Behind every accurate medical record is someone making sure the clinical truth is told, and at Northern Health, that someone is Mary Kouvas.
Mary, our Clinical Documentation Integrity/Improvement (CDI) Coordinator, has been named Clinical Documentation Specialist of the Year at the 2025 Clinical Documentation Improvement Conference.
This national recognition celebrates her extraordinary work in improving the quality and accuracy of patient documentation.
“I’m very honoured to receive the very first CDS of the Year award and grateful for the nomination and support from Northern Health,” said Mary.
“It came as a surprise and I wasn’t able to attend the conference in person, but I was thrilled to see Diana Villalta, a CDI team member, accept the award on my behalf and deliver such a beautiful speech.”
Mary’s impact is felt across our entire health service. From mentoring teams on the wards and educating junior doctors, to introducing smart tools like MedTasker, which lifted documentation response rates from 35 to over 90 per cent. Mary has been a quiet force for change.
She’s led the way in embedding better habits, celebrating quality documentation through the CDI Intern Award, and keeping patients at the centre of every conversation.
“CDI is a team effort,” she added. “It takes clinicians, CDSs, coders, and executives all working together to ensure our documentation tells the full story and supports better outcomes.”
Diana, who accepted the award on Mary’s behalf, shared: “Mary has put her heart and soul into CDI at Northern Health. She has this unwavering belief in the importance of accurate documentation and its impact on patient safety. Her dedication has inspired so many of us.”
“She doesn’t just lead, she uplifts everyone around her. Whether it’s supporting her team, mentoring junior staff or advocating for system improvements, Mary does it with purpose, warmth, and humility.”
“There are many facets to her role, but Mary is most passionate about educating staff, clinical and non-clinical, on the importance of complete, accurate and comprehensive patient documentation.”
Congratulations, Mary! Your passion, leadership and drive continue to shape the future of clinical care at Northern Health.
Earlier today, the annual Northern Health ANZAC Day Service took place at Dianella Hostel, Kilmore District Hospital (KDH).
For many years, this service has been deeply rooted in Bundoora Centre. This year, however, marked a new chapter as we united with the residents and staff of KDH to commemorate ANZAC Day.
The MC’s were Jennifer Gilham, Divisional Director Community Hospitals and Bec Van de Paverd, Divisional Director Medicine and Cancer Services-both with close ties to KDH.
They paid tribute to the 60,000 Australians who were killed and 156,000 wounded or taken prisoner in that war. Along with 800 Aboriginal Australians who landed at Gallipoli, 13 of whom were killed in action.
Readers included Dr Andrea Kattula, Board Member, Bev Carman, Patron, Northern Health Foundation, and Peter Craker, Commemorations Officer, Kilmore Wallan RSL.
The ANZAC Address was delivered by Chief Executive Debra Bourne, who drew attention to ‘the remarkable Australian nurses who served with unparalleled courage during the World Wars’.
She recounted the story of Matron Irene Melville Drummond, whose legacy endures as a testament to the resilience and courage of military nurses.
“Their bravery left an indelible mark on the broader medical field, inspiring generations to follow. Many were honoured for their heroism, while others paid the ultimate price. Yet, their selflessness often remains overshadowed, lost amidst the louder echoes of history,” stated Debra.
Among the special guests on the day were Cindy McLeish MP, Member for Eildon, Dean Adams, Team Manager and Tim Clancy from Ambulance Victoria, David Cretney, Watsonia RSL Pipes and Drums, members of Whittlesea Township Choir and the Ukelele Kilmore Group.
The service concluded with morning tea, complemented by a delightful musical performance from the Northern Health Community Choir, members of the Whittlesea Township Choir, and Ukelele Kilmore.
On Saturday, 5 April 2025, the Kilmore Racing Club hosted the annual Bev Carman’s Race Day at Kilmore Racing Club, blending the excitement of country racing with heartfelt community support.
The event aimed to raise funds for cancer services at Northern Health, a cause deeply personal to Bev and her family. Thanks to Bev’s dedication, and the support of the northern community, the event was able to raise an incredible $10,000 towards Bev’s cause.
Bev is a dedicated community figure and patron of Northern Health Foundation, and has long been instrumental in organising this charitable race day. Her commitment stems from personal experiences with cancer within her family, motivating her to support others facing similar challenges. The funds raised contribute to acquiring life-changing equipment for chemotherapy patients and enhancing treatment experiences at Northern Health.
Bev has been a pilar in bringing cancer services to Northern Health, after learning that this was not available, almost 20 years ago. It is because of Bev’s strong commitment, drive, and unwavering support that this was made possible. Decades later, and Northern Health is now building on its vision of creating an inclusive cancer centre in the north, so patients and their families do not have to travel long distances to receive the treatment and care they need. The centre will also focus on holistic health and looking after the patient’s mental and emotional wellbeing during a difficult time.
Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, said, “it is always a pleasure for us to attend Bev’s events. She has an innate ability to gather like-minded people in a room, with a strong sense of community. Northern Health Foundation is extremely appreciative of Bev’s unwavering commitment and friendship.”
The day’s festivities featured exciting races, family-friendly activities, and a special luncheon. Attendees enjoyed antipasto on arrival, followed by a two-course meal, with proceeds directed to Northern Health Foundation.
Bev Carman’s Race Day stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, combining the thrill of racing with the compassion of charitable giving, all in support of those battling cancer. We sincerely thank Bev for her ongoing support of cancer services at Northern Health, Northern Health Foundation, and the community it serves.
Northern Hospital Epping’s dedication to advancing global health has been recently recognised on an international stage.
The AlliGatOr Project, a groundbreaking study focused on improving emergency care systems worldwide, has acknowledged our team as one of the top five per cent of data contributors. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our healthcare professionals, who have played a crucial role in reaching nearly 1,000 patient entries – an impressive milestone for the project.
The AlliGatOr Project is an international prospective cohort study that uses appendicitis as a model to identify areas for improvement in emergency care. By collecting data from consecutive patients undergoing appendicectomy, the study aims to strengthen emergency care systems globally. Our hospital’s active participation has not only contributed to the success of this initiative but also underscores our commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes worldwide.
To celebrate this achievement, the AlliGatOr Management Team has offered to feature Northern Health’s team of contributors on their social media channels. This recognition will highlight the dedication and expertise of our healthcare professionals while showcasing our hospital’s commitment to global health initiatives.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr Teddy Anyomih and the AlliGatOr Management Team for this honour. Being part of a global effort to improve healthcare systems is a source of immense pride, and we look forward to continuing our contributions to this important research,” said Dr Russell Hodgson, Head of Surgical Research, Northern Health.
Here’s what some of the contributors had to say about receiving this recognition:
“I am glad to be part of a global study that provides the opportunity to evaluate differences in the presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of one of the most common conditions we encounter in general surgery,” Dr Nasser Saket.
“I wanted to get involved to help improve patient care for one of the most common pathologies we see. It also gave me a chance to deepen my understanding of what it takes to conduct high-quality research. I am unsurprised that Northern performed so well—my experience here has always been that the staff go above and beyond to deliver the best patient care possible,” Dr Ellen Dempsey.
“Participating in the AlliGatOr Project marked my first experience in multicentre research. It has allowed me to contribute further to surgical research and, in turn, help improve patient outcomes both in Australia and abroad. It comes as no surprise that Northern Hospital ranks among the top contributors; in my time here, I have consistently witnessed an exceptional commitment to patient care and research participation,” Dr Cris Deliv.
“Being part of an international collabora tive study has been a valuable experience, offering insights into how large-scale projects are designed and implemented across different regions. Observing how well we structured the data collection process, it is no surprise that we rank among the top hospitals for recruitment. Nevertheless, hearing about this achievement fills me with immense pride,” Dr Frank Luo.
From all of us at Northern Health, congratulations!
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Andrea Ditoro, Dr Eamonn Grennan, Dr Nasser Saket and Dr Russell Hodgson.
Meet Matt Hood, Web Developer, Digital Health, Northern Health.
Q: Matt, could I start with your coffee order, please? A: I go for a magic (double ristretto + equal parts milk) if I’m in Melbourne, and when I’m away, I order a flat white.
Q: What do you like most about your role at Northern Health? A: I still feel relatively new at Northern Health, having joined early last year as a web developer. I’m part of the Digital Health development team alongside Andrew, Justin, and Mehdi, where we’ve built and continue to maintain the new registration portal for VVED, and are currently working with Residential-in-Reach on their referral system. I feel like I’ve found my tribe on the development team, surrounded by like-minded people who share the same bizarre enthusiasm for all things web development.
Q: You are a master of elevating a simple bowl of Mi Goreng. Can you walk us through what makes it stand out? A: It’s pretty much the perfect work lunch already, so there’s not much left to do! I keep a stash of frozen veggies in the office freezer, which I add to boost the nutrients and overall wholesomeness. For some protein, I top it off with tinned tuna or I’ll crack an egg straight into the bowl and let it poach as the noodles cook. I love that it’s delicious, arguably nutritious, and doesn’t require me to be organised enough to remember to bring lunch to work.
Q: What are some things people don’t know about you? A: My wife Bonnie and I play in a band together, a heavy-rock bass/drums duo called Palpitations. The name comes from the fact that I sometimes get palpitations for no reason – coming up with a band name is harder than it sounds! We’ve got a couple of gigs this weekend in Footscray and Fitzroy. Check us out on Instagram at @palpitationsband for a preview of what you might be in for.
Q: Tell us about your furry friend? A: Meet the one and only Leslie – a Border Collie, Labrador, Golden Retriever suburban trifecta who is very cuddly, and too smart for her own good. She’s named after Primus bassist Les Claypool and Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She’s somehow clever enough to close the cupboards and put away her own toys, and silly enough to eat rocks and chase kangaroos.
Looking after your wellbeing has never been easier, with two apps designed to support staff mental health and overall wellbeing.
Whether you need quick access to professional support or self-guided tools to improve your day-to-day psychological health, these apps can help.
Northern Health’s Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (EAP) provider, Converge, has a dedicated app that makes accessing confidential support easier than ever.
Through the Converge app, staff can book EAP sessions directly, without needing to make a phone call, access a range of wellbeing resources, including articles and self-help tools, and contact professional counsellors for confidential support.
In addition to the Converge app, the myNorthernHealth offers a range of resources to help maintain and improve overall staff wellbeing.
Key features of the app include roster and fatigue management, guided mindfulness and relaxation exercises, tools for stress management and resilience building, and health and wellbeing information tailor to staff needs.
“With a focus on self-care, myNorthernHealth empowers you to take control of your mental and physical wellbeing at any time,” said Graham Wilson, Director OHS & Wellbeing.
Both apps are available for download on iOS and Android devices:
The organisational code to register for the Converge App is: NORTGISA
myNorthernHealth QR Code for Android and iPhone:
If you have any questions or need assistance accessing these apps, feel free to reach out to the OHS & Wellbeing team: ohswb@nh.org.au.
For more information on our Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (EAP) please click here or visit our THRIVE pages to access further Northern Health wellbeing supports.
Featured image: Graham Wilson, OHS & Wellbeing Director.
The first thing you’ll notice about Dr Sela Koyamaibole is his presence. Tall and broad-shouldered, he has the build of a rugby player but the heart of a healer. Despite his stature, there is a gentleness about him, a warmth that radiates in every interaction. Referred to by some as the ‘Gentle Giant’ of the Vascular Surgery Unit, his name is spoken with both affection and admiration.
Originally from Fiji – a country facing a growing burden of vascular disease – Dr Sela arrived at Northern Health through the Global Vascular Companionship (GVC), eager to refine his skills and deepen his knowledge. Fiji has high rates of diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, leading to a high incidence of limb amputations due to the absence of a dedicated vascular surgeon. Many cases that could benefit from revascularisation instead result in major amputations, profoundly impacting individuals and their families. Establishing vascular surgical services in Fiji is crucial to addressing this healthcare gap.
“In Fiji, an amputation is performed every 12 hours, and for a population of 900,000, this rate is alarmingly high,” says Mr Iman Bayat, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health, Director and Acting CEO GVC.
“Just saying there’s no vascular surgeon back home says a lot,” says Dr Sela. “We don’t necessarily treat vascular pathology, and we don’t look for it. We only treat what comes to us, and unfortunately, there’s only so much we can do.”
GVC is a not-for-profit public company established to promote vascular disease prevention and management by providing education, training, and mentorship to healthcare professionals in under-resourced regions.
“Our dream is that one day, all countries with a population greater than 100,000 and all hospitals with a catchment of more than five million will have a vascular and endovascular service,” says Mr Bayat.
Upon visiting the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva, Fiji, Mr Bayat recalls, “Dr Sela Koyamaibole really stood out. Not only was he passionate about vascular surgery, but he also had excellent interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and above all, a compassionate approach to patient care that was both genuine and natural.”
Dr Sela graduated as a doctor in 2012 from the University of Fiji – College of Medical Sciences and Nursing. He went on to earn a postgraduate diploma in general surgery and later pursued a Master’s degree while working at CWMH.
“With Mr Bayat coming across, it inspired me and the nation as a whole. I decided that if there was an opportunity, I would take it,” Dr Sela remembers.
From the moment he arrived at the unit, his enthusiasm was infectious. He would greet everyone with a beaming smile and a hearty “Bula, boss!”, a phrase that quickly became a cherished staple among his colleagues and mentors.
“Sela is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, capable, and hard-working individuals I’ve ever met,” says Mr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health and Director GVC.
“A great person to work with – very happy, always positive. Every morning, he would greet me with ‘Bula, Boss’ or ‘Blessed Day.’ It was a really nice, welcome change,” adds Mr David Goh, Head of the Vascular Surgery Unit at Northern Health and Director GVC.
Mr David Mitchell, Mr Iman Bayat, Mr David Goh, Mr Sela Koyamaibole, Mr Vikram Iyer and Mr Shrikkanth Rangarajan.Mr Sela Koyamaibole, Mr Iman Bayat, Mr Vikram Iyer and Mr David Goh
Whether assisting in complex surgeries, planning patient care, or simply sharing a kind word, Dr Sela brought energy and dedication to every aspect of his work. His colleagues frequently noted his professionalism, resilience, and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
But for Dr Sela, this experience has been more than just a professional affiliation. ‘The Vascular Unit at Northern Hospital Epping? In one word –family. It has been my home away from home,’ he says.
Beyond his technical expertise, what endeared Dr Sela to everyone was his ability to connect – not just with his peers and mentors, but with his patients. His compassionate approach, combined with his deep-rooted spirituality, brought comfort to those in his care. It was clear that he was not just training to be a vascular surgeon – he was preparing to become a leader, a beacon for his community back home.
As his time at Northern Health came to an end after two and a half years, emotions ran high. The team knew he was about to embark on a journey that few had taken before – upon his return to Fiji, Dr Sela would become the country’s very first vascular surgeon.
“He is very aware of the gravitas of the position that he is going to have going back home to Fiji as their first vascular surgeon,” says Mr Vikram Iyer, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health and project lead GVC.
It is a weighty responsibility, but Dr Sela carries it with humility and courage.
“I feel nervous and excited. I know it’s not going to be an easy task. It’s a huge responsibility but I believe where there is Unity, God will Command his blessings!” he says with his signature smile. “With the support system I have here – the GVCP, my mentors at Northern Health – these are the people who will make the transition easier.”
True to their word, his mentors and colleagues pledged to continue supporting him, organising visits and providing ongoing guidance with complex cases.
“In the future, we’d love to see Fiji as a training hub for future vascular surgeons. With people like Sela in the country, there is no reason why we can’t build towards a self-sustaining model where Fiji can train its own vascular surgeons and those of the Pacific Nations,” says Mr Rangarajan.
On his final day, the Vascular Unit gathered to celebrate Dr Sela – not with farewells, but with a promise to stand by him as he built something extraordinary for his people. The team had not only gained a colleague but a lifelong friend.
Thank you, Dr Sela, for your service. May you continue to heal, inspire, and uplift those around you.
Vinaka!
Farewell party for Mr Sela Koyamaibole organised by the Vascular Surgery Unit
“When we hear music, it can switch our brain from fight-flight, problem-solving mode into relaxation-mode, and help promote feelings of calm, safety and wellbeing, all of which can help support good rest” – Senior Music Therapist, Dr Lucy Forrest.
World Music Therapy Week is celebrated annually from 10 to 15 April. The week shines a spotlight on the vital work of music therapists, the lives they touch, and the transformative impact they make.
Northern’s Senior Music Therapist, Dr Lucy Forrest, is using this week to focus attention on how music can support rest and healing for people in the hospital. Dr Forrest uses live music to create therapeutic soundscapes and individually tailored programs in Palliative Care, enriching the experiences of patients, families, and staff. Her work promotes rest, relaxation and connection, fosters healing, and supports overall wellbeing.
“Rest plays a key role in healing and emotional wellbeing,” Dr Forrest explains.
“Yet hospitals are often bustling and noisy, which can make patients and families feel stressed or overwhelmed, ultimately disrupting the amount and quality of rest they receive. A lack of rest can amplify the body’s stress response, making it more challenging to cope and adapt to illness.”
Dr Forrest highlights how music therapy offers a unique and inclusive approach to create a positive, calming and relaxing environment within the hospital.
“Music therapy is not confined by illness but instead focuses on a person’s strengths, interests, and identity. Familiar and meaningful songs can unlock memories, thoughts and feelings, and encourage the sharing and creating of stories, and strengthening connections to family, community, and culture.”
As we celebrate World Music Therapy Week 2025, Dr Forrest has carefully curated a playlist designed to promote rest and healing. This collection is an integral part of the festivities and will also be featured on the Wellness Channel as part of the Wellbeing Program, Cancer Services at Northern Health.
We warmly invite you to explore and enjoy this special playlist by clicking here.
