January 2019
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Dr Andrew Ngu: Luck means being given the opportunity
When a 16-year old Andrew Ngu left tropical Borneo for Australia fifty years ago, he couldn’t speak English and didn’t know anyone in Melbourne, but had something many successful people carry – a strong desire to study, medicine in particular, and the determination to succeed. “I had a terrible first year in Australia. My father sent me here to study, I had never been away from home before. I was so homesick, I didn’t know the language and the weather was different – I felt so lonely,” he recalled. Facing tough competition in Australia, he knew he would have to…
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Yasmin Shah: An exciting future ahead
Epping local, Yasmin Shah, is one of our many excited medical interns starting at Northern Health this year. Yasmin feels privileged to have been a medical student with us for the past three years, saying the workplace culture has a strong sense of community at every level, which creates an invaluable environment for interns to thrive in as individuals and as a team of health professionals. “This allows for positive relationships and mentorships that leads to better patient care and also professional development,” she said. “During my clinical placements, I witnessed how this health service has been rapidly developing and…
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Welcome 2019 Interns!
Last week, Northern Health welcomed 40 new Interns and 10 new Hospital Medical Officers to our health service. Our newest members took part in a one week hospital orientation program which involved a series of introductions, presentations and workshops. The workshops involved a refresher in resuscitation, intravenous cannulation, catheterisation and safe patient handling. Other tutorials included diabetes, pain management and fluid management. Northern Health Medical Education Officer, Susie Sangas, and Geriatrician and Supervisor of Intern Training Northern Health, Dr Carol Chong, were pleased to see such passionate and energetic young doctors. “They are an enthusiastic and engaging group of young doctors…
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Jess Permezel: A patient experience to remember
Northern Health Graduate Midwife, Jess Permezel, received the award for ‘Patient Experience’ at our inaugural Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards. Unaware that she was nominated, and on leave in Canada at the time, Jess was wondering why she was receiving calls from work. It wasn’t until she received a text message asking her to answer her phone that she found out about the award. Midwifery Unit Manager, Nicole Carlon, nominated Jess and says, “her approach is always patient-centred, and this was highlighted during her care of an Aboriginal patient with a complex social situation.” “Jess’ calm, compassionate care of this whole…
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Working together on our new Strategic Plan
February and March will be important months for Northern Health. During this period, we will be working together on our vision, strategic priorities and values for Northern Health’s future, which will be reflected in the new Strategic Plan 2019-2024. The Strategic Plan belongs to all of us, and that is why I feel strongly about ensuring everyone has a say in how Northern Health should look in the future, as we continue to provide trusted care to the residents of Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The Strategic Plan builds on the tremendous work that has already been undertaken for our Clinical Services…
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Fire Safety: Be Prepared
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared the Fire Danger Period in our Municipality well and truly upon us. Northern Health has been advised that Tuesday, 15 January has been declared a Severe fire danger day in the North Central District. These conditions may have a serious impact on Northern Health and our community, and have the potential to place patients, staff, volunteers and other workplace participants at risk. On this day, hospital services at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora and Craigieburn will continue as normal. Home visiting…
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Choosing Wisely
Northern Health recently hosted the ‘Choosing Wisely’ workshop inviting Better Care Victoria, NPS MedicineWise and 11 other hospitals, including metropolitan and rural hospitals. Choosing Wisely is a global initiative aimed to encourage health professionals and consumers to consider rationally which tests, treatments and procedures are evidence-based and necessary and which are not. Led by Australian colleges, societies and associations, Choosing Wisely Australia challenges the way we think about healthcare, questioning the notion, ‘more is always better’. The workshop included a showcase of all projects underway at all health services, where there was a sharing of valuable resources. This provided an…
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Dr Lauren Rogers: Rising Star
Nominated for being a “true rising star”, Northern Health Intern, Dr Lauren Rogers, was recently awarded for her hard work and dedication at our Inaugural Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards. Lauren began her internship at Northern Hospital Epping just a year ago, having put the hospital down as her first preference. “I had a really good vibe from the Northern. I talked to a few people from here, everyone loved it and said the culture was great,” she says. Nominated by Orthopaedic Registrar, Jaye Yick, who says, “Lauren is an exceptional intern. She is a dedicated Junior Medical Officer who pursues…