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The Hon Ged Kearney MP Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, recently visited Bundoora Centre to attend an event hosted by Wounds Australia as part of Wound Awareness Week.

Ms Kearney had the privilege of meeting 91-year-old patient Shirley McKenzie, who lives with hard-to-heal wounds and receives treatment by the Chronic Wound Service at Bundoora Centre.

Also in attendance was Wound Awareness Week Ambassador Professor Fiona Wood AO, who is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, and is known for her work pioneering the innovative ‘spray-on-skin’ which reduces scarring in burn victims.

Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff also attended, along with Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health, various chronic wound service clinicians including Dr Katy Melrose, Clara Walker, Mei Zeng, Sally Graham and members from the leadership team including Hospital Without Walls Director Johanna Hayes and CTS manager Sue Hull.

Clara Walker, Wound Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), said the event helped raise awareness around the issues people living with hard-to-heal wounds face.

“One of these significant issues is the large financial cost associated with dressing products,” she said.

“The recently announced Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme will hopefully assist some patients with the cost of these dressings, and Wounds Australia’s five point plan to solve Australia’s chronic wound epidemic will address challenges affecting patients and clinicians.”

The Chronic Wound Service at Northern Health commenced more than two decades ago, with Dr Katy Melrose, Chronic Wound Geriatrician and Sue Hull, Community Therapy Services Director joining the service shortly after its inception.

Northern Health has three chronic wound sites at Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn Centre and Broadmeadows Hospital. Each site is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team including a geriatrician, wound CNC, registered nurse, podiatrist and dietician.

“Our service offers face-to-face centred based and home based reviews including Residential Aged Care Facilities. This service provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, advice and education,” Clara said.

“Clients undergo a comprehensive medical and wound assessment including diagnosis, and will be provided treatment, advice and education. A wound management plan will be prescribed and we work closely with community nursing providers and GP’s who will provide regular wound care.”

“Anyone with a hard-to-heel wound – defined as a wound that has failed to heal within four weeks – is eligible for the service.”

“We are very blessed to work with other Specialities at Northern Hospital Epping including Vascular, Residential In Reach, Dermatology, Plastics, HITH and PAC.”

Earlier this year, Cassie Bramston and the Virtual Victorian Specialist Consults (VVSC) setup a telehealth state wide Chronic Wound Service to benefit bush nursing centres and regional nursing homes.

Throughout the year, the team at Northern Health Foundation has been working hard to continue supporting our health service, its staff and the patients we care for. However, it is not without the dedication and support from our northern community that the team is able to achieve this.

Amid the challenges of ongoing healthcare pressures, Northern Hospital Epping has been at the forefront of providing critical care to residents across the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Recognising the immense effort required by healthcare workers, local groups have stepped up with gestures of kindness to uplift and appreciate the staff.

Among these efforts was CityLife Church Whittlesea, who made an especially sweet contribution. Members of the church recently baked and donated boxes of homemade cookies to the hospital’s Emergency Department, Palliative Care Unit and Women’s and Children’s Department, providing a much-appreciated morale boost to doctors, nurses, and support staff working tirelessly to care for patients.

The donation of cookies was more than just a treat, it was a token of gratitude for the dedication demonstrated by Northern Health’s frontline workers.

The support doesn’t stop there, with other local businesses and community groups also contributing to important causes, such as Lions Club Whittlesea who donated $1,650 for three IV pumps, Lions Club Reservoir for enabling the purchase of a Vesticam in the Emergency Department, Sunbury Library for countless donations of knitted goods, and Beryl Wattling from Northern Wood Turners for donating beautiful assorted wooden toys.

Equipment like the Vesticam will help our Emergency Department in facilitating clinical vestibular tests and support clinicians to efficiently access and manage dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.

Kim Berger, Community Engagement Coordinator, Northern Health Foundation, said these donations make a tremendous difference.

“It’s these kinds of gestures that really lift our spirits. The last few years have been challenging, and to know that the community is standing behind us with such kindness makes a big difference,” said Kim.

“These are just some examples of how the community is banding together, with many more coming through to support us. We’ve been so moved by the outpouring of generosity from locals. Whether it’s through donations, volunteer efforts, or simple words of encouragement, it all helps to create a positive environment for our staff and patients alike, so a big thank you to all our community groups. Your support is always very much appreciated.”

As we enter the festive season, these expressions of gratitude and kindness provide a reminder of the importance of community spirit. Whether through a simple cookie or a helping hand, the northern community continues to stand by those who work tirelessly to keep those in need safe and healthy.

Support like this from our local community is more than just a morale booster, it’s a powerful reminder that the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together in both times of need and celebration.

Thank you to all our community groups. The work of the Foundation is not possible without your support.

Featured image L-R: Ben Warwick and Sam Grimshaw, CityLife Church Whittlesea.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. This worldwide initiative begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and concludes on Human Rights Day (10 December).

The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or private life.” The World Health Organization recognises gender-based violence as a global public health and human rights priority.

Violence is often perceived as a physical act that causes physical harm. However, for women and girls worldwide, the violence they experience occurs in many forms. It can be subtle and not easily recognised, yet deeply damaging.

In Australia, one in three women experience violence, and on average one woman is killed by an intimate partner each week. Certain cohorts of women are at higher risk of experiencing violence and face additional barriers to accessing support and safety. These include:

• indigenous women
• women with a disability
• transgender women
• women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• adolescent girls and young women
• pregnant women.

Northern Health acknowledges that violence against women is a serious and prevalent health issue that can have a profound impact on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victim survivors.

Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager, says 16 Days of Activism is a time to reflect on gender inequality and social norms which tolerate and perpetuate gender-based violence.  She emphasises the importance of ending inequity, discrimination and violence.

“Violence against women is an epidemic in Australia. However, it doesn’t have to be this way as violence against women is preventable. Throughout 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to unite as a community and work toward a future where all Victorians are equal, respected and safe.”

“In order to eliminate male violence toward women, we need to address the harmful attitudes and behaviours that drive this violence. Everyone has an important role to play. By working together, we can foster change by challenging harmful notions about gender and creating a future where all women live their lives free from violence.”

At Northern Health, Family Violence Training is mandatory for all staff members and volunteers. Please ensure to complete the training and use the Family Violence Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient who is at risk of experiencing family violence and refer to Social Work/Specialist Services as required.

Northern Health encourages our community to get involved in the campaign by wearing something orange, visiting the information display in the main foyer, calling out disrespectful behaviour and having conversations about what constitutes healthy relationships.

The SHRFV Program is also available to provide specialist consultation and facilitate family violence education. Please contact the SHRFV Program if you would like to organise training in your area (8405 8519).

For further information, please click here and to participate in various activities around Melbourne click here.

Featured image L-R: Tanya Ellis, SHRFV Program Manager, Sarah Wotherspoon, Social Worker, Alia Sayegh, Social Worker and Nik Rawat, Social Workers.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Fiona Beadle, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cardiac and Heart Failure Rehabilitation, Northern Health.

Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?

A: A small skinny latte please. Most days I drink white tea, but I do enjoy an occasional coffee when catching up with friends or on the weekends, or if I am very tired!

Q: Tell us about your role at Northern Health?

A: I’ve been working as a nurse at Northern Health for 24 years. I initially joined Northern Health to undertake Post Graduate Critical Care studies. I worked in the Intensive Care Unit as a bedside nurse, and then as an ICU Educator prior to my current position as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Cardiac and Heart Failure Rehabilitation. In my role, I assess patients, provide education and support, and guide them through their recovery after a cardiac event, procedure, surgery, or heart failure diagnosis. I work with a fantastic team, and together we make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives.

 Q: Your team has been awarded the Innovation Award this year. Tell us a bit more about that, how and why did you come up with the idea?  

 A: Our team has worked in conjunction with the CLEO team to develop a Virtual Cardiac Rehab program, as an alternative model of care to the traditional centre-based program. Attendance in a cardiac rehab program significantly decreases the likelihood of having another cardiac event and reduces hospital readmission rates. We recognised that some patients experienced difficulty in attending a centre-based program due to work and other commitments, and that an alternative model of care was required. The aim of the Virtual Cardiac Rehab program is to increase the uptake of cardiac rehab, and to cater to those who are unable to attend a centre-based program. The program offers a tailored exercise program, along with education and support from the multidisciplinary team. We have had 16 patients complete the virtual cardiac rehab program since April, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

 Q: Are you a night owl or an early bird?

A: I have tendencies to be both at times. I try to stay as active as possible throughout my day. Earlier this year, I participated in the Oxfam 100km walk through the Dandenong Ranges, which made me realise just how much I need my sleep—and that even a quick powernap is better than none at all!

Q: What is your favourite place to travel to and why?  

A: I’ve travelled to many amazing places but my favourite is my yearly holiday in Eden, New South Wales. I’ve enjoyed many wonderful moments camping and caravanning there with family and friends.

Last week, Northern Health’s Spiritual Care, Palliative Care and Social Work teams hosted a memorial service to honour the memory of those who passed away at Northern Health.

The service, ‘A time to remember’, was an opportunity for loved ones and staff to join together to remember those who passed away at Northern Health between December 2023 and May 2024. The service also paid tribute to Northern Health staff who have passed away.

The event was attended by 145 people and 40 staff, including Dr Andrea Kattula, Northern Health Board Member, Debra Bourne, Interim Chief Executive, Linda Romano, Acting Chief Operating Officer and representatives from Palliative Care, Social Work and Spiritual Care. The Northern Health Community Choir also performed at the service.

Debra Bourne praised the efforts of the teams involved in the service.

“I am really thankful for both the opportunity to attend and the wonderful team we have here at Northern Health to lead this in such a compassionate and kind manner. How Natalia Dewiyani and Melanie Moore hold that room, that is full of so much grief, with such compassion and empathy, is truly inspiring,” she said.

“It was a real privilege to be part of the ceremony.”

During the service, guests were invited to reflect by choosing a flower that represented an element – grief, courage, memories, love, peace and hope – that was meaningful to them. The flowers were beautifully placed on a community tree in memory of those being honoured, creating a very colourful representative of attendees thoughts and feelings.

Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, said a highlight of the event was people sharing their stories.

“A gentleman shared a beautiful story in honour of his wife whom he was married to for 70 years. His wish to everyone was to enjoy life. In this service, those attending are invited to honour their grief in a healthy way and encourage them s to leave their guilt here. It was comforting to hear the words of encouragement from him too,” she said.

“Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the care they received at Northern Hospital. It shows Northern Health really cares and the continuation of the holistic care. Seeing familiar faces of the staff looking after their loved ones brings comfort and in a way a closure for them and for the staff.”

Julius Quiring, Nurse Unit Manager, Palliative Care, thanked everyone involved for delivering yet another beautiful service.

“A sincere thank you to all the teams involved, led by the Spiritual Team, for organising another meaningful and seamless memorial service, offering families the closure they needed,” he said.

“Special gratitude to the Palliative Care Unit team for their invaluable contributions and presence, and to our ANUM, Sam Webster, whose beautiful song and guitar playing deeply touched everyone and brought many to tears. It was truly moving to witness families remembering our nurses and expressing their gratitude for the exceptional care and kindness they had received.”

For more information about Northern Health’s Spiritual Care department, please visit the Intranet.

Featured image L-R: Penelope Vye, Associate Director, Social Work and Spiritual Care, Melanie Moore, Spiritual Care Practitioner, Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Debra Bourne, Interim Chief Executive and Kelly Pinto, Spiritual Care Practitioner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Health has won a prestigious 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Award.

The awards are an opportunity for healthcare workers, public health services, community groups and volunteers to come together and celebrate their selfless work in delivering support and care for all Victorians.

Across a highly competitive field, Northern Health took home the award for:
Creating a sustainable and climate resilient health system
Virtual healthcare – reducing the health sector’s carbon footprint

Northern Health is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. In order to achieve this, measured carbon emissions have reduced by 70 tonnes from 2022 to 2023.

Northern Health is also ranked number one in Victoria for energy efficiency in the built environment. Whilst they are excelling in environmental achievements in the built environment, Northern Health is also creating a future where virtual care models enable a healthier community. This work includes a range of innovative digital health programs that support our community and reduces environmental impact for a more sustainable future.

Debra Bourne, Interim Chief Executive, said she was incredibly proud to see Northern Health nominated as finalists for eight awards, across seven categories.

“To be recognised across so many categories speaks volumes, not only for the level of innovation and expertise we have at Northern Health, but also the dedication shown by our staff to improve healthcare for our patients,” said Ms Bourne.

“A huge congratulations to our winners in Virtual healthcare – reducing the health sector’s carbon footprint. We are incredibly proud of your commitment to providing innovative services and sustainable care to our community.”

“From clinical excellence to innovation in patient care, our ability to stand out across multiple categories reflects the high standards we consistently set for ourselves and the passion and enthusiasm we have for making a difference for every person, every day,” Ms Bourne said.

Northern Health were shortlisted as finalists for a record eight nominations, across seven categories:

Category One: Keeping people healthy and safe in the community
Victorian Virtual Specialist Consult (VVSC) Service

Category Four: Creating a sustainable and climate resilient health system
Virtual healthcare – reducing the health sector’s carbon footprint

Category Seven: Excellence in value-based healthcare
Back Pain in the Emergency Department: Transforming patient-centred care

Category Seven: Excellence in value-based healthcare
Enhancing Patient Activation: Knowledge, Skills, Confidence in Cancer Care

Category Eight: Excellence in women’s health
Medical Obstetrics at Home (MOAH): Providing Women-Centred Care at Home

Category Ten: Excellence in supporting LGBTIQA+ Victorians
Virtual Sexual Health Collaborative Consults

Category Twelve: Celebrating a strong and sustainable workforce
Career Pathway Program – HRO Explorers

Category 14 Partnering in healthcare
VVED and Nurse on Call Partnership

October was International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, including Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on 15 October – an annual day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death, which includes miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), ectopic pregnancy, termination for medical reasons, and the death of a newborn.

With one in four pregnancies ending in loss, the purpose of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is to allow families the opportunity to pause, reflect and honour the life and loss of their pregnancy and baby. It is also a way to bring forth greater public awareness of pregnancy loss, infant death and its impacts and the importance of acknowledging it.

“The loss of a pregnancy and death of a baby can be a devastating for both the families and the health care professionals caring for them,” said Alia Sayegh, Social Worker.

“As health care professionals, the way we respond to a pregnancy loss or infant death can have long-term consequences for families experiencing the loss and can have major impacts on healing and recovery. Ensuring that women and families receive appropriate and compassionate care after a loss is crucial in fighting the stigma families, particularly women, face after pregnancy and or infant loss.”

“Together, we can bring more awareness to the importance of supporting these people in appropriate and meaningful ways.”

Northern Health’s Social Work department is currently undertaking a quality improvement project that hopes to address the needs of women and their families’ experiencing miscarriages, particularly within the ED space.

“This quality project includes a literature review of current best practice. It will also include a review of current procedures and guidelines already in place at Northern Health, to ensure they include information about the social and emotional experiences of patients,” Alia said.

“For example, some inclusions may be the need to tailor the care provided, honouring the woman’s choice, providing culturally and spiritually safe supports, acknowledging the meaning of the pregnancy/loss and focusing on use of sensitive language and approaches that foster a safe space, and linking women to appropriate community supports.”

“If you have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, you are not alone. Red Nose provides vital 24/7 support and services to thousands of Australian women every year who lose a baby to miscarriage, via termination for medical reasons, in early infancy or through stillbirth or SIDS.”

Anyone impacted by pregnancy loss can contact the RED Nose 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line on 1300 308 307.

Staff are encouraged to consider a referral to their area Social Worker if their patient has experienced pregnancy loss. Social work has the knowledge, skillset and theoretical underpinnings to be able to complete trauma informed and holistic assessments and linkage to relevant community supports.

Social work is able to further explore and provide bereavement support, which can in turn minimise complicated grief. Psychosocial support is quintessential in the miscarriage space as it will allow provision of holistic, compassionate and tailored supports underpinned by compassion, empathy and sensitivity.

Social workers can be instrumental in this space given the emphasis on holistic care, understanding of the systems and environments around people, and provision of resources.

Featured image: Alia Sayegh, Social Worker and Sarah Wotherspoon, Social Work Senior Clinician 

The Busy Fingers Auxiliary, a dedicated volunteer group located in Northern Health’s Bundoora Centre, has been making a difference through their efforts to fundraise for our patients. Formed with the goal of establishing independent aged care services in Melbourne’s north, it has now grown into a well-known fixture in the community, raising money to support healthcare initiatives at Bundoora Centre.

Founded over five decades ago, Busy Fingers Auxiliary members work together to produce a range of handmade items, including knitted goods and blankets, which they sell at a shop front in Bundoora Centre. The proceeds go directly towards the funding of medical equipment, patient comfort items, and other critical resources that improve patient care at Bundoora Centre.

“Our members are passionate about giving back to the health centre that serves so many in our community,” said Natalie Carroll, Northern Health Volunteer Coordinator. “Every item they make and sell goes towards helping someone get the care they need.”

Northern Health’s Bundoora Centre has long been a key healthcare provider in the region, offering services such as aged care and mental health facilities. Thanks to the Busy Fingers Auxiliary, the facility has been able to enhance its offerings, investing in essential equipment like mobility aids and specialised beds, most recently donating $15,700 to purchase a portable hoist at the Percy Cleland Ward (PCW) at Bundoora Centre.

“The Busy Fingers Auxiliary is an inspiring example of community-driven support for healthcare,” said Natalie. “Their commitment and hard work have made a tangible difference in the quality of care we can offer.”

Busy fingers donate their time five days a week to run a shop out of Bundoora, generously contributing the funds to support the needs of our health service.

“It’s so wonderful to see the ongoing support of busy fingers and the volunteers who give countless hours of their time. They continually give back to our health service and the community, and their support is evident from the outcome of this generous donation,” says Natalie.

“They are extremely happy with this equipment that not only supports the patients at Bundoora Centre but helps the staff as well, and I couldn’t agree more. This is what they are all about.”

Thank you to Busy Fingers for this donation and for over 50 years of continued service to Northern Health. Your dedication inspires us all, and we are extremely grateful to you all.

 

(L-R) Norma McGrillen and Kerry Wall standing with the portable hoist they funded for PCW