Advertise on podcast: The Pulse: Uncovering health stories with clinical experts

+++Trigger warning+++  In this conversation, we talk openly about dying, grief, and palliative care. If these topics are sensitive or painful for you, please take care while listening.  Palliative Care can be thought of as a taboo topic but how and why should we can change this mentality? Western Sydney Local Health District's, Director of Supportive and Palliative Care, Sally Greenaway joins us to discuss. In this episode, Dr Greenaway will explain what palliative care truly is — not something reserved for the final days of life, but a supportive approach that can begin early in an illness to help people live as fully and comfortably as possible. Listeners will hear her unpack the misconceptions that palliative care is “giving up,” and instead describe it as a way of improving quality of life, managing symptoms, supporting decision-making, and aligning care with a person’s values and goals. Dr Greenaway will talk about what living well with a life-limiting illness looks like: relief from pain and distress, support for emotional and spiritual needs, and care that includes not just the individual but their whole family. She will give examples of how palliative care teams help people continue meaningful activities, maintain independence, and make informed choices. Listeners will also hear Dr Greenaway address fears that palliative care hastens death or reduces treatment. She will clarify that palliative care is safe, evidence-based, and can be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments, always focused on what matters most to the person. A big part of the conversation will explore why society struggles to talk about dying — and how avoiding these conversations can make the end of life harder. Dr Greenaway will discuss how communities, families, and clinicians can become more comfortable acknowledging death as a natural part of life. She will also reflect on how modern medicine has often turned dying into a hospital-centric event, and how palliative care can help reconnect us with the social, cultural, and human aspects of dying — from honouring rituals and traditions to creating space for connection, storytelling, and meaning. Another theme you will hear is trust: how palliative care builds stronger relationships between patients, families, and clinicians by ensuring that decisions are transparent, collaborative, and free from bias. Dr Greenaway will emphasize the importance of listening deeply to people’s fears, identities, and preferences. Because families are profoundly affected, the expert will describe how palliative care teams support caregivers and loved ones — helping them prepare emotionally, make practical plans, avoid trauma, and feel supported before and after the loss. The episode will also offer practical guidance for anyone considering palliative care: how to start the conversation with a GP or specialist, what questions to ask, and what to expect from a palliative care team. Finally, listeners will hear touching stories or examples of how families work with palliative care teams to create meaningful moments at the end of life — witnessing a birth, celebrating a milestone, saying goodbye — and how thoughtful planning can help ensure a peaceful, dignified farewell.

Trigger warning: This podcast discusses pregnancy loss. In this latest episode in The Pulse’s diabetes series, we’re exploring diabetes in pregnancy. I’m joined by an expert in the field Westmead Hospital's Doctor Suja Padmanabhan from Western Sydney Local Health District. (Expecting with Diabetes? Don’t try It without this expert’s advice - Diabetes series, Episode 2) In this podcast, listeners will learn what it really takes to plan a healthy pregnancy while living with diabetes. Suja explains why this topic matters so deeply to her and why early preparation can make a world of difference. She breaks down the key risks associated with diabetes during pregnancy—and, importantly, how those risks can be safely managed with the right support and care. Listeners will hear practical guidance on when to start thinking about a diabetes management plan, along with tips for involving partners, family and friends in meaningful, supportive ways. Suja also speaks compassionately about the emotional side of pre-pregnancy planning, offering reassurance for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of self-care. The episode wraps with uplifting real-life stories from mums in Western Sydney who have been supported through their pregnancy journeys, showing that with preparation and the right team, a healthy and positive pregnancy is absolutely possible. The Pulse podcast uncovers health stories with clinical experts from Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), NSW, Australia. HOST: WSLHD's Head of Content and Media, Sarah Mason

In this latest episode in The Pulse’s diabetes series, we’re exploring diabetes in young adults. I’m joined by two experts in the field Jane-Holmes Walker and Nicholas Grech from Western Sydney Local Health District. (The youth diabetes revolution: Inside the clinic changing lives - Diabetes series, Episode 3) In this episode, we sit down with Jane Holmes-Walker and Nicholas Grech, two leaders in youth-focused diabetes care, for an inside look at what really happens at the groundbreaking Young Adult Clinic. They explain what makes diabetes so different in kids, teens, and young adults — and how care must evolve at every stage. You’ll hear the real-world risks of poorly managed diabetes, the creative strategies they use to prevent long-term complications, and why their mantra is “diabetes should adjust to you — not the other way around.” Jane and Nicholas share practical day-to-day tips for young people and carers, discuss the emotional and mental health support built into their clinic, and reveal how they guide young people as they take ownership of their care into adulthood. They also explain how families can access the Young Adult Clinic — and open up about the personal, joyful moments when everything finally “clicks” for a young patient. Expect expert insight, practical takeaways, and inspiring stories that show just how life-changing the right diabetes support can be. The Pulse podcast uncovers health stories with clinical experts from Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), NSW, Australia. HOST: WSLHD's Head of Content and Media, Sarah Mason

Hadla Darwiche has been a registered nurse for almost 24 years working in critical care. For the past year thought she’s stepped into Nurse unit manager role at Auburn Hospital where part of her role involves working with dementia patients.  The Pulse podcast caught up with Hadla to chat about her introduction of what she calls ‘dementia dolls’ to her ward. The Pulse podcast uncovers health stories with clinical experts from Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), NSW, Australia. HOST: WSLHD's Head of Content and Media, Sarah Mason

Coming to hospital can be an overwhelming feeling as it is.. let alone if you have diabetes to add into the mix but our medical staff are trained to manage the needs of patient with diabetes and Dr Wah Cheung joins me now to discuss just what you can expect if you do have diabetes and are admitted to hospital for any other reason. (Hospitalised with diabetes: Best practices - Diabetes series, Episode 1) The Pulse podcast uncovers health stories with clinical experts from Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), NSW, Australia. HOST: WSLHD's Head of Content and Media, Sarah Mason

Sarah Johnson-Clarke is a Clinical Midwife Consultant in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) with the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS). Her exceptional dedication to providing compassionate and empowering care to vulnerable women, particularly those with substance use issues, makes her an outstanding midwife. Sarah has a remarkable ability to connect with women who have experienced trauma, domestic violence, and substance misuse, immersing herself in their world to understand their unique needs and challenges. Despite the complexities of their situations, Sarah treats each woman with empathy, respect, and dignity, empowering them to take charge of their lives and make informed choices about their care. Sarah was honoured as WSLHD's 2024 Midwife of the Year and was a nominee at the 2024 NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. The Pulse podcast uncovers health stories with clinical experts and this episode brings SUPPS to the forefront to generate awareness for anyone who might be struggling as to what services might be available and to showcase the amazing work that goes on in Sarah's department in WSLHD that people might not know about. HOST: WSLHD's Head of Content and Media, Sarah Mason

Billy ‘The Kid’ Dib is known by most as an icon of Australian boxing as WBO Lightweight Oriental champion & IBF Lightweight international champion with two world boxing championships under his belt…but Billy has been facing a completely new opponent following a cancer diagnosis in 2022. He underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his stomach in October and has subsequently been treated for an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer. With his supportive family by his side, including his wife Berry and five-year old son Laith, Billy has remained upbeat and optimistic about his recovery. He joins us for this podcast from the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre at Westmead Hospital in the Western Sydney Local Health District where he was receiving treatment. He discusses his journey from diagnosis to remission and reveals what has kept him going in his biggest fight yet. This episode is hosted by Natalie Noordhuis and Sarah Mason from the WSLHD Corporate Communications team.   Keep up to date with the Western Sydney Local Health District Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesternSydneyHealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humansofthehospital X: https://x.com/westsydhealth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westernsydneylocalhealthdistrict

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Dipti Zachariah from Western Sydney Local Health District’s Multicultural Health Services and Nat, a member of her team.  Dipti and Nat provide extensive support to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women and survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) find their voice. With International Women’s Day and Harmony Day fast approaching, the pair took this opportunity to share their very personal journeys to empowerment, in the hope of providing comfort and inspiration to others in similar situations. Please note, this episode discusses sensitive issues and listener discretion is advised.

With the COVID-19 lockdown extended through August, many causes of stress and anxiety in our lives right now are beyond our control. But there is a tool within your control that anyone can harness: mindfulness meditation. David Johnson introduced the practice to Western Sydney Local Health District staff last year to help manage the additional stress of COVID-19, and he continues his twice-daily sessions for staff online. In this episode David introduces the concept and takes us through a 15-minute mindfulness meditation session. WSLHD provides many initiatives to support staff wellbeing including wellness information hubs, manager and team wellness sessions, and counselling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If you’re a staff member, find out more at the COVID-19 Staff Wellbeing page.

Mitch first experienced anxiety and depression as a high school student, and in the years that followed he struggled with suicidal thoughts and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is now a lived experience peer worker with the Towards Zero Suicides team at Western Sydney Local Health District, meaning he uses his own experience to help others experiencing a suicidal crisis – as he explains on the latest episode of the Western Sydney Health Check podcast. The program also features an interview with WSLHD Mental Health Services executive director Professor Vlasios Brakoulias, discussing the mental health impact of lockdown. Help is always available if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health issue: Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800To learn more about mental health services available in western Sydney, call the Mental Health Access Line anytime on 1800 011 511. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). Click here for a list of mental health and support services in Western Sydney. 

We're mad about sport in western Sydney but it still might come as a surprise that there are some extremely talented athletes who work for Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). Alvina Ng always loved the Ninja Warrior franchise but never imagined she would take on the famed obstacle course known as Mt Midoriyama. The Auburn Hospital emergency doctor is now the face of the fifth Australian season, featuring on billboards around the country – all because one of the producers noticed her intense upper body workouts on Instagram. Another one of our health heroes, Kate Murdoch, jokes she’s more comfortable on water than land, but the former Paralympic athlete and WSLHD disability workforce coordinator is clearly no slouch wherever she competes. She recently made history as the first-of-two vision-impaired athletes to complete the UTA22 – a 22-kilometre race through the Blue Mountains, one of Australia’s hardest trail running courses, incorporating 5,000 steps among other challenges. Both feature on this week's episode of Western Sydney Health Check!

Emma Watkins is best known as the girl with the bow in hair. The singing, dancing, drumming, Yellow Wiggle delights audiences across the globe with her dazzling warmth and energy. But what people didn’t realise was behind the scenes, Emma was in serious pain for a long time – silently suffering from a debilitating condition known as endometriosis. Endometriosis, commonly referred to as “endo”, is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body. More than 830,000 Australian women – over 11 per cent – suffer from endometriosis at some point in their life with the disease often starting in teenagers. If you have concerns about endometriosis, please contact your GP in the first instance.

Julia can remember looking down at her broken arm, the bone through the skin, as the propeller of the helicopter that carried her to Westmead Hospital for lifesaving surgery whirred to life. She was riding her motorcycle on Valentine’s Day when she had a head-on collision with a four-wheel-drive, destroying her bike and nearly claiming her life. Julia was the first patient transferred to the new trauma ward in Westmead Hospital’s Central Acute Services Building, a dedicated unit focused on caring for patients with multiple life-threatening injuries.  “So many people have done so much work to put me back together. For me to be frustrated would be, I don’t know, I think rude on my behalf,” Julia said. “I’m just very grateful for everything that everyone is doing.” As part of Patient Experience Week, we also speak to Blacktown Hospital junior doctor Mithila Zaheen about her passion for volunteer work in western Sydney. The Bangladesh-born Australian was recently named a finalist for Blacktown City Woman of the Year and her family’s roots in western Sydney, and patient care, couldn’t be stronger.

From training with the Cronulla Sharks to lying in a hospital bed, Fine Kula’s heroic battle with brain cancer captured hearts across western Sydney, the Shire, and Australia last year. The rising NRL star was diagnosed with medulloblastoma at the start of 2020, and underwent treatment at Westmead Hospital. Fine and his oncologist Dr Vivek Bhadri join us on the latest episode of Western Sydney Health Check to share how the 21 year old beat the aggressive medulloblastoma tumour thanks to the expert care and the support of his family, girlfriend, team mates and former school. After dedicating seven years of his life to football, Fine was forced to give up his dream of playing professionally – but he’s found a new calling in the sport by coaching the Sharks under 17s and under 19 women’s representative teams. But it’s an incredible result for a young man whose life was touch-and-go at one point last year, as Dr Bhadri revealed in the podcast. Dr Bhadri reveals how rare Fine’s type of cancer was – making up less than 1% of adult brain tumours.

One in four young people in Australia will suffer from some kind of mental health issue. But how do you bring up the topic with them? It’s a question many parents agonise over, and one that we tackle in our latest podcast episode of Western Sydney Health Check for NSW Youth Week. Carlie Dodds, clinical psychologist with our Prevention Early Intervention and Response Service, brings expert insight from her role working with young people experiencing severe mental health issues. “Parents often understandably talk about wanting to protect their children, and don’t realise that also quite often their children are trying to protect them and don’t want to worry them,” Carlie says. “The most important thing to tell parents is to ask the question… opening the dialogue in a way that feels safe for the young person.” Carlie offers furthers tips and insight, and is joined by WSLHD Youth Council member Jessica Lam, who shares her perspective as a Gen Z entering the workforce in the midst of a pandemic. Jess discusses the benefits and drawbacks of growing up with social media, and her thoughts on how to improve inter-generational communication about mental health. We also hear from western Sydney teenagers about what the Youth Week theme ‘together more than ever’ means to them, and what picks them up when they’re feeling down. Listen to the episode now and catch up on previous episodes here. If this episode raises any issues for you, you can call Lifeline for free personal support at any time on 13 11 14. To find out more about the mental health services available for you or someone else in need, call the Mental Health Line at any time on 1800 011 511. In an emergency, please call triple zero (000) immediately or go to a hospital emergency department.