As we approach Research Week, say hello to Preethi Holman, Administration Officer, Research Development and Governance Unit at Northern Health.
Q. Firstly, what’s your coffee order? Skinny strong latte or dirty chai depends on the day. Always iced.
Q. Tell us about your Northern Health journey. My journey with Northern Health began in 2024 in the Outpatients Department, moving into Research Development and Governance Unit this year. Starting on the frontline with patients taught me a lot about healthcare delivery, and now being part of the research team has opened new opportunities for growth. I’ve developed and refined my skills from admin and communications to event coordination, and I’ve really appreciated the chance to explore different areas and contribute in meaningful ways in healthcare.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your work? I enjoy helping people, staying organised, coming up with solutions, and thinking outside the box, no two days are the same. I love that my role allows me to wear many hats, whether it’s generating ideas that make a small difference or finding ways to work more efficiently. Most importantly, being part of a supportive team really makes all the difference.
Q. Why is research week so important? This is my first year being part of Research Week, and working behind the scenes has been a valuable experience. What makes it so important is the strong sense of community and collaboration, as people from different divisions come together to share their discoveries. Research Week is a fantastic opportunity to promote and showcase the amazing work being done every day by our researchers. It represents a proud moment, a time to highlight achievements, inspire others, and celebrate progress. It sets the stage for what’s next, helping to drive research forward.
Q. What do you like to do to relax or unwind from work? Exploring new eats around Melbourne with mates, watching Korean shows, or walking my dog.
Q. What is one place you would like to travel to and why? I would love to visit Iceland. Northern Lights, waterfalls…need I say more? So magical!
Northern Health Research Week returns this year from 20-24 October 2025, showcasing the breadth and depth of research activity across our organisation, and highlighting the significant contributions of staff and university partners – La Trobe University, RMIT University, and The University of Melbourne. The theme for this year is ‘Healthcare 2050’ as we envisage the future and the important role that Northern Health research will play in advancing clinical care for the people of Melbourne’s North and beyond.
2025 has been another year of strong growth and transformation for research at Northern Health, marked by an impressive 21 per cent increase in abstract submissions for Research Week 2025, compared to 2024.
Highlights of the year include the launch of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Research Partnership with La Trobe University in March 2025. The partnership will establish a collaborative research hub dedicated to enhancing health equity and diversity research, specifically addressing the needs of one of Victoria’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions. The collaboration will also provide new career development opportunities for staff and students from both La Trobe University and Northern Health, helping to cultivate a stronger and more skilled workforce for the future.
There has also been remarkable progress of the Clinical Translational Research Partnership with RMIT University, established in May 2024. Already the partnership has delivered impressive outcomes including significant external funding and has seen the appointment of a joint Professor of Translational Research, appointment of a joint postdoctoral fellow and research assistant, and commencement of the first of several PhD candidates.
Research Week 2025 will celebrate these achievements and more, bringing together national leaders and our own expert researchers to share knowledge, spark ideas, and inspire future discoveries.
Highlights for Research Week:
An opening session featuring our Chief Executive, Ms Debra Bourne, who will spotlight research at Northern Health.
Keynote addresses delivered by internationally recognised researchers such as:
Professor Vassilis Kostakos (University of Melbourne) – A human-centred approach to digital health
Professor James Boyd (Latrobe University) – Health Research in the Digital Age
Distinguished Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos AM (RMIT University) – Bench to Bedside: Translating Cancer Vaccine Research into the Clinic.
Associate Professor Sam Forster (Hudson Institute of Medical Research) – Making Microbiome-Based Medicines a Reality.
Showcasing Northern Health researchers through oral presentations of the top-ranked abstract submissions, and a series of poster sessions throughout the week in the Northern Hospital Epping foyer.
The week will conclude with a celebration of research excellence, including presentations from recent recipients of competitive grants, a lively Great Debate on the topic “Robots will replace clinicians by 2050” and an awards ceremony for best poster, people’s choice poster, and best abstract oral presentations including the 2025 Peter Brooks Research Award.
Research Week 2025 promises to be an inspiring and insightful event, offering opportunities for researchers at all stages of their career to connect, share, and celebrate the remarkable work being undertaken at Northern Health.
We look forward to your participation as we showcase the impact of research in shaping better care for our community and more broadly outcomes in healthcare.
A big thank you to the research office, in particular Britt Szabo and Pree Holman, for all their work in pulling another wonderful week together.
Yesterday, our Allied Health team celebrated the outstanding contributions of their staff at the Allied Health Excellence Awards.
The awards were presented to staff across clinical care, education, leadership, innovation, and quality improvement. The ceremony was also an opportunity to celebrate the contributions allied health staff make in the profession.
Northern Health is proud to have 600 allied health staff, plus 240 staff under the mental health division, providing allied health care to the community.
Yesterday also marked Allied Health Professions Day – a social movement to recognise all allied health professionals and the role the play in patient care. The theme for this year’s Allied Health Professions Day is ‘Strong Together’, which highlights the benefits of multidisciplinary team-based care.
The award ceremony was attended by Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, A/Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, Mary De Gori, Allied Health Director, Brit Gordon, Executive Director of the North Metro and Mitchell Network, Jen Williams, Allied Health Director, Division of Mental Health, as well as many allied health staff.
The awards ceremony was proudly sponsored by Northern Health Foundation. There were 10 award categories, presented to the following staff and teams:
Outstanding Allied Health Clinician – Mental Health: Joby Philip
Outstanding Allied Health Clinician – Physical Health: Dr Laura Prendergast
Allied Health Student Education Award: Julie Layer
Allied Health Workforce Education Award: Anastasia Pourliakas
Excellence in Research Award: Hannah Silva and Monika Sekulov
Excellence in Quality Award: Christina Lambros
Leadership Award: Anna Connolly
Early Career Award: Anna McArthur-Dowty
Innovation Award: Cara Ervin-Ward, Anna McArthur-Dowty, Ben Callaghan, and Georgia Rice
Northern Health Vales (Safe Kind Together) Team Award: The Progressive Neurological Disorders Clinic Team
“Allied Health staff are highly trained and skilled practitioners. Their impact through assessment, diagnoses and treatment is invaluable in patient care, and an integral part of clinical services at Northern Health,” said A/Prof Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer.
“The Allied Health Excellence Awards provide us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of allied health, right across Northern Health. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners,” said Mary De Gori, Allied Health Director.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Thank you to the entire Allied Health Department for the work you do.
Podiatry Week 2025 invites us to reflect on our feet’s remarkable journey through life — from a baby’s first steps and the balance they learn, to the miles we walk through work, sport and everyday living. It’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate the incredible work our feet do for us every day.
To shine a light on the vital role of podiatry and orthotics, we spoke with members of the Northern Health Podiatry and Orthotics team. They shared insights into their areas of expertise and what they find most rewarding about helping clients stay mobile and pain-free.
Tim Butters, Podiatrist, Foot Procedure Unit, Craigieburn Centre– Treating ingrown toenails
Podiatrists play a crucial role in managing ingrown toenails, using surgery only as a last resort. Through specialist care, podiatrists can often resolve the problem in its early stages by trimming nails to prevent them from growing into the skin, removing problematic edges, and educating clients about causes — from self-treatment issues to footwear choices and nail shape.
When needed, podiatrists perform nail surgery under local anaesthetic, including procedures to remove part (PNA-Partial Nail Avulsion) or all (TNA- Total Nail Avulsion) of the affected nail.
Tim performing local anaesthetic injection
“It’s very satisfying to help clients with painful ingrown nails that stop them from working, exercising or enjoying daily life. Seeing someone come in unable to walk comfortably and return a few weeks later, pain-free and back to their normal activities, is incredibly rewarding,” said Tim.
Robert Beavan, Podiatrist, Foot Procedure Unit, Northern Hospital Epping – Wound Care in Podiatry
“I enjoy working in wound care because it’s both challenging and rewarding. Many patients come in feeling anxious — our role is to provide clear information, collaborate on a management plan, and help them heal.”
“Podiatrists bring a wide range of skills to wound care, including debridement, vascular assessment, casting, and minor surgery. Increasingly, podiatrists are also endorsed to prescribe medications.”
“Being able to deliver such valuable care for foot wounds makes for a deeply fulfilling career.”
Podiatrists play a vital role in conducting non-invasive vascular assessments to evaluate blood flow in the lower limbs. These assessments — including pulse checks, Doppler ultrasounds, toe pressures, and ABI or TBI measurements — help identify peripheral vascular disease and other circulation issues, guiding treatment and referrals.
They’re especially important for individuals with diabetes, smokers, or those with wounds, numbness, or leg pain. Early detection allows podiatrists to implement preventive measures and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Vascular assessments include:
Visual inspection: Observing skin colour, temperature and condition.
Pulse checks: Assessing strength and regularity.
Doppler: Measuring blood flow using waveforms.
Toe pressures: Detecting narrowing or blockages.
ABI/TBI: Comparing blood pressure between the arms and ankles to assess arterial health.
“We work closely with vascular surgeons, and when peripheral arterial disease is detected, clients are referred for surgical evaluation. Once blood flow improves, patients often experience reduced pain, faster wound healing, and greater mobility,” said Bianca.
Bianca performing a vascular doppler assessment
Kyle Martin-Alcaide, Orthotist, Northern Hospital Epping – Orthotics and Wound Care
Orthotics play an essential role in both preventing and healing foot wounds by redistributing weight and offloading pressure from vulnerable areas. Reducing excessive pressure improves blood flow, supports tissue repair, and accelerates healing.
“Helping with wound care is deeply gratifying because the impact is immediate and visible. Supporting patients through recovery helps restore their independence, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. For many, it means returning to work or simply enjoying time with their families again — and that’s incredibly fulfilling,” said Kyle.
Tim Butters – Working in the Paediatric Clinic
“Working in the children’s clinic is always fun — no two days are ever the same. I enjoy adapting assessments from observation to hands-on movement testing, depending on each child’s needs.”
“It’s incredibly gratifying to help children overcome foot pain so they can get back to playing sport or running around without discomfort. Sometimes, it’s simply about reassuring parents that their child’s leg alignment will improve naturally with growth and development. Watching that progress over time is always rewarding,” he said.
This Podiatry Week, let’s celebrate our Northern Health Podiatry and Orthotics team for keeping our community steady on their feet — from first steps to next steps.
Every year on 13 October, health professionals and communities across the world unite for World Thrombosis Day, a global initiative founded by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) to raise awareness of one of the world’s most serious yet often silent conditions, blood clots.
Thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, is responsible for one in four deaths. Each year, around 10 million people experience hospital-associated clots, with 60 per cent of venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) occurring during or soon after hospitalisation. These events remain a leading cause of preventable in-hospital death, but with the right systems, awareness and clinical practices, they can be prevented.
At Northern Health, the Pharmacy and Medical teams have been working to improve patient safety and outcomes in VTE prevention and anticoagulation management.
“We’re incredibly proud of the progress Northern Health has made in thrombosis prevention and anticoagulation safety,” said Simon Huynh, Senior Pharmacist – Anticoagulation Stewardship, Pharmacy. “It’s been a journey built on collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to protecting our patients.”
Key highlights from Northern Health’s Anticoagulation Service include:
• Establishment of a VTE & Anticoagulation Committee providing clinical governance and leadership. • Implementation of an Anticoagulation Stewardship Program to optimise prescribing and safety. • Introduction of the VTE Risk Assessment Monitor, improving assessment completion from 30% (Oct 2023) to 76% (Sept 2025). • Launch of a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) and updated clinical guidelines. • Becoming the first Victorian hospital to perform large-bore mechanical thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism (May 2024). • Establishment of Victoria’s first Virtual Thrombosis Clinic. • Recognition as Australia’s first Anticoagulation Centre of Excellence.
“Preventing venous thromboembolism is an important part of patient safety. Everyone in the hospital plays a role through early review, timely intervention, and listening to our patients,” Simon says.
“Each achievement reflects the teamwork and dedication of our multidisciplinary teams. Every improvement helps us deliver safer, faster, and more effective care for our patients.”
This World Thrombosis Day, Northern Health celebrates the dedication of its staff and reaffirms its commitment to reducing preventable harm from blood clots across every stage of care.
Today, in recognition of both Mental Health Month and Mental Health Day, we’re delighted to introduce Emily Miranda, our new Adult Community Group Program Coordinator within the Mental Health Division.
The group program is being introduced as part of the new Adult Community model of care and will offer consumers and carers a range of group-based sessions to complement the care provided by the treating mental health teams. Emily brings valuable experience from her previous roles as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Team Leader and Group Coordinator.
What is your coffee order?
I love a good chai latte.
What will your role as Adult Community Group Program Coordinator entail?
This role is an exciting opportunity to build a group program that provides recovery-oriented group interventions which complement the work that is already being done individually, drawing on the expertise of all disciplines.
What excites you about this opportunity? After spending the last two years establishing a successful group program in Monash Health’s adult community mental health services, I’m looking forward to leading the development of a service-wide program at Northern Health and to work together on this exciting new aspect of the service.
Why is the group program important for your consumers?
There is something fundamentally powerful about feeling part of a group; a sense of acceptance, emotional safety, support and validation that are the remedy to loneliness and a sense of isolation. Group work allows us an opportunity to connect people, and I don’t just mean socially.
In therapeutic groups, participants share their experiences, learn from each other, gain a sense of hope from hearing from others who’ve been where they’ve been, and also a sense of pride and accomplishment when they are the person providing that example for others.
How do you unwind after work?
I like to unwind by making plans to meet friends, singing loudly in my car and trying out new recipes for dinner.
Where is one place you would like to travel to and why?
I would love to go back to Spain. Between the tapas, siestas and salsa dancing I can’t think of anywhere better!
What is something not many people know about you?
I am obsessed with coriander; I’m convinced it makes everything better. I like to use the entire bunch in a dish, regardless of what the recipe says!
Last week, Northern Health’s Addiction Psychiatry and Toxicology (APT) team hosted the first-ever Acute Withdrawal Symposium. The event aimed to spark conversation around integrated care, increase awareness of substance dependence and related conditions, and explore the future of substance use services and treatment.
The symposium was opened by Executive Director for Mental Health, Ms Belinda Scott, who said, “At Northern Health, we believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone who needs it, with no wrong door for consumers seeking support. Separation of services creates barriers, and true person-centred care means meeting people where they are, with the support they need, when they need it.”
The event featured a keynote address from Dr Zeff Koutsogiannis, Clinical Toxicologist and Emergency Physician, who delivered a simple yet powerful message: “People who use drugs are people.” He highlighted that empathy and non-judgemental care contribute to better outcomes for consumers, reflecting Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind, Together.
Victoria’s Chief Addiction Medicine Officer, Dr Paul McCartney, shared insights into the future of addiction medicine services in Victoria. The symposium included several talks on different acute withdrawal conditions and concluded with a compelling consumer story from Trent, who shared his recovery journey with the APT team.
Reflecting on the symposium, A/Prof Joe Rotella, Clinical Director of APT, said, “The goal was not only to raise awareness and knowledge around substance dependence but to remind us that all consumers come to the hospital for a service, not a judgement. Terms like ‘IVDU’, ‘junkie’, or ‘addict’ have no place in a hospital or wider society. Keeping people central to our care ensures it isn’t hampered by stigma or bias.”
Ms Scott added, “We need more research, more innovation, and more collaboration to continue improving the care we provide. Gatherings like last week’s symposium are vital, they allow us to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and commit to doing better.”
Joby Philip, APT Program Manager, who helped shape the symposium, said, “The success of this event is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our presenters and the entire team. Together, we’ve created something special.”
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for future events. Encouraged by this response, the APT team is excited to announce that plans for the second Acute Withdrawal Symposium in 2026 are already underway, promising even more opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.
Today, on International Emergency Nurses Day, we celebrate these extraordinary professionals whose resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication form the backbone of our Emergency Departments.
Every day, our emergency teams care for hundreds of patients and families who turn to us in moments of crisis. With over 330 presentations daily and a team of approximately 240 nursing staff across our campuses, our emergency nurses work tirelessly to provide safe, timely, and compassionate care to everyone who walks through our doors.
Daniel Crompton, Emergency Department Director at Northern Health, expressed his gratitude to the team for the difference they make each day.
“Congratulations to all our emergency nurses this International Emergency Nurses Day. I can’t express enough how much I value everything you do. You go above and beyond every single day, and it’s a privilege to work alongside such an exceptional team. You are, without a doubt, the most awesome team I could ask for. Thank you for your incredible work.”
Working in emergency is no easy feat. It demands resilience, empathy, adaptability, and teamwork, often under intense and unpredictable circumstances. Yet, our nurses continue to rise to every challenge, showing remarkable professionalism and compassion even in the most demanding situations. Their work reflects not only clinical excellence but also the human side of healthcare – where empathy, kindness, and teamwork shine through in every interaction.
Amanda Paleologos, Nurse Unit Manager of the Emergency Department, says, “I’d like to thank all of my incredible team this Emergency Nurses Day for the work they do today and every day. It’s an incredible privilege to lead such compassionate, skilled, and committed nurses who make a difference in the lives of so many.”
At Northern Health, we are immensely proud of our emergency nurses who embody our values of Safe, Kind, and Together. Their commitment to supporting patients, families, and each other forms the foundation of our emergency care.
