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Workforce

Welcome and

Relocation

Manual

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CONTENTS

Welcome to Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) ….……………..2 Section 1 – Welcome to NSLHD…................................................................3 About NSW Health Code of Conduct About NSLHD

Purpose and goals Demographics Population Multicultural profile Health status of residents

Section 2 – Moving to the Region………………………………………………….8

The Lifestyle in Northern Sydney Salary Packaging Local Councils Finding accommodation Getting around Information for families Staying active Places of worship Personal health care Specific information for overseas applicants

Section 3 - Other Useful Information…………………………………………......15 The Medical Board of Australia NSW Nurses and Midwives Board Allied Health Professional Organisations

Contact Information………................................................................................16 Contact Us – The Metropolitan Careers Program Acknowledgments

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Welcome to NSLHD Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) offers great career opportunity and a superb place to live. Please take your time to look through this booklet and learn as much as you can about NSLHD and the Northern Sydney Region. We hope this booklet and the NSLHD Careers website will assist you to make the transition into the workplace and our community. This booklet, in collaboration with the NSLHD employment website has been developed to assist employees moving from interstate, overseas, or other areas of NSW. We have compiled information from many sources in an attempt to provide current information that will assist new staff as they transition to the area. Due the complexity of some of the topics covered, we have provided basic information to get you started. We have also provided details on where to get further information, including websites and contacts.

Image: Patient receiving heartbeat examination.

Image: Landscape photo of Sydney Habour Bridge and Opera

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Section 1 – Introduction to NSLHD

About NSW Health

NSW Health is tasked with ensuring that the people of NSW are provided with the best possible health care. NSW Health provides a comprehensive range of health and health related services covering health protection, health promotion and education, research, health screening, diagnosis, treatment, transport, acute care, rehabilitation, continuing care for chronic illness, counseling, support and palliative care. These services are provided in a wide range of settings from primary care outposts to metropolitan based tertiary health centres and within patients/clients’ homes and are supported by a range of policy, corporate services and administrative functions. See the NSW Ministry of Health website for more information.

The organisations that form NSW Health include:

The Ministry of Health - The Ministry monitors the NSW public health system and supports the NSW Minister for Health in his/her statutory role. More information about the NSW Ministry of Health Organisation Structure.

Local Health Districts

o Eight Local Health Districts cover the Sydney metropolitan region o Seven cover rural and regional New South Wales o Two specialist networks which focus on Children's and Paediatric Services, and

Forensic Mental Health o Another network constitutes facilities run by St Vincent’s Health.

Other support entities, namely Health Support Services and Health Infrastructure

The Ambulance Service of NSW

Justice Health

The four ‘Pillar’ agencies: o The Clinical Excellence Commission o The Agency for Clinical Innovation o The Health Education and Training Institute o The Bureau of Health Information

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Code of Conduct The NSW Health Code of Conduct outlines the standards expected of staff within NSW Health in relation to their conduct in employment. In this context, “staff” means all staff and contractors working for NSW Health, including permanent, temporary, casual, and termed appointment of honorary capacity. Staff in Health Services, like other public sector organisations, must conduct themselves in a way that promotes public confidence and trust in their organisation. For a copy of the NSW Health Code of Conduct visit: http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2012/pdf/PD2012_018.pdf

Image: Picture of Clipboard.

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About NSLHD At NSLHD, we look after the health of more than 800,000 people – from Sydney Harbour in the south and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai in the north. As an employee of NSLHD, you are a part of a large team of 12,000 medical and nursing staff, scientists and researchers, allied health professionals, students, administrators and hotel and maintenance staff.

NSLHD provides health care across Northern Sydney in the following settings; • Tertiary referral, district, mental health community and rehabilitation hospitals • Nursing homes • Community health centres • Home settings.

Image: Map of Local Area Districts. Neringah Hornsby Mona Vale Manly Royal North Shore Greenwich Royal Rehabilitation Macquarie Ryde

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Mission NSLHD’s mission is to provide healthcare of benefit and consequence, embracing discovery and learning, building collaborative relationships and engaging our community in their care. Purpose and Goals of NSLHD NSLHD goals highlight the direction we will pursue to achieve our vision and mission. We will foster a culture that aligns with our organizational values. Our goals are to:

1. Deliver excellence in care in that community – with appropriate care available to all who need it, when they need it. 2. Become a world renowned academic health district, embedding research and education into our practice, to drive change clinically and operationally. 3. Deliver excellence in professional education. 4. Be an employer of choice, with a stable and committed workforce. 5. Engender mutual, successful partnerships with the community and across the healthcare system. 6. Provide a responsive and responsible health system making the best use of our resources. 7. Deliver a balanced budget. Northern Sydney Local Health District – Strategic Plan 2012 - 2016

Demographics Population An estimated 550 General Practitioners, 19 private hospitals (1,640 beds), 16 day procedure centres, 96 nursing homes (providing 5,928 residential places) and 30 non-government organisations (funded under the NGO grant program) are located within the area covered by NSLHD. The population profile for NSLHD is broadly similar to that of NSW. In comparative terms, North Shore/Ryde has a higher younger working age population between 16 and 44 years. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai has a marginally higher proportion of people aged 70-84 and the whole area covering NSLHD contains a high proportion of residents aged 85 years or more.. The population of NSLHD will rise by 7.6 per cent by 2021 to reach over 900,000, with growth concentrated in the older age groups. Over this time, there will be a 30.2 per cent increase in the population aged 70 years and over, and a 17.4 per cent increase in the population aged 85years or more. The highest impact, particularly in the 70-84 age group, will be in Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and North Shore/Ryde area. The growth in the older population poses specific and significant challenges in the configuration of models of care and service delivery in our LHD. Health Status of residents The mortality rate for NSLHD residents is significantly lower when compared to the population of NSW, indicating residents in our area have a better health status.

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Section 3 – Moving to the Region

If you’re planning to move yourself or your whole family to NSW to work with NSLHD, you will need to find out about key services such as housing, transport and work. The more time you put into planning, the easier it will be to relocate to the area. Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to make the required arrangements prior to moving. A useful website when planning to move to NSW is the Living in NSW website. This Booklet has a wide range of information that will help you when moving to NSW. The Lifestyle in Northern Sydney If you want the best quality of life for yourself and your family, then you have moved the right place. NSLHD provides plentiful opportunities to achieve this, offering a high quality of life, outstanding employment prospects, high quality education and great health care. This region is also known for its fine weather, friendly people and a stunning and diverse natural environment.

Northern Sydney Useful Links: Northen Beaches - http://www.wherewelive.com.au/home_wherewelive.htm Manly – www.manlyaustralia.com.au City Of Sydney – www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Hornsby – www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au National Parks http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/region.aspx?name=Sydney-region

Image: Manly ferries docked at Sydney Circular Quay

Image: Man surfing Manly Beach

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Salary Packaging Salary Packaging is an Australian Tax Office approved way of structuring your income that enables you to use every day bill payments to claim $9,094 tax free per Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) year (1 April to 31 March). Simply put, Salary Packaging allows you to reduce your taxable income, thereby increasing your take home pay. The Ministry of Health has offered the scheme to staff provided that benefits are shared equally between the Local Health District and the employee on an equivalent basis. There is also an annual administration fee apportioned fortnightly. Under Salary Packaging, you may be eligible for a Relocation Allowance for Sponsored Personnel or Living Away From Home Allowance

For more information please contact the NSLHD Salary Packaging office:.

Phone Internal Mail External Mail

99266573 Salary Packaging Unit, Level 2, Building 52 Royal North Shore Hospital

Salary Packaging Department Level 2, Building 52 Cnr Ninth Ave & Reserve Road Royal North Shore Hospital St Leonards NSW 2065

Local Councils Councils work for their communities in a range of ways including:

Image: Rolled up cash

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PROVIDING a wide range of services and facilities, and giving support to many others

PROTECTING the community, making sure their environment is safe and clean PREVENTING things that would harm the community, such as disease, noise and

pollution PLANNING for the future of the community REPRESENTING the needs and desires of local communities to other governments

and other organisations. Local council websites provide extensive information about their communities: Northern Sydney City of Ryde - http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au Manly Council - http://www.manly.nsw.gov.au Pittwater Council (Mona Vale) - http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au Hornsby Shire Council - http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au Lane Cove Council - http://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au Mosman Council - http://www.mosman.nsw.gov.au Willoughby Council - http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au Hunters Hill Council - http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au Ku-ring-gai Council - http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/www/html/7-home-page.asp Warringah Council - http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/home/index.aspx

Finding Accommodation Finding accommodation can be a stressful time when relocating to the region. Currently in the Northern Sydney area there is a rental shortage and it can be difficult to find a suitable property. It is recommended that you begin your search as early as possible as most real estate agencies advertise properties well in advance. For a comprehensive listing of local rental properties visit: http://www.realestate.com.au/ or www.domain.com.au It is important that you or someone you trust view the property before committing to a rental lease. Prior to moving, you should arrange to visit the local area to look for where you want to live. You should consider such things as:

Distance from the hospital

Transport options – walking/cycling distance, public transport

Distance from schools and childcare

Social activities available – for example, sporting clubs, night life, beaches, cycle ways, open spaces etc.

When moving to the area from overseas, you should arrange to spend approximately one month in temporary accommodation while you are looking for longer term accommodation. Short Term Accommodation Some hospitals are able to provide basic short term accommodation. Please speak to your new manager about the short term accommodation options available at your hospital, or consult the table below.

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Hospital Contact Person Details

Hornsby Department Manager Discuss with your manager

Royal North Shore

No onsite accommodation available

Ryde Hospital Adrienne Tamplin 02 9858 7530 ATamplin@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

NSW State Award. Single rooms, shared facilities, kitchen, laundry. Minimum stay one week.

Macquarie Hospital

Deputy Director of Nursing Ph. 02 9887 5793

Single rooms, shared facilities, kitchen, TV room. Maximum stay- negotiable.

Manly Hospital Diane Curtis (02) 99769793 dcurtis@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

$62.23/week, single rooms, shared facilities, linen provided.

Mona Vale Hospital

Sue Younger (02) 9998 0389 (Wed-Fri only) syounger@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

$52.23/week, single rooms, shared facilities, kitchen, and TV room.

NOTE: The information in the above table is general and may change at any time. Please confirm details with the contact person.

These websites may be able to assist you in finding share accommodation: http://au.easyroommate.com/ http://www.share-accommodation.net/ http://www.shareaccommodation.com/ http://www.housemates.com.au/ http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/

Homestays Are you wanting to experience the Australian way of life first hand, and willing to try new things? A homestay is a great way to learn about Australian culture and to practice your English, while making life long friendships with an Australian family. If you are an easy going person who enjoys meeting new people and can easily adapt to new environments, then why not try a homestay experience? There are a variety of private organisations that provide homestay opportunities. Further Information can be found on these websites: www.auzziefamilies.com www.homestayagency.com

Getting Around Public Transport The Northern Sydney Regions offer a variety of public transport options for getting to and from work, or for just having a look around the region. Buses, trains and ferries are all an option in this region. The links below will provide some useful information on how to access these transport facilities: http://131500.com.au/ http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/PublicTransport.asp

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Cycling/Walking You should consider cycling or walking to work as parking can be difficult. By walking or cycling, you can save considerable amounts of money on costs associated with purchasing a car and vehicle registration, etc. Most hospitals have cycle paths and places to secure your bicycle on and around the hospital grounds. Talk to your manager to see whether these facilities are available at your workplace. The following website may be useful: http://bicyclensw.org.au/home

Buying a Car If you do need to purchase a car, they can be purchased from new or second car dealers or private sellers. The cost of a car depends on the type (model) and how old it is. Car dealers and private sellers often advertise in local papers. Some useful websites when searching for a vehicle include: www.drive.com.au www.carsales.com.au www.autotrader.com.au www.autoweb.com.au

http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/home.php NRMA Car Buyers Checklist

Novated Lease Novated leasing is another form of financing a car. The principle of a novated lease is that the car is privately purchased, used and maintained by the staff member. It is purchased under a financial lease. The word novated means that staff pay for the costs of the car out of their pre-tax salary while ever they are employed and the lease is current. Further information on Novated Leasing contact Salary Packaging on 9887 5686.

Information for Families Local Councils offer an array of services for children and young people in their communities. Council websites provide details about various recreational activities, parks, reserves and playgrounds that are available in their areas.

Child Care – The Care for Kids website can help you to find child care facilities in your region.

Public Schools – Information on finding and enrolling your children at a Public School.

Are you arriving from overseas as a temporary resident? Find information you need to enroll your children in school..

Private Schools in the Northern Sydney region. – Information on Private schools in the region can be found here:

Vacation Care – This service is for the exclusive use of the children of current NSLHD employees. The service aims to provide quality care for those children, attending school, 5-12 years during school holiday periods.

Image: Bike rider at Manly Hospital.

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Other Useful Links Play Groups NSW - www.playgroupnsw.com.au/nsw/go/home What’s On - Central Coast – www.whatsoncentralcaost.com.au Healthy Kids NSW – www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au

Staying Active Australians are living longer than ever before. To ensure we get the most out of life, it is important to look after ourselves so we remain healthy and happy for as long as possible. There are many opportunities around the Northern Sydney Region to get out and be active. There are excellent facilities for cycling, walking, swimming as well as joining competitive and social sporting teams. The Local Councils provide information about sporting facilities, walking tracks, cycle paths and local swimming pools in their area Here are some useful links to websites that may help you to get involved and stay active: NSLHD Health Promotions Unit – www.healthpromotion.com.au Get healthy NSW – www.gethealthynsw.com.au Places of Worship In Australia, people are free to practice and follow their own beliefs and religion. Cultural and religious diversity is an important part of life in Australia. You will find many churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship in Sydney. You can find places of worship listed alphabetically by denomination on the White Pages online. The predominant religion amongst Australians is Christianity, with the three largest denominations being Anglican, Roman Catholic and the Uniting Church. Smaller denominations include Lutheran, Jehovah's Witness, Seventh Day Adventist and Baptist churches. Other religions in Australia include Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism.

A number of major religions and their Australian websites are listed below:

Anglican Church of Australia www.anglican.org.au

Buddhism www.buddhanet.net

Catholic Church in Australia www.sydney.catholic.org.au Hinduism www.hindunet.com.au Islam www.islam-australia.net Judaism www.jewishaustralia.com Presbyterian Church http://www.pcnsw.org.au Seventh Day Adventist www.adventist.org.au Sikhism www.sikh.net/Gurdwara/World/GWAusi.htm Uniting Church in Australia www.nsw.uca.org.au

Personal Health Care Doctors or general practitioners (GPs) are located in every town centre to treat everyday illnesses and refer patients to specialists for additional treatment if necessary. GPs are listed under 'Medical Practitioner' in the Yellow Pages online telephone directory.

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It is recommended that all individuals have a regular GP. While there is a shortage of GP’s, it may be challenging to find one you like, however persistence is the key. We would encourage you to ring a number of practices to outline your situation. and do not be discouraged if you are turned away by some practices. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend a GP or a practice may help you find your own GP. Some areas have after hours GP facilities. Speak to your local GP practice about after hours practices in your area. RNSH runs a GP clinic for NSLHD employees. To make an appointment, phone 9926 8549. Private health Insurance Staff on temporary visa's are not covered by Medicare and will need to take out their own private health insurance for the duration of their appointment. If you haven’t yet applied for permanent residency in Australia or if you are here on a temporary visa, you must purchase health insurance cover to protect yourself and your family for any unforeseen medical expenses. Information on Australian private health insurance for overseas visitors is available on the Private Health Insurance Administration Council website.

International Medical Assistance Network (IMAN) www.aushealth.com This company specialises in health insurance for overseas visitors on 457 visas. This website contains information, advice, quotations and the relevant application forms.

Specific Information for Overseas Applicants if you are moving to the region from overseas, ensure you read “Beginning Life in Australia – Welcome to New South Wales”.

You should also spend some time looking through the information at The Department of

Immigration and Citizenship website which provides extensive information about living in Australia. International Medical Graduates NSLHD has developed an International Medical Graduates (IMG) Orientation Handbook to support IMGs in the workplace. It introduces you to NSW Health and what it means to be a doctor in this state, as well as offering an overview of life in Australia. Your JMO Manager should be able to provide you with a copy of the handbook. Other Useful Internet sites: Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) – (http://www.immi.gov.au) Medicare - Australia Health Care System – (http://www.immi.gov.au) Australian Taxation Office – (http://www.ato.gov.au ) http://www.nsw.gov.au/life-events/moving-house

Section 3 - Other Useful Information

The Medical Board of Australia

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You must apply for provisional medical registration prior to obtaining a visa to work in Australia. Once you have arrived in Australia you must present in person to the Medical Board of Australia to finalise your medical registration before commencing work. You will be provided with information about this during the registration application process. More information registering as a medical practitioner in Australia

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia To be eligible for employment as a nurse or midwife in New South Wales you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMB). The NMB will assess overseas nursing and midwifery qualifications for eligibility for registration in NSW. Hospitals require evidence of current registration as a nurse or midwife before they make a job offer.

Overseas nurses and midwives (with the exception of those holding New Zealand passports) must also hold a visa that permits work. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides information about entry to Australia. The NSW Department of Health may be able to assist with sponsorship for employment in a NSW public hospital.

Allied Health Professional Organisations The following Allied Health Professions also require registration in order to be allowed to practice in Australia:

Chiropractors Chiropractic Board of Australia

Dentists Dental Board of Australia

Optometrists Optometry Board of Australia

Osteopaths Osteopathy Board of Australia

Pharmacists Pharmacy Board of Australia

Physiotherapists Physiotherapy Board of Australia

Podiatrists Podiatry Board of Australia

Psychologists Psychology Board of Australia

Links to useful organisations for allied health professionals:

Organisation Website

Audiological Society of Australia www.audiology.asn.au

Australian Association of Social Workers www.aasw.asn.au

Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine

www.anzsnm.org.au

Australian Institute of Radiography www.air.asn.au

Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association

www.aopa.org.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association

www.physiotherapy.asn.au

Australian Podiatry Association (NSW) www.podiatry.asn.au

Australian Psychological Society www.psychology.org.au

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Australian Sonographers Association www.a-s-a.com.au

Dieticians Association of Australia www.daa.asn.au

Occupational Therapy Australia NSW www.otnsw.com.au

Orthoptic Association of Australia www.orthoptics.org.au

Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia www.shpa.org.au

Speech Pathology Australia www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Contact Us:

The Metropolitan Careers Program The Metropolitan Careers Program is available to assist Managers and staff support new employees relocate and integrate into NSLHD. If you require further assistance in relocating to the Northern Sydney region please speak to your manager or contact the Metropolitan Careers Facilitator, Jennifer Chapman on (02) 9887 5601 or email jchapman@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Acknowledgements Information contained in this document has been sourced from a variety of locations, including: Greater West Local Health District– Overseas Orientation Booklet (http://www.gwahs.nsw.gov.au/CountryCareers/index.php?select=Information_for_Overseas_Recruits) Hunter New England Health Service – Relocation Manual and Arrival Manual (http://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/lifestyle) Northern Sydney Central Coast Health – International Medical Graduates Orientation Manual - 2008 Northern Sydney Central Coast Health – Employee Induction Handbook – Version 6

Disclaimer http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/utilities/disclaimer.asp