Media Releases - 2019
How to beat the heat and smoke this summer (PDF)
With temperatures predicted to soar this week and into summer, local health experts are urging people to keep cool and stay safe in the heat.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Acting Director, Dr Kate Alexander said long periods of extreme heat can have serious impacts on a person’s health.
19-Dec-2019
Innovative approach uses AI to help treat diabetes (PDF)
Medical experts have turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the first time to assist in the identification of health problems in patients with diabetes at Campbelltown Hospital.
The endocrinology and ophthalmology teams at the hospital have paired up to provide a suite of health checks for the early identification of eye problems and other complications which are common issues in patients with diabetes.
10-Dec-2019
Health experts reinforce smoke health warnings (PDF)
NSW Health is reminding people to once again be vigilant about their health, with smoke
from many fires continuing to blanket Sydney.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Naru Paul said
the fire emergency engulfing many parts of the State means the smoke that has affected
so many communities shows no sign of lifting in the near future.
06-Dec-2019
Artwork pays homage to organ and tissue donors (PDF)
Susan Grant dipped her paintbrush, swirled the colours on canvas and created a wonderful memorial for organ and tissue donors.
The Aboriginal artist’s piece, which pays homage to deceased donors, will be unveiled on Thursday 21 November as part of a NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service initiative at Liverpool Hospital.
28-Nov-2019
Celebrating a year of fantastic work (PDF)
Amazing staff, wonderful volunteers and our community partners were honoured at this year’s South Western Sydney Local Health District Annual Public Meeting.
Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said Bunnings Narellan won the District’s Community Partner Award for their unwavering generosity.
27-Nov-2019
Get tested – let’s eliminate HIV transmission (PDF)
If you’ve never been tested for HIV or haven’t had a test for more than a year, South Western Sydney Local Health District is encouraging people at risk to get one done.
Liverpool Sexual Health Centre’s Christopher Carmody said this HIV Awareness Week (23 - 30 November) in the lead up to World AIDS Day (1 December), is a good opportunity to take a test.
27-Nov-2019
Sharing men’s stories builds resilience (PDF)
A project to empower men in the Macarthur region is now up and running.
Local men enjoyed a game of barefoot bowls, ahead of International Men’s Day on November 19, and to announce the beginning of the important initiative, the Tackling the Challenge: Talking Men’s Health Project.
15-Nov-2019
Patient care evolves into the digital world (PDF)
State-of-the-art telehealth facilities have opened in Liverpool, Campbelltown and Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospitals, improving patient care through better collaboration.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said the $700,000 project integrates the latest digital imaging, information technologies and video-conferencing facilities.
30-Oct-2019
Animals provide comfort in a time of need (PDF)
Pooches trot down the corridor and peek their wet, black noses into rooms to say “hello” across South Western Sydney Local Health District hospitals and services most days of the week.
Camden Hospital’s Meghan Debono has been witness to one of the times the astounding relationship between animals and humans has occurred.
28-Oct-2019
Topping out ceremony reaches historic milestone (PDF)
Bowral & District Hospital celebrated an important milestone in its $65 million redevelopment with a special ceremony to mark the construction of the highest point of the new clinical services building.
25-Oct-2019
Generous team provides Natalia with a new lease on life (PDF)
Natalia Apaseray has spent a lifetime struggling to eat, drink and speak but Liverpool Hospital surgeons have helped put a smile back on the face of the West Papuan woman.
The 26-year-old was born with neurofibromatosis a condition that has resulted in the right side of her face being malformed.
24-Oct-2019
Collaborative approach to future-proofing healthcare (PDF)
The Greater Western Sydney Health Partnership brings together South Western Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney Local Health Districts to provide better health outcomes for its community.
18-Oct-2019
Prevention key to managing hay fever symptoms (PDF)
Sydneysiders prone to hay fever and asthma are being urged to take extra care with
the start of the peak pollen season.
18-Oct-2019
Book a date with a friend that could save both your lives (PDF)
BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women to get together with a friend to book a mammogram in the lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to boost screening rates and save lives.
04-Oct-2019
Older generation gives back to Fairfield Hospital (PDF)
At 91 you would be forgiven for “hanging up your hat” but, not Ellen Dempsey, who has spent a number of years motivating Fairfield Hospital hip replacement patients.
04-Oct-2019
Search for next generation of health workers (PDF)
Applications are now open for the 2020 Centenary Scholarship.
18-Sep-2019
Be alert for sepsis symptoms (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District is urging the community to be alert to the symptoms of sepsis to help fight the potentially fatal disease on World Sepsis Day today (September 13).
The District’s Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Governance, Vinstein Brillante said
Internationally sepsis was recognised as a medical emergency where the body’s response to an infection is so great that it starts to attack and injure its own tissues and organs.
12-Sep-2019
Emergency open-heart surgery saves man’s life (PDF)
Bill Wakeham thanks his lucky stars every day that Liverpool Hospital clinicians cared for him when he had multiple heart attacks and went into cardiac arrest earlier this year.
11-Sep-2019
Measles alert for south western Sydney (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) is urging people to stay on alert for symptoms of measles after the diagnosis of a man who acquired the infection while travelling in South East Asia.
11-Sep-2019
Dedicated staff lead drug health care (PDF)
A team of passionate and dedicated staff is behind the outstanding care delivered to clients at Campbelltown Drug Health Services.
05-Sep-2019
Student well-being a priority (PDF)
Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour in south west Sydney classrooms will be made easier after the launch of a book filled with skills and tools from child experts.
05-Sep-2019
Caring call reaches patients in their home (PDF)
Caring for patients is what our staff do best at Fairfield Hospital. When patients left the ward staff often wondered how their patients were getting on at home and that they were safe.
04-Sep-2019
One-handed cooking now the focus for stroke survivor (PDF)
Colin Silk will share his stroke journey at a Fairfield Hospital event for National Stroke Week.
03-Sep-2019
Embracing diversity in health care (PDF)
Multicultural Health Week is a state wide event that highlights the importance of language and culture in health services.
30-Aug-2019
Diabetes experts leading the charge with change (PDF)
With $40 million spent every year on treating patients with diabetes in Sydney’s south west, clinicians at South Western Sydney Local Health District are leading the charge in making change.
27-Aug-2019
Measles alert for south western Sydney (PDF)
The South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) is urging people to stay on alert for symptoms of measles after a man was diagnosed with the infection after returning from overseas.
26-Aug-2019
Congratulations to District’s leadership graduates (PDF)
A nurse unit manager and geriatrician staff specialist from South Western Sydney Local Health District graduated from the Clinical Excellence Commission’s Executive Clinical Leadership Program.
08-Aug-2019
Leading the way in neurology (PDF)
Dr Sonu Bhaskar is sharing his knowledge through the Inspiring Australia series during National Science Week and Sydney Science Festival.
05-Aug-2019
Treatment provides a cure to hepatitis C (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District is being creative to promote the message about hepatitis C as the nation nudges closer to eliminating it by 2028.
26-Jul-2019
Meningococcal cases could rise with shifting seasons (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD) is urging people to be alert to lesser known signs of meningococcal disease with two cases already reported in the area this year and the peak period for the disease still more than a month away.
19-Jul-2019
Empowering women through exercise (PDF)
A free eight-week program is being offered to women in the Fairfield area to help get them off the couch and onto the netball court.
16-Jul-2019
Sydney’s south west pioneering indigenous healthcare (PDF)
Cheryl Porter is a pioneer in health, linking palliative care and honouring the indigenous culture.
15-Jul-2019
NAIDOC Week celebrations (PDF)
Voice. Treaty. Truth. is the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 7 to 13, encouraging everyone from all walks of life to work together for a shared future.
05-Jul-2019
Bankstown cancer centre raise profile and funds (PDF)
For the first time, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital is participating in Dry July to raise awareness and funds for its cancer centre.
04-Jul-2019
Patient care at centre of cancer program (PDF)
The health and wellbeing of cancer patients is at the core of a unique program providing patient-centred care in “real time”.
One of Australia’s leading experts in psycho-oncology has returned to south western Sydney after presenting on PROMPT-Care (Patient Reported Outcomes Measures for Personalised Treatment and Care) at the world’s most prestigious cancer conference.
27-Jun-2019
Southwestern Sydney researcher’s grant success (PDF)
In a global first, Associate Professor Susan Rees has begun delving into the mental health impacts of being a refugee woman.
Based at Liverpool Hospital, the University of NSW Associate Professor, said her recently funded National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) study is unique, and very important to multicultural Australia.
25-Jun-2019
Cataract surgeons honour Dr Alvin Goh (PDF)
Liverpool Hospital cataract surgeons who worked alongside the inspirational Dr Alvin Goh have donated their own money to purchase a Pentacam, a diagnostic machine used during eye checks.
24-Jun-2019
Cataract surgeons honour Dr Alvin Goh (PDF)
Liverpool Hospital cataract surgeons who worked alongside the inspirational Dr Alvin Goh have donated their own money to purchase a Pentacam, a diagnostic machine used during eye checks.
24-Jun-2019
Sydney’s south west no stranger to diversity (PDF)
Refugee Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our society
and also raise awareness about their strength and resilience.
This year is also special as it marks 20 years since the NSW Refugee Health Service was
established to assist refugees in NSW.
20-Jun-2019
Refugee Week: Share a meal, share a story (PDF)
Refugee Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our society and also raise awareness about their strength, resilience and stories.
14-Jun-2019
Research showcase reaches new heights (PDF)
A record crowd attended this year’s Health Beyond Research and Innovation Showcase which featured fascinating keynote speakers including history-making Olympian Jana Pittman and ground-breaking research presentations.
14-Jun-2019
Building resilience by sharing men’s stories (PDF)
A project to empower men in the Southern Highlands is now being adapted and rolled out in Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.
13-Jun-2019
Specialists equipped with state-of-the-art technology (PDF)
A new weapon in medicine is helping Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital clinicians treat patients with heart disease.
19-Apr-2019
Anzac Day services (PDF)
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance that commemorates the Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflict and peacekeeping operations.
17-Apr-2019
Spaces transform to help recovery process (PDF)
Courtyards across South Western Sydney Local Health District are transforming into spaces that can assist with the recovery process for mental health consumers.
05-Apr-2019
Family names baby after 'amazing midwife' (PDF)
Camden and Campbelltown Hospital midwife Joanne Ritchard has delivered all four of Daryn and Julie Mitford’s babies - and this time around has received a special accolade from the family.
27-Mar-2019
Measles alert for South West Sydney (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) is urging people to stay on alert for symptoms of measles following diagnosis of measles in an infant who acquired the infection overseas.
08-Mar-2019
Virtual visits pay health dividends (PDF)
A digital connection between specialist nurses and mums and dads and their babies is bringing big benefits to families worried about their own health and the health of their children.
22-Feb-2019
Mosquito trapping identifies Ross River virus (PDF)
South western Sydney residents living around or visiting the Georges River area are being reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites after mosquito trapping at Deepwater Park identified mosquitoes with Ross River virus.
This is particularly important for people enjoying outdoor activities such as camping or fishing in areas with high mosquito numbers.
21-Feb-2019
Centenary Scholarship winner revealed (PDF)
Having a gap year has paid off for Bundanoon’s Jasmine McIntosh after she was named this year’s Centenary Scholarship recipient.
The annual Bowral & District Hospital scholarship is awarded to a Year 12 student from the Wingecarribbee Shire who is planning to undertake a health-related course at a university or college.
12-Feb-2019
Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre among the state’s best (PDF)
Health professionals are lining up to put their name down to work at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre.
Campbelltown Hospital’s outpatient cancer clinic has been striving towards sustained excellence for a decade and, for the third year in a row, has been rated the best public cancer centre in New South Wales.
08-Feb-2019
The Bottle Kids donate to Emergency Department (PDF)
Four kind-hearted siblings visited Liverpool Hospital Emergency Department to say a big ‘thank you’ to staff after multiple hospitalisations over the last six years.
The $50 donation the primary school-aged siblings from Prestons handed over was raised through the collection of recyclable cans and bottles.
04-Feb-2019
Future doctors for the south west (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District has welcomed 108 new doctors, who were part of the new intake of interns commencing across the state.
Sydney’s fastest growing region is a haven for medical graduates with its teaching excellence and innovation a drawcard for the state’s medical graduates.
30-Jan-2019
Our local health leaders honoured (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District has received four top honours on Australia Day for contribution to health.
Professor Afaf Girgis, Dr Ahmad Alrubaie, Dr Andrew Browning and Grazia Fava were all named on the Australia Day 2019 Honours List.
30-Jan-2019
Launch of new resources to improve communication (PDF)
South Western Sydney Local Health District will launch new resources to boost communication between health professionals and older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
29-Jan-2019
Clinical pharmacist goes above and beyond (PDF)
A Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital clinical pharmacist, who has been her daughter’s voice for almost three decades, has received state wide recognition.
Swati Lele accepted the Carer Recipient Award at the NSW Carers Awards 2018 for her remarkable contribution to her family and the wider community.
14-Jan-2019
Arts and culture builds community spirit (PDF)
A mix of arts and culture will play an integral role in enhancing patient care in the $632 million stage two Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment after the signing of a collaboration agreement with Campbelltown Arts Centre.
08-Jan-2019
Couple welcome baby in early hours of the new year (PDF)
A baby girl that arrived at Fairfield Hospital in the early hours of 2019 is among the first babies born in NSW this year.
The bundle of joy, named Rachael, arrived at 10.05am, weighing 2.54 kilograms and at a length of 47 centimetres.
Little Rachael was one of six babies born at Fairfield Hospital on January 1, compared to four born on the same date in 2018.
The baby’s parents Anh Thu Hoang and Quang Ho were one of the first to receive a NSW Government Baby Bundle.
04-Jan-2019
Clinical pharmacist goes above and beyond (PDF)
A Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital clinical pharmacist, who has been her daughter’s voice for almost three decades, has received state wide recognition.
Swati Lele accepted the Carer Recipient Award at the NSW Carers Awards 2018 for her remarkable contribution to her family and the wider community.
03-Jan-2019
Couple welcome baby in early hours of the new year (PDF)
A baby boy born at Bowral & District Hospital in the early hours of 2019 is among the first babies born in NSW this year.
The bundle of joy, named Enrico, arrived at 3.41am, weighing 3.6 kilograms and at a length of 55 centimetres.
Little Enrico was one of two babies born at Bowral & District Hospital on January 1.
The baby’s parents Jenny Ong and Louis Suryanto, at Bowral, were one of the first to receive a NSW Government Baby Bundle.
03-Jan-2019
Couple welcome baby in early hours of the new year (PDF)
A baby boy that arrived at Campbelltown Hospital in the early hours of 2019 is among the first babies born in NSW this year.
The bundle of joy, named Nathaniel Tuitakau, arrived at 3.15am, weighing 4.75 kilograms and at a length of 54 centimetres.
Little Nathaniel Tuitakau was one of nine babies born at Campbelltown Hospital on January 1.
The baby’s parents Stephanie Kalu and Sioeli Valu Kalu, at Macquarie Fields, were one of the first to receive a NSW Government Baby Bundle.
03-Jan-2019
Couple welcomes baby in early hours of the new year (PDF)
A baby girl born at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in the early hours of 2019 is among the first babies born in NSW this year.
The bundle of joy, named Inaaya Asad, arrived at 12.13am and weighed 2.9 kilograms.
Little Anaaya Asad was one of five babies born at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital on January 1.
The baby’s parents, Nabila Khan and Asad Akhlaque, were one of the first to receive a NSW Government Baby Bundle.
03-Jan-2019
