A year of highlights and achievements with the 2024 - 25 Year in Review

Each year NBMLHD staff care for a community of more than 395,000 people, delivering exceptional healthcare in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. This year’s report highlights the commitment of our staff in providing safe, high-quality care.

Chief Executive Brad Astill shared his pride in the accomplishments featured in the report, acknowledging the incredible efforts of staff who continue to make a difference every day.

“These achievements reflect the heart of our work: listening to our communities, supporting our staff, and delivering patient centred care. They also show that meaningful change doesn’t always come from large-scale projects. Sometimes it’s the targeted, thoughtful initiatives that have the greatest impact,” says Brad.

Key highlights from the Year in Review include:

• Successfully transitioned Hawkesbury District Health Service to our management.
• Opened the Safe Assessment Unit at Nepean Hospital for patients with drug-related behavioural disturbances.
• Established a Safeguards team that provides short term support to children and young people who are experiencing a crisis.
• Launched a geriatrician-led Memory Clinic at Lithgow Hospital to support patients with memory loss.
• Exceeded national stroke treatment targets, earning the ‘Time is Brain’ Award for timely, life-saving care at Lithgow and Blue Mountains hospitals.
• Implemented Universal Health and Development Checks, screening 1,366 four-year-olds in 2024/25.
• Launched the innovative Know Your Midwife model at Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital.
• Upgraded centralised sterilising services at Lithgow and Blue Mountains hospitals to meet new Australian Standards.
• Established the Respiratory Rapid Access Centre (RespRAC) at Nepean Hospital, reducing emergency department length of stay and saving 169 bed days.
• Partnered with traditional Aboriginal healers to provide a culture-based mental wellbeing program for Indigenous community members.

NBMLHD Board Chair, The Hon. Peter Collins, AM KC, stated the 2024-25 year was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements that are shaping a healthier, more connected future for our region.

“We are not simply maintaining the status quo – we are shaping a new era of healthcare. One that is integrated, forward-thinking, and connected to the needs of every individual,” says Peter.

Explore the full report and celebrate the people and stories behind our success: Year in Review (PDF 9.6MB) (PDF 9.6MB)