Royal North Shore Hospital

16/02/2026

✨ INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY HEALTH SERVICE CLINIC OPENS AT RNSH 🏥

The NSLHD Intellectual Disability Health Service (IDHS) Clinic has opened at Royal North Shore Hospital, relocating from Cremorne to a purpose-built, centrally located space on campus.

The team was joined by Susan Pearce, Secretary, NSW Health, and Shanan Noonan, mother of Maggie, a client of the service, for the official opening. Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, NSLHD, also attended.

Shanan highlighted the impact the service has had on her family.

“This service makes a real difference. We’re no longer navigating the system alone. The team is right there with us, making care easier and more effective. People deserve access to a good service, and now they have it," she said.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4qJpv8j

15/02/2026

* RNSH RAPID RESPONSE TO BONDI SHOOTING *

The violent shootings at Bondi Beach on 14 December, which claimed 15 lives and injured around 40 people during a Hanukkah celebration, marked one of the most devastating acts of antisemitic violence in Australia.

As the incident unfolded, Royal North Shore Hospital clinicians responded swiftly, demonstrating professionalism and calm under extreme pressure.

In the weeks after, NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri thanked staff for their response.

“Our response demonstrated a system able to scale quickly under pressure and the commitment of our people,” he said.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cxkQCF

13/02/2026

🧠 HAVE YOU LISTENED TO TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY?

Chronic pain affects millions, yet it’s still one of the hardest things to treat. Why? Because pain doesn’t just live in the body. It lives in the brain.

In this video, PhD researcher Caitlin Fenech joins James Elliott and Matthew Doane to explore how the brain processes pain, what changes when pain becomes chronic, and why decoding these neural circuits could change the future of treatment.

If you’re curious about how medical research is reshaping the way we understand pain, this is a conversation worth tuning into.

🎧 Listen on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4k14owg

🎙️ Or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4aeBoxP

13/02/2026

EXPANDING CARE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

For people living with Parkinson’s disease, symptoms such as hand tremors can fluctuate throughout the day, making common daily tasks a source of stress.

For Shee Fong Kuang, her shaky hands were affecting her work life.

“I use the laptop eight hours a day at work, so it can be frustrating when I’m in my off period,” she said.

In September last year, Shee Fong became the first patient at Royal North Shore Hospital’s Movement Disorder Clinic to start Vyalev, a new Parkinson’s medication.

A small pump similar to those used by people with diabetes, it delivers medication continuously under the skin throughout the day, helping to keep symptoms more stable and predictable.

“The first thing I noticed when I started on Vyalev was fewer hand tremors and stronger legs,” she said.

“Less hand tremors means I can control the mouse better. The stronger legs make me more sure on my feet, and I’m more confident to get out and about nowadays.”

Since Shee Fong first used the drug, the clinic has seen five other patients successfully start the treatment, including the first nursing home patient in Australia.

Across Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), more than 5,500 people are living with Parkinson’s — a number expected to rise to over 7,300 by 2035.

Parkinson’s nurse Sue Williams said the new treatment was changing people’s lives. "It’s very rewarding to see people who were living with disabling Parkinson’s symptoms regain control and return to doing the things they love," said Sue.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4kx7j09

13/02/2026

NSLHD News 🙌

In the newest edition of NSLHD News:

• High-volume Surgical Centre at Northern Beaches Hospital
• NSLHD Allied Health finalists in 2026 Excellence Awards
• NSLHD supports Fusion Pride Picnic on the Northern Beaches
• Intellectual Disability Health Service Clinic opens at Royal North Shore Hospital

Plus even more district highlights.

Click here to read the latest edition of NSLHD News:

NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD Main story Short blurb Intellectual Disability Health Service Clinic opens at RNSH Read more on Page x PAGE 3

11/02/2026

🧬 TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY: PRECISION STRIKES AGAINST CANCER

On the latest episode of Tomorrow’s Medicine Today with Professor James Elliott and Matthew Doane, Professor Thomas Eade reveals how cancer treatment is getting smarter and faster.

From millimetre-perfect radiotherapy to harnessing hospital-wide patient data, he’s transforming cancer care—improving survival and quality of life.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode today on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4raMp9m
🎙️ Or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4aIw7yL

08/02/2026

🕯️ RNSH DOCTOR AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS AT BONDI SHOOTING 🕯️

Royal North Shore Hospital medical registrar Zac Seidman was among the first responders at the Bondi shooting, providing urgent care alongside NSW Ambulance paramedics, lifesavers and volunteer clinicians.

Zac responded to an emergency alert while at home with his family on the first night of Hanukkah, deploying with Community Health Support, a volunteer emergency medical service he has supported since its inception.

At the scene, Zac assisted with triage and emergency treatment during what he described as “organised chaos”, working side by side with off-duty clinicians and emergency services.

“I feel pride that I was able to help where I could,” Zac said.

In the days that followed, Zac attended a debrief at RNSH, describing it as a meaningful and healing space to reflect on the response.

Reflecting on the events, Zac drew on the symbolism of Hanukkah. “The miracle of people in that moment — they were all lights.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4awzacc

06/02/2026

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

We are proud to recognise several Royal North Shore Hospital clinicians named in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to patient care, research, education and public health.

🏅 Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
• Professor Robyn Gallagher for distinguished service to nursing academia, cardiovascular health and disease prevention research, rehabilitation and tertiary education.

🏅 Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
• Dr Andrew Wines for significant service to orthopaedic surgery and to the community.
• Professor Ian Kerridge, Royal North Shore clinician, for significant service to ethics research and training, and as a clinician and author.

Congratulations to all recipients. Your work makes a real difference to patients and communities every day. 👏

06/02/2026

✨ TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY ✨

Inside the brain’s race to recover

What actually happens in the first moments after a stroke?

Associate Professor Martin Krause breaks down how the brain fights back, how neurons rewire under pressure, and why timing changes everything. From neuroplasticity to world-leading stroke research, this clip dives into the science reshaping recovery.

Hear the full conversation on Tomorrow’s Medicine Today.

🎧 NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/47Zoy4c

🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/47R2Kco

Kolling Institute Northern Sydney Local Health District

05/02/2026

✨ A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS BEGINS ✨

Seventy-two Junior Medical Officers have joined the district for the 2026 clinical year, with their orientation held at Royal North Shore Hospital.

The program included education sessions, clinical training, networking and a welcome morning tea, giving JMOs the opportunity to connect and prepare for the year ahead.

Over the next 12 months, JMOs will undertake supervised practice across metropolitan, regional and rural settings, supported by structured education and training.

The cohort includes former paramedic Jordan Munro, JMO Bianca Khoury, inspired by her grandfather’s work as a GP, and serving Navy medical officer Crystal Piper, who combines medicine with service and a focus on compassionate care.

05/02/2026

DAVID'S SECOND CHANCE AFTER CARDIAC ARREST

It was a regular day of squats and deadlifts at the gym for David Manatua when he felt a tightness in his chest.

“Because I have a high pain tolerance, I just thought it was annoying,” he recalled. “I continued working out but then I felt discomfort in the left side of my neck and left side of my jaw.”

The 43-year-old building manager decided it was time to go to Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), just down the road from the gym. He called his wife to let her know, reassuring her it wouldn’t take long. After all, he was eager to be back home in time to watch an All Blacks game, which was starting in an hour, and to be with his toddler son Hunter.

When David walked into the emergency department (ED) and began speaking to a nurse, he suddenly felt sick.

“It was a cold sweat,” he said. “The nurse told me I looked really unwell.”

RNSH's ED is one of Sydney’s busiest, providing 24/7 emergency care to more than 85,000 patients each year with rapid triage and specialist support. The expert, highly trained team is equipped to handle complex, life-threatening cases — the same prompt, coordinated care that would go on to save David’s life.

Read more: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/News/Pages/Davids-second-chance-after-cardiac-arrest.aspx

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30/01/2026

NSLHD News 🙌

In the newest edition of NSLHD News:

• NSLHD welcomes newest intake of Junior Medical Officers
• Parkinson’s treatment brings hope
• NSLHD staff listed in the Australia Day Honours List 2026
• RNSH rapid response to Bondi shooting

Plus even more district highlights.

Click here to read the latest edition of NSLHD News:

NEWS NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD Main story Short blurb NSLHD welcomes newest intake of Junior Medical Officers PAGE 3 Read more on Page x p

28/01/2026

🧠 TOMORROWS MEDICINE TODAY – DECODING PAIN IN THE BRAIN 🧠

Chronic pain affects millions - but could a small network of neurons in the brain hold the key to better treatment?

PhD researcher Caitlin Fenech talks with James Elliott and Matthew Doane about how the brain processes pain, what changes when it becomes chronic, and how understanding these circuits could transform treatment.

🎧 Listen on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4k14owg

🎙️ Or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4aeBoxP

25/01/2026

You can have a concussion and never know it.

Neurologist Dr Miriam Priglinger-Coorey joins James Elliott and Matthew Doane to explain why concussion symptoms are often missed, what actually happens in the brain after injury, and how new science is changing care at Royal North Shore Hospital.

🎧 Listen on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/3XQ4Kfb or Spotify: https://bit.ly/4p8R2Qk

20/01/2026

🩺 ADVANCE YOUR PRACTICE IN INTENSIVE CARE AT ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL 🩺

The Royal North Shore Hospital Intensive Care Adult Nurse Practitioner Transition to Practice Program delivers high-volume, hands-on clinical training in a leading tertiary ICU.

The program supports progression into advanced practice with focused experience in vascular access, tracheostomy procedures and management, intra-hospital transfer, and complex case management.

To find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/4sCACSF

19/01/2026

Join NSW Health and help care for Mob. Get a head start in your nursing or midwifery career with a NSW Health Cadetship or Scholarship. You’ll receive financial and career support to help you succeed.

Applications for the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship and Scholarship Program close 22 February 2026.

Register your interest: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/aboriginal-strategy/Pages/scholarships.aspx

19/01/2026

Ever wondered what happens inside a hospital pathology lab?

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chemical Pathology Department at Royal North Shore Hospital, where advanced technology and specialist expertise come together to deliver timely, accurate results for patients and clinicians. Chemical Pathology Registrar Shohini Mukerji walks us through the vital work happening in our labs every day.

A great snapshot of the precision, skill and teamwork that supports patient care at RNSH.

🔬🧪

18/01/2026

Heart attacks rarely come out of nowhere.

Professor Geoffrey Tofler joins James Elliott and Matthew Doane to explain how stress, sleep disruption, and timing can trigger another cardiac event, and what actually reduces that risk.

The episode also explores the TARP study at Royal North Shore Hospital and how people who have had a heart attack can contribute to research shaping prevention and recovery.

🎧 Listen on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4qcdpV6 or Spotify: https://bit.ly/44uLCqF

15/01/2026

Can hospitals heal people without harming the planet?

Paul Klarenaar joins James Elliott and Matthew Doane to explain how Northern Sydney hospitals are cutting emissions, reducing waste, and building Australia’s first fully electric hospital.

This is what sustainable healthcare actually looks like.

🎧 Listen on the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/4o31los or Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oA8UDa

14/01/2026

🩻 TOMORROW’S MEDICINE TODAY – RETHINKING LUNG CANCER 🩻

Lung cancer remains Australia’s deadliest cancer, but treatment is changing fast. In this episode of Tomorrow’s Medicine Today, Professor Nick Pavlakis explains how research and personalised care are reshaping what’s possible for patients.

In conversation with James Elliott and Matthew Doane, Nick breaks down how genomic testing helps doctors choose treatments that are more targeted, more effective, and better tolerated. Instead of one-size-fits-all therapy, care is becoming smarter, more precise, and more hopeful.

🎧 Listen via the NSLHD website: https://bit.ly/49Go1VN
🎙️ Or on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3LLq9U6

13/01/2026

Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander registered midwife currently studying your Masters of Midwifery?

You may be eligible to receive $15,000 to support your postgraduate studies through the NSW Health Rhodanthe Lipsett Postgraduate Midwifery Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support your academic journey and help you grow your skills in your chosen area of midwifery practice.

Find out more and apply today: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/aboriginal-strategy/Pages/scholarships.aspx

08/01/2026

🧭 HEALTH MINISTER VISITS NEW KIDS COMPASS CLINIC

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park recently visited the Royal North Shore Community Health Centre to meet the team behind the new Kids Compass Clinic.

The clinic, led by senior children’s speech pathologist Rachel Hansen and occupational therapist Frances Morgan, supports children 18 months and older showing early signs of neurodiversity or developmental delays—before NDIS eligibility.

Kids Compass brings allied health services together in one family-centred clinic, helping children build crucial skills during the first 2000 days of life, while making it easier for families to access support.

Clinics will run once a month at:

Hornsby Child and Family Health Centre

Dalwood Children’s Community Health

Royal North Shore Community Health Centre

This initiative highlights NSLHD’s commitment to early intervention, collaboration, and supporting young children and their families.

07/01/2026

🍼 TRIAL TESTS GAME-CHANGING LABOUR MONITOR

For first-time mum Alexandra Loftus, giving birth at Royal North Shore Hospital meant more than welcoming baby Poppy—it was a chance to take part in a clinical trial of a new device that monitors babies’ oxygen levels during labour.

The device, described by RNSH obstetrician Dr Sean Seeho as a “revolution” in childbirth, attaches to a baby’s scalp to continuously monitor heart rate and lactate levels, giving more accurate and less invasive monitoring than current methods.

Low oxygen during birth can lead to cerebral palsy, costing the Australian economy over $15 billion annually. This device could help reduce those cases and make labour safer for babies and parents.

After a successful trial with 10 mothers, further studies are planned to bring this life-saving innovation to more families.