After a well-deserved three-week break from supporting our health service, our dedicated volunteers have returned to duty for 2023.

Henni Wade, Manager of Volunteer Services, said there was much excitement in the volunteer room this week, with volunteers sharing their holiday adventures, showing off new hair-cuts, and catching up on news.

“It was like the first day back at school,” Henni said.

“Giving back to their local health service and knowing they contribute in a meaningful way is one of the main reasons our volunteers tell us they support us.  Volunteering can be life changing and often life-saving.”

Our volunteers help our health service in many different ways. They assist with administration tasks, such as putting packs together for distribution, helping with mail-outs, re-stocking and sorting tasks, guiding and patient visiting.  They also cuddle babies, drive patients to appointments, make items to be sold in the Busy Fingers Shop at Bundoora Centre or Foundation Shop at Northern Hospital Epping, and help with fundraising events.

The volunteers also support the How-R-U Telephone Support Program – an important program that offers weekly social support, for people who live alone, via a telephone call.

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is also another  program our volunteers are proud to be a part of. The CVS program provides friendship and companionship by matching volunteers with aged care residents who are isolated or at risk of social isolation or loneliness.

With Natalia Dewiyani now in the role of Spiritual Care Coordinator, the Spiritual Care Volunteer Program, which has been on hold for a few years due to COVID-19 and changes in staffing, has been reinstated.

Despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic, the enthusiasm of our volunteers has remained the same. COVID-19 forced on-site volunteer activity to cease for much of 2020 and 2021. Volunteers continued to assist Northern Health from their homes during this time. But that all changed in 2022, when on-site volunteering returned, and we could witness our volunteers proudly donning their blue vests with a smile.

If you would like volunteers to support your area, please get in touch with the Volunteer Services Team on 8405 8971 or volunteer@nh.org.au.

Northern Health Foundation Patron, Bev Carman, is a passionate fundraiser. She is passionate about making a difference to the Northern Health community and she loves nothing more than bringing together a great bunch of people in support of a terrific cause. She is well known for hosting an annual race day, one of the highlights of the Foundation’s fundraising calendar.

As the temperature soared last Saturday, guests at Northern Health Foundation Race Day were treated to a great day out at Kilmore Racing Club. More than 100 guests enjoyed a beautiful meal overlooking the race track.

Each race was generously sponsored by supporters of Bev and the Foundation. Our sincere thanks to the following sponsors:• Peter and Kerrie McWilliam and family
• John Molnar OAM – Midwinters Lawyers
• Greg Stute – Verandah Solutions
• Wendy Ward – Epping Plaza Hotel
• Professor Peter Brooks – Northern Health Research Team
• Ben Murphy – Kilmore Racing Club

While a great day was had by all, the real beneficiary of this event is Northern Health’s cancer services. Over the years, Bev’s events have contributed to the funding of some very important equipment. Her focus has always been on how she can make a difference to patients who are on their cancer journey. Scalp cooling machine, new patient chemotherapy chairs and blanket warmers have been some of outcomes of her fundraising efforts.

John Molnar OAM spoke of Bev’s long-standing commitment to Northern Health Foundation, saying, “the Foundation is extremely grateful to have people like Bev out in the community fundraising so that our patients can have access to better equipment.”

In his speech to guests, Professor Peter Brooks, Research Lead and Northern Health, also expressed his gratitude to Bev and her supporters. Timed to coincide with the next race, which was sponsored by the Northern Health Research Team, Peter took the opportunity to talk about the Victoria Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), an initiative born out of Northern Health.

“The VVED is a great example of what can be achieved with an investment in research,” Peter said.

Bev Carman is extremely grateful to everyone who attended the Race Day, saying, “After three years of cancellations due to COVID-19 and floods, and despite the soaring heat this year, those who attended the event were so supportive. Many of them have promised to come back next time because they had such a great day and really want to be part of giving back to the health service.”

With another successful event under her belt, Bev looks forward to hosting a race day later this year at Kilmore. “Thank you to Kilmore Racing Club for all the work they put into this event. They are wonderful to deal with and the day would not have been as successful without their hard work and support,” said Bev.

Bev is always looking for more sponsors. “There is always room for more race sponsors. I hope we can have more people next time. It is a great day out and we are supporting a good cause.”

The Northern Health Library has recently launched a twice-weekly virtual drop-in service via Microsoft Teams.

The online sessions provide an opportunity for staff to easily communicate with library staff about a simple question they may have, or a complex query about library resources. This means regardless of where you work, you can easily access library expertise and support. The sessions are held Mondays, 11 am to 12 pm, and Thursdays, 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.

“Conscious of the need our staff and students have for library access, regardless of where they are located, we identified initiatives to bring the library to you in convenient and time-sensitive ways,” said Natasha Bradley, Director Library and Information Literacy Services.

“We have been working towards the implementation of the online drop-in capability since September 2022, when we trialed online drop-in sessions with the Allied Health Stepping into Research participant.”

“Staff can ask specific questions about how the library can support ongoing professional development requirements, study needs, research projects and much more. Anything to do with finding and accessing information can be asked and answered.”

Ryan Hon, Physiotherapist, was a trial participant. He said the the librarians were tremendously helpful during these sessions in supporting his database search skills.

“I am now confident that I am able to conduct a thorough database search for future research endeavours,” he said.

After the success of the trial, the library launched the service on 9 January 2023. The first user was James Watt, Occupational Violence & Aggression (OVA) Educator. He wanted to review the latest evidence in this area in preparation for his recent role change – as well as brushing up on how to search the databases.

Shortly after, Erica Hateley, Senior Librarian, had James all set with recent articles, renewed search skills and recommendations on the most suitable databases. All from the comfort and convenience of James’ desk.

“Erica was amazing. She was so helpful and listened to exactly what I needed, asked lots of clarifying questions to ensure the search was spot on. Even though I’ve done lots of literature searches in the past, I was feeling a bit rusty and having an expert to assist me helped me learn some new elements and tips of the search process,” James said.

Staff are also welcome to visit the library in person to chat with our library staff.

“Of course, you are always welcome to drop by the library in person. As you know, our library team love seeing you online or in real life,” Natasha said.

For more information and to attend a drop-in session, visit the Intranet.

Featured image: Natasha Bradley on screen with James Watt.

 

Kirstin Tirant, Northern Health’s Pleural Clinical Nurse Consultant, has been awarded the Victorian Nurses and Midwives Trust Major Grant 2022. This $100,000 grant will help fund the project ‘Digital Health to Extend Victoria’s First Specialised Ambulatory Pleural Service: A Proof-of-Concept Feasibility Study’.

This project is an extension of the Northern Health Respiratory Department’s Specialist Ambulatory Pleural Service (SAPS) as part of its Pleural Medicine Unit – the only formalised service of its kind in Victoria.

The Victorian Nurses and Midwives Trust (VNMT) offers grants each year to support health services to undertake dedicated nursing and/or midwifery research and education to improve patient outcomes. Kirstin Tirant, the first Pleural Clinical Nurse Consultant in Victoria, and her team submitted a successful application to assess the feasibility of digitalising SAPS in managing individuals with Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE).

“Kirstin’s study is a fantastic example of how we are looking at innovative models of virtual care to impact the outcomes that matter the most to our patients and the community,” said Dr Katharine See, Director, Respiratory Medicine.

MPE is the build-up of fluid around the lungs and inside the chest wall as a consequence of cancer. One in six Victorians with lung or breast cancer are at risk of developing a MPE. MPEs are associated with serious symptoms which can lead to a significant reduction in quality of life. The role of the Pleural Medicine Unit is to help reduce the impact of these burdensome symptoms, and work with patients to improve the symptoms of breathlessness and to enhance their quality of life.

The pleural team’s study will assess the integration of Digital Health in order to extend Victoria’s first nurse-led specialised ambulatory pleural service. It is a proof-of-concept feasibility study using tele-ultrasound and tele-health to revolutionise the care pathway for patients with malignant pleural effusion. The study aims to bring routine outpatient care to the patient’s home by upskilling and supporting the professional development of nurses to work in the community with digital tools. It is a nurse-led ambulatory model of care that prioritises patient centredness and satisfaction. This will improve patient related outcome measures, and more importantly, give back some precious times to spend with their loved ones.

“Our pleural team is extremely passionate about this project and its potential. We foresee many benefits with the implementation of this transformational model of care for patients, the nursing profession and our health service,” said Kirstin.

“We believe these benefits align with both the strategic goals of our organisation and that of the VNMT – to advance the practice of nurses through education and research and to enhance patient outcomes.”

“This very exciting, nurse-led project is currently underway. The protocol is being reviewed and we’re very excited to welcome two new team members to support the project; Aparna Prasad, Research Coordinator and Vic Justice, Pleural Research Nurse,” said Dr Sanjeevan Muruganandan, Northern Health Lung Specialist and Pleural Lead.

Featured image: Kirstin Tirant and Dr Katharine See.

Northern Health has welcomed 50 brand new doctors for a one-week comprehensive orientation.

Around 50 per cent of the new interns were medical students here at Northern Health. Chief Medical Officer, Associate Professor Wanda Stelmach, and Medical Services Director, Dr Kean Kuan, were on hand to warmly welcome them.

Addressing the interns, Kean said, “Congratulations to all of you to not only making it through medical school, but also doing so during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic! We all have much to learn, and there is no better place than Northern Health to do so, with a fantastic work culture. Looking forward to working with you all in 2023 and beyond!”

The orientation was hybrid in nature, with online lectures, a pharmacy workshop, and face-to-face revision of clinical skills. The interns enjoyed the clinical skills workshops held in the simulation lab as they practiced basic life support, intravenous cannulation, catheter insertion, the use of personal protective equipment and IT skills. This was followed by shadowing the current doctors on the wards to pick up some tips, before starting their first shift as a doctor today.

Dr Carol Chong, Supervisor of Intern Training, said, “The interns are excited to start their career here at Northern Health and to help our ever growing multicultural community.”

Emily Greenwood was excited to be coming back after completing her studies here. “I have loved it here; loved the culture and really excited to give back in an official capacity.”

Mathew Chen, also a student here said, “I am really excited to be joining Northen Health. It is a really supportive structure, and I am looking forward to working here.”

Saad Fahd said, “I have many reasons for commencing a medical career at Northern Health but growing up in the northern catchment to immigrant Syrian parents, this health service holds a special place in my heart. Between what is now Broadmeadows Hospital and Northern Hospital, many visits were made alongside family members after-school and on days off as the ‘support’ family member.”

“It’s through these interactions that my passion for medicine was seeded and I became ever motivated to play a small, but hopefully significant, role in delivering medical care that is compassionate and accessible to the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Susie Sangas, Medical Education Manager, was glad to finally have the interns here after preparing this orientation for months. She said, “It has been a pleasure welcoming our interns to Northern Health.”

Said Wanda, “Another year of hybrid format, but this hasn’t dismayed our new interns! They have been amazingly engaging online and full of energy and excitement in the teaching sessions! I haven’t seen one intern who hasn’t swapped the sticky label with their name for their official Northern Health doctor badge! I’m very proud to be working with our interns of 2023!”

Last November, the Bundoora Aged Persons Mental Health Unit (APMHU) and Assessment and Treatment Services (APATT) transferred to Northern Health.

Today, we speak to Lisa Carter, Director of Nursing and Operations Director of Aged Care Mental Health Division, about her role in the transition.

Lisa, let’s start with your coffee order?

Short black please.

Tell us about your role as Director of Nursing of Mental Health and what it entails?

The role is to contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Mental Health Division, specifically to review and continually improve the operation of aged persons mental health. It includes our aged care mental health acute inpatient units, aged care mental health residential units and our community Assessment and Treatment Services (APATT) teams. My role covers the development and support of our teams in ensuring quality and safety and meeting clinical governance targets. Overall, it is to deliver excellence in care to older persons that includes both physical and mental health wellbeing outcomes.

The recent transition of the Aged Persons Mental Health Unit and APATT at Bundoora Centre is a key part of this role and the transition planned for 2023 of the Aged Care Mental Health Unit and APATT at Broadmeadows will finalise the disaggregation process.

Tell us what you were doing prior to this role?

I have previously worked in the private healthcare sector in specialties such as mental health, aged care and also subacute (rehabilitation) and acute services. Whilst funding models differ between the public and private sectors, the fundamentals of teams and patient needs remain the same.

What does a typical day look like for you?

In the short period of time I have been here, no two days have been the same. At this stage, much is about learning, meeting other people and identifying synergies between roles.

What excites you about your role?

The opportunity in leading and developing new teams and being an integral part of a transition process.

What are some of the challenges of this role?

The acronyms – just joking!

Building and ensuring the resources are in place and supporting each other to support our patients in gaining the best outcomes for themselves.

Lastly, what would people be most surprised to know about you?

I know most people are keen on the sunshine this time of year or waiting for it as in 2022. I’m much more at home in the snow, having spent most winters and some periods of our summer skiing.

Bundoora Centre clinicians Ryan Hon, Physiotherapist, and Andrea Clarke, Community Compliance Leader, Community Therapy Services, have both been awarded a Safer Care Victoria (SCV) Fellowship.

The fellowship is a 12-month program to build health sector skill and capability to lead change, and improve healthcare quality and patient safety. Nine clinical fellowships were available for a yearlong secondment in 2023.

Fellows will develop skills and knowledge in improvement science, project management, human factors and systems thinking, incident review methodology, and leadership. Fellows will also lead a patient safety or quality improvement project by working within different branches of SCV to lead the full cycle of a key strategic project.

Ryan has been seconded to the Capability Development Branch Program as part of the fellowship.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as one of the nine fellows for this year’s program. But at the same time, feeling nervous about this new and exciting journey ahead of me,” Ryan said.

Ryan decided to apply for the fellowship following the successful implementation of the pilot Men’s Health Physiotherapy Service, and once he had an understanding of the complexities of a healthcare system.

“Most importantly, I have learned that to enable an effective and safe healthcare delivery in a post-pandemic era, healthcare remodelling is necessary,” he said.

“I would like to see myself as a healthcare leader instead of a clinician. Leaders are like tea bags – you only know how good you are when you place yourself in hot water. If you want to be a good leader, or a good tea bag, you have to take the risk of landing in hot water occasionally. Hot water moments are moments of truth when you learn and grow as a leader.”

“I would also like to be in a position where I can inspire others to transcend conventional boundaries, creating positive transformations in Victorian’s accessibility to high quality care.”

On a personal level, Ryan hopes the fellowship will grow his self-confidence.

“I am fairly introverted myself, and articulating my own thoughts and opinions have always been a challenge for me,” he said.

“I believe this fellowship will provide me with the opportunity to optimise my personal growth and potential, particularly in self-esteem, self-confidence and self-actualisation.  As Neale Donald Walsch said, ‘life begins at the end of your comfort zone.’”

“I am looking forward to meeting my peers and mentors in the program, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come my way, as well as forging new friendships and partnerships external to our organisation. I would also like to thank my Associate Director, clinical leaders, and past and present colleagues for supporting my application and shaping the person I am today.”

For Andrea Clarke, she is looking forward to gaining knowledge through the tailored learning program, and being able to apply the knowledge. As part of the fellowship, Andrea will be assigned to a health system improvement and safety project.

“I saw this as an opportunity to embrace something new, and to help me further develop my career. I feel very excited to have been accepted into the SCV fellows program,” she said.

“I am also looking forward to developing new networks within the wider health system. It is very exciting to have an opportunity to experience health system-wide improvement and to be able to bring that experience back to Northern Health at the end of the 12 months.”

Featured image: Andrea and Ryan.

Yesterday morning, The Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria, along with Colin Brooks MP, Acting Minister for Health, visited Northern Hospital Epping to thank our Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) staff who have supported more than 85,000 Victorians since the service launched in October 2020.

During the visit, Premier Daniel Andrews met with Jennifer Williams AM, Northern Health Board Chair, Siva Sivarajah, Northern Health Chief Executive, Lisa Cox, Acting COO, Dr Loren Sher, Director VVED and Ambulance Vic representatives.

Following a tour of the VVED, the Premier spoke with local and metro media, discussing the need to expand other primary care services and relieve the pressure on emergency departments (EDs).

This includes delivering 25 Priority Primary Care Centres, 30 state-run GP respiratory clinics, and the Better at Home program across the state.

“Any pressure we can take off our hospital system is great for patients who need to be in hospital,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.

Dr Loren Sher, Director Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, said the VVED is a much better experience for people than sitting in a busy emergency department.

“We will be working collaboratively [with other health services] to try and increase the ability to keep patients out of the emergency department,” Dr Loren Sher said to 7 News.

“Patients that are advised to attend the ED in some instances will be referred into the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.”

The VVED helped thousands of people avoid a trip to emergency department over the Christmas and New Year period.

While the VVED treats an average of 300 to 350 Victorians every day, over the holiday period this skyrocketed, with more than 640 patients seen on Boxing Day alone.

“Despite record demand, the doctors and nurses at the Virtual ED did an incredible job ensuring Victorians got the care they needed over the holiday period,” Mr Brooks said.