#WeAreNorthern

Meet Wendy Nicol, Operations Manager, Support Services.

Q: Let’s start with your coffee order?

I only drink Green tea, although I will occasionally have a hot chocolate.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health – where you started and how you ended in your role today.

I joined Northern Health almost seven years ago, bringing with me a background in hospitality, human resources and facilities management. When COVID-19 hit, I was looking for a meaningful career change and was drawn to healthcare, which led me to Northern Health. Working in Support Services has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I’m proud to be part of a team that plays a vital role in keeping our facilities running smoothly and supporting patient care every day. I feel fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive group of people who make every day engaging and inspiring.

Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing instead?

I originally aspired to be a secondary school teacher, but with a surplus of teachers in Victoria at the time, I chose to pursue a business degree instead. That decision has shaped my career and provided many valuable opportunities, so I have never regretted my choice, although to this day, I think I would have loved being a teacher!

 Q: How would you describe Northern Health in one sentence?

I truly enjoy working at Northern Health, where every day brings meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to collaborate with a wonderful, supportive team.

 Q: Favourite travel destination, and why?

I’ve been fortunate to travel widely, thanks to my dad’s career in the airline industry, which gave us countless opportunities to explore amazing places when I was younger. Of all the destinations I’ve visited, my family and I always find ourselves drawn back to the USA. Whenever we’re there, we make it a point to visit Walt Disney World in Florida – a cherished tradition that reminds us that, no matter your age, it truly is the most magical and happiest place on Earth!

 Q: What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, which gives me a 69 per cent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 17 per cent risk of ovarian cancer. I inherited this gene from my dad, whose family has a significant history of cancer. I have faced breast cancer twice and am grateful to have overcome it on both occasions. These experiences have made me a passionate advocate for genetic screening in families with a history of cancer. Knowing my BRCA2 status allowed me to detect my first cancer at an early stage through routine MRI screening. I work closely with Inherited Cancers Australia, who do incredible work supporting and advocating for families like mine.

Northern Health has become one of only six sites across Australia and New Zealand to introduce Trans-Carotid Arterial Revascularisation (TCAR), an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to help prevent debilitating strokes.

TCAR is an advanced surgical technique used to treat patients with atherosclerotic disease affecting the carotid artery, a major blood vessel supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain. The procedure involves a small incision to access the carotid artery, placement of a stent to open the narrowed segment, and the temporary reversal of blood flow during the procedure to significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

By combining limited surgical exposure with advanced neuroprotection, TCAR offers a safer and highly effective treatment option for appropriately selected patients at risk of stroke.

Northern Health’s selection as a launch site reflects its strong, collaborative approach to patient care and the leadership of its Vascular and Stroke services in delivering cutting-edge treatments and technologies.

Northern Health Vascular surgeons, Dr David Goh and Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, were among the first in Australia to perform the procedure on patients with carotid artery disease last month, supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.

“Today is a milestone for us because we’ve performed the first trans-carotid arterial revascularisation in Victoria, and likely in Australia,” said Dr Rangarajan.

“Raj and I have been closely involved in the case planning, training and patient selection, and we’re really excited to offer this new technology to our patients,” said Dr Goh, Head of Vascular Surgery Unit, Northern Health.

The introduction of TCAR at Northern Health has also been supported by international expertise. Dr Gregg Landis, Chief of Vascular Surgery at North Shore University Hospital in the United States, described the procedure as “state-of-the-art treatment for carotid disease.”

“It’s something we’ve been doing for several years in the United States, and now Australia is bringing this technology to patients and the broader community, delivering what is likely the most advanced form of carotid artery treatment,” he said.

For patients like Maureen, the impact of this innovation has been life-changing. After experiencing a stroke, she was brought to Northern Hospital, where clinicians identified significant plaque in her carotid artery. She underwent TCAR as part of her treatment and is now recovering well.

Similarly, Sandy Hogan, who travelled from regional Victoria (approximately two hours from Northern Hospital), underwent the procedure and has already noticed positive improvements in her recovery. Just one week after surgery, she reports feeling clearer in her thinking and experiencing easier breathing.

Both Maureen and Sandy expressed deep gratitude to the surgeons and the entire Northern Health team for their care and support throughout her journey.

This milestone reinforces Northern Health’s commitment to providing world-class care and improving outcomes for patients across the region, ensuring access to the latest innovations in vascular treatment closer to home.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan and Dr David Goh.

The recent Mental Health Nursing Programs Graduation Ceremony was a truly distinguished occasion, marked by a profound sense of achievement, professionalism, and shared purpose.

The ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity to formally recognise the dedication, resilience, and academic commitment demonstrated by all graduates throughout their training.

There were Mental Health Nurses graduating from a wide range of disciplines, including Enrolled Nurse Transition, Registered Nurse Transition and the Post Graduate Nurse programs.

This milestone represents far more than the completion of programs. It reflects the development of highly skilled and compassionate Mental Health Nurses who are now equipped to make a significant contribution to the field of mental health care.

Each graduate has undertaken a rigorous journey – balancing theoretical knowledge, clinical practice, and personal growth—to reach this important stage in their professional careers.

“To all graduates, congratulations on this significant achievement. Your hard work, compassion, and professionalism are commendable. As you step forward into your roles within the mental health sector, you carry with you the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a meaningful and lasting impact in consumers’ lives,” said Liz Ndoro, Mental Health and Post-Grad Nursing Program Coordinator.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Gary Ennis, Director of Mental Health Nursing, for his leadership and ongoing commitment to mental health education and training. We would also like to thank Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer, for attending the ceremony.”

“We look forward to witnessing your continued contributions to the advancement of mental health care and the wellbeing of those you serve.”

Northern Health has celebrated the successful completion of Timely Emergency Care 2 (TEC2) – Excellence in Flow, a program that has delivered sustained improvements for patients while strengthening how teams work together across the health service.

TEC2 brought together a series of connected change initiatives with a shared focus on delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time – with a strong emphasis on supporting people, particularly older patients, to remain safely at home wherever possible.

Over the life of the program, Northern Health implemented and expanded innovative models of care, including the Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) model, Ready Steady Home, enhanced care coordination and Progression of Care initiatives. Together, these changes supported improved patient flow across the system, from the emergency department through to inpatient care.

A key area of impact was the Progression of Care work, which helped reduce acute length of stay across inpatient services, including the medicine and cancer wards. By strengthening multidisciplinary coordination and focusing on timely decision making and discharge planning, teams were able to support patients to move through their care journey more efficiently and return home sooner.

The success of TEC2 was formally recognised through a Certificate of Recognition and Achievement, acknowledging Northern Health’s outstanding improvement in emergency and inpatient outcomes as part of the Timely Emergency Care 2 – Excellence in Flow pathway.

TEC2 Project Lead, Laura Hughes, said the program’s success came from deliberately connecting individual initiatives into a single, shared purpose.

“TEC2 was never about one initiative working in isolation. Its impact came from connecting multiple changes together – GEDI, Ready Steady Home and Progression of Care – towards a common goal. By working as one system, we were able to improve flow, reduce length of stay and, most importantly, deliver better outcomes for our patients.”

The program also reinforced the importance of collaboration, both within Northern Health and with partner service, and strengthened a culture grounded in Northern Health’s values of Safe. Kind. Together.

While TEC2 has formally concluded, its legacy continues. The models, partnerships and learnings established through the program will inform future improvement work and support Northern Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, timely and patient centred care.

TEC2 Excellence Awards
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the TEC2 Excellence Awards, recognising teams and staff who demonstrated leadership, collaboration and commitment to improving safe and timely care.

The awards presented were:

Home First Champion: Outstanding commitment to keeping older people safe, well and supported in their own home wherever possible.
GEDI Clinicians: Edwina Holbeach, Caroline Stolarek, Luke Ho and Hao Zhuo

Days Matter: Impactful work to reduce unnecessary length of stay and ensure every hospital day adds value to patient care.
NUMS Medicine and Cancer: Renee O’Rourke, Rani Glendinning, Judy Sonneveld, Rhiannon Cooper, Nadine Stowell, Erin Edwards.

One System, One Team: Exceptional collaboration across community, emergency and inpatient teams.
ED Physician: Tam Reynolds

Right Care, Right Place: Excellence in delivering care in the most appropriate setting and improving patient flow.
Ready Steady Home Team (now the new Older Persons Care Hub): Sue Hull, Nicky Tully, Rachael Walsh, Jess Viergever

Click here to watch a Department of Health video on TEC2.

On Tuesday afternoon, Lydia and her two children, Angelo and Isabella, visited the Northern Health Paediatric Ward with arms full of Easter gifts and hearts full of kindness.

In the lead-up to Easter, Lydia had spoken to her children about what this time of year truly means — not just chocolate eggs and celebrations, but compassion, generosity and caring for others. Together, they carefully chose a small collection of gifts, each one selected with the hope of bringing a smile to a child who may have been spending the holiday in hospital.

As a local resident, Lydia said the visit was something very close to her heart.

“I’m a local, I live in Mickleham, and I just wanted to give back to my community. I also hoped we might see some familiar faces and know that, in some small way, we’ve made a difference,” she said.

What made the visit even more special was the reason behind it. Lydia wanted her children to learn, from a young age, the importance of helping others and showing kindness to people who might be going through a difficult time.

“I think the real Easter message can sometimes get lost,” she said. “I wanted to teach my two kids about the gift of giving – giving without expecting anything in return. I’m hoping that, as they grow up, they’ll carry these traditions with them into their own lives, and maybe one day pass them on to their own children too.”

Their visit followed another beautiful act of generosity just the day before. On Monday, the Epping Football and Netball Club returned for their annual Easter visit, now in its seventh consecutive year, bringing with them a wonderful collection of sweet treats and chocolate eggs.

Their kindness didn’t just brighten the day for the littlest patients in the hospital, but also for staff, patients and visitors across the Emergency Department, Outpatients and other wards. Smiles spread quickly as the team made their way through the hospital, turning an ordinary Monday into something a little warmer, a little kinder and a lot sweeter.

At Northern Health, we see every day how our community comes together to support one another, and these visits were a beautiful reminder of that spirit, warm, genuine and full of heart.

Lydia also shared a heartfelt message for the children and families spending Easter in hospital, wishing them comfort, strength and a speedy recovery.

“Wishing everyone a very happy Easter and a quick recovery. I really hope everyone gets well soon, makes it home safely, and that these little gifts bring a smile to someone’s face,” she said.

Northern Health Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, Pina Di Donato, said the generosity shown by Lydia, her children and the Epping Football and Netball Club reflects the incredible spirit of the local community.

“Northern Health is privileged to be at the heart of such a wonderful community. Their generosity warms our hearts and brings a smile to everyone’s face — from our staff to our patients. Seeing the value of kindness being instilled in these young children is truly uplifting,” she said.

Pictured in featured image: Lydia and her two children with a little patient and her father at the Paediatric Ward, Northern Hospital Epping. 

The Research Development and Governance Unit (RDGU) hosts monthly events focused on relevant research topics, designed to support and engage staff across the organisation.

At the recent Research Grand Round, Research at Northern Health: Navigating Pathways and Accessing Support, staff from across Northern Health came together for a practical and engaging session. The event aimed to demystify the research process, providing clear guidance on how to get started, navigate research pathways, and access the support available within the organisation.

The session opened with an introduction to conducting research at Northern Health, highlighting why research matters and the critical role it plays in improving patient care and outcomes. Attendees were guided through the researcher journey from idea generation through to project delivery, alongside an overview of research ethics and governance, and the different pathways available depending on project type. The RDGU team also provided insights into how research is governed locally, including the roles of the Research Executive Committee (REC) and Research Advisory Group (RAG).

A key highlight of the session was the launch of the Northern Health-specific Ethical Review Manager (ERM) Completion Guide, created by the RDGU team to support researchers in navigating governance requirements more effectively.

The session also showcased how the RDGU team supports researchers at every stage, whether starting with an initial idea, requiring governance authorisation, needing statistical input, or accessing resources. The Research Hub was also introduced, highlighting a central access point for tools, guidance, and support across the research journey.

As A/Prof Justine Ellis, Research Operations Manager, reflected, “Research is so important for continuous improvement to clinical care. RDGU strives to do all it can to support the research lifecycle for our researchers so that new knowledge can reach the clinic sooner.”

Overall, the session reinforced Northern Health’s commitment to building research capability and supporting staff to become confident, well-informed researchers.

To watch the full recording, click here.
To connect with the Research Team, contact NH.Research@nh.org.au

Featured Image: The Research Team
L to R (back row): Flona Yousif, Hala Mehdi, Brittany Szabo, A/Prof Justine Ellis, Dr Tilini Gunatillake, Dr Catherine Offer.
L to R (front row): Preethi Holman, Belinda De Poi, Arwen Ngyuen, Dr Mani Suleiman.

Northern Health is at the forefront of clinical innovation, becoming a key site in a global first-in-human trial investigating a novel absorbable stent designed to transform the treatment of peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

Led by the Vascular Surgery team, Northern Health is participating in a global trial of a new device, which aims to improve outcomes for patients living with PVD, a condition where blocked arteries in the legs can lead to pain, ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.

“There are millions of people in the world living with one or no legs because of vascular disease,” said Dr Lew Schwartz, vascular surgeon at Lutheran General Hospital, Illinois and Chief Medical Officer at Efemoral Medical, the company behind the device.

While current treatments can open arteries, they are often not durable, with many patients requiring repeat procedures. This new, purpose-built stent is designed specifically for the arteries of the thigh and offers a different approach.

“This is the first trial of an absorbable stent for this part of the body,” Dr Schwartz said.

“Unlike traditional metal stents, this device supports the artery and then dissolves over time. The goal is to treat the vessel effectively without leaving anything permanent behind.”

Northern Health was selected as a trial site based on its strong clinical expertise and research capability.

“As an international sponsor, we can choose sites anywhere in the world, and here we are in Epping,” Dr Schwartz said.

The trial is led locally by Dr Shrikkanth (Raj) Rangarajan, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health, alongside Dr Vikram Iyer and Dr David Goh, supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

“For us, this reflects who we are,” Dr Rangarajan said.

“Northern Health has a strong research track record, and this trial demonstrates our ability to contribute to world-leading innovation.”

“Today, we performed the 50th case globally. That is a significant milestone and a testament to the entire team.”

At its core, the trial is focused on improving long-term patient outcomes.

“It is not just about opening an artery,” Dr Rangarajan said.

“Patients want treatments that last. This is about achieving durable results and reducing the need for repeat procedures.”

This marks Northern Health’s third first-in-human vascular trial, highlighting its continued investment in research, governance and innovation.

“It is actually an honour to be chosen to run a first-in-human trial,” Dr Schwartz said.

As the trial progresses, its potential impact is significant, both locally and globally.

“If successful, this could change the way we treat vascular disease,” Dr Rangarajan said.

“The goal is simple. Treatments that are effective, durable, and reduce the need for further intervention.”

For Northern Health, it represents another step forward in delivering world-class care to the community, ensuring patients in Melbourne’s north have access to the latest advancements in medical treatment.

And for patients, it offers something equally important: a future with better outcomes, fewer procedures, and renewed confidence in their care.

Vascular Surgery Team

Featured Image: Dr Shrikkanth (Raj) Rangarajan and Dr Lew Schwartz

Mernda Community Hospital has a powerful new artwork by local Yorta Yorta artist Kahli Luttrell, unveiled at a smoking ceremony on Friday 20 March. The ceremony was conducted by Thane Garvey, with leaves and herbs gifted by Aboriginal community representative, Luke Edwards.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Aboriginal Support Unit, Northern Health staff, the Chief Executive and Executive team, and local representatives including Lauren Kathage MP, Member for Yan Yean.

Karen Bryant, Manager, Narrun Wilip-giin, Aboriginal Support Unit said, “It was a beautiful display of Aboriginal culture.”

Mernda has a proud history as a community grounded in strong foundations and connection to land. As the northern community continues to grow, Mernda Community Hospital will play a vital role in providing essential, everyday health services close to home.

This connection to land, history and community is beautifully expressed in Kahli Luttrell’s artwork, which was unveiled as part of the ceremony. The artwork was commissioned by Lendlease, the builders of the hospital, and gifted to Northern Health. Lendlease was represented on the day by Brad Collman.

Kahli’s artwork embodies a deeply welcoming spirit, offering warmth and invitation to everyone who enters the hospital. It speaks to shared and personal health journeys, celebrating the strength found in community support, care and meaningful human connection.

“The painting represents the land, waterways and Country that hold our stories, as well as the Country we stand on today,” Kahli said. “The vivid colours reflect the richness of Country and the beauty woven through everyday moments.”

The artwork invites patients, families and community members into a space of belonging—one that honours both individual experiences and the collective journey toward health and healing.

Kahli Luttrell has a long‑standing association with Northern Health, with her work featured across multiple sites. Her artwork can be seen at the Northern Hospital Epping, including the Oncology and Medical Day Unit, the Stowe Family Garden, and the Smoking Ceremony Garden, as well as at the new Craigieburn Hospital. The unveiling at Mernda Community Hospital continues this important relationship and strengthens the organisation’s commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal culture across its sites.

The artwork now stands as a lasting reminder that Mernda Community Hospital is not only a place of care, but a place grounded in respect for Country, culture and community—where everyone is welcome.

 

Picture shows Brad Collman from Lendlease with Kahli Luttrell.