March 2018

On September 9, 2017 in Canberra, I attended an ENT study day sponsored by Medtronic. Its focus was on Rhinology, Anatomy and Physiology, Surgical Technology and Troubleshooting. We had an excellent attendance with people coming from as far away as Wagga. Thankyou very much to Warren, Paul and Rey from Medtronic and to our surgeons who regularly give up their time to provide these opportunities for us to attend.

In June, Krystal and Clarence held a talk in Sydney in which a convoy of Canberrans attended. There was great feedback from this talk and hopefully we can do some combined talks this year. My next Study Day will be on 28th July 2018, in conjunction with World Head and Neck Cancer Day.

Judy Redpath
ACT State Co-ordinator

March 2018

The year of 2017 began with a highly successful national conference at the Adelaide Convention Center in March. Then the following months there were 3 education events held at various sites.

I would like to thank Medtronic for sponsoring a successful sinus surgery workshop in May at Medtronic Head Office. This hands-on workshop resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback, 120 delegates attended with many more people on the waiting list. I truly appreciate our OHNNG president Cheryl travelling down to give us help in Metro NSW region. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the day due to pre-arranged oversea trip. Clarence Hyamurowa, my fellow Metro NSW State Co-coordinator and Medtronic staff did a fantastic job and hosted an amazing event.

In September with collaboration from Cochlear Pty Ltd, another successful education day was held at the Australian Hearing Hub at Macquarie University. The topic of this education day was “Hearing implant, Cochlear and BAHA”. 25 delegates experienced an interactive and informative education session from excellent speakers and presenters. Katie Neal, one of the presenters is not only an audiologist but also a cochlear implant recipient. A lot of hands raised to ask her questions at the time when Katie was presenting. Delegates also visited the anechoic chamber at the Hearing Hub later that day. Personally, I think the tour to anechoic chamber is one of the most unique experiences in my life. Due to popular demand we will host another Hearing Implant day at the same venue in 2nd half of this year, please check OHNNG website for more information.

Clarence went overseas and attended ORL Forum at Honolulu, Hawaii in July. Clarence worked very hard behind the scenes to organize a one-day nurses program in conjunction with surgeon forum. Although this nurse focused education day only attracted small number of nurses whom are mainly from America, it still received tremendous support form our surgical colleagues and attendees.

Sadly, two NSW coordinators stepped down this year. Clarence moved interstate to Toowoomba, QID. Gai Shylan decides to have a break after volunteering her time over the last ten years with OHNNG. They will be sadly missed.

With 2018 Perth national conference fast approaching, I would like to wish everyone attending a great time in Perth. I believe this will be another successful event. I have started planning 3 education days in Sydney after March conference, please check your email and OHNNG websites for “SAVE THE DATE” flyer. All NSW members if you have any queries or suggestions please do not hesitate to email me, my goal this year is to get in touch with members and provide members with more benefits. However, as a full time mother and part time operating theatre nurse I need extra help to achieve this goal. If someone would like to volunteer small amount of his/her time, please contact me. I sincerely appreciate your support.

Gai Shylan
OHNNG NSW State Co-ordinator

March 2018

World Head & Neck Cancer Day Dinner was held 28th July 2017, Harbourview Function Centre, Newcastle. This dinner was attended by 52 people, including Nursing, Allied Health Staff & support group members, who listened to Dr. Rob Eisenberg give an interesting talk on the history of Head & Neck Surgery, as well as the ‘Head & Neck Cancer-Information about surgery’ DVD that was made at JHH. Some of the DVD stars were in the audience & it was wonderful to hear their powerful & inspiring stories.
Ms Sophie Fleming, Prosthetic Artist, gave a wonderful insight into how facial prosthetics are made. Her presentation finished with a ‘movie clip’ of Marie, who had just received her prosthetic nose that very morning.

Skin Cancer was the topic for an educational dinner on 25th October 2017, held at Merewether Surfhouse. Dr. Paul Chee, Consultant Dermatologist gave a wonderful talk to 48 people. I would like to thank Dr. Chee & L’Oreal Australia, for their presentations, generous sponsorship & samples provided on the evening.

This has been my last year as NSW State Coordinator OHNNG & unfortunately will not be able to attend the conference in Perth this year. This will be the first OHNNG conference I have missed in 10 years.

I have enjoyed my time as NSW State Coordinator & have had great pleasure in hosting many educational dinners in Newcastle since 2011/12. Plans are underway to continue OHNNG education in Newcastle, which pleases me greatly – so stay tuned for an update about that.

I would like to thank past & present Presidents, Cheryl Kelly & Tracey Nichols for the opportunity to be a part of their team, their mentorship & making me 'step out of my comfort zone' many, many times.

I would also like to thank the OHNNG executive committee for their ongoing support & friendship.

Also a BIG thank you to everyone who has come to any of the educational events I have facilitated in Newcastle. I have had great local support from both nursing & medical staff & I could not have done it without their support.

I know OHNNG will only grow & continue its amazing work under the Presidency of Cheryl Kelly.

I wish Cheryl & OHNNG Executive Committee all the best for the future,
Bye for now,
Gai Shylan
NSW Nothern State Coordinator

March 2018

2017 was my first year as Queensland co-ordinator and I have spent the last 12 months finding my feet, it has been a steep, well supported learning curve and I would like to sincerely thank all the members of OHNNG executive for welcoming me and their unwavering support. To Cheryl, for your guidance, kind words and support – I am so proud to work alongside all of you and thank each of you for your guidance so far.

2017 had a good turn out at the Thyroid Dinner at the Pineapple hotel and the thanks to Cheryl for your continued commitment
Again, the PA had a successful study day with people travelling from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Ipswich and Toowoomba.

Locally, we had a successfully inaugural World Head and Neck Cancer Day. Public and Private facilities to combine with allied health to provide education about signs and symptoms and raise some much-needed funds for beyond five. We ended up donating over $600 for a mornings work and the plans for a more involved event are in their initial stages.

My goal for this year is to provide more education days and workshops and to travel to ENT centres where I can – so watch this space and don’t forget that the 22nd OHNNG national conference will be back in Queensland for 2019. I encourage all members to play an active part in what is always a great conference.

Megan Green

March 2018

I would like this opportunity to reflect on my time as State Coordinator for OHNNG for the past six years. When I went to my first conference as a delegate I would never have imagined that I would be the South Australian Coordinator, up on the stage moderating sessions, organising study days and talking in front of many people!

I wish to thank Tracey Nicholls, she pushed me into it and I never thought I could it. She was always there to help me every step of the way and have learnt valuable professional skills which have benefited me in my career.

This last year has been a difficult one for me with the death of my mum and I haven’t run any education nights at the time of writing this report.

I do have one scheduled in February on Endoscopic Ear Surgery by Mr. Ian Wong which is sponsored by Coremed. We will also have the instrumentation, so everyone can be hands on which is always fun!

I have really enjoyed my time as State Coordinator and encourage anyone to give it a go, there is always help when you need it.

Thank you to OHNNG

Karen Mahoney

March 2018

Last year the National Conference held in Adelaide was a personal and professional delight! Every year I am amazed at the quality of speakers who travel from all over the world to share their knowledge and feel so privileged to be able to tap into this year after year. I am sad to be missing the National Conference this year for the first time in 6 years but am sure it will be of the same calibre and standard. I hope you all have a wonderful time.

Our education day in Hobart last year was held in September. With the annual support of our local ENTs Dr Nusa Naiman, Dr Rajesh Gollapalli, and Dr David Merry, we were able to dedicate a full day to the topic of Rhinology. It was all about digging into the detail! We covered topics such as surgical anatomy of the nose and sinuses, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of both acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Rhinology emergencies were also ticked off, such as epistaxis, foreign bodies and trauma. Local specialist GP Dr Nick Cooling, returning from a conference the day before, discussed allergic rhinitis in detail including latest diagnostics and treatment. An informative presentation by plastic surgeon Dr Sid Karanth nasal reconstruction was also well received.

Including trade displays and demonstrations from Medtronic and Smith & Nephew (thank you so much to our sponsors!!), we were offered a great chance to learn, network, and earn CPD hours.

Our education day for 2018, set for Saturday the 15th of September, will be a comprehensive Head and Neck day. We hope to have all specialities covered including ENT, radiation oncology and medical oncology, speech therapy, dietetics, social work and psychology.

As usual, please email lisa@earworx.com.au with any ideas or suggestions for future education sessions or for involvement in the 2018 education day. I would also love to learn more about what our Tassie members are doing, and your achievements and passions within the field.

Thanking you
Lisa Hellwege
Tasmanian State Coordinator

March 2018

On the 23rd September 2017, the Northern Territory held its first OHNNG Conference at the Royal Darwin Hospital. Alice Springs Hospital also connected to the conference via a teleconference. In total there were 47 participants both Nursing and Allied Health Staff from all areas across both hospitals. In 2018 we hope to hold at least another half day education day for staff with hopes to include both Katherine and Gove Hospitals and make this a state-wide event.