Nepean Blue Mountains Health

08/09/2026

RESEARCH REWARDED | Our growing reputation for groundbreaking research has been reinforced by the recent announcement that three of ten projects awarded funding through the NSW Government's Translational Research Grants Scheme are led by researchers from our District. Collectively, the projects have received almost $1.5 million in funding.

The funded projects are:
- Living Well, led by the Family Metabolic Health Service’s, Dr Kathryn Williams
- Improving ICU Pressure Injury Monitoring with Natural Language Processing, a study co-led by Dr Nhi Nguyen and Dr Julia Pilowsky (Agency for Clinical Innovation)
- Comparing ALternative Models of carE to manage diabetes Distress (CALMED), co-led by Associate Professor Emily Hibbert and Professor Andrew Baillie (Sydney Health Partners).

“These projects demonstrate the strength of research across our District and why NBMLHD continues to build an outstanding reputation for research that is innovative, clinically relevant and focused on improving outcomes for our patients and communities,” said Dr Kelly Thompson PhD, Director of Research Operations.

“I’m proud to see three outstanding women clinical and research leaders recognised through this highly competitive funding round. Their success reflects the growing research capability and leadership within our District as we continue our ambition to become a leading institution for transformative research that directly improves the health of all of our community.”

Read more:

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s growing reputation for groundbreaking research and innovation has been reinforced by the recent announcement that three of ten projects awarded funding through the NSW Government's Translational Research Grants program are led by researchers from our D...

07/09/2026

CELEBRATING OUR BLUE MOUNTAINS HOSPITAL TEAM | Blue Mountains Hospital staff came together last Friday for a winter BBQ to recognise their hard work caring for the community throughout the busy winter period and during ongoing upgrade works across the campus.

Held on Jersey Day to help raise awareness of organ and tissue donation, the event was generously supported by the local Rapid Relief Team (RRT).

Blue Mountains Hospital General Manager Lyn Day, pictured alongside Director of Nursing and Midwifery Naomi Jensen, says the BBQ was an opportunity to recognise the dedication of staff.

"Our staff continue to provide exceptional care for the Blue Mountains community, even during periods of high demand and change. This was a wonderful opportunity to thank our teams for their hard work, teamwork and commitment to our patients."

07/09/2026

WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK | Clinicians at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District are highlighting the important role food plays in supporting women’s health, energy and wellbeing across every stage of life.

A/Deputy Department Head Dietetics at Nepean, Blue Mountains and Springwood hospitals, Kait Mort, says healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated.

“Plan regular meals and snacks and avoid skipping meals. A consistent eating pattern helps to support women's mood, energy levels, hormonal health, appetite, and overall wellbeing,” says Kait.

For women who feel overwhelmed by healthy eating, Kait recommends starting with one simple change – eating more vegetables.

“They provide vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that support women's health across all life stages. An easy way to do this is to aim for half a plate of vegetables at your main meals.”

Kait says small, practical changes to everyday meals can also make a meaningful difference.

“Swap white bread for wholegrain bread to boost fibre intake, drink water regularly throughout the day, and enjoy fish twice a week to provide healthy fats that support heart health and overall wellbeing in women.”

Read the full story: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nbmlhd/news/stories/fuel-your-health-womens-health-week

06/09/2026

We have expanded our Community Vaccination Clinic program to provide a broader range of FREE vaccinations for community members.

Eligible community members may now be able to access free vaccinations for:

• Influenza
• Pneumococcal disease
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis)

This week our community vaccination teams will be hosting vaccination clinics at:

📆Monday 7 September
📍Link Wentworth Penrith
11am-1pm
Thornton Community Centre Playground
61 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith

📆Thursday 10 September
📍Village Café Kingswood
9:30am-11:30am
Wainwright Park
19 Bringelly Road, Kingswood

No appointments required. Just turn up.

For a full list of vaccination clinics and eligibility criteria visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nbmlhd/news/stories/nbmlhd-community-vaccination-clinics-expanded

05/09/2026

The diversity of our community is one of our greatest strengths and we remain committed to providing culturally responsive healthcare that recognises, respects and supports people from all backgrounds.

Thanks Western Weekender for highlighting the importance of Multicultural Health Week for our communities, in particular how physical activity helps support the mental health and wellbeing of children and their families.

As Dr Habib Bhurawala says physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated.

“It doesn’t mean to join a gym or commit to something new, there are many opportunities we have to build into a normal family life, like walking to school or going to the shops, playing football in the backyard or dancing at home.”

This year's Multicultural Health Week is focusing on physical activity's impact on mental health.

04/09/2026

JERSEY DAY | Today our teams are wearing their colours for a cause that truly matters. This Jersey Day we're helping raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and celebrating the donors and families whose generosity has transformed lives.

Our jerseys start the conversation, and that conversation could help save a life.

Learn more at DonateLife: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/

03/09/2026

TRANSFORMING ENDOMETRIOSIS CARE | Our Head of Gynaecology, Professor George Condous, has been awarded Life Membership by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM), recognising his contributions to medical ultrasound, research, education and clinical leadership.

Professor Condous has helped transform the way endometriosis is diagnosed, demonstrating that expert ultrasound can accurately identify the disease without the need for surgery in many cases.

"Without question, I am most proud of helping change the way we diagnose endometriosis," says Professor Condous.

"If our work can shorten the journey from symptoms to diagnosis, then it has achieved something genuinely worthwhile."

Read more:

Professor George Condous has been awarded Life Membership of the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM), one of the profession's highest honours and a recognition bestowed on only 30 individuals in the organisation's more than 50-year history.

02/09/2026

🕵️‍♂️❤️ Red and white stripes were everywhere today as Where’s Wally Wednesday made a welcome return to our Children’s Ward.

While the costumes brought plenty of smiles it was our staff’s kindness and care that made the biggest difference, supporting children and families as they prepared to head home.

It’s a simple gesture but a wonderful reminder of how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

Interested in kickstarting your career in allied health? Enjoy paid, hands-on experience while studying through the Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship Program.

For occupational therapy (OT) student Anna, the program has provided valuable experience in rehabilitation and stroke services while helping apply university learning in a real clinical setting. "The cadetship has given me the opportunity to develop practical skills, explore different areas of OT, and see firsthand the career I'm working towards," she says.

Apply now. Applications close Wednesday 30 September: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/aboriginal/Pages/allied-health-cadetship-program.aspx

Artwork by Leona McGrath (Woopaburra and Kuku Yalanji).