Year in Review 2021

OUR PEOPLE

COVID-19 patient David urges Sydney to get vaccinated after marathon 399-day stay at Westmead David’s long journey began when he was admitted to Westmead Hospital suffering from COVID-19 on July 29, 2020. He spent seven weeks in intensive care before eventually being well enough to be transferred to the respiratory observation unit in September last year. With the help of the medical, nursing, physiotherapy and speech pathology teams, David slowly regained his strength as part of his long recovery. The hardest part was removing his tracheostomy tube, which was finally successfully taken out on August 10, 2021 – after more than a year of being unable to breathe independently or talk. Finally, after a 399-day admission, David’s journey is continuing with ongoing rehabilitation beyond Westmead Hospital. Respiratory Observation Unit Manager Trudy Darling said the staff were extremely proud to see David overcome the odds. As he left hospital, David also made an impassioned plea for people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and prevent them from ending up in hospital. Our Patients & Community

As he left hospital, David also made an impassioned plea for people to get vaccinated for COVID-19

Our selfless, tireless Volunteers National Volunteers Week was celebrated in May 2021 and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) recognised the hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated time, service and care to our hospitals and patients. WSLHD Executive Director of Operations, Alison Derrett said the volunteers had been greatly missed since their absence from the hospitals last year due to COVID-19. This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week was Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. Kimberwalli Outreach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fromWestern Sydney aged 12 years and over were urged to book their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at the Kimberwalli Outreach Centre. Staff who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander provided information about vaccination and helped administer the vaccinations. A yarning space was available to guide people through the consent process and farewell packs were provided. The vaccination centre was opened to ensure people have access to COVID-19 vaccination in culturally appropriate settings.

Above Westmead Long Term COVID-19 Patient David Avila Mellado was admitted for 399 days at Westmead Hospital.

We have released the Community and Consumer Partnership Framework 2021-2025 Developed in partnership with consumer representatives, the framework aims to help us deliver better services and quality of care in the community.

Visit https://www. wslhd.health.nsw. gov.au/Consumer- Partnership/All- about-consumer- engagement for more information.

Opposite Intensive Care Service Nurse Rachel Stuart. Above, from left David Avila Mellado was clapped out by scores of hospital staff in September 2021. Mount Druitt Palliative Care Volunteers Mary Vincent and Maria Greenwood. Aunty Jenny Ebsworth receives her COVID-19 vaccination as part of WSLHD’s Vaccination Outreach Program.

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