July 2012 - Sydney Local Health District

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Research M a t t e r s The quiet achiever - continued from page 1 Clearing the fog on chemo brain A medical oncologist from the Sydney Cancer Centre has taken out one of the world’s most prestigious awards in cancer research at last month’s prestigious American Society for Clinical Oncology meeting, held in Chicago. Associate Professor Janette Vardy, also the only Australian to be honoured at the meeting, was awarded the 2012 Advanced Clinical Research Award in Breast Cancer, which includes a three-year $450,000 grant to research cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors, a field which has attracted little funding to date. The award has never before been granted to recipients outside the United States. Up to 70 per cent of cancer survivors report changes to their memory and concentration during and after chemotherapy, with many feeling that this impacts significantly on their quality of life and ability to function. The cause of these side effects is unknown and there is no proven treatment. “We know that after a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment a significant number of people notice problems with memory, concentration and multi-tasking. What we don’t know is how best to treat it,” Dr Vardy said. “For some the cognitive impairment is subtle. They just don’t feel as clear headed as they once did. But for others it is significant and makes their return to work difficult.” The study, which will also be conducted by Dr Haryana Dhillon from the University of Sydney, will evaluate two cognitive rehabilitation programs to determine whether they can decrease cognitive impairment in women who have undergone chemotherapy. Dr Vardy hopes to raise about $1 million through fundraising at Concord Hospital to set up a survivorship centre, to treat and research longer term effects of cancer and its treatment in survivors. A survivorship research gym is already in place at the hospital. “With the ageing population a lot more people are being diagnosed with cancer, and with improvements in detection and treatments we have many more people surviving and living longer,” Dr Vardy said. “They often have lingering issues with fatigue, sleep, sexuality, body image or fears of a recurrence of their illness and the centre can offer a holistic approach to help them cope with life beyond acute treatment.” She started at RPA as a student nurse in 1972, working her way up to NUM of emergency, then director of nursing at Balmain, general manager at Balmain and now general manager at Canterbury. In her spare time she dabbles in cross stitch, knitting and opera, and has almost completed a doctorate in business administration with a thesis on chronic disease management. “My life’s only just beginning,” she says. “But to anyone wanting to take this path I’d say work hard, enjoy yourself and put the patient first. Oh, and always carry a spear.” Other winners include Professor John Rasko, head of the Department of Cell and Molecular Therapies at RPA and the Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program at the Centenary Institute, who was awarded an Order of Australia medal for distinguished service to biomedical research in the field of gene and cell therapy, as a clinician, author and administrator, through executive roles with professional organisations, and to philanthropy. And RPA neurologist Michael Halmaygi, who was also given an Order of Australia medal, for his work as a clinician and educator, and through contributions to research into the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. Sydney Local Health District, RPA and Lifehouse are continuing to work together ahead of the transition of some cancer services in 2013. The District has established an intranet link for staff with updated information about the ongoing work to ensure the smooth transition. The intranet page can be accessed by clicking http://intranet.sswahs.nsw.gov. au/SLHD/LifeHouse/default.htm Dr Janette Vardy with Erika Jungfer at Concord Hospital. 4 HealthMatters Sydney – it’s your local health district
Respect, Family, Power and Pacific Culture Youthblock Youth Health Service Manager Michelle Lampis with youthworker Taniela T. Afu Keeping at-risk Pacific Islander young people out of the juvenile justice system by engaging them in an exploration of their culture and identity is the aim of a pilot counselling program launched by Sydney Local Health District’s Youthblock Youth Health Service. Youthblock Manager, Michelle Lampis, said research indicated that the loss of culture was a factor in the over representation of Pacific Islander young people in the juvenile justice system. “Young people with a healthy self-esteem and sense of identity are more likely to make positive choices,” Ms Lampis said. “The Pacific Youth Identity Project will also aim to reduce the rates of drug and alcohol misuse and sexually transmitted infections, by encouraging and fostering healthy behaviour and relationships in a small group setting. “Islander populations place a high value on the roles of family, clan, religion, community and a heavy emphasis on respect for elders and others, so it is important we encourage young people to identify with their heritage,” she said. The program was launched during an open day at Marrickville Youth Resource Centre with the help of traditional foods, music and art, and the screening of a short documentary. The film follows several people from the Pacific Islander community and explores their stories of migration, culture and life in Australia. The Respect, Family, Power and Pacific Culture DVD will be used in small group sessions to promote discussion about culture and heritage and examine how they strengthen and enrich young peoples’ lives. Sharing a healthy diet SLHD and the Central Sydney GP Network have collaborated to develop an innovative pilot program that encourages people living with mental illness to plan, cook and share meals together so they can enhance their confidence and living skills. SLHD Mental Health Promotion Officer, Brooke Dailey, said the Community Kitchen program, based at Croydon Cottage in the grounds of Croydon Community Health Centre, would teach participants how to take control of their food and menu choices. “We encourage people to engage together in planning menus, making shopping lists, budgeting, preparing food then sharing the meal,” Ms Dailey said. “Participants are also given dry stores packs and recipe cards so they can do the same thing at home. “We hope the activities will increase their knowledge about nutrition, food hygiene, food preparation, healthy eating and cooking – all of which can be extremely satisfying and contribute to greater self-esteem,” she said. Brooke Dailey(foreground), Lisa Maude and Akosua Amoako prepare a meal for the Community Kitchen at Croydon Cottage. HealthMatters 5
Page 1 and 2: HealthMatters Sydney - it’s your
Page 3: The art of healing Artist Simon Fie
Page 7 and 8: Sydney - supporting job access for

July 2012 - Sydney Local Health District

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?