and blockbuster video Local Health District’s Research and Centrally located in the precinct, the
games including Rocket League is Education Network. relocation moves us one step closer to
throwing its weight behind an The program was developed by the full opening of the Central Acute
innovative health training program Nathan Moore and Martin Brown from Services Building.
at Westmead Hospital. the University of Sydney’s Westmead Westmead Hospital General Manager
Initiative. The pair have also worked Rebecca Tyson said the relocation
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Sim-VR
together on other virtual reality training marked an important piece of history in
– a virtual reality program designed
programs including Code Black, which healthcare and was a credit to all staff,
to train nurses and doctors in critical
trains frontline workers in de-escalation because of the years of planning and all
decisions – is the recipient of an Epic techniques with agitated patients
MegaGrant from Epic Games. the hard work that had been done.
and visitors.
And it didn’t take long before months
ALS is a set of skills needed in any The team is working on other training of staff training, simulations and tests
hospital setting to save someone applications for the futuristic technology, to gauge equipment and new spaces
suffering cardiac arrest. including areas such as clinical handover
turned to reality when the first patient
The ‘player’ must control a virtual team and undergraduate education.
– 96-year-old George Nicholas from
trying to assist a patient suffering from Bossley Park – was assisted through
cardiac arrest. Westmead Emergency the doors by son Marcel.
The virtual reality program allows people opens new era for Western In a series of milestone moments, 8.10am
to pull on a headset in the location of Sydney healthcare marked the first ambulance to arrive at
their choice and practice their skills in A 42-year service closed its doors the new ED and 11.15am signalled the last
real time, making quick decisions to this morning then instantly re-opened of the test choppers to land on the 14th-
ultimately save a patient’s life. a new era as Westmead Hospital’s level helipad.
The American company behind Emergency Department relocated The centrepiece of the $1 billion-plus
incredibly successful Unreal Engine and to its new high-tech home. Westmead Redevelopment, the CASB
video games including Rocket League As the clock ticked 8am on the 17th will provide Western Sydney with
have fronted up US$50,000 for the of February, 2021, sliding doors to the high-quality healthcare, research and
team at Westmead. emergency department (ED) met for the educational facilities for decades
last time and marked the next chapter to come.
“The simulation for staff and almost two million patients The new hospital will feature two new
since it first opened in 1979. emergency departments – one for
happens in real-time so
Three hundred metres away at the adults, one for children – more than
every decision must be centre of Westmead Health Precinct, 300 patient rooms, 25 digital operating
made quickly.” the new state-of-the-art unit in the theatres and a suite of other features.
Central Acute Services Building (CASB)
The grant also provides money-can’t- simultaneously welcomed Western
For a full list of services, visit
buy access to Epic Games’ team of Sydney to healthcare’s future.
www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
programmers, engineers and designers Western Sydney Local Health District Westmead-Hospital/Our-Services
for troubleshooting and development. (WSLHD) Chief Executive Graeme Loy
Above, from left WSLHD Lead for Educational Innovation and Technology Nathan Moore with the Westmead REN Simlab Virtual Reality
equipment. Westmead emergency department staff specialist team prepare to start work at the new Westmead emergency department.
26OUR HOSPITALS
2020/2021
WESTMEAD HOSPITAL
Key Activities
75,675 5253
ED PRESENTATIONS TOTAL BIRTHS
1
24,636
AMBULANCE
PRESENTATIONS
2 3
17,361 735
SURGERIES DAILY AVERAGE
AVAILABLE BEDS
4
1 Westmead Radiographer Fazrieh Nabizadeh. 2 Westmead Cardiology Researcher A/Professor Sarah Zaman. 3 Westmead Medical Officer
Dr Caroline Tyers at the ED Doctors podcast recording studio. 4 Cardiologist Dr Peter Fahmy has performed the first watchman FLX device
procedure at Westmead Hospital. 273 OUR HOSPITALS
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Above from left Auburn Hospital Quality and Accreditation Manager Sally Henderson in front of the Share the Dignity vending machine
holding period pack. Social Worker Jemima Gaunt holding period pack.
Auburn Hospital
Auburn Hospital first in NSW to ensuring women have access to regardless of background, language,
basic sanitary items during their or any social disadvantage, can
to install ‘Share the Dignity’ menstrual cycle – particularly women be supported.
vending machine for free experiencing period poverty.
Auburn Hospital Social Worker
pads and tampons. The vending machine was Jemima Gaunt said by providing
arranged by Auburn Hospital the community with access to free
Auburn Hospital was the first public Quality and Accreditation Manager period products, they aim to maintain
hospital in NSW to install a Share
Sally Henderson, who has been the dignity in every woman’s life.
the Dignity vending machine, which
volunteering for Share the Dignity
dispenses a period pack with six The service would be appreciated by
tampons and two pads at the press for 18 months. many women who receive support
of a button. The packs are designed to provide 24 through the hospital.
Free feminine hygiene products hours of access to sanitary products, The vending machine is located
are now available for members of with no questions asked and no within the baby change room in
the public and staff 24 hours a day, limit per person. It was placed in the the emergency department and is
365 days a year in the emergency emergency department to ensure accessed simply by pressing the
department at Auburn Hospital. there is 24-hour public access. green button. There is a 10-minute
Founded in 2015, Share the Dignity This is another way that all women’s delay between dispensing packs to
is an Australian charity dedicated dignity in the Auburn community, protect against misuse.
Auburn Hospital was also a collection
point for the March Dignity Drive,
where members of the public were
Founded in 2015, Share the Dignity is an encouraged to donate pads, tampons,
period underwear, incontinence pads,
Australian charity dedicated to ensuring menstrual cups and other sanitary items.
women have access to basic sanitary items
For a full list of services, visit
during their menstrual cycle – particularly www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
women experiencing period poverty. Auburn-Hospital/Our-Services
28OUR HOSPITALS
2020/2021
AUBURN HOSPITAL
Key Activities
29,881 1316
ED PRESENTATIONS TOTAL BIRTHS
1
5076
AMBULANCE
PRESENTATIONS
2 3
7667 173
SURGERIES DAILY AVERAGE
AVAILABLE BEDS
4
1 Auburn NUM Renal Nelson Ubera and Patient Sonia Shalala. 2 Auburn REACH program launch. Clerical Services Sharon Busuttil. 3 Auburn
Community Health Multicultural Officer Fouzia Hamdard wearing traditional Afghan coat. 4 Auburn patient Bert Le-Merton at 101 years old.
293 OUR HOSPITALS
WSLHD YEAR IN REVIEW
Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
Blacktown Hospital expanded The NCU works closely with the Unit hope the gym will motivate patients
care for premature babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at to change any unhealthy lifestyles.
Westmead Hospital to treat babies from
Western Sydney If you or anyone you know are
surrounding areas in Western Sydney. experiencing mental health issues, please
As Western Sydney continues to grow, contact your GP.
The expansion of the NCU was part of
so has Blacktown Hospital’s Newborn
Stage 2 of the Blacktown and Mount For mental health support 24 hours
Care Unit (NCU) – expanding its
Druitt Hospitals (BMDH) Expansion a day, 7 days a week, please contact:
capacity to care for 18 premature, small,
Project to accommodate the growing
or sick babies and their families. Lifeline on 13 11 14
population of Western Sydney.
The NCU consists of a dedicated team Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
Blacktown Hospital’s Newborn Care Unit Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
of doctors, nurses and allied health
can be contacted on 02 9881 8000.
professionals that nurtures small,
growing babies and those with health BMDH expansion completed
problems requiring specialist care. A new gym for the
Melaleuca Unit The $700 million expansion of
Nurse Unit Manager Terry Freeman said Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
additional cots will help meet the needs The Melaleuca Unit is a specialised is complete with the official opening of
of the community and deliver high- rehabilitation unit that helps mental the multi-award-winning acute services
quality clinical care for families. health patients who have been treated building held in April.
Babies that require extra care are for serious conditions transition back
Health Minister Brad Hazzard was joined
admitted to the Newborn Care Unit from into the community.
by local MPs Mark Taylor and Kevin
the Birthing and Maternity Units, from Staff specialist Dr Anoop Conolly for the plaque unveiling at
home or other hospitals in NSW. The Sankaranarayanan said people with Blacktown Hospital campus, to celebrate
staff provide high quality specialised serious mental illnesses are more likely to the completed works.
care in a safe, supportive environment.
gain weight and develop complications
The new emergency department was
The NCU is equipped with humidicribs such as type 2 diabetes.
the result of years of careful planning
which are used to treat sick or small
The Melaleuca Unit has transformed and was co-designed with community
babies, to keep the babies warm, and
a space into a fit-for-purpose gym members, staff, patients and carers. The
allow the parents to always see them
complete with a strength machine, nine-storey acute services building has
any time. The spacious rooms allow
CrossFit walking machine, punching bag, set new benchmarks for clinical design
parents to recline next to the baby’s cot
basketball ring and Bluetooth wireless and innovation.
or humidicrib, and there is a mothers-
headsets so patients can listen to music
only expressing room for privacy. Parent The new ED includes acute care, urgent
or podcasts while working out.
accommodation rooms help parents care, short stay, bedside imaging, and
transition from hospital to home and The new equipment is part of a program has a dedicated section for mental
the unit is also equipped with a parent’s that aims to provide holistic care to health emergencies, while the new
retreat with a kitchen available for use at patients and promote recovery in a intensive care unit provides more
any time and a play area for siblings. healthier way. The staff at the Melaleuca spacious patient rooms and overnight
Above, from left Member for Parramatta Mark Taylor, ICU NUM Paul Goudie, ICU Director Blacktown Hospital Associate Professor Graham
Reece, WSLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery Carol Farmer, Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly, NSW Minister of Health Brad Hazzard,
Blacktown Hospital General Manager Ned Katrib, WSLHD Board Chair Richard Alcock AO.
30OUR HOSPITALS
family rooms for relatives. There is
also a drop-off area at the door and
dedicated parking. “Blacktown and Mount Druitt
The NSW Government has committed Hospitals have volunteers who
a further $10.7 billion on health
infrastructure projects over the next provide more than 15 programs to
four years, with two-thirds of those in
rural and regional areas. the wards and departments.”
Volunteers returned to service
Volunteers returned to work after hospitals, send an email to Sotrovimab was provisionally
a year’s absence due to the colin.dent@health.nsw.gov.au. approved by the Therapeutic Goods
COVID-19 outbreak. Administration (TGA) in August this
Mount Druitt Hospital’s Kiosk and Gift Ground breaking antibody year. NSW Health worked with the
Shop volunteers – just some of the 120 treatment delivered at Commonwealth to access some supply
strong volunteer workforce – were back Mount Druitt Hospital of this ground-breaking drug for
at the hospital in March, ready to serve NSW patients.
and sustain the local community. A key international trial of a monoclonal
antibody treatment has shown a The STOPS Clinic offers Western Sydney
Wayfinding, Pink Ladies, ward helpers, a new way of treating COVID-19 for the
reduction in hospitalisation in adults with
courtesy desk, therapy dogs, cardiology
mild-to-moderate COVID-19, who are at most vulnerable in the community, which
and intensive care volunteers arrived in
risk of developing severe COVID-19. is vital for keeping at-risk COVID-19
scheduled intervals throughout March to
Mount Druitt Hospital is one of the patients off ventilators and out of our
ensure a COVID-19 Safe return to service.
locations this year that started delivering hospitals. Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Twelve volunteers help run the hospital Islander people with COVID-19 aged
the new treatment, Sotrovimab, for
Kiosk and all proceeds made from sales
people with COVID-19, who are at the 35 or older are also eligible. COVID-19
are returned to the hospital to purchase
greatest risk of severe illness. patients are triaged by nurses based on
medical equipment.
The Sotrovimab Treatment in an clinical need after their diagnosis.
Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
Outpatient Setting (STOPS) clinic is
have volunteers who provide more
for COVID-19 patients who have had a For a full list of services, visit
than 15 programs to the wards and
positive COVID-19 test within the last www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/
departments. All volunteers undertake
5 days, are aged over 55, have one Blacktown-Mount-Druitt-Hospital/
a safety and wellbeing check, and
or more risk factors such as diabetes, Our-Services
COVID-19 safety plans are followed.
obesity, or moderate-to-severe
If you are interested in volunteering asthma and are being managed
at Blacktown or Mount Druitt in the community by WSLHD.
Above, from left Mount Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Unit Garden Maintenance Group with Bunnings Minchinbury Activities
Organiser Narelle Hunt and Palliative Care Nursing Unit Manager Trish Dalgleish in front. Mount Druitt Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers Treasurer
Dulci Harrison, Secretary Janice Graham and President Jean Hitches.
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