BN Health Forum Sydney: Navigating Health - Innovation, Access and the Patient Journey

Program

Session 1: From Podium to Patient: Living Through Diagnosis and Ongoing Care

Keynote session presented by Michael Klim OAM – one of Australia’s most recognised sporting figures and passionate health advocates.

Serious illness is rarely just a medical issue. It brings questions of access, timing and advocacy, often at a point when people are already vulnerable.

After retiring from elite sport, Michael Klim’s life shifted dramatically following his diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system. His experience of delayed diagnosis, treatment access and ongoing care provides a grounded insight into the realities faced by people living with complex and chronic illness.

In this session, Michael will share his personal journey of adapting to profound physical uncertainty following a career built on performance and control. He will speak candidly about the emotional and practical challenges of navigating healthcare systems, and how delays or gaps in care can directly affect independence, recovery and quality of life.

Drawing on lived experience, Michael offers a human lens on the importance of early intervention, coordinated care and patient advocacy, and how healthcare delivery, insurance decision-making and system design intersect in patient journeys.
Session 2: Complex and Chronic Care: Meeting Demand in a Changing System
Panel session moderated by BN’s Natalie Aprea, with panellists

Dr Dileni Fernando, General Practitioner and Medical Advisor, MIPS
Dr Ian Sutton, Neurologist, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Sydney
Hannah Shiel, Special Counsel, Barry Nilsson

Complex and chronic illness rarely fits neatly within one part of the healthcare system. Care is delivered over time, across multiple providers, and often at vulnerable points in a patient's journey. As medical research drives earlier diagnosis, new therapies and more specialised models of care, pressure is increasing on how care is accessed, coordinated and delivered. At the same time, an ageing population, rising rates of chronic disease and evolving patient expectations are creating new challenges for healthcare providers and the systems that support them.

Building on the lived experience shared in Michael’s opening keynote, our panel brings together leading voices from specialist medicine, primary care, specialist medicine and healthcare law to explore what navigating complex care looks like in practice. The discussion will consider common challenges across the system, including gaps in access to treatment, communication breakdowns, delayed or missed diagnoses, and the practical realities of coordinating care across multiple providers. It will also explore how patients move between primary, acute and specialist settings, and the challenges that arise when care becomes fragmented.

Reflecting the realities of modern healthcare, the panel will examine where current systems are working, where pressure points are emerging, and what it takes to balance innovation, affordability and accountability while improving access, coordination and continuity of care.

Meet our speakers

Michael Klim OAM

Michael Klim is one of Australia’s most recognised athletes, having competed at the highest level of international swimming for more than a decade.

A four-time Olympian, he built his career on discipline, routine and performance. He won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, including gold as part of Australia’s 4x100m freestyle relay at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He also set world records during his career.

Things look very different for Michael now.

In recent years, he has been living with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system. His experience navigating a complex path to diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care has given him a deep understanding of what people can face when something serious affects their health.

Alongside managing these changes in his own life, Michael has stepped into a much bigger role in the health space. He is a founder of the Klim Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness of CIDP in Australia and supporting others living with the condition. He continues to advocate for earlier diagnosis, better coordination of care and a system that works more effectively for patients.

Michael brings a candid and deeply personal perspective on what happens when the system does not always work as it should, and why getting it right matters.
Dr Dileni Fernando

Dr Dileni Fernando is a General Practitioner and Medical Advisor at MIPS, bringing a unique perspective that combines frontline clinical practice with expertise in medico-legal risk, patient safety and professional standards. Through her work, she supports doctors in navigating the complex clinical, regulatory and professional challenges that arise in healthcare delivery.

Dr Fernando has extensive experience caring for patients with complex and chronic conditions and understands the challenges associated with diagnosis, access to treatment, coordination of care and long-term disease management. Her work as a Medical Advisor provides further insight into the broader legal and professional considerations that influence healthcare decision-making and patient outcomes.

Drawing on her experience across both clinical practice and medical indemnity, Dr Fernando offers valuable insights into the intersection of healthcare delivery, risk management and patient-centred care. She will explore how clinicians can navigate increasingly complex healthcare environments while delivering coordinated, high-quality care that supports better outcomes for patients.
Dr Ian Sutton

Dr Ian Sutton is a neurologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of complex neurological conditions. Through his clinical practice, he works closely with patients, families and multidisciplinary care teams to navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment planning and long-term care for individuals living with chronic and progressive neurological diseases.

Dr Sutton has a particular interest in the delivery of patient-centred care and the practical realities of managing complex conditions across the healthcare system. His work provides a valuable perspective on the intersection of clinical decision-making, access to treatment, care coordination and the evolving healthcare landscape.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a treating clinician, he brings insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with managing complex and chronic conditions. He will explore how healthcare providers, patients and support networks can work together to improve outcomes, while navigating the clinical, funding and regulatory considerations that increasingly shape the delivery of care.
Hannah Shiel, Barry Nilsson

Hannah Shiel is a Special Counsel in Barry Nilsson's Sydney Insurance & Health team, specialising in health law and professional indemnity. Her extensive background includes defending professional negligence claims against medical practitioners and allied health practitioners in the District and Supreme Court, as well as assisting practitioners in coronial inquests. Hannah acts for a range of medical professionals, health professionals and facilities, and has developed a strong background in assisting medical practitioners and other health professionals across the regulatory framework.

With three years in-house at a medical indemnity insurer, Hannah brings a pragmatic approach to regulatory challenges, supporting clients effectively through matters with AHPRA, the Medical Council of New South Wales and the HCCC.
Natalie Aprea, Barry Nilsson

Natalie Aprea is a Principal in Barry Nilsson's Sydney Insurance & Health team, specialising in healthcare, life sciences and medical negligence. She has extensive experience representing medical practitioners, allied health professionals, and private health facilities in complex litigation, coronial inquests, and disciplinary investigations involving the HCCC, AHPRA, the Medical Council of New South Wales and the Dental Council of New South Wales. Her expertise also spans telehealth and product liability claims, including large scale medical device class actions. She regularly provides strategic legal and risk management advice to major health institutions on compliance, reporting obligations, and broader insurance matters. With over 16 years in the medical defence industry, Natalie has a deep understanding of the New South Wales healthcare legal landscape.

Attend with Purpose

Supporting CIDP Awareness

This year, we’re proud to support the Klim Foundation and the important work they are doing to raise awareness of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) in Australia. For every guest in attendance, BN will donate $20 to help support their advocacy, education and awareness initiatives.

CIDP is a rare neurological condition that can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. By attending, you’re not only joining valuable conversations but also helping to increase awareness and support those navigating life with this condition.

BN Health Forum Sydney: Navigating Health - Innovation, Access and the Patient Journey

Program

Session 1: From Podium to Patient: Living Through Diagnosis and Ongoing Care

Session 2: Complex and Chronic Care: Meeting Demand in a Changing System

Meet our speakers

Michael Klim OAM

Dr Dileni Fernando

Dr Ian Sutton

Hannah Shiel, Barry Nilsson

Natalie Aprea, Barry Nilsson

Attend with Purpose

Supporting CIDP Awareness

BN is committed to creating positive community impact through volunteering, fundraising and meaningful partnerships.

Our support of the Klim Foundation helps support their advocacy, education and awareness initiatives.