District reflects on making a difference.

The work of Sydney Local Health District staff has been showcased, as the District reflected on the past 12 months, and looked towards the future, at its 2022 Annual General Meeting.  

“This year, the incredible efforts of our staff have continued to keep our community safe from COVID-19,” John Ajaka, the District’s Chair of the Board, said. 

“We’ve celebrated innovations and the lessons learnt during these challenging times. We can already see how the work of the District during the COVID-19 pandemic response is being adapted and how it is making a difference for our patients. 

“The work our staff do every day truly makes a difference and we thank them for all they do. They are the very best,” he said. 

He officially launched the Sydney Local Health District Year in Review for 2021-2022 – Making a difference which highlights the District’s achievements.  

Mr Ajaka was joined by Board members, the District's Chief Executive Dr Teresa Anderson, members of the Executive, hospital and service general managers and staff at the AGM. 

“In our local health district, we know it takes a whole suite of services to keep people well. We believe it takes our whole community.  

“I would like to thank our community, our partners, the organisations we work with, the leaders in our community who work with us, our volunteers and our donors for the way you help us make a difference.  

“Local health districts are places we come to in times of need and they are places where we seek guidance to live healthier lives. They are places where people come to work every day, knowing that they will make a difference in the life of someone else,” she said. 

Dr Anderson officially launched the District’s first Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Strategic Plan which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of CALD people in our District. 

In a recorded message, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked District staff for their outstanding contribution. 

“To all of the staff, I say thank you. Making a difference is what Sydney Local Health District does so well. You really are a standout in the health community but indeed in NSW. What you do will be long, long remembered by the patients and residents that you cover in Sydney Local Health District,” Mr Hazzard said. 

During the AGM, the District’s Aboriginal Health Service discussed the work it’s doing to deliver accessible, culturally appropriate and holistic services to ensure indigenous communities have a healthier future. 

The Specialised Team for Intellectual Disability Sydney shared how its multidisciplinary team helps people living with intellectual disability, and their families, access healthcare. 

The AGM highlighted the success of the Community Volunteer Scheme, which has been fostering connections between volunteers and aged care residents in the District for nearly 30 years. 

Youth health advocate and RPA patient Mae Rafraf, who lives with sickle cell anaemia, told how she works to ensure patients receive care that is right for them. 

Concord Hospital haematologist Associate Professor Vivien Chen detailed the work of a team that developed a novel approach to diagnosing and managing a new disease, vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. 

The AGM spotlighted the District’s Recognition of Service Program, which acknowledges the dedication, determination and passion of the District’s staff in delivering world-class healthcare for the community.  

The District also announced the winners of its 2022 Innovation and Excellence Awards which recognise, celebrate and encourage healthcare innovation and excellence. 

This year, the Award winners included Respiratory Staff Specialist Associate Professor Lauren Troy who was recognised for her outstanding contribution during the response to COVID-19.  

Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Amelia Lewis was named Collaborative Staff Member of the Year for her exceptional contribution to the services the District provides.  

The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, a collaboration between the District, The University of Sydney and the NSW Government, was named Partnership of the Year.  

And the Emergency Departments at Canterbury, Concord and RPA hospitals were named Service of the Year.  

To read more, please visit https://slhd.health.nsw.gov.au/awards