#WeAreNorthern

Meet Bec van de Paverd, Divisional Director, Medicine and Cancer Services – pictured here with Marley and Maverick, keeping everything pawsitive.

 

Q: What’s your go‑to coffee order, Bec?

A: At work just a latte, on weekends I do love an affogato.

 

Q: You’ve held senior leadership roles at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Kilmore District Hospital. What sets Northern Health apart for you?

A: I’ve loved all my previous roles and the organisations I’ve worked in, but what sets Northern Health apart for me is the rapid growth and service development opportunities, the incredible diversity of the community we service and the genuine passion and care of the staff. There’s a real sense of momentum here and it’s great to part of this and make a meaningful contribution.

 

Q: You successfully managed the clinical integration between Northern Health and Kilmore District Hospital. What key lessons from that experience continue to guide your leadership style?

A: Being part of the amalgamation was a unique privilege, and I feel fortunate to have experienced it while in a leadership role. I learnt so much, especially how critical it is to really listen to people and to keep patients at the heart of decision making. It also taught me the importance of staying flexible and being open to shifting my own view when new perspectives are shared.

 

Q: How have your diverse experiences across metropolitan and regional health services shaped your vision for Medicine and Cancer Services here at Northern Health?

A: I’ve been lucky to work across so many areas – elective surgery access, gynae and fertility nursing, Hospital In The Home (HITH), aged care, COVID response and then as Site Director of Nursing at Kilmore. The metro roles gave me broad clinical experience and a great understanding of how different departments connect and how much can be achieved when we work in alignment.

Working in a regional service gave me an additional perspective that enhanced my leadership and sharpened my understanding of governance, helping me make informed, system-wide decisions focused on risk and safety for both patients and staff.

 

Q: Reflecting on your time at Northern Health, what achievements stand out as highlights?

A: There’s so much amazing work that is always happening in the Division but what has been a highlight for me is the work we are doing in relation to progression of care which is evolving to become a great shared achievement. The impact to patients, having their care actively moving forward every day is something I feel really proud to lead alongside the teams who are involved in these initiatives.

 

Q: Looking ahead, what do you see as the most exciting opportunities for Medicine and Cancer Services in the coming years?

A: In 2026, we’ll be scaling up our progression of care initiatives and developing a weekend strategy aimed at reducing length of stay and improving access and flow for General Medical patients. We’re also finalising our cancer service plan, which we expect to complete next year, and commencing work on expanding the voluntary assisted dying service, a deeply important offering for our patients and community, and one I feel privileged to help shape over the coming twelve months.

 

Q: Finally, can you share something about yourself that colleagues wouldn’t discover from reading your résumé?

A: I have become quite a big sports fan since COVID and as my kids get older and into their own sports. I have started fantasy league in English Premier League this year (not doing too well, so a lot to learn) I’m still getting over Melbourne Storm losing the Grand Final two years in a row and I have been known to be up late watching F1 and Tour de France.

I really enjoy deep diving in the teams I follow – docos, podcasts, post-game interviews and stat analysis – it could be another full-time job and it’s how I unwind from the busyness of life!

Northern Health staff embraced the festive spirit throughout December, celebrating the holiday season with a variety of fun and engaging activities that brought joy, connection and warmth to every corner of our organisation.

The festivities kicked off with the much-anticipated annual Christmas BBQs held across all Northern Health sites. These gatherings offered staff a chance to pause, come together, and celebrate another remarkable year of caring for our northern community. Adding to the cheer, the Northern Health Community Choir filled the air with vibrant carols at each BBQ, setting a merry soundtrack for the season.

Santa from Pacific Epping also made a heart-warming visit to our Children’s and Maternity Wards, bringing joy and comfort to children and families spending time in hospital during the holidays. Smiles lit up the wards as the man in red greeted little ones, spreading laughter, excitement, and a welcome moment of magic.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Northern Health without our beloved Christmas Decorating Competition. This year, staff from across the organisation truly embraced the challenge, transforming wards, hallways, and offices with tinsel, baubles, and dazzling displays that showcased remarkable creativity and team spirit. Participation was stronger than ever, with teams pouring their hearts into crafting festive spaces that lifted spirits and brought joy to everyone passing through.

From the whimsical world of Shrek land and the enchanting scenes of Christmas Wonderland to the charming Clerical Winter Wonderland, Candy Lanes, Gingerbread Village, and Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, every corner of the organisation offered something unique. Many teams went the extra mile, building hand-made fireplaces, recreating The Night Before Christmas, and designing vibrant Candy Land scenes that delighted staff, patients, and visitors alike. The creativity on display this year truly set a new benchmark for festive fun at Northern Health.

A special mention goes to Larni Koutsofrigas, Coordinator, Support Services, and her talented team of elves, whose creativity and dedication transformed the Northern Hospital Epping foyer into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Using repurposed polystyrene, they handcrafted stunning pieces that not only captured the magic of the season but also championed sustainability. The display, reminiscent of the iconic Myer Christmas windows, became a true showstopper and a source of delight for staff, patients, and visitors alike. Complementing this masterpiece, additional festive items were generously donated by a local Westfield Shopping Centre, helping to create a warm and joyful atmosphere for all who entered.

And here are the winners … (drum roll):

• Northern Hospital Epping (two winners): – Joint Winners – Medical Workforce and NCHER Level 3 (Digital Health)
• Kilmore District Hospital – Maternity Unit
• Bundoora Centre – Ian Brand Residential Aged Care
• Broadmeadows Hospital – Surgical Centre
• Craigieburn Community Hospital together with 230 Cooper Street – Recruitment Team
• Mental Health sites (one winner across all sites) – Ward 7, Northern Hospital Epping

Each winning team will receive $500 into their relevant cost centre in recognition of their standout efforts and creativity.

For the eighth year running, our ISS Facility Services team will continue to spread Christmas magic in the Children’s Ward through their annual ISS Christmas Appeal next week. Thanks to generous donations from our local community, children will receive beautifully wrapped gifts – a tradition lovingly led by Snez Poposka, Facilities Services Manager at ISS, since 2017.

As we wrap up another year, we would like to wish all our staff, volunteers and community members a very Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year. Thank you for your dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care, not just during the festive season, but every day.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly and Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health. 

Northern Health is proud to announce it has received a Community Heritage Grant to undertake a formal Significance Assessment of its historical archive – a collection that chronicles the evolution of Australia’s public health system through the growth and development of Melbourne’s northern corridor, one of the nation’s most diverse and rapidly expanding regions.

The archive is nationally significant for its ability to capture key milestones in healthcare history, including the establishment, transformation, and merging of pivotal health services such as PANCH (Preston and Northcote Community Hospital), Broadmeadows Health, and Bundoora Centre, culminating in the formation of Northern Health. These materials provide invaluable insight into how public health institutions adapted to Australia’s changing urbanisation, migration patterns, and healthcare policies in the post-war era.

The collection also documents the contributions of individuals whose work shaped healthcare nationally and internationally, including:

• Sir Benjamin Rank OBE – pioneer in plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Lilian Leonard OAM – leader in advancing community health and ostomy care
• Jan Rice AM – internationally recognised expert in wound care and nursing leadership
• Dr Ian Brand AM – hospital administration and international healthcare collaboration
• Professor Gordon Trinca AO OBE – trauma surgeon and road safety advocate whose work influenced national policy

These stories reflect broader themes of innovation, advocacy, and health system reform, making the archive a cornerstone resource for researchers, historians, and the wider community.

Tania Barry, Director, Library and Information Literacy Services, said, “I’m very pleased that the Library has received a Community Heritage Grant to carry out a Significance Assessment of Northern Health’s archival collection. This is a great opportunity for us to understand what we hold, why it matters, and how we can preserve it for future generations.”

The grant will enable Northern Health to engage a specialist historian to define the collection’s scope, identify items of historical and cultural value, and provide expert advice on preservation priorities. This work will strengthen how Northern Health cares for its archives and ensure they remain a valuable resource for staff, researchers, and the community.

On 31 October, Northern Health Foundation welcomed the major sponsors of this year’s Gala Ball to a VIP Corporate Breakfast, an immersive experience designed to give our partners a closer look at the impact of their support.

The morning began with a behind-the-scenes tour of Northern Health’s surgical suite, where guests met Adjunct Professor Dennis Gyomber, Divisional Director of Surgery. 

Adjunct Professor Dennis Gyomber described how the da Vinci surgical robot is transforming patient outcomes across our health service.

“The precision, safety, and efficiency we’re now able to deliver is changing the way we operate, and our patients are recovering faster as a result. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community and partners,” he said.

Guests also had the opportunity to try the da Vinci robot themselves, an interactive highlight that sparked plenty of excitement and gave sponsors a genuine appreciation for the complexity and capability of robotic-assisted surgery.

Foundation Director, Chris Harding, spoke about the importance of philanthropic investment in medical innovation, emphasising how partnerships accelerate frontline impact.

“When our partners see this technology up close, they realise they are not just sponsoring an event, they are directly shaping the future of healthcare in Melbourne’s north,” Chris said. “Their support allows us to scale our services, purchase world-class equipment, and ensure patients receive the best care possible, right here at Northern Health.”

Following the tour, guests moved to the Board Room for a briefing with Northern Health Chief Executive, Debra Bourne, who shared insights into the organisation’s vision, future priorities, and the substantial progress made across all campuses.

Executive Director, Foundation and Public Affairs, Pina Di Donato, thanked sponsors for their leadership and ongoing advocacy.

“Our corporate partners play a vital role in helping us deliver exceptional care to one of the fastest-growing communities in Australia,” Pina said. “Their commitment goes far beyond financial support, they are genuine collaborators in helping us improve patient outcomes and strengthen our health service for the future.”

We extend our sincere thanks to our corporate partners for their continued dedication, generosity, and belief in the work of Northern Health. Their support ensures we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality care for the people of Melbourne’s north.

As the festive season fills our community with light and joy, we pause to celebrate the true gifts that cannot be wrapped or placed under a tree – the time, kindness, and compassion of our Northern Health volunteers.

Last week, 150 of our volunteers came together for a festive lunch, not only to celebrate friendships and community, but to remind us all of the spirit of Christmas: giving without expectation, sharing warmth, and bringing comfort to those who need it most.

Over the past year, our volunteers fundraising initiatives have raised more than $91,000, every cent of which has gone directly towards purchasing equipment for wards and enhancing spaces across our health service. These contributions are more than numbers, they are gifts of hope, safety, and care for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments.

Henni Wade, Manager of Volunteer Services, captured the essence of their work: “Our volunteers give something that cannot be bought, borrowed, or replaced: their time, their kindness, and their presence.”

From the friendly faces of our wayfinding guides who turn confusion into calm, to the behind-the-scenes helpers who fold thousands of letters, prepare patient packs, restock libraries, cuddle babies, and offer a hot cup of tea or coffee to visitors , every act of service is a thread in the tapestry of compassion that defines our health service. Our patient visitors, simply through their presence, a gentle conversation, a steady hand in a difficult moment, or quietly sitting beside someone who needs to know they’re not alone, have provided comfort to thousands of patients.

In this season of giving, we are reminded that our volunteers embody the very heart of Christmas. They bring light into dark days, joy into weary hearts, and connection into every corner of our health service.

On behalf of the Executive Team, our staff, our patients, and our community, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you for being the stars that guide us, the hands that comfort us, and the spirit that makes our health service feel like family!

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Julia Edward, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Northern Health.

 

Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order?

A: Flat white with one sugar, simple and perfect to start a busy day.

 

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?

A: My journey with Northern Health began in 2018 in the Emergency Department, where I continue to work proudly today. Before that, I worked at Bundoora Extended Care as a Division 2 Nurse, which gave me valuable early experience in teamwork and patient care.

With support and encouragement from my colleagues and mentors, I pursued my Postgraduate studies in Critical Care, which I successfully completed in 2022, beginning through the University of Melbourne and completing with the University of Technology Sydney. Balancing study, work, and family life as a single mum was not easy, but it strengthened my determination and commitment to nursing.

After completing my postgraduate qualification, I took on several travel nursing roles across Australia, including Mackay (Queensland), South Australia, and Launceston (Tasmania), working as a Critical Care Nurse in diverse settings. These experiences broadened my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of patient-centred care.

Now, I have been selected to work at The Alfred ICU while continuing my role at Northern Health Emergency Department, which remains close to my heart.

 

Q: What is the best part of working at Northern Health?

A: The culture of teamwork and genuine care. Everyone supports one another and works together to provide the best outcomes for patients. It truly feels like a family.

 

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your role?

A: Emergency nursing is not only about responding quickly, but it’s also about calm thinking, empathy, and helping people through some of their most vulnerable moments.

 

Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

A: Perseverance and self-belief make anything possible. Every challenge can become an opportunity for growth if you keep moving forward.

 

Q: How do you like to spend your weekends or time off?

A: I enjoy gym workouts, bike rides, swimming, and long walks. They help me stay grounded and energised.

 

Q: Who or what inspires you most?

A: I am inspired by my patients, mentors, and colleagues. Each of them reminds me daily that compassion and resilience define the heart of nursing.

Northern Health’s Department of Gastroenterology was well represented at the combined Australian Gastroenterology Week/World Congress of Gastroenterology held in Melbourne earlier this year – the largest gastroenterology conference ever hosted in Australia.

The team contributed over 26 accepted abstracts, reflecting the department’s growing influence on this prestigious national and international stage.

Among the highlights were three oral presentations, including two delivered by Liver Clinical Nurse Consultant Kristen Peake and one by Gastroenterology Registrar Dr Leya Nedumannil, who presented on Northern Health’s successful Liver at Home program.

Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Aysha Al-Ani won the People’s Choice Young Investigator Award for her outstanding presentation on mechanisms of inflammation and necroptosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Adding to the department’s presence, Dietitian Dr Hannah Silvia and Gastroenterologist Dr Oliver Cronin were invited to speak on key topics, irritable bowel syndrome and endoscopy respectively, sharing their expertise with a global audience.

Associate Professor Mayur Garg, Director of Gastroenterology, co-convened the postgraduate course attended by more than 600 delegates. A/Prof Garg further elevated Northern Health’s profile by presenting at the opening plenary IBD session of the main conference alongside international experts, focusing on acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC).

In addition to these presentations, the department showcased over 20 posters, which were viewed by more than 3,000 attendees during poster sessions. This strong representation across oral presentations, invited talks, and posters reflects the depth and breadth of research and clinical innovation within the team.

“We’re very proud to see the hard work by so many of our staff in the Department of Gastroenterology – our nurses, allied health professionals and doctors, being recognised at this major meeting,” said A/Prof Garg. “More importantly, it’s heartwarming to see Northern Health staff feeling empowered to take a lead role in shaping the future of our specialty and develop innovative solutions for our patients.”

Main picture shows Liver Clinical Nurse Consultant Kristen Peake presenting at the conference.

 

Today, 10 December, all sites across Northern Health are introducing an important new change to the way we care for children – a simple but powerful question now asked during every observation set: “Are you worried your child is getting worse?”

The introduction of this question forms part of the state-wide rollout of the Refined ViCTOR Chart, following recommendations from Safer Care Victoria, and aims to strengthen early recognition of clinical deterioration in children.

Research has shown that parents often detect subtle signs of deterioration well before clinicians do and before vital signs change, making it essential that families are routinely invited to share any concerns.

Recent Victorian studies have also found that caregiver concern is independently associated with critical illness in paediatric patients, even when vital signs appear normal. These findings highlight the value of actively seeking parental input as part of routine care – something Northern Health is proud to strengthen today.

Clinical Deterioration & Resuscitation Coordinator, Liz Ward says, “Parents know their child best. By asking this simple question, we’re making sure their concerns are heard and acted on immediately.”

From today, nursing and medical staff will ask the Family/Carer Concern question whenever a parent or carer is present. If the response is ‘Yes’, a PreMET call will be initiated for urgent clinical review. The question will not be asked during procedures, at triage, immediately after birth, or when parents or carers are not at the bedside.

Dr David Tran, Divisional Director of Women’s & Children’s Services, says, “Introducing the question ‘Are you worried your child is getting worse’ means we can act faster when a child’s condition changes. It’s about giving families a voice and improving safety for every child in our care.”

Today’s implementation follows months of preparation, including staff education, scripts, translated materials and posters, along with an audit plan to ensure consistent and safe use of the updated chart across all paediatric settings.

Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator, Kelly Alysandratos, says, “This change strengthens our partnership with families. It reassures parents that their instincts matter and helps us prevent serious deterioration before it happens.”

Reflecting on the impact of today’s launch, Liz Ward adds, “We’re proud to be leading this initiative. It’s a small change that will make a big difference for children and their families at Northern Health.”