Farewell to pathology after four decades of service

August 23, 2023 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

Judith Burgess has been a friendly and familiar face around Hunter pathology labs and hospitals for over 40 years, and today we say goodbye and thank you.

Judith is retiring from her role as administration and data entry officer at our John Hunter pathology lab.

She’s seen and done a lot since her first day on the job at the Royal Newcastle Hospital in 1980.

“I started in 1980 at the Royal Newcastle Hospital, doing a three-month training school, then after we graduated we were put into different departments of the hospital,” Judith explained.

“I was placed in the pathology department by our teacher Miss Windross and I’ve worked here for the next 43 years, aside from taking five years off to have children.

“I’ve always been told I have a good work ethic which I know I got from that early training at the Royal many years ago.”

In that time, Judith has witnessed many changes in technologies and processes.

She has worked though many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw workloads increase for everyone in health – especially for our hard-working administration staff.

“There’s been a lot of change in the way we enter data, from very manual ways to making way for the electric typewriter, then onto computers.

“There have been many procedural changes over the years which included deciphering doctors’ handwriting, remembering test codes and processing over 300 request forms a day.”

Judith is looking forward to slowing down, travelling again, spending time with her family and looking after her beautiful granddaughter Peggy.

She has been a friend to so many, a dedicated team member and will be greatly missed.

Thanks for your incredible work, Judith and enjoy retirement!

New high-tech pathology laboratory unveiled at Nepean Hospital

August 8, 2023 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

A new pathology laboratory has been officially opened at Nepean Hospital by the NSW Health Minister, the Hon. Ryan Park MP. The new lab is part of the hospital’s $1 billion redevelopment.

Minister Park joined health workers in a tour of the new laboratory just ahead of the official opening on Tuesday 8 August.

The pathology laboratory has doubled in size and features new equipment, reception area and staff amenities.

Our Nepean laboratory is one of the first to benefit from NSW Health Pathology’s $29 million investment to upgrade chemical analyser equipment in 27 labs across Western Sydney and regional NSW.

Investing in the latest automation technology will further improve efficiencies in the movement and processing of samples in larger laboratories, like Nepean.

Staff working in our laboratories are critical to most aspects of clinical decision-making in a hospital, and ensuring they have state-of-art equipment and infrastructure is central to the efficient provision of clinical services.

The expanded pathology laboratory and new equipment will improve the way staff work in the laboratory and carry out pathology testing, which are crucial tools in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease, as well as an important aspect of managing long-term medical conditions.

Two men in white lab coats working at a bench with dozens of test tubes. — Pathology staff working in the newly opened laboratory.

NSW Health Pathology’s Acting Chief Executive, Professor Rob Lindeman, said the transition from the old lab to the new facility has been a team effort.

“Staff have worked extremely hard to reach this point,” he said.

Prof Lindeman said the laboratory will bring enormous benefits to the communities of Penrith and Blue Mountains.

“Not only does this new lab provide important pathology services to local areas, but it is also a great example of collaboration with our colleagues at Nepean Blue Mountains LHD.

A man in a suit speaking alongside three other people standing in front of a red ribbon. — NSW Health Pathology Acting Chief Executive Rob Lindeman speaking at the Nepean Laboratory opening ceremony, with Minister Ryan Park (far right), Nepean Blue Mountains LHD Chief Executive Kay Hyman and board chair Peter Collins.

“It’s also ideally positioned next to the emergency department, maternity ward and theatres – enhancing clinical interactions for staff and our patients, and will allow us to provide rapid turnaround times for services to these critical parts of the hospital campus.

“The contemporary configuration creates opportunities for automation and streamlining of testing, and for interaction between specialties that are increasingly relying on molecular technologies,” said Prof Lindeman.

The Nepean laboratory operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and last year processed 1.2 million tests for patients.

A man stands in front of a long row of high-tech devices in a laboratory. — Senior Operations Manager Stephen Parker with the new chemical analysers installed at the Nepean laboratory.

Celebrating one year of innovation

August 8, 2023 by Renee Mantle Leave a Comment

One year ago, eHealth NSW, HealthShare NSW, Health Infrastructure and NSW Health Pathology (NSWHP) partnered to create a facility that allows you to prototype and test ideas before they can be turned into real-world solutions.

Celebrating its first anniversary in August 2023, the Health Prototyping Centre (HPC), is a dedicated space where clinicians, system experts and consumers can collaborate to trial new innovations.

It’s the perfect space to experiment with novel concepts, explore possibilities and rapidly test ideas and designs to learn if a concept works or not, before bringing it to life. These health prototypes can be as simple as exploring new technology or designing a state-of-the-art pathology laboratory.

Martin Canova, NSWHP Director Strategy & Transformation and Acting Director Clinical Operations, reflected on the one year anniversary, sharing “I am immensely proud to have established the HPC with our partners. This visionary initiative is testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare innovation.”

“With this centre, we are shaping the future of patient care, diagnostics and service delivery. We are empowering our dedicated teams to collaborate, ideate and bring revolutionary solutions to life. Together, we are propelling healthcare forward to foster a healthier and brighter tomorrow for our communities,” he said.

In the HPC’s first year, 25 projects were run through the centre, outperforming the original goal of ten projects. NSW Health Pathology completed five projects in the HPC. Two of these projects involved prototyping the layout of our Blacktown and Westmead pathology laboratories, with another currently in flight and more expected in the years to come.

“Prototyping our pathology labs before they’re built allows us to find out what will and won’t work before costly and definite final installation,” said Dr Alex Garrett, Service Designer at NSW Health Pathology.

“It’s much easier to explore and design our lab layouts when the instruments are made from cardboard instead of hundreds or thousands of kilos of real equipment with specialised utilities requirements. The process also allows our staff to contribute to the design of their lab and experience what the future of their workplace and workflows could look like at full scale.”

The HPC provides the perfect space for NSWHP to test emerging technologies, like an augmented reality (AR) headset to enable telepathology (practicing pathology from a distance), and to examine current challenges for service delivery and pain points for staff working in anatomical pathology.

“It’s been a great experience to learn and explore how new technologies can be integrated into the profession of anatomical pathology,” said Raviteja Kannekanti, Anatomical Pathology Trainee at NSWHP.

“It’s exciting to consider how current processes can be enhanced, so that we can continue to improve our services for the people of NSW.”
Want to get a closer look at this innovative and collaborative space? Journey through the HPC by watching our virtual tour video.

So long, farewell Ruth!

August 3, 2023 by Kristy Waddell Leave a Comment

After more than 36 years of dedicated service to NSW Health and NSW Health Pathology, Ruth Rowan, former lab manager at Tweed Heads is taking a well-deserved break and heading into retirement.

From the rugged coasts and green landscapes of her native Northern Ireland, to working in the New England, Moree and the Northern NSW Coast, Ruth has passionately worked in pathology and witnessed many changes over the decades.

Ruth has been an integral part of the Tweed Heads Hospital community, working in various pathology departments an creating strong relationships within the Tweed Hospital network.

“I returned from Northern Ireland in 1988 and have been employed by NSW Health or NSW Health Pathology ever since,” she said.

“I started at the relief scientist in the New England area before moving to Moree, where I was a generalist scientist and enjoyed being part of the rural community.”

In 2001, Ruth made a sea change and moved over to Tweed Heads, where she was the scientist in charge of microbiology, before becoming the senior scientist in charge of the Tweed, Murwillumbah and Byron laboratories.

Ruth’s colleagues spoke glowingly of her talent, skills and mentorship.

“Ruth has been an invaluable asset to NSW Health Pathology and her commitment, expertise and leadership have not only propelled the pathology department forward but shaped the lives and careers of up-and-coming scientists and technical staff,” said current Tweed Heads Lab Manager Owen Van Eck.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ruth has been a mentor and a source of support for all staff. Her genuine care for the wellbeing for others has created an environment that has nurtured personal and professional growth.

Ruth said a career highlight has been working in regional public pathology because of the opportunities it presents.

“Working in rural and regional labs gives you a broad experience and exposure to more than you could often achieve in a metropolitan area. I’ve enjoyed being involved directly with the clinicians and patients to make a diagnosis, which is so rewarding,” Ruth said.

“When I first started work in Pathology you had very little choice for a professional career – basically it was nursing or teaching. I didn’t want to do either. After school I had a scholarship in biochemistry but wanted to travel so applied for a traineeship with the Commonwealth to work in the Alice Springs Laboratory,” Ruth said.

“I’ve stayed working in public pathology for this long because of our patients, and I’m proud to say I’ve treated every patient as I would like to be treated.”

Ruth recommends the Tweed region as a great place to live and work.
“If you rule out Northern Ireland, the Tweed region is God’s own country. You have the water, all year-round sun and you’re just minutes from an international airport. What more could you ask for?”

Ruth retires from NSW Health Pathology leaving the organisation in a better place. She is proud to have been part of the team planning and redesigning a new purpose-built new laboratory, due to open in 2024 as part of the Tweed Hospital Redevelopment.
“If I want to be remembered for anything, it’s my involvement in the designing of the new laboratory, which is due to open next year. Our staff work tirelessly, often behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. They deserve to work in the best lab environment, as their contributions every day help protect the health and safety of our communities,” Ruth said.

After a stellar career, it’s now time for a new chapter.

Thanks for your incredible work Ruth – enjoy retirement.

As the Irish say:

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields
Until we meet again.

Taking Hepatitis C testing to the people

July 25, 2023 by Kristy Waddell Leave a Comment

NSW Health Pathology’s Westmead Collector Maria (seated in the grey beanie) recently joined colleagues from Western Sydney Local Health District’s liver outreach screening team and Hepatitis NSW at the Kimberwali NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The team took the liver wellness outreach van to spread the clear message that hepatitis C can be cured.

“The mobile van makes hepatitis C testing much easier, faster and more accessible,” Maria said. “And we can give people general liver health education as well.”

As part of the NAIDOC Week activities, attendees were offered free blood collection or point of care testing for hepatitis C by the Hepatology Integrated Outreach Care Team from Western Sydney LHD.

The van provides care to vulnerable members of the community who would otherwise not access healthcare.

“It was really rewarding being out in the community, talking to people, hearing their stories and reaching people who might not like going to hospital,” Maria said.

According to Rajeshwari Dote, Nursing Manager, NSW Health Pathology Collections West, most of the patients seen at the van often have difficult venous access and having a trained and experienced collector contributes to the success of the program.

“There are currently other methods of diagnosing blood borne viruses, such as point of care testing and dried blood spot testing, however, venepuncture for the collection of whole blood remains a critical and important part of reaching elimination targets. It would not be possible without the collaboration of the van outreach team and NSW Health Pathology collections team.”

Maria said it has been a really rewarding experience.

“Participating in the liver wellness outreach service is a real eye opener for me. It took me out of my comfort zone, but it’s a real privilege to be invited to be part of such a wonderful project like the mobile van clinic team. The interactions I had with the patients made me realise how important education and good healthcare is,” she said.

“Providing assurance, empathy and compassion are crucial when I carry out the procedure. Blood collections from anxious and vulnerable patients have made me a better phlebotomist and it’s really satisfying to know you can support patients when they need it most.”

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver and is spread through blood-to-blood contact. It is a major public health concern and Australia aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2028.

People at risk of viral hepatitis infection across the state are being encouraged on World Hepatitis Day 2023 (28 July 2023), to take the steps to seek testing, treatment and care as soon as possible.

Testing for hepatitis C is now easier with the introduction of dried blood spot testing, which can be done in the comfort of a person’s home with results delivered by phone.
Dried blood spot tests are free to eligible people over the age of 16 and can be ordered online at dbstest.health.nsw.gov.au.

More information about viral hepatitis can be found at https://www.hep.org.au/ or via a local GP.

Read NSW Health’s Hep C Strategy here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hepatitis/Pages/hepatitiscstrategy.aspx

You can also contact the mobile van outreach team via email: [email protected]

Welcome Kevin Stanley – Associate Director Aboriginal Partnerships and Inclusion

July 18, 2023 by Liz Farquhar Leave a Comment

Kevin Stanley is a proud Wiradjuri man with a passion for fostering relationships between Aboriginal communities, businesses and the broader community and we’re excited he’ll be working with us here at NSW Health Pathology.

Kevin has been appointed NSW Health Pathology’s new Associate Director Aboriginal Partnerships and Inclusion.

A Wiradjuri man, born on Gadigal country and raised on Gundungurra land, Kevin’s career has been all about working towards economic equality for community via employment and procurement.

He says he’s looking forward to making a difference at Australia’s largest public pathology and forensic science service.

“I’m excited at the potential for real and measurable outcomes for both NSW Health Pathology and the wider community,” he said.

Kevin’s key strengths are his ability to connect and establish strong partnerships, to improve performance, and to bring people along for the journey.

“I’m keen to work for an organisation aligned with my values where I can use my skills with an end goal of improving the lives of Indigenous people and communities.”

When it comes to improving health outcomes for First Nations communities, Kevin notes that, in many cases, the gaps are widening rather than closing.

“It is my personal belief that, as a society, there are low expectations for mob, leading to negative generalisations, based on societal perception.

“To help close the gap, perception needs to change, and the bar of expectation should be raised. Unfortunately, change like this takes time. There’s no quick fix here.”

As a father of two, Kevin says his life away from work usually revolves around the interests of his kids.

But his downtime includes activities such as meditation and bonsai – his patience hobby!