During the recent Omicron surge, Northern Health held a virtual ‘Ideas Lab’ to help generate ideas on how we could minimise the impact to our workforce and patients. One of the ideas was to seek interest from the community in assisting our staff on the wards with non-clinical duties.

That is how the Non-Clinical Ward Assistant role was born.

“The Non-Clinical Ward Assistant role works with nursing staff to deliver the non-clinical part of the nursing duties. This includes things like helping patients at meal time, answering phones and call bells, unpacking stock to the ward, helping patients with personal items and calling family members with updates,” explained Katherine Anderson, Manager, People Experience.

“An external expression of interest was released via the Northern Health social media accounts, reaching almost 17,000 people. In one week, we received almost 300 applications. The People and Culture team screened over 100 applicants, appointing 55 candidates to roles. It’s been an incredible effort from the People and Culture recruitment and payroll teams to get these 55 candidates on board and commenced so quickly,” Katherine added.

One of the new recruits is Sandra Eastick, who heard about this opportunity from a family member.

“I have always had a passion for helping and assisting people, and when I heard about this opportunity, I thought it would be perfect for me to do what I love doing most,” she said.

Sandra found her first day at Northern Hospital Epping to be a rewarding one, as as she was able to work alongside so many nurses and help patients.

“I assist in Ward 4 and enjoy chatting with patients. It is very rewarding knowing I’ve finished my shift and have put a smile on someone’s face,” she added.

Her colleague, Kusum Talwar, comes from a background of looking after our youngest in kinder.

“One of my friends works here, and she told me about the opportunity. It is really great that I can help the community. Recently, I was able to interact with a patient by speaking with him in Punjabi, and he was so grateful and comfortable. I can also speak Hindi and I am able to really connect with patients in their own language,” she said.

Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19.

Over the past two years, our community has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of dealing with a new way of living for everybody, there are still many people battling cancer.

Today is World Cancer Day – celebrated every year on 4 February to raise global awareness and improve education about cancer and its impact on those living with the disease. 

This year’s World Cancer Day is being recognised under the theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’ – which is all about raising awareness of the equity gap that affects almost everyone, in high as well as low- and middle-income countries, and is costing lives. 

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

Northern Health is helping to raise awareness by promoting World Cancer Day to our community, and providing continuous care to our cancer patients during the pandemic.

Dr Frances Barnett, Director of Medical Oncology, said, “We are able to look after people with all types of cancers. We offer the full range of strategies to manage cancer, ranging from surgery, to radiation treatment and to, my speciality, which is the drug treatment for different forms of cancer,” Dr Barnett said.

“We have supportive care programs to look after people, we have information sessions and we try to include patient families and carers in all steps of the cancer-related journey.”

Our utmost priority is the safety of our patients. During COVID-19, we have adapted the way we provide our services so we can continue to provide the highest quality of care. Northern Health launched the NOAH@Home service in 2020 – providing chemotherapy to patients in the comfort of their own homes.

It’s still important as ever for patients to continue medical appointments and regular check ups even during the pandemic. Reach out to loved ones who are living with cancer to see how you can support them during this time.

“Most of World Cancer Day’s focus is on raising awareness of cancer, things we can all do to prevent cancer, detect cancer early and the management of cancer as well,” Dr Barnett said.

Featured image: Dr Frances Barnett with cancer patient Maria.

Our COVID-19 testing site at Craigieburn Centre has come to a close.

The testing site was established back in July 2020, during the second COVID-19 wave in Victoria.

Since then, the site has processed over 150,000 tests – an incredible feat.

Debra Bourne, Acting Chief Operating Officer expressed her appreciation for the wonderful work of staff.

“Northern Health has been extremely proud of the role this team provided in responding to COVID-19. It was, at times, extremely challenging for all staff in this testing site – working outside in a tent in full PPE in both times of high demand and difficult weather, we acknowledge was not easy at times. Our thanks and appreciation is extended to all staff involved in this testing site,” Debra said.

Elisha O’Dowd, Nurse Unit Manager – Infection Prevention & Surveillance and COVID-19 Testing Sites and Screening, said facilitating the site during this time has been a major collaborative effort involving a number of stakeholders.

“From Craigieburn Centre management team and staff dedicating majority of their onsite parking and internal break spaces to support the project, to Pathology working around the clock to provide results to our consumers; Traffic Control and Security working tirelessly to keep the site safe and running smoothly; Health Information Services, Nursing Workforce, agency partners and Department of Health alternative staff for providing clerical and nursing staff for the site; cleaners, couriers, and so many more. It is a team effort!” Elisha said.

Described as “the little-site-that-could”, the Craigieburn testing site rivalled some of the larger sites in the area.

“Despite its small size, Craigieburn was one of the busiest sites in the region. During a local outbreak last year, Craigieburn saw its busiest day on record, swabbing 783 patients on 30 May 2021. This is more than one swab per minute – an extraordinary effort by all involved,” Elisha said.

Despite many challenges including local outbreaks, increased demand and extreme weather, the team at Craigieburn literally and figuratively weathered many storms, showcasing their dedication to continue for our community even during the most challenging times.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to all the staff involved at the Craigieburn testing site. They have worked through the heat, cold and wind to deliver a high quality and much-needed service to our community,” Elisha expressed.

“The staff have always been so resilient in the face of constant change and uncertainty. They have truly shown the Northern Health values of safe, kind and together.”

Northern Health’s testing site at NCHER remains open to staff and the community.

“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere, without moving anything but your heart”

― Phyllis Theroux

 

Visitor restrictions, whilst in place to keep patients, staff and the community safe during the current pandemic, can prove challenging for the loved ones of those in hospital.

Being keenly aware that regular contact with a loved one is an important part of a patients stay with us, Northern Health has a number of ways to help families remain informed and connected, including a virtual visit.

One of these ways is for families and friends to send a letter to be printed and shared with their loved ones to let them know they are thinking of them, and to send love and well wishes. It even allows for photographs; a happy smile from grandchildren, a favourite pet or just a funny selfie.

Camille Meredith, Acting Allied Health Informatics Officer, says, “Once we receive the communication we print it on stationary, specially designed for this purpose, to share with the patient.”

“We ensure this personalised service is treated in confidence by the small number of staff who run it,” she adds.

Tracey Webster, from the Digital Health team, says, “The idea is for staff to get to know their patients better from the messages of love and photos sent in.”

The service has been well received with messages ranging from, “…all his kids, grandkids, and great grand kids are thinking of him and love him very much,” to, “ We miss you Mum and look forward to having you home soon.”

Jim Sayer, Director Allied Health, says, “The pandemic has been a very challenging time for all of us. As such I am acutely aware of the beneficial impact of positive family and friend connections on lifting our patients’ spirit, enhancing recovery and improving overall well-being. I am grateful for the team in bringing this initiative together, and look forward to the delivery of stacks of messages from loved ones to our patients.”

Click here for more information.

Three of our ISS PPE Spotters – Simranjeet Kaur, Bruce Watts, and Anu Bharti, have been awarded an ISS Hero Award.

Several of our ward nurses provided positive feedback for the three ISS PPE Spotters, saying, “Simran and Anu are both standouts, going above and beyond in all their duties. Bruce is also very diligent in watching the lifts for meal deliveries.”

The nurses agreed that Simranjeet, Bruce and Anu performed at a standard for others to follow.

Aktapreet Kaur, Spotter Team Leader, who nominated them for the ISS Hero Award, said the role of PPE spotters was to make sure all staff are in full PPE and go to the COVID Wards in correct PPE.

“At the moment, we are having 12 Spotters each shift throughout the day,” Aktapreet said.

“Congratulations on our three staff for doing a job well done and for making a positive impact on our customers.”

Not only are ISS PPE Spotters in charge of ensuring correct PPE is worn across the health service, but they also assist with other tasks including bed-making and linen changes, packing and unpacking of patient belongings, talking to patients, answering ward phones and tidying and wiping of benches, among many other tasks.

Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, congratulated Simranjeet, Bruce and Anu on their success and dedication to their role.

“It’s always great to see ISS staff member’s going over and beyond to make a real positive impact on this vital spotter role,” said Saj.

Featured image: Aktapreet Kaur, Spotter Team Leader, with Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, Simranjeet Kaur, Bruce Watts and Anu Bharti, ISS PPE Spotters

The Northern Health Senior Medical Staff Association (SMSA) are proud to announce their recent contribution of $25,113 towards the global COVAX campaign.

The COVAX campaign, administered by the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunisations (GAVI), is a global health partnership of private and public organisations, which aims to vaccinate the world against COVID-19. The campaign is targeted at accelerating the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.

Health care workers across the globe have worked as the backbone of the COVID-19 pandemic. They understand better than anyone the sacrifice and dedication required to get through these extremely challenging times. Because of this, the Northern Health SMSA was determined to play their part in the international response, particularly focusing on disadvantaged countries.

Leading the charge was Dr Dean Pritchard, Chair of the SMSA and Deputy Director, Emergency Department.

“As an association of senior medical staff, we thought it was crucial to contribute to the international efforts against COVID-19. As indicated by our tagline – Pandemic means worldwide,” explained Dean.

“After almost three weeks of donations, the SMSA membership raised $15,113. The SMSA has pledged to match every donation made, to a total of $10,000. This brings our grand total to $25,113.”

“From UNICEF estimates, our donation will work to protect over 5,000 healthcare workers against COVID-19, in countries that need it most. Take a bow senior medical staff of Northern Health! An enormous thank you to each and every one of you who donated to this campaign,” Dean said.

Coupled with vaccine manufacturers, major sponsors and the donating public, COVAX has now shipped over 1 billion vaccine doses worldwide, helping to provide disadvantaged countries equal access to vaccination against COVID-19.

“I am very humbled by the generosity of our senior medical staff, and hope this campaign has raised the awareness of the greater struggle that exists outside Australian borders,” Dean added.

Featured image (left to right): Dr Anthony Cross, SMSA Treasurer and ICU Director with Dr Dean Pritchard, SMSA Chair and Deputy Director, Emergency Department 

This Year, Northern Health Foundation is partnering with Play For Purpose – an online raffle helping Australian charities fundraise. By purchasing a ticket, you will be helping to support the funding of life-changing equipment, research, and training right here in the heart of your community.

Of course, you are also placed in the draw to win first prize valued at $250,000, including an Audi E-Tron Sportsback and $75,000 in gold! If you don’t grab the first prize, don’t worry, your ticket also gives you another opportunity to win, with hundreds of prizes available, including a $15,000 Myer voucher or a $500 JB Hi-Fi e-Gift voucher.

Half of all proceeds go directly to supporting Northern Health Foundation in its vision of building a healthier community for our staff and our patients here at Northern Health.

Play For Purpose is a platform used by many Australian charities as a fundraising activity.

Acting Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, Pina Di Donato, is pleased to partner with Play For Purpose, saying, “it is a great opportunity for Northern Health staff and community to take part in something exciting, with the additional benefit of proceeds from the raffle used to fund life-changing equipment and research. The more tickets we sell, the greater the benefit.”

Ticket sales close on Thursday, 24 March 2022. Winners are announced on Friday, 25 March 2022.

Be quick – tickets are limited!

To purchase your raffle tickets, click on the below image.

 

Dr Kang started his career at Northern Health as a medical student back in 2006 and, after graduation, returned as an intern. Now, he is the new Surgical Education Consultant who will be helping junior doctors progress in their careers.

“I’ve actually been here most of my career. It is my absolute pleasure to join the vibrant team at Northern Health, taking on the new and exciting role of Surgical Education Consultant. I am a Bariatric, UGI and general surgeon who completed all my pre-fellowship training with Northern Health and, before that, a medical student graduating from Austin/Northern Clinical School, University of Melbourne. My passion for medical education was first ignited after taking my first group of clinical students for bedside tutorials while being heavily influenced by my own experience as a trainee,” he explained.

His role includes looking after surgical education needs for anyone from intern to registrar level.

“As Surgical Education Consultant, I will be joining a team of enthusiastic and skilled educators from the Medical Education Unit and Department of Surgery entrusted with the responsibility of planning, implementation and delivery of surgical education to all junior medical staff. Practically, this will include organising rostered educational sessions, practical workshops and tutorials, while providing supervision, mentorship and career advice to those who are interested in a career in surgery. I will be liaising with different surgical units to best aid for the career development of our junior medical staff. This is a position that can really change things around,” he explained.

In his own transition from an intern to registrar, he noticed a gap in the formal transition process. Now, he is planning to change that and is working on establishing new education sessions, providing junior staff a more formalised process to move into registrar roles.

The ‘Transition to Registrar Practice’ sessions will be aimed at senior surgical HMOs who are ready to step up to a registrar role or junior registrars who are still finding their feet in their new role.

“This will consist of small group tutorials and lectures during monthly theatre educational days. Sessions will include topics like: How do you assess a patient? What are some of the important conditions you must know of? At what point do you know you have reached your limits and that you have to escalate to a senior? How to manage a night shift when you are the most senior surgical doctor on site? and similar,” he explained.

Dr Kang has seen Northern Health develop and change over the years he has been working here.

“I grew up here! To me, Northern is a hospital that has always experienced a lot of challenges in the forefront. It was an expanding population area ten years ago – the demand for the hospital services exploded exponentially, then COVID-19 came, where we had high case numbers in the north. Despite the challenges, it has always been a workplace that has innovated and had a strong foresight into what is required in the future,” he said.

“With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 will once again be a challenging year for surgical education at Northern Health. It is our duty as educators to provide comprehensive training and support to our junior doctors under these circumstances,” Dr Kang concluded.