Pride March is an annual event held in Melbourne as part of the Midsumma Festival, a celebration of LGBTIQA+ culture and arts. This year, the march will be held on Sunday, 4 February.

More than 7,000 marchers take to the streets in St Kilda each year to show their support of the LGBTIQA+ community, and over 45,000 people line the streets and balconies along the march route to show their support.

Northern Health first marched at Pride March in 2020, with the Pride in the North Network, and again in 2021. Last year marked the first year Northern Health marched under its own banner at Pride March and will do the same again in 2024.

A number of different organisations, including health services, march on the day. The march begins at 11 am at the Ian Johnson Oval on the corner of Lakeside Drive and Fitzroy Street, before marching along Fitzroy Street and ending in Catani Gardens in St Kilda.

Electra Ulrich, Co-Chair Rainbow Working Group and Senior Dietitian, said marching under the Northern Health banner at Pride March provides a strong message to staff and the community that the health service is inclusive and prioritises the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people.

“It would be great to see even more people march this year. Many bring along a colleague, friend or family member and the day is full of energy and colour,” she said.

“It makes me proud to be able to do this as part of my work in healthcare. Please come along if you can – we have a large number of allies of the LGBTQIA+ community march with us and it’s a really lovely way to connect and do something meaningful together.”

Pride March is a family-friendly event, with pets also welcomed to join in the fun.

“Pride March is a fun day to connect with colleagues and the community, whilst showing our community that Northern Health is striving to become a safe and inclusive place for our LGBTIQA+ staff, patients and families. We would love to see as many colleagues as possible at this fun, free and family friendly event,” said Chrissy Nicolaidis, Co-Chair Rainbow Working Group.

To register your interest in marching with Northern Health, please email the Rainbow Working Group at rainbowgroup@nh.org.au or visit the Intranet.

The Midsumma Festival runs from 21 January until 11 February, with a colourful range of events. To find out more, please click here.

Featured image: Northern Health at Pride March 2023.

For the first time since COVID 19 intervened, Northern Health had the pleasure of welcoming 61 medical interns, in person, for their orientation – the highest number ever.

Eleven new positions have been added to the program: four in General Medicine, one in Plastics Surgery, two in Mental Health, two in Emergency Department, one in Renal Service, one in Palliative Care. Dr Carol Chong, Supervisor of Intern Training, says, “It is a reflection of Northern Health’s expanding catchment and the increasing health needs of the community.”

2024 is the commencement of the new AMR Framework which includes revised assessments, the introduction of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and strengthened Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcome statements.

Suraj Hari, is one such intern who as a 10-year-old, remembers doctors working their magic on his mom’s fractured wrist in the Orthopaedics ward, “wide-eyed and inspired”.  He says,” Here I am, back at the heart of it all!”

Yang Chin says, “The nerves did get to me at the beginning, since I did most of medical school in Malaysia and had only just arrived in Melbourne a week before orientation. Starting work as a doctor while finding my footing here in Australia were big tasks to handle at the same time.  Nevertheless, orientation has been lots of fun. Northern Health really lives up to its reputation for having a supportive and positive work culture. Everyone has been really friendly and welcoming, which made settling in much easier.”

Jayde Galletti says, “I’m definitely feeling excited to start my internship! It has been really encouraging to hear from seasoned clinicians who have dedicated so much to Northern Health and are still passionate about improving the health service for our staff, patients, and community.”

She further adds, “Our orientation had a strong focus on intern wellbeing and supporting our career development as junior doctors, which is why I wanted to remain at Northern Health.”

Dr Chong says, “Our interns come from various clinical schools with a notable third from our own Northern Clinical School. We welcome them all and look forward to supporting them as they start their internship, an exciting time in their life.

 

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Today we chat to Tye Robertson, a Grade 1, Occupational Therapist who has recently joined the Home and Community Care team at our Bundoora Centre.

Q. Firstly, your coffee order Tye?

Large cappuccino please!

Q. How would you describe your role?

As an Occupational Therapist Grade 1, I visit clients’ homes and communities to get an understanding of their occupational capabilities. This involves prescribing and trialling assistive equipment/aids, creating goals for activities of daily living, drawing diagrams for home modifications, understanding various funding services and processes, and doing a lot of paperwork!

Q. Any anecdotes to share in your short time here? 

From my time here at the Bundoora Centre, what stands out is how many times clients have offered me a coffee or cup of tea after a home visit. It makes my work feel extremely valued and satisfying, knowing that I have made an impact on their life.

Q. What are some of the challenges?

One of the challenges is learning about all the different types of equipment and assistive aids. It really is amazing how many different options for aids and equipment are available and how they all can vary. Likewise, understanding all the different funding services and processes. It is quite a lot to get your head around.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of this role?

The most rewarding part of this role is watching how you can make a significant impact in a person’s life that allow them to participate in activities that they previously struggled with. Also the monthly OT lunches are great!

Q. Your impressions on joining the Northern family?

My first impressions have been great as the team have been extremely welcoming and nice, and have made sure I have settled in.

Q. Lastly, tell us something that most people would not know about you? 

There are a couple… I have a large Nano Blocks (small Lego) collection. I got into Nano blocks during the COVID lockdown in 2020 and have been making small builds for the past four years. I wanted to really challenge myself by using the smaller bricks and test my patience and fine motor skills. I’d say the most complex model I’ve made is a Deluxe Dialga that was 1020 pieces and took a few days to complete in between my studies and work.

I also love playing and watching soccer. I am a fan of Manchester United.

Michael Radcliffe has a new perspective on life, thanks to life-changing cataract surgery at Broadmeadows Hospital.

In 2021, Michael noticed his vision deteriorating and decided to visit a local optometrist, where it was confirmed, he had cataracts. Following on from this appointment, Michael was referred to a doctor and was put on a waiting list for cataract surgery.

Whilst on the waitlist, Michael’s quality of life was severely affected.

“I couldn’t see. I was falling over a lot so I would always try and control the fall – if I was going down, it would be with my hands, but sometimes I would just fall,” Michael said.

“It affected my mental health. I couldn’t help my wife at home, I couldn’t do a lot. My grandson was playing football, and I couldn’t watch him. He would get upset because I wasn’t there and I would tell him, ‘I can’t see.’”

Michael was on the waiting list for more than two years, before he was referred to Northern Health to have the life-changing surgery at Broadmeadows Hospital.

“Things progressed quickly at Northern Health,” Michael said.

“I have learned over the years that you have to push. And I pushed and I pushed before I was referred to Northern Health, and since then, Northern Health has been great.”

Since having surgery on his left eye in 2023, Michael noticed a significant difference to his quality of life and was able to slowly get back into doing things he loved. Michael has also been able to enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life, including watching his grandson grow up.

“It has been amazing. I cannot complain at all. My left eye has been done and once the right eye is done, I can get back into things. I want to do things with my hands, I was an electrician by trade, so I like to keep my hands busy.”

“My grandson is 10-years-old and his hair changes so many times. Before, I could see it, but I couldn’t appreciate it because the detail wasn’t there.”

“When I had the surgery, he started playing basketball. I went and watched his game, and he came up to me and hugged me because I was there. I am so happy. When my other eye is done, it’ll be 110 per cent better.”

Michael is now looking forward to having surgery on his second eye in early 2024.

“It is humbling to hear Michael’s story and his positive experience with Ophthalmology and Specialist Clinics as a whole,” said Lilian Akimana, ANUM/Clinical Lead Ophthalmology, Broadmeadows Hospital.

“Michael is an amputee who was facing vision impairment and was subsequently sustaining multiple falls due to his deteriorating sight along with having only one leg.”

“Michael regaining his sight post cataract surgery gave back his quality of life, reducing his risk of falls and allowing him to get back to the activities that mean the most. I would like to thank the Ophthalmology team and all staff members for their contribution to our patient’s journeys.”

Since the Ophthalmology department expanded to full time operations, staff have seen an increase in patients accessing their services on a daily basis. Staff have been able to process referrals promptly, book patients in, complete their diagnostic testing and prepare them for surgery in a timely fashion.

“I am very proud of our team, who have been receptive in embracing these changes resulting in positive experiences for our valued patients, such as Michael. Our team strives to continue working within Northern Health’s values of safe, kind and together,” Lilian said.

Featured image: Michael Radcliffe with members of the Ophthalmology department at Broadmeadows Hospital.

Even though the weather in Melbourne can be quite unpredictable, hot days and extreme weather conditions are sure to be expected during summer.

Understanding the potential risks and adopting strategies to thrive in the heat is crucial. High temperatures can result in conditions like heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with the possibility of progressing to the life-threatening condition of heatstroke. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and those with medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes, are particularly at risk.

How to beat the heat?

Medical professionals recommend staying well hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and keeping cool by using wet towels, placing your feet in cool water, and taking refreshing showers. Spending time in air-conditioned environments, such as shopping centres, libraries, cinemas or community centres, is advised. It’s also important to avoid sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and use a hat for additional protection.

Additionally, staying connected with sick or frail friends and family and checking on elderly neighbours during extreme heat days, is essential.

Remember to steer clear of strenuous activities like sports, renovation or gardening, and never leave children, adults or pets in hot cars. Seek medical assistance promptly if faced with a serious heat-related illness.

Preparing for extreme heat

Here are some guidelines for effectively preparing for extreme heat:

• Stock up on essential supplies like food, water and medicines to minimise the need to go out in the heat.
• Consult with your doctor to assess if adjustments are necessary to your medication during extreme heat.
• Safely store medications at the recommended temperature.
• Ensure that your fan or air-conditioner is in good working order.
• Explore ways to cool down your home, such as installing window coverings, shade cloths or external blinds on sun-exposed sides of the house.
• If opting for beach or pool activities to beat the heat, prioritise safety. Learn to swim, avoid swimming alone, be aware of your limits, stay hydrated, acquire basic CPR skills and always supervise children around water.

For further information on managing the summer heat, visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Northern Health has released the 2022-23 Quality Account.

The Quality Account is developed to inform patients and community members about how quality and safety are monitored and improved throughout the health service. In the report, information about our services and the changes we have made to improve care and patient outcomes are highlighted, along with patient stories and data on important quality and safety indicators.

“Throughout this report, you will read about how Northern Health continues to meet, and exceed, many of the state and national health standards,” said Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive.

“While it is important to measure our performance against healthcare targets, it is important to review all feedback we receive from our consumers, patients and their families. As a result of this feedback, we can continue to make improvements to the quality of our services.”

The report also highlights the many achievements of Northern Health during the 2022-23 financial year, including Northern Health becoming a designated mental health service and the third largest mental health provider in the state and the opening of a brand new state-of-the-art mental health facility. Other key milestones include our Australian first, Virtual Emergency Department becoming a state-wide service and renaming to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED). Since its launch in October 2020, the VVED has seen 142,035 virtual presentations, and reduced unnecessary visits to the emergency department by 75 per cent.

Also highlighted in the report are the number of patients admitted to our emergency department (ED) at Northern Hospital Epping. More than 112000 patients were admitted to the ED in the 2022-23 financial year, making our ED the busiest in the state. More than 3,000 babies were born, just over 25,100 paediatric emergency presentations were admitted and over 254,000 Specialist Clinical appointments were attended.

The Quality Account also reported on our richly diverse patient community, with our patients born from over 195 countries and communicating in more than 115 languages. Our Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) and the Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unity collaboratively provide a combination of face-to-face and online cultural competence education sessions, cumulatively drawing an attendance of 1,245 individuals. TALS undertook 62 translations projects, effectively translating more than 257,000 words across our top 10 languages – Arabic, Turkish, Italian, Macedonian, Greek, Assyrian, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Punjabi and Persian.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, patients, volunteers, consumers, and their families for their ongoing commitment to providing the very best care for our community,” Siva said.

We encourage all staff to read the 2022-23 Quality Account. Please click here the report.

While hospital emergency departments across Australia have an important role in the care of people with mental illness, there is an increase in presentations to emergency departments, due to a lack of capacity to directly admit to mental health inpatients units.

Consumers will frequently be sent to emergency departments as a place of safety with a decision to admit already been made by a community team. As healthcare services across Australia continue to struggle to meet the demands of mental health presentations to emergency departments, in some states the admission pathway now informally includes an emergency department with direct admission becoming the exception.

On 27 March 2024, the Northern Health Mental Health Division is bringing together medical, nursing, allied health, legal counsel and lived experience staff to discuss and redefine admission pathways for mental health consumers at the Ibis Melbourne.

This conference will expose you to new viewpoints, strategies and approaches to redefine admission pathways for mental health consumers to ensure that we start to move away from the notion of using emergency departments as a step in the admission pathway for consumers in need of admission.

It will provide an opportunity to share views and ideas with healthcare peers and a panel of experts including senior clinical, operational, lived experience staff and legal counsel.

Click on image below to register:

Program Objectives:

• Highlight the challenges, acknowledge the limitations and review the current evidence.
• Consider medico-legal perspectives.
• Explore the lived experience perspective of presenting to ED.
• Define medical clearance in an emergency department and its impact on the direct admission pathway.
• Understand how programs like PACER impact on diverting people from ED and the direct admission pathway.
• Review community mental health process and procedures for alternative options to ED presentations and planning admissions.
• Examine approaches to bed management that will support direct admission.
• Present the key ingredients for direct admissions and strategies for re-establishing pathways for direct admissions.

Who should attend:

• Mental Health and Emergency Department clinical staff
• Clinical staff
• Bed access and patient flow coordinators
• Mental Health community program managers
• Police and Ambulance staff

Any queries about the conference? Email NHMHGP@nh.org.au

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It isn’t often you come across someone who can offer to both “marry you and bury you” and that too, in the kitchen at Kilmore District Hospital (KDH). Meet Shelley Coyle, Food Service Assistant as well as a wedding and funeral celebrant. Read on to find out her other talents and why she wouldn’t work anywhere else.

Q. Firstly, your coffee order Shelley? 

White latte with two sugars, please!

Q. How would you describe your role?   

My role as a food service assistant, is quite a busy role; from food preparation to delivering meals to being a menu monitor. Sometimes I am also guilty of socialising with the patients – to fill in their day of course!

Q. How long have you been with KDH?

I was employed in November 1996 as a 26-year-old and was only planning to be here for a few years. Now I’m nearly 54 and wouldn’t work anywhere else! I love it here, being close to home, and the staff throughout the years have been amazing.

I have made some beautiful friends through the years. I’ve seen so many changes in my time, the hostel being built, the renovations of different departments. I have so many stories but maybe they are best left as stories for Christmas parties!

Q. What is the most rewarding part of this role?

I have always admired the nurses in their roles, but I get the easy part of delivering the meals and chatting to them all. I love that as part of my role I can connect with the patients /residents. Sometimes listening to their stories makes you realise how good I actually have it. I must also add I was rewarded with meeting my hubby here. After 20 something years (Harry met Sally) we got hitched!

Q. Your impressions on joining Northern Health? 

The process of moving over to Northern Health has been amazing. From changing over payrolls to new email addresses to Roster On, Northern Health have been so professional and supportive, the process has been so easy for us.

Q. Lastly, tell us something that will surprise us about you?

Most people wouldn’t know I taught and ran a little rock n roll and ballroom class in Broadford. That’s besides being a wedding and funeral celebrant, having performed over 180 weddings and funerals to date!