San
News
may 2008 Edition
A publication of Sydney Adventist Hospital Foundation Inc. Registered by Australia Post - Publication No. PP246764/00004
An ‘EMU’ at Sydney Adventist
Hospital - up and running!
Sick or injured people are
health professionals and
diagnosis, treatment and
united by one wish – the
administrative staff.
discharge or admission.
The San’s Emergency Care
“Experience here at the
Department, the busiest
San, and Australia-wide and
private EC in NSW, is a
international research, has
Now thanks to a new
critical facility for people
taught us that a well de-
multi million dollar dedicated
on the Upper North Shore
signed space that allows us
Emergency Medical Unit
supporting Sydney Adventist
to allocate patients to certain
(EMU), part of the soon to
Hospital’s 40,000 inpatients
areas based on their condi-
be redesigned Emergency
and 150,000 outpatients.
tion and needs, maximises
Care Department at Sydney
The San has over 600
the care we can give; and it
Adventist Hospital, they will
accredited medical officers
maximises the number of
have it.
and 2000 staff and is the
patients we can help in the
largest single campus private
shortest amount of time”
hospital in NSW.
said Dr McDonald.
quicker access to competent
assessment, diagnosis, stabilisation and treatment.
“The San’s aim is to
constantly make sure we
are at the pinnacle of best
practice for our patients…
Planning ahead to meet the
We want to see you,
challenges of helping more
assess you, treat you and
patients with a complex
Dr Greg McDonald, the San’s
“ And when you’re unwell,
send you either home,
range of medical conditions,
Emergency Care’s Director
that’s what important.”
the San’s new dedicated
since its opening 12 years
Emergency Medical Unit is
ago, says the additional 9 bed
a key part of the expansion
EMU due to open this spring,
and redesign of the busy
is the result of a thorough
Emergency Care Depart-
assessment of how differ-
assist us is terrific.”
ment. San Emergency Care
ent patients have different
Dr Greg McDonald,
currently treats more than
needs and different ‘journeys
20,000 patients a year, has 24
of care’ when they arrive at
beds, and is staffed by over
Emergency. The redesign
20 emergency care doctors,
will speed up access to
dozens of nurses, allied
triage, medical consultation,
or to an inpatient ward,
as quickly as we can.
Any way people can help
the Hospital Foundation
Director SAH Emergency
Care Department.
“An addition to our existing
24 emergency care beds, the
9 bed Emergency Medical
Unit is a dedicated space
where we will care for patients who will be discharged
or admitted into the main
hospital within a 23 hour
period, after initial
Continued page 2.
Sydney Adventist Hospital is a not-for-profit organisation
SAH FOUNDATION 2008
Helping the San
to help others
A big thank you to the many generous people who
responded to the Foundation Christmas appeal for
the new Cancer Day Treatment Room, plans are well
underway for this important step forward, patients,
their families and staff will welcome the extra space,
privacy and comfortable surroundings whilst patients
receive their treatments. An information evening
function will be held in May to officially open the new
room with various speakers giving updates on just how
rapidly treatments are advancing, many more patients
now come in for a number of hours and return home
rather than being admitted.
assessment, tests and treatment. These patients don’t need
or want to be where patients with more complex needs are being cared for. By implementing the EMU. Medical, nursing care
and efficiency will be maximised.”
“No matter why you attend Emergency Care - chest pain,
gastroenteritis, fractures, wounds or infections - you want to
know that we will care for you as quickly and as effectively as
we can. Having separate dedicated triage, emergency medical unit, resuscitation, trauma area, fast track and aged care
observation areas is all about us recognising that we have a
diverse population and an increasingly busy Emergency Care
Department, but that our prime concern is to provide the best
care we can for every one of our patients”.
It is two years ago since we started detailed discussion and
planning on this and other initiatives, including a new computerised patient medical record system and extra emergency
care physicians. Fundraising efforts by the Hospital Foundation
are making it a reality.”
If you’d like to help the new Emergency Medical Unit help
other people contact the SAH Foundation on 9487 9405.
Extra Doctors at SAH
Managing Director,
SAH Foundation Inc.
judy.harris@sah.org.au
Sydney Adventist Hospital’s initiative in appointing a full time
Urology Registrar has been applauded as indicative of the San’s
journey towards a centre of excellence for urological disease.
The specialist trained Urology doctor commenced in January at
the hospital and reflects the almost 25% increase in urological
procedures over the last five years. The Registrar has been
Baby, baby, baby and baby…
Congratulations to Dr Geoff Paul and Dr Gordon Campbell,
welcomed by specialists as an invaluable addition to existing
expert urological trained nursing and allied health staff.
San gynaecologists & obstetricians for 29 and 34 years who
“It encourages best practice and results in higher standards
have delivered 6000 and 4500 babies each during their time
for everyone” says Dr Henry Woo, SAH’s supervisor of
here. That’s a lot of babies!
advanced urology training, prostatic disease specialist, and
Sydney and Macquarie University Associate Professor.
Dr Campbell is pictured with
2 sets of twins he delivered in
January 2008 with mothers
Veronique Le Hoang and
Christina Forzisi.
“A urological registrar supporting the work of several of the
SAH urologists develops the San’s reputation as a teaching
hospital. Combined with research being done into tests
for prostatic disease and its treatments, the Registrar
demonstrates the San is becoming a centre of excellence for
urological disease”.
Treatments at the San for
prostatic disease now include
High Intensity Focused
Ultrasound, High Dose
Brachytherapy, Green Light
Laser, Microwave Thermo
Therapy, Radiation Therapy and
various surgical options.
Dr Peter Benecke,
San Day Surgery
Hornsby
Seeing is believing
– after all, ophthalmic
“In the old days there would
- but you know what? I’m
surgery is their speciality”
have been a 10 millimetre
proud of them. Life is good.”
says Ms Beresford.
wound to the eye and
“With only one eye I knew
any surgery was risky – but
after 20 years of restricted
Jenny would have been an
inpatient, needing nursing
care for days”.
vision, I trusted Dr Benecke
“Now thanks to our special
and the team and I’m so
emulsifier ultrasound
Sydney Adventist Hospital’s
thrilled that I did. I just can’t
machine, cataract removal
San Day Surgery Hornsby
believe what I can see now
simply requires that the
and ophthalmic surgeon Dr
– suddenly I can read, watch
eye is anaesthetised, the
Peter Benecke are heroes
TV, walk the dog safely.
cataract is emulsified and
in the eyes of Pennant Hills
I didn’t think it was possible -
removed. A small artificial
resident Jenny Beresford
I had to see it to believe it.”
flexible lens is then inserted
after the recent restoration
and it unfolds like a flower
of the sight in her left eye -
Advances in cataract removal
particularly poignant since
now done at the San Day
many years ago an unusual
Surgery Hornsby made the
allergic reaction to flowers
surgery quicker, easier, less
ultimately resulted in her
invasive and enabled a rapid
Jenny Beresford says her
having a glass prosthesis
recovery.
faith and trust in the medical
replace the right eye.
“Equipment we use at the
bud – all done with a
San Day Surgery Hornsby?
Contact 9476 2900.
Training for
the Future
More than 600 people
wanting new skills and
local schools and health
care professionals have
benefited from the San’s
College of Education,
a registered training
and rapid recovery.”
organisation that offers
team has been rewarded.
San Day Surgery Hornsby
“The team at the Day
left eye led her to San Day
means patients can see very
Surgery were wonderful and
Surgery Hornsby.
soon after surgery” said Dr
cared for me like I was a
Benecke who has been an
good friend. I can now look in
ophthalmic surgeon for over
the mirror with my good eye
20 years.
and see that I’ve got wrinkles
the San Day Surgery Hornsby
referred procedures at
minimal wound, no sutures
Deteriorating vision in the
“I believed in Dr Benecke and
Queries regarding medical
qualifications including
First Aid, Medical
Terminology, Blood
Collection, Food Service,
Recruitment, Pallative
Care and Allied Health.
Contact 94879211 or
education@sah.org.au
“I was afforded a level of care at SAH and concern for my wellbeing that I would not have believed available in today’s
materialistic society. I am writing to simply express my gratitude. As a man with very limited previous experience of personal
medical emergencies, I can only thank you and your whole staff - the words may sound trite, but my gratitude is sincere.”
Patients Speak Out
San staff being thanked by
the East Timorese Consul
Saturnina Pereira Da Costa (right) and Dr Gomes
Heartfelt united support
25 year old East Timorese
tarians, including Wahroonga
and visiting cardiothoracic
She will also be able to have
woman Saturnina Pereira Da
Rotary, who united to provide
surgeon Associate Professor
children which she couldn’t
Costa has been given a second
the life saving and life trans-
Richard Chard marshalled the
have done previously because
chance at life after surgery
forming surgery.
medical team who donated
it would have put too much
their time and expertise.
strain on her heart.”
by Newcastle GP Dr Gloria
Professor Chard says in Aus-
In recognition of the gener-
Gomes who had spent time in
tralia he would normally see
ous assistance to Saturnina,
Dili as a volunteer.
about 20 patients each year
East Timorese Consul General
with similar conditions and
Mr Abel Guterres presented
surgery would be routine but
Sydney Adventist Hospital Chief
lack of resources and exper-
Executive Officer Dr Leon Clark
tise in East Timor made it life
with a traditional Timorese
threatening for Saturnina.
scarf during a small thank you
at the San to repair a congenital hole in her heart and a
defective heart valve. She was
unlikely to have survived her
35th birthday otherwise.
All hospital accommodation,
theatre, medical, nursing,
diagnostic and other services
and expenses were donated
or met by the hospital, medical and community humani-
Saturnina’s plight was raised
Dr Gomes became a one
woman mission to pull together the resources needed
to repair the 4 x 5cm hole in
the heart and the abnormality of the mitral valve. SAH
“Now Saturnina will have
Cardiologist Dr Peter Illes
a normal life expectancy.
ceremony at the Hospital.
San Carols by candlelight
The San’s 2007 Carols by Candlelight in December was a great community event
possible with support from wonderful sponsors including:
Sanitarium Health Food Company, Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate,
HSBC Lending Centre Hornsby, McCarroll’s Automotive Group, Precision Printers,
St Ives Shopping Village, Brumby’s Thornleigh, Harvey World Travel Hornsby and
Town and Country Air Conditioning.
The 2008 free SAH Carols by Candlelight are on Sunday 14 December. All welcome.
“ Sydney Adventist Hospital stands out in the way it has consciously managed to integrate supportive care, clinical services and
community outreach. ...it provides exemplary care and is generally regarded as best practice…it is held in very high regard.”
Dr Andrew Penman, CEO, Cancer Council NSW
Supporters Speak Out
research at the san
“How Food affects Mood” is the working title and
theme of the newly announced 2008 collaborative research project between the Sydney Adventist Hospital
based Australasian Research Institute (ARI) and the
University of New South Wales (UNSW).
“How Food affects Mood” will build on recent findings
of a link between low levels of Omega 3 in the diet and
adult depression. Specifically, it will examine, in young
people, the link between depression, anxiety, obesity
and the way the brain cells communicate.
With the sobering statistics that 28% of youth have a
Fun Run sponsor Scott Chadwick from Chadwick First National
with Loreto Girls Normanhurst and Dr Brendan Nelson MP
major depressive disorder by age 19, that suicide is the
third most common cause of death in adolescents, and
that the strongest single risk factor for both suicide
‘run for life’ fun run
and substance abuse is depression, “How Food affects
Mood” aims to produce practical and proactive messages for young Australians and their families.
A record 1160 runners and
botsleigh, Turramurra High,
walkers including Run for
Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts, Lo-
Life Patron and MP Barry
reto Normanhurst, Brigidine
O’Farrell and Federal Par-
College and Knox College. The
liamentarian Dr Brendan
2007 cups were sponsored by
Nelson braved hot Spring
Chadwick First National Real
“Research now indicates a link between a person’s
conditions for the San’s 2007
Estate at Turramurra.
brain chemistry and their risk of developing depression
‘Run for Life’ Fun Run.
“Chadwick’s sponsored
The October 21st Fun Run
the Open Schools Chal-
raised money for a new
lenge to help fund raise and
bladder scanner for Emergency Care with support
from principal sponsor Tom
Kerr Auto Centre. “This new
bladder scanner means the
San will be able to quickly
diagnose and treat patients
with common conditions like
urinary retention,” said Tom
Kerr General Manager, Steve
Wearn. “We’re really thankful
promote a healthy lifestyle
disorders in adults including depression, autism and
dyslexia”.
Club of Wahroonga and Sydney businessman Phil Mc-
Chadwick. “With several
Carroll, formed to support result-focused projects that
competitive runners in our
‘Invest in Youth’. Dr Brendan Nelson is the patron. The
office, the San Fun Run was
annual Gala Dinner will be held at Miramare Gardens
a great opportunity to get
Terry Hills on Saturday June 14th.
involved in our community
Contact 9487 9405 for tickets.
and encourage young people
to pursue physical fitness.”
wards the new bladder scan-
money for the Unit.”
ner as a result of community
competing included Ab-
in Omega 3 has been associated with neuropsychiatric
Novus Foundation, the fundraising union of the Rotary
their family and also raise
Girls Normanhurst. Schools
or a psychological illness.” said Dr Grant. “A decrease
estate agency principal Scott
able to provide $15,000 to-
Arts High School and Loreto
the Black Dog Institute.
The collaborative research project will be funded by the
The SAH Foundation was
were Ku-ring-gai Creative
are buoyed by the partnership for this research with
said veteran fun runner and
healthy community event with
Open Schools Challenge Cups
garet Morris of the School of Pharmacology at UNSW
and a strong community”
people were able to enjoy a
Winners of the Fun Run’s
Dr Ross Grant Director of the ARI and Professor Mar-
support for the Fun Run.
The 2008 Run for Life will be
held on Sunday October 19th.
Monies raised will go towards
the new Emergency Medical
Unit. For Fun Run information
go to www.sah.org.au
Patron Barry O’Farrell MP with Steve Wearn from Fun Run sponsor Tom
Kerr Auto Centre, SAH CEO Dr Leon Clark and Dr Brendan Nelson MP.
How donations help
us to help others:
good san stories
making the news
‘Heart Start’ Defibrillator for San Day
Surgery Hornsby
SAH Foundation was able to donate $14000 to San Day
Surgery Hornsby for a new automatic ‘HeartStart’ defibrillator. The replacement defibrillator was part of the
ongoing upgrade of facilities which recently included the
installation of a new steriliser, repainting of public, theatre and ward areas, and laying of new non slip flooring.
“With over 45 on the medical team and 35 on the nursing
and allied health team caring for over 3000 patients who
choose to come to the San Day Surgery Hornsby every
year for their surgeries – patient care and safety, and
ease of access to expert equipment is critical” says San
Day Surgery Hornsby Director Bev Lun.
“Thanks to all who help the SAH Foundation to help us.”
San Cardiology & Radiology included
in anz ‘Blue week’
Fundraising for San Cardiology and Radiology departments received a nice kick start with $375 collected in
contributions from ANZ bank patrons during the Pennant
Hills branch “Blue Week” charity efforts.
As part of the “Blue Week” celebrations 6 year old Killara
schoolgirl Anna Terzaghi was one of the lucky visitors to
the San’s Childrens Ward
who received a gorgeous
souvenir ‘piggy bank’.
ANZ Blue Week is a
national initiative where
ANZ staff come together to
birthday gift to the san
Sharing his good fortune, Sydney Adventist Hospital
patient Mr Rachman Tursono celebrated his 88th birthday
with family and friends and the San. Grateful after a
quadruple bypass, recovery in the Intensive Care Unit and
regaining fitness in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Mr Tursono
asked his birthday guests to donate to the SAH Foundation for the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit.
“88 is an important number in celebration years in our
culture” said Mr Tursono.
raise funds for an aware-
“It is meant to symbolise “Double Luck”. It is a wish come
ness of worthy causes in
true to be here to celebrate this special occasion. I want
their local communities.
to show my appreciation to the San.”
Fox Valley medical
& dental centre
Fox Valley Medical and Dental Centre has received its three year
accreditation with numerous commendations. A number of GP’s
consult at the practice. Contact 9487 9700 for appointments.
Special award to the San’s
Cancer Support
Sydney Adventist Hospital’s Cancer Support Centre and
residential accommodation facility Jacaranda Lodge have
been awarded a Special Commendation by the Australian
Private Hospitals Association for their outstanding
humanitarian work providing unique and free education,
counselling, services and facilities. Cancer patients, their
carers, family and friends can use the drop-in centre and
access information and resources and private or group
counselling. Jacaranda Lodge provides subsidised
accommodation for patients and their carers and is
open to patients from all hospitals anywhere in Sydney.
Enquiries 9487 9062.
Left: Cancer Support Centre Nerolie Gates and Margaret
Adams with the award.
Know anyone looking
for economical short or
long term residential
accommodation?
Contact Christine Gray at
the SAH Nurses residence
9487 9333
Got reward points
going to waste?
American Express allows
members to covert their
rewards points into cash
donations to the SAH
Foundation. Login at
www.amex.com.au & search
for charitable donations.
Remembering our loved ones
The SAH Foundation’s first Ecumenical Memorial Service held in November was an
opportunity for loved ones who’s family or friends had received care and support at the
San to light a candle in memory, and give thanks through music and prayer. The non
denominational service was a great comfort and solace to the many who attended.
Now an annual event, the next service will be held Sunday 27th April at the Seventh-Day
Adventist church in Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga. Ring the SAH Foundation on 9487 9405.
“Thank you for the beautiful ecumenical service…it was most moving… and helped us
move a step forward in the pain we feel at losing a husband and father.......”
“Thank you for inviting my family…… I really feel it was a great help in my grieving.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion....”
Big hearts rewarded
Former SAH cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Alan Gale (now Associate Professor)
has been awarded the rarely bestowed Royal Australasian College of Surgeons International Medal in recognition of his outstanding service to surgery
and education including his work with the Health Care Outreach Program
coordinated by Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Medical, nursing and health professionals from hospitals around Australia
volunteer their time and expertise and donate to the 14 day long surgical
trips. Dr Gale has been a leading figure among the 1500 volunteers who over
21 years have made 81 trips, have done 2300 surgeries and have helped
transform the lives of the less fortunate leaving a legacy of training and skills.
“What is unique is the ability of the community to access the breadth and depth of cancer specific services that the San’s Cancer Support
Centre offers – patients here have a sense of being supported but also able to support others which in turn strengthens them.”
Dr T Michael Hughes, Chairman, Breast Multi-disciplinary Team, Sydney Adventist Hospital
Doctors Speak Out
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Cute bears buy baby equipment
So how do you help
us to help others?
If you’ve decided its time to take
the step of making a contribution
to help the San to help others,
there are three easy options:
• Fill in the SAH Foundation
donation form below and post
enclosed envelope or fax to
9487 9280.
• Call the Foundation on
9487 9405 with your credit
card details or to request
further information or
• Email foundation@sah.org.au
Sydney Adventist Hospital
values our patients, our staff and
our supporters – we welcome
all San supporters to the SAH
Foundation family.
Gorgeous personally named “I’m a
San Baby” Bear wall-plaques lining
the corridors of the San
Maternity ward have funded
the purchase of extra high
precision baby scales
and an infant
measuring
mat for use in the SAH operating theatres. “Having extra
scales and measuring mats in the Operating Theatres
means mums, dads and babies don’t have to be
separated while baby’s measurements are carried out. It’s
far more baby and parent
friendly” says Heather Winter,
Nursing Unit Manager of the SAH Post Natal Ward.
Monies also purchased additional breast pumps for
premature babies with feeding problems.
Want your own ‘I’m a San Baby’ Bear? Call 9487 9405.
The San is a not-for-profit hospital. The SAH Foundation is a self-sufficient body which does not draw on donations to the
Foundation to pay for administration costs. 100% of all donations to the SAH Foundation are dedicated to the donation
purpose. All donations are tax deductable.
san news
may 2008 Edition
SAH Chief Executive Officer &
SAH Foundation Chairman
Dr Leon Clark
SAH Foundation Managing Director
Judy Harris
Vice Chairmen
Peter Stone, Allen Broome
Treasurer
Robert E Smith
SAH Foundation Board Members
Executive Committee
Robert E Smith, Judy Harris, Peter Stone,
Allen Broome, Peter Cottrell,
Mathilde Kearney-Kibble,
SAH Foundation Board Members
Dr Leon Clark, Pastor Ray Coombe,
Ian Watts, Jason Howie, Graham Allen
International Ambassador
Norma Rosenhain
Foundation Staff
Judy Harris, Sandra Durrant,
Naomi Muller, Noelene Oliver,
Vanessa Condon
San News Team
Editor - Leisa O’Connor
Design - Kim Audsley
San News is Sydney Adventist
Hospital Foundation Inc’s official
newsletter.
Correspondence to
Judy Harris
Managing Director
SAH Foundation Inc
185 Fox Valley Road
WAHROONGA NSW 2076
Email jharris@sah.org.au
San News is a biannual publication.
If you would like to make a donation
please phone 9487 9405.
SYDNEY ADVENTIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION DONATION FORM
Please indicate where you would like your donation used:
 Where most needed
 Emergency Medical Unit
 Cancer Day Care Centre
 Heart Care