District congratulates colleagues' outstanding contribution to health care.

Members of Sydney Local Health District’s team have been recognised for their hard work, service and dedication to the nation’s health care system in the Australia Day honours for 2020.

“I’d like to congratulate all of those from the District who received an award,” the District’s chief executive, Dr Teresa Anderson AM said.

“I’m proud of you. The awards recognise your contribution and achievements in delivering world class health care for patients and their families – not only in our District but across the nation,” Dr Anderson said.

Professor Bruce Robinson, a Clinical Advisor for the District, and former Dean of Medicine at the University of Sydney, was made a Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for eminent service to medical research, and to national healthcare, through policy development and reform, and to tertiary education.

He was one of five people to receive the top award in 2020.

“My work in medical research, health care and medical education has all been built on the foundations laid by others.

“Advances in health requires teams of skilled committed people and I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in and, at different times, lead teams of professionals who are committed to the same goal of improving the care we provide for our community.

“Being a doctor and looking after patient’s health care is a privilege, and I would also like to acknowledge the support and trust that patients have offered to me and to acknowledge how much they have taught me,” Professor Robinson said.

Professor Robert Cumming was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical education and research, particularly to ageing and age-related diseases.

He is the group leader of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men (CHAMP) project.

Professor Peter McCluskey, an Ophthalmologist at RPA and a Clinical Academic at the University of Sydney, received an AO for distinguished service to ophthalmology, and to medical education, to eye health organisations, and to the community.

Professor John Simes, a Medical Oncologist at RPA and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Director of the NHMRC Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Sydney, also received an AO for distinguished service to education, and to medicine, in the field of cancer research and clinical trials.

“It’s an honour to receive the award.

“It’s a reflection on all the people that I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. It is also a testament to the clinical trials that we do in this area to determine the best therapy for our patients,” Professor Simes said.

The Head of Academic Surgery at Concord Clinical School and Colorectal Surgeon at Concord Hospital, Professor Pierre Chapuis, was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to medical education, and to colorectal surgery.

The former Head of RPA’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Clinical Associate Professor Nicholas Evans received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to neonatal medicine.

Respiratory medicine Physician, Dr Hazel Goldberg, who has been a VMO at RPA since 1986, and who also serves on the District’s Tuberculosis Advisory Committee, received an OAM for service to respiratory medicine.

“I accept the award knowing that I’m standing on other people’s shoulders. It’s in recognition of all the people who have helped put me where I am today.

“My mentors, medical staff, nurses, allied health, the researchers who collaborate with me and our patients. They are all wonderful people. It’s a team effort,” Dr Goldberg said.
Dr Meng Ngu, Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Concord Hospital, also received an OAM for service to medicine in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology.

One of Sydney Local Health District’s extended ‘family’, Paul Field from the original Wiggles, was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the arts, particularly to children's entertainment, and as a supporter of charitable endeavours.

Paul and his fellow band members have delighted crowds at our annual Yaralla Festival and Carols at Yaralla for several years, and Paul also generously donates his time and skills to help the veterans’ organisation Soldier On Australia.

The Australia Day list recognised 837 Australians in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 26 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia and 236 meritorious awards.

Recipients will be invested with their awards in coming months.