Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice opens
Date published: 27 Feb 2023
Author: Katie Harkin
The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) has opened in Manly, providing a vital service in supporting end of life and respite care for young people with life-limiting illnesses. The first of its kind in Australia, the AYAH is supported by our HealthShare NSW staff who worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to set up a new food service.
Working in collaboration with Northern Sydney Local Health District, our HealthShare NSW staff will be part of a team that delivers outstanding patient experience to young adults, where their preferences, values, beliefs and dignity are respected, and quality of life matters most. We will provide meals that nourish patients and families, giving them the opportunity to experience nourishing and home-style food to young people going through a difficult time.
“Working at a hospice can be really confronting, especially with how closely our staff will interact with patients,” said Joel Bardsley, Associate Director Service Delivery. “In saying that, it can be incredibly rewarding too.”
While recruitment is underway for permanent positions, our incredible staff from right across the state came to Manly to assist in launching the service. We had staff from Scone, Macquarie and all over Sydney work with our Food Service Reform team to ensure we were ready for the AYAH’s opening to patients in February.
“It’s so important that we have experienced staff working with us to support the implementation of our services,” said Jennifer Van Cleef, Executive Director Patient Services and Planning. “We are so grateful to have that kind of expertise on the ground during this time.”
Prior to the AYAH’s opening, the HealthShare NSW team held a staff lunch to trial the new service and menu, and to celebrate their hard work.
“It’s been great to work as a chef again, especially for a site doing such important work,” said Chef Phil Gilroy. Phil came across from Royal North Shore Hospital originally to assist with the rollout, but loved the work so much he applied for the permanent chef position.
“The atmosphere was very relaxed, our chef and the wonderful staff working with him did an amazing job,” said Merina Hadziahmetovic, Sector Manager. “The food was delicious and the presentation was exceptional.”
“This is a big achievement, and a huge challenge that, as usual, our team met,” said Joel.
“I’d like to thank everyone in our team who helped us get ready to provide this important service.”
Thank you to all our HealthShare NSW staff who has contributed to the AYAH opening:
- Phil Gilroy
- Pradeep De
- Michelle Shearman
- Sheree Martel
- Sophie Blume
- Yvonne Lukic
- Cindy Quarmby
- Nicole Sharpe
- Adam Waugh
- Merina Hadziahmetovic
- Josephine Craig
- June Micallef
- Wendy Turnbull
- Jo-Ann Scardino
- Saurav Prasai
- Ralph Young
- Erika De Leon
- Karen McCann
Some of the food prepared by our HealthShare NSW team
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