ACHIEVEMENTS
PEOPLE OF
MADAGASCAR
TO BENEFIT
FROM PEEL
HEALTH
CAMPUS
DONATION
Hundreds of thousands of people living in Madagascar are set to benefit from
a major donation of medical equipment by Peel Health Campus (PHC) to the
‘Australians Doctors in Africa’ organisation.
Three gastroscopes, two colonoscopes and two light sources will assist in the
diagnosis of oesophageal, stomach and bowel problems, including complications
from a common and potentially deadly disease called schistosomiasis.
PHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Margaret Sturdy, said the equipment had been
decommissioned at PHC and replaced by the very latest technology.
“While this equipment has now been superseded in Australia, it is considered state-of-
the-art in developing countries,” Dr Sturdy said. “Rather than disposing of the
scopes we made inquiries about suitability for donation,” Dr Sturdy said.
Australian Doctors in Africa representative, Dr Digby Cullen, welcomed the PHC
donation – the hospital’s second scope donation in the past five years.
“Madagascar has a high incidence of illness, and even death, caused by the bowel
disease, schistosomiasis,” Dr Cullen said. “This equipment will help with diagnosis
and early treatment, which will significantly improve a patient’s outlook.”
“Our program has been very successful in training local African health professionals
in gastrointestinal endoscopy, proactive treatment of the complications of disease,”
Dr Cullen said.
Cathy Poole, who is an experienced long serving endoscopy nurse also working with
the organisation, said it was a priority to make sure staff were trained to care for the
scopes and to properly disinfect them.
“Our training is delivered by committed staff and with consistency of repeat visits
to Africa we have built up high levels of trust with the staff on the ground,”
Ms Poole said.
“The African health workers undergo rigorous training and assessment programs
and are certified at the end.”
22 The Ramsay Way 2019 | 02
NORTHSIDE GROUP GOES INTERNATIONAL
WITH SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
Northside Group’s community partnership with Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) has
continued at full speed, with the delivery of three workshops as part of the Minds for
Music program.
The partnership aims to nurture the mental wellbeing of SYO’s emerging musicians
and draws connections between positive mental health practices and the art of
making music.
At the SYO orientation day, 250 parents and musicians
heard from the Medical Director of the eating disorders unit
at Northside Group St Leonards Clinic. Associate Professor
Sloane Madden spoke about managing mental wellbeing in
young people.
Secondly, Northside Group hosted a full day workshop
for the SYO leadership group. This included sessions
run by psychiatrists, psychologists and art therapists on
bullying, building health relationships, good mental health,
perfectionism, body image, mindfulness meditation, and self-care
and self-compassion.
Finally, 70 young musicians from SYO attended a session on
managing performance anxiety before embarking on a two
week tour across England and Wales. The workshop was run
by the Medical Director of the young adult unit at Northside
Group St Leonards Clinic, Dr John Kasinathan.
MOVEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS
BRUCE SODEN
After more than three decades of dedicated service
to Ramsay Health Care, Bruce Soden has made the
decision to step down from his role as Group Finance
Director and Chief Financial Officer of Ramsay and will
depart the organisation in the second half of this year.
Bruce has dedicated his career to Ramsay Health
Care and has been a key member of the Board and
management team since he commenced with the
Company in 1987. He is highly regarded throughout
the industry and financial markets and is recognised
for his financially disciplined approach and his focus
on creating value for shareholders, which has been
fundamental to the success of the company over a
long period.
In his role he has presided over the growth of the company from nine hospitals
and a market capitalisation of $53M in 1987, to over 480 global facilities now, with
the Group having a market capitalisation of $14B and 77,000 employees. He has
been integral to Ramsay’s global growth strategy, including arranging the funding
for acquisitions we have made in the UK, France, Asia and most recently with the
acquisition of the Scandinavian group, Capio. At all times, he has ensured the
capital management strategy of the Group is prudent and aligned to the Board’s
growth trajectory for the Ramsay Group.
Bruce leaves us with a financially strong and robust company, and has created
a solid platform for our future success. It has been a great experience working
alongside him as a key contributor to the development and execution of our
strategy. I have valued his support, as well as his expertise and sound judgement.
He has been an unwavering advocate of The Ramsay Way culture and I am
sure he will be missed by all those who knew and worked with him. Bruce has
indicated he wishes to pursue other opportunities and we wish him well in his
future endeavours.
The Board has expressed its appreciation to Bruce for his significant contribution
and responsible leadership of the Company’s finances for the past 31 years.
DENISE HARTLEY
Has been appointed as Director of Clinical Services at John Flynn
Private Hospital, following the retirement of Di Sapwell.
Denise joined Pindara Private Hospital in 1997 as a registered
nurse/midwife and since that time has progressed to the positions
of Nurse Unit Manager, Assistant Director of Clinical Services and
Acting Director of Clinical Services for extended periods. Denise’s
current portfolio includes obstetrics, neurosurgical and spinal unit,
paediatrics, ICU and medical.
Denise will start at John Flynn Private Hospital on Monday 1 July.
DIANN SAPWELL
After a health care career spanning more than 53 years, Diann
Sapwell has announced she will retire in July 2019.
Di, who is currently a Director of Clinical Services, has spent 36 years
with Ramsay Health Care and 25 at John Flynn Private Hospital.
Operations Executive Manager of the Northern Region, Lloyd Hill,
said Di had made an amazing contribution to health care and
to Ramsay.
“I have so much I want to say about this amazing woman, but I am going to hold my
tribute until closer to Di’s retirement in July, when I suspect many of you will wish to join
me in recognising Di’s contribution to healthcare and Ramsay.” .
Dr Margaret Sturdy, Dr Digby Cullen, Angela Poole, Pauline Abbot.