The Chief Executive, members of the Board, and special guests reflect on building our future.

Sydney Local Health District's 2023 Annual General Meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the past year and showcase staff, projects, and achievements.  

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 13,000 staff of Sydney Local Health District for your incredible efforts this year, providing excellent health services to our communities," the Hon. John Ajaka, the Chair of the District’s Board, said in his reflection.   

"Thank you to all for helping to make a difference, for supporting the Sydney Local Health District vision of excellence in health and healthcare for all."  

 A panel discussion on surgery, innovation and research, hosted by Adjunct Professor Mary Haines, District Board Deputy Chair, featured academics and leaders from across the District's facilities.  

 "When we think of innovation, we think, how do we make what we do better?" Associate Professor Sarah Aitken, Head of Specialty Surgery, Vascular Surgeon Concord Clinical School; Co-Chair, Concord Institute of Academic Surgery, said. 

"If we look at research, when we change the way we deliver care, that's where we get enormous changes in outcomes, such as embedding geriatricians in vascular care. That kind of change comes from being innovative."   

The panel also included Dr Martin McGee-Collett, District Program Director, Surgical Operations, Professor Michael Solomon, RPA Institute of Academic Surgery Chair and Program Director, Surgical Strategy and Academia, and Dr Susannah Graham, Breast Surgeon at RPA Hospital and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.  

Dr Teresa Anderson, District Chief Executive, shared her year in review, reflecting on highlights and achievements over the past 12 months and speaking of how the District has evolved.  

"There have been so many moments where we see how our staff collaborate and come together to provide excellent care," she said.  

In 2022-2023, the District cared for more than 1.5 million people in its outpatient services, while 176,500 people attended emergency departments across its hospitals, Dr Anderson shared.  

More than 730 clinical trials are active in 84 departments across the District and staff participated in almost 500 active or newly awarded research grants. 

“Each day, our staff come to work to care for others with a united vision of excellence in health and healthcare for all,” Dr Anderson said. 

Jon Gowdy, District Executive Director of Capital Infrastructure and Engineering, showcased the work his team produces, enhancing facilities to improve patient care and support staff to do their best.  

Hayley Bell, Executive Director, Northern Region, Health Infrastructure NSW, also shared how the District collaborates with NSW Government agencies including Health Infrastructure on major redevelopments.  

"There is nothing average about Sydney Local Health District, and it does inspire us to build new facilities to match the amazing work that happens here," Hayley said.  

The District's Annual Innovation and Excellence Awards winners were also announced.  

Handed out by Dr Andrew Hallahan, Executive Director Medical Services and Clinical Governance, the awards recognise, celebrate and encourage healthcare innovation and excellence in line with the District's values, strategic focus and vision.  

Award winners included Collaborative Staff Member of the Year to Michael Berbari, District Director of Occupational Therapy, and Service of the Year to both Concord Hospital Orthogeriatric Service and Capital Infrastructure and Engineering for the Canterbury Education Centre and RPA Infusion Centre.