At Northern Health, we understand that patients and their families or support people are best placed to recognise early deterioration in their loved ones, often before changes in observations are noted by clinical staff.

As such, Northern Health has an escalation process in place for when patients, families, carers, or support people are worried about the physical or mental health deterioration of the patient or loved one. This process is known as R.E.A.C.H. (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way).

R.E.A.C.H. encourages patients, carers and family members to escalate their concerns with staff about worrying changes in a patient’s condition. When implementing R.E.A.C.H., patients and families are advised to follow the below process:

Step 1:   Speak to your nurse. Tell them your concerns.

Step 2:   If you’re still worried, ask your nurse for a “clinical review”. This should occur within 30 minutes.

Step 3:   If a doctor has seen you or your loved one and you’re still worried, call REACH on:

• Broadmeadows Hospital: REACH on 1800 897 205
• Bundoora Centre: REACH on 1800 892 126
• Northern Hospital Epping: REACH on 1800 897 216
• Kilmore District Hospital: REACH on 5734 2177

When making the call, it is important to identify:

• The bed number you, or the person you care for, is in
• Who you are – a patient, family member or carer, and tell them the name of the patient
• That you need to call REACH
• The name of the ward
• The bed number you, or your loved one, is in

Elise Sutton, Resuscitation and Clinical Deterioration Coordinator, said patients and their family members can gain insight into the process through various channels within the healthcare service.

“Patients and family members can become aware of the process from the posters around the hospital, the number on patient communication boards and it is provided to them as part of their admission welcome pack,” she said.

“Staff should also educate the patient on this as part of their admission when providing them with the welcome pack.”

Feedback reports after using the R.E.A.C.H program include:

“I felt my needs and those of my loved ones were adequately addressed after I called for a rapid response.”

“R.E.A.C.H. call provided a very good service, and the response was excellent, with an outcome straight away.”

“R.E.A.C.H. call was very good, made us feel heard and put our mind at rest.”

“Family was very happy with service and immediate response. It changed the care for their mother.”

As part of Standard 8: Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration, it is essential that Northern Health staff are aware of the R.E.A.C.H. process and can assist patients and their support people to advocate for their health.

This is in addition to the three-tiered response to deterioration (PreMET, MET & Code Blue) that serves to detect and effectively escalate clinical deterioration.

Featured image: Elise Sutton, Resuscitation and Clinical Deterioration Coordinator.

‘Diversity’ refers to the presence of a wide range of human characteristics and experiences within a group, organisation and community. These characteristics can include, but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic background, physical ability and cultural identity.

In today’s diverse society, the importance of fostering an inclusive environment within healthcare institutions cannot be overstated. As a prominent healthcare provider, Northern Health recognises the significance of diversity, not only in regard to patient care, but also within its own workforce.

This year, Nothern Health has embarked on a journey to #EmbraceDiversity and has launched a staff diversity survey. Every employee who participates in the survey will enter into a draw for a chance to win 1 of three iPads.

Maria Soo, Director, Workforce Planning & Projects expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “This initiative is a crucial step forward in our journey toward building a more inclusive workplace. By listening to the voices of our employees, we can better understand their needs and aspirations, and take proactive measures to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all.”

Central to Northern Health’s commitment to diversity is the belief that every employee’s voice matters. The staff diversity survey serves as a vital tool for soliciting feedback, insights, and perspectives from employees across the organisation. Through anonymous participation, employees have the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement, helping Northern Health identify areas of strength and areas for growth. By listening attentively to the voices of its workforce, Northern Health demonstrates its dedication to fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and inclusion.

Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, articulates Northern Health’s core values of Safe, Kind and Together, by stating, “Our employees are our greatest asset, and their diverse backgrounds and perspectives enrich our organisation in countless ways. By conducting this survey, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”

As Northern Health embarks on this journey to conduct its staff diversity survey, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion is the norm.

Together, let us #EmbraceDiversity and create a future where every individual, regardless of background or identity, has the opportunity to flourish and succeed.

Access to the Diversity Survey can be found via the email and SMS survey invites from Qualtrics.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

If you have any queries, please contact: MyDiversity@nh.org.au.

 

#WeAreNorthern

Praseetha Chathoth, is a person of many talents. She is both a Clinical Pharmacy Technician and yoga teacher. She currently provides yoga classes at Northern Health for the WellAhead  program. WellAhead is a holistic wellness program, co-designed with consumers, to support and empower those living with and beyond cancer.

What is your coffee order?

Whilst it’s not very Melbournian, I actually don’t like coffee but I start my day with a cup of tea to wake myself up. 

Tell us about your role at Northern Health?

I am a Grade 3 Clinical Pharmacy Technician. I have undergone rigorous training to become a credentialed Pharmacy Technician to support pharmacists and ensure patients receive the right medication. I work alongside pharmacists and nurses to ensure ward imprest medications are up to date. I am also responsible for ordering, receipting, dispensing, preparing and distributing medications.

What do you like about your role?

The Pharmacy Department at Northern Health is like a family. I love that we are a diverse and supportive department that works together to overcome challenges and strive to provide the best care for our patients. I also really enjoy that in my role, I have the opportunity to interact closely with patients and work with a multidisciplinary team.

Tell us what you did prior to your role as a Pharmacy Technician?

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yoga, I worked as a Yoga and Wellness Consultant at the National Institute of Naturopathy in India and other organisations to promote yoga. 

This is very different to your role in Pharmacy. What attracted you to yoga?

I was really astonished at how yoga affects both the body and mind and wanted to learn more in depth about yoga philosophy, psychology and therapy. 

Tell us how you are sharing your knowledge of yoga?

I am an active member of the Indian Yoga Graduates Association and whenever able, I participate in promoting yoga through their activities. Currently, I am providing yoga classes at Northern Health for the WellAhead program.

The Northern Health Dietetics Department were successful in obtaining a Department of Health Allied Health Advanced Practice Grant for the development of an Advanced Practice Dietitian role for Paediatric Nasogastric Tube Insertion and Management.

The Advanced Practice Grant was submitted due to an increased number of paediatric patients at Northern Health requiring home enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube (NGT). This rise has led to heightened pressure on both the Emergency Department and Ward 2, particularly when NGTs dislodge and require reinsertion.

The grant supported the development of a training and credentialing procedure for paediatric dietitians to upskill in the reinsertion of NGTs to help meet the increased demand.

The additional training and credentialing resources were developed and implemented with support from paediatric nursing and medical staff. Kelly Alysandratos, Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator, has played a pivotal role in supervising dietitians, with support from Ward 2 paediatric nursing staff, whilst Dr Rami Subhi, Clinic Director, Paediatrics, provided medical support.

Tarryn Thom, Project Lead & Senior Paediatric Dietitian, has already completed her credentialing and is now able to independently insert NGTs for paediatric patients receiving home enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. Hannah Lunny, Senior Paediatric Dietitian, has also commenced her training with the aim of becoming credentialed in the next few months.

Credentialing of paediatric dietitians to insert NGTs is a Victorian first and demonstrates the importance of innovation and collaboration in responding to increased service demands and improving patient care.

“Mastering a new skill requires great planning, patience and determination. I’m proud of how this has been demonstrated in the interdisciplinary collaboration in paediatric nasogastric management, achieving rewards and improving care to our youngest clients,” said Ms Alysandratos.

Following the completion of credentialing, paediatric dietitians have commenced a Dietitian-led NGT clinic which operates between the hours of 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

“The clinic helped us create an alternative pathway for NGT reinsertions for Paediatric Home Enteral Nutrition patients at Northern Health, which is safe, patient-centred and improves coordination of care,” said Ms Thom.

This project would have not been successful without the support of key stakeholders from the Dietetics Department, Nursing Education, Paediatric Medical Team, Ward 2 Paediatric Nursing Staff and the Allied Health Research Team, along with the Allied Health Credentialing and Scope of Practice Committee and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Quality and Risk Management Committee.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Rachael Evans, Associate Director Dietetics, Tarryn Thom, Senior Paediatric Dietitian, Talya Cortinovis, Grade 4 Senior Dietitian and Hannah Lunny, Senior Paediatric Dietitian.

Professor Santosh Varughese is one of five medical specialists from Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, India, awarded a scholarship by the University of Melbourne to pursue a PhD study. He has chosen to collaborate with Professor Judy Savige, the Head of Medical Unit 3 at Northern Health, to delve into the genetics of atypical forms of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Professor Varughese, is the Director of Nephrology at CMC Vellore. It is also where he did all his medical studies –including  specialising in Nephrology. He received training at the University of Toronto and the Renal Unit of Toronto General Hospital.

CMC Vellore has made significant contributions to India, including establishing the country’s first College of Nursing and pioneering groundbreaking achievements such as the world’s first reconstructive surgery for leprosy, as well as performing the first successful open-heart surgery, dialysis, kidney transplant, and bone marrow transplantation in India.

Professor Judy Savige, a renowned renal and general physician with expertise in kidney genetics, has been ranked number one in the world for her publications on Alport Syndrome, the most common genetic kidney disease.

According to Professor Varughese, atypical polycystic kidney disease is a less well-known group of cystic kidney diseases, and understanding its genetics is an ongoing endeavor. “Atypical PKD exhibits unusual radiological forms, and researchers are increasingly recognising its genetic aspects,” he says.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a progressive genetic disorder characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Symptoms may not be noticeable until the cysts reach a certain size, and early diagnosis and management are crucial for better outcomes.

Professor Varughese explains that typical ADPKD requires treatment with expensive medications like vasopressin antagonists, which can have adverse effects, especially on the liver. “However, most atypical PKD progresses slowly and does not currently require these medications. Confirming the diagnosis of atypical PKD in suspected cases can help avoid unnecessary medication.”

Studying the genetics of atypical PKD not only provides accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options for patients but also contributes to scientific advancements in PKD management.

Professor Varughese says, “Working with Northern Health under the tutelage of Prof. Savige has been quite exciting.” They have been actively recruiting patients for the study, collecting blood samples, and taking retinal photographs. He hopes this work will expand our knowledge of atypical PKD and serve as a basis for future studies in PKD.

Professor Savige agrees and adds, “We are privileged to have Professor Varughese working with us at Northern Health.” 

 

Picture shows Professor Varughese with a former patient of his from CMC Vellore – he now attends Northern Health.

Northern Health staff and volunteers are now able to receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccination.

As Melbourne’s cold winter months approach, now is the time for staff and volunteers to come forward, roll up their sleeves and boost their immunity with the flu vaccine.

It is recommended by the Department of Health that individuals receive their annual flu vaccine from mid-April onwards to ensure protection against the flu when it is at its highest during the peak flu season, typically between June and September.

Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, received his flu shot this morning. He said the vaccine was an important step in boosting your immunity this winter.

“It is that time of the year when we roll up our sleeves to protect ourselves, our community and our loved ones. The flu vaccine is our best defence in preparation for the winter season ahead,” he said.

It is mandatory that all staff members and volunteers at Northern Health receive the flu vaccine. Staff with contraindications with flu vaccination are required to send an exemption form to staff.health@nh.org.au

Influenza immunisers will be available to staff in the following formats:

Nurse immunisers in the wards.

Flu Pop up clinic at Northern Hospital Epping located outside Ward 21, between 9 am and 2 .30 pm. These sessions will occur every Monday/Wednesday/Friday for eight weeks, from 22 April to 14 June. Please ensure all clinical or non-clinical staff utilise this service as it will only run for a limited time.

For staff members who have had the vaccine elsewhere, you will be required to email evidence to staff.health@nh.org.au so we can ensure your Northern Health record is updated.

Community members are encouraged to speak to their local doctor or pharmacy to access flu vaccinations.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

Featured image (L-R): Graham Wilson, Director, OHS, Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, Siva Sivarajah, CE and LIsa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. 

The conference ‘Right Care, Right Time, Right Place’ organized by the Northern Health Mental Health Division held at The Ibis Melbourne brought together experts to discuss alternatives to the Emergency Department (ED) admission pathway for mental health consumers. Over 150 professionals from across metro, regional, and rural services, both from Victoria and interstate, attended the conference.

The conference was opened by Anna Love, the Chief Mental Health Nurse of Victoria, who spoke about strengthening pathways for direct admission and supporting the Royal Commission findings.

The event facilitated valuable discussions and conversations among staff from Victoria Police, Department of Health, Ambulance Victoria, mental health clinicians, medical staff, and individuals with lived experience. Together, they explored new viewpoints, strategies, and approaches to redefine admission pathways for mental health consumers.

Director of Nursing, Gary Ennis, said “As healthcare services across Australia continue to struggle to meet the demands of mental health presentations to emergency departments, this conference aimed to increase the dialogue about how we shift back to direct admission when possible and not see emergency departments as a default admission pathway.”

Several speakers from Northern Health shared their expertise and insights at the conference. Dr. Daniel Crompton, Director of Emergency Services, discussed the concept of medical clearance and its impact on timely and appropriate care. Christopher Ferguson, Manager, Consumer Lived Experience Workforce, emphasized the importance of engaging with consumers to understand their experiences and design solutions that meet their needs. Shaveta Sood, Program Manager, provided insights into the intricacies of direct admission from the perspective of an inpatient unit.

Dr Danivas presentation on the concept of medical clearance and how it impacts on access to timely and appropriate care provoked lots of discussion. The conference audience were particularly interested in the SMART medical clearance protocol that Dr Danivas discussed.

Sergeant Brad Turney from the Northern Hospital Police Liaison, Victoria Police, presented on the role of Police and Clinician Emergency Response (PACER) and emergency services. The conference also featured a panel discussion with senior clinical, operational, lived experience staff, and legal counsel, which further enriched the conversation.

Mr Ennis said, “This conference has sparked conversations with key stakeholder including the Department of Health, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police. We will get feedback from conference attendees before planning our next conference in 2025.”

“Thank you to all of the Northern Health staff who shared their thoughts and vision for how we move forward in ensuring the right care, at the right time, in the right place, is an option for our consumers. A special thank you to Belinda Scott and Vinay Lakra for supporting this important initiative,” he said.

Mr Awash Prasad, Director of Legal Services and one of the speakers at the conference, said he was very proud of the mental health team for organising this event. “It was a sold-out event – not an empty seat to be seen. There was a lot of productive and helpful discussions,” he said.

Belinda Scott, Executive Director, Mental Health said, “A big thank you to Gary for his vision, hard work and passion to make the conference the success it was.”

Overall, the conference provided a platform for meaningful discussions and productive exchanges, contributing to the ongoing efforts to ensure the delivery of the right care, at the right time, and in the right place for mental health consumers.

 

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Nivein Yenis, Clinical Trials Pharmacist Lead, Northern Hospital Epping.

 

Q: What is your coffee order? 

A: Skinny Latte, extra hot 😊

 

Q: You are known as ‘Mother of Pharmacy” amongst your colleagues. Tell us why? 

A: Firstly, I would like to thank my colleagues for giving me the title of the “Mother of Pharmacy”. This title is not just a recognition of my role, but a reflection of the bond we have built as a team in the Pharmacy Department.

In my role, I’ve strived to cultivate an environment where each member is supported and empowered. My goal has always been to care for and assist everyone in the department. Just as a mother looks after her family, I’ve aimed to create a sense of unity, understanding and cooperation among us all.

Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories and grown as individuals, and as a collective force. The pharmacy department is not just a workplace, it’s a family, and I am proud to be a part of it!

 

Q: You have been with Northern Health for 25 years now. Tell us what major changes have you seen since you first started working ? 

A: I started working at Northern Health in 1999 as a pharmacist intern. I was so lucky and blessed to have been given that opportunity. After successfully completing my internship, I was offered a full-time position as a clinical pharmacist, and I have been working here ever since. During my career, I was fortunate enough to cover multiple areas in pharmacy including medical, surgical, emergency, inpatient and outpatient dispensary, manufacturing, clinical trials, HARP outreach. Since 2017, I have held the position of a Clinical Trials Pharmacist Lead, one I truly enjoy!

When I reflect on the 25 years of being a part of this incredible healthcare institution, I feel like it hasn’t been just a job; it’s been a journey of growth, dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of our community.

Over this time, I have witnessed the evolution of our hospital, and it fills me with joy to see how much we have grown, not just in size, but in the difference we’ve made in the lives of our patients. When I first walked through these doors, Northern Health was just a fraction of what it is today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy played a key role in stock management, COVID vaccines and anti-viral medications. We also had to adapt to the government and local policies fast, by implementing a safe work environment, including team segregation – something we had never done before!

Furthermore, there has been a significant expansion of home services over the years, something I hadn’t encountered early on in my career. The ability to bring hospital-level care to patients’ homes is remarkable and showcases the excellent work we do as clinicians, of which I’m immensely proud of!

 

Q: What is your favourite place to travel to? 

A: I particularly love travelling with my family and visiting different parts of the world. I have been fortunate to visit multiple continents, including Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. That being said, Egypt holds a special place in my heart as my favourite country and the place of my birth. It is filled with all my childhood memories, making it a destination I am eager to visit again very soon!

 

Q: What is on your bucket list for 2025? 

A: As a hospital pharmacist and a dedicated volunteer at my local church, the following are on my bucket list for 2025 (I have a long list!):

• Professional Development: Attend a wide range of pharmacy-related conferences to keep me updated on the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
• Networking: Build strong connections within hospital clinical trials pharmacies.
• Mentoring: Offer my knowledge and experience to mentor young and aspiring pharmacists.
• Personal: Combine my passion for volunteering with my faith and explore opportunities for missionary work.
• Wellbeing: Travel more!