Today is the International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD).

 

 

 

 

 

This year’s UN theme is, ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.’

There are many different kinds of disability. A disability may affect mobility, ability to learn things, or ability to communicate easily. Some people may have more than one. Disabilities may be visible or hidden, temporary or permanent and may have minimal or substantial impact on a person’s abilities.

Today, we share the thoughts of four people living with disabilities and the challenges they face.

Jane Spracklan is one of the consumer members of our Disability Sub-Committee.

Says Jane, “As a person living with vision impairment, what matters most to me is that I am met with awareness and inclusion. That I have the opportunity to maintain my independence, but that there is also ready support available when I need it. Accessibility features throughout facilities, like large print signage is vital.”

“Pre-conceptions can sometimes be quite challenging. For example when someone grabs hold of me, to physically lead me along.”

“Moving forward, I believe the involvement and inclusion of the disabled community into planning and design is imperative. I would like to see this applied throughout all public facilities,” she says.

Stephanie Grassi is another consumer member of our Disability Sub-Committee.

Says Stephanie, “Because of my physical disability, I use crutches or mobility scooter. At the checkout, it is very hard to see the screen on the eftpos machine and I have to ask for them to tell me just what is the next instruction.”

“Often people in shopping centres or on footpaths will ignore the fact you’re there and need a little more room to manoeuvre and will either not get out of your way or look the other way and walk in front of you,” adds Stephanie.

Michelle Fenwick is the Chair of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Executive Director, People and Culture.

“I now have and live with a disability, reducing my mobility after an accident two years ago. It has affected the way I approach each day and caution now has a front row seat. I consider where I park, my footwear, all whilst trying to be somewhat active with a nine year old.”

“Days like today help grow awareness and remove barriers – not just to entrances or stairs – for I now know what was important before, is now super important,” says Michelle. 

Filipina ‘Pina’ Montagna is a patient of Northern Health, who describes her disability as ‘a mild form of cerebral palsy’.

Says Pina, “In my humble opinion, the most important thing is for the disabled to be told the truth about societal attitudes and discrimination against the disabled. We should never feel that, if we’re struggling, it must be because we’re doing something wrong.”

“In reality, as the research shows, the disabled are discriminated against throughout society, not least of all in the workforce, which determines participation in all other sectors.”

“One very important milestone for me was accepting all of the above. I immediately stopped resorting to self-deprecating humour to put others at ease with my disability, and I stopped fighting for approval,” says Pina.

Referring to the theme for this year, Pina believes that leadership is born of participation. “You can’t lead in that which you are not a participant. Any leadership roles would be disingenuous without real participation. And from these participants, we will have great leaders,” she adds.

Today, we re-launch the refreshed Disability Action Plan to mark IDPWD here at Northern Health.

The Northern Health Disability Action Plan sets out Northern Health’s whole-of-organisation approach to reducing barriers and promoting inclusion for staff, consumers and community members with a disability at Northern Health and has four main goals:

• Reducing barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment at Northern Health;
• Promoting inclusion and participation with Northern Health;
• Achieving tangible changes to attitudes and practice which discriminate; and
• Reducing barriers to Northern Health services and facilities.

Today, we would also like to highlight our new Disability Awareness and Communication Access training, now available on Northern Health’s Learning Management System (LMS). The course aims to raise general awareness regarding disability and improving communication skills when communicating with people with disability.

The training is designed and presented by people living with disability. Staff will hear real-life stories and engage with a range of thought-provoking activities. Staff can access these training modules via the LMS ‘Find Learning’ page and searching ‘disability’.

Chelsea Simpson, Chair of the Northern Health Disability Sub-Committee, says, “On this day of celebration, we acknowledge the contributions of our staff and consumer representatives with a disability. We also thank our consumer representatives for their leadership and participation in implementing the Northern Health Disability Action Plan and participating in planning for our future services and facilities.”

Featured image shows staff from across our hospitals and centres, proudly wearing their IDPWD badge to mark the day.

Our Hospital in the Home (HITH) Program is rapidly expanding to provide more in-home care to patients. This is in response to both the current pandemic and the preference of many patients to be treated at home. In addition, it provides the opportunity for additional patients to be admitted for acute care in hospital.

Anne Marie Fabri, Associate Director, Community Programs, explained that, from November this year, the program received additional funding to expand from the current 50 beds to 70 beds.

“The additional funding will increase the capability and complexity of the patients that the team can manage with additional nursing, medical, allied health and administrative support. Nurse educators and chronic disease specialists will be recruited to offer additional support to staff, and expert care to patients. Discussions and planning is already underway with the surgical teams to consider new pathways once elective surgery resumes,” she said.

The team have already started implementing some of the work, including developing pathways with the Virtual ED and diverting admissions for management of hydration and emesis for COVID-19 patients to HITH. This service is designed for patients with moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and further work will be done on additional care for COVID-19 patients in the community.

One of the first patients with COVID-19 seen by HITH was Mary*. Mary had been diagnosed with COVID-19 a few days earlier, and “couldn’t keep anything down”. With two young children at home, she was reluctant to leave the house to see a doctor.

“I felt so dizzy I thought I might collapse,” she said, so she called the Virtual ED, who, after a virtual assessment, referred Mary to HITH. The team visited her at home the next day, started intravenous fluids to help with dehydration, and was able to discharge Mary the next day.

“Without the nurse and doctor from HITH, I would have had to leave my children and go into the hospital. Getting this care in my home was the best thing for me,” she said.

Antonio* is another patient who benefited from this home-based personalised care.

“I was stuck in the hospital because I had COVID-19 and needed blood tests every day. My usual blood test nurses wouldn’t come to my house because of my COVID-19. I was so worried about my wife at home alone,” he said.

Antonio was able to go home with HITH nurses visiting daily to take the blood tests and check on his recovery.

“I was so happy,” said Antonio. “I could go home to my wife, and have the nurses come to me.”

Rabin Sinnappu, HITH Head of Unit, says, “We work closely as a clinical team to ensure the patients receive the best care that they can – and always with a smile behind our masks.”

Lynne Santamaria, HITH Nurse Unit Manager, describes the team as “a really dynamic team to be a part of, seeing a mix of patients in their homes and being able to develop relationships with them”.

The HITH Program is going on a recruitment drive for staff who are interested in working in a friendly, progressive and dynamic team. Experienced nurses will be needed to join the team in providing high quality care in people’s homes.

This is a great opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills in a supported environment.

*Patient names have been changed.

The Northern Health Department of Gastroenterology Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Service, is offering a Subcutaneous Biologic Home Delivery (SILVER) Service in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy.

Launched earlier this year, The SILVER Service is expected to eventually deliver to over 100 of the IBD Clinic patients.

This world-first service is a home delivery service providing delivery from the hospital’s pharmacy of self-injectable IBD medication to patients’ homes, offered to patients at Northern Health’s IBD Clinic.

The medication is ordered and dispensed within the pharmacy, and is delivered by a Pharmacy Technician who is part of the IBD Team – Andrew Leake – the first IBD Pharmacy Technician in the world.

A/Prof Mayur Garg, Director of Gastroenterology, says, “Biological medications are prescribed for those with moderate-severe IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), which have a significant impairment on quality of life. Subcutaneous biologics require patients to fill their scripts at local community pharmacies and self-administration. Stock availability of these specialised medications at local pharmacies can vary, and many patients require additional compassionate medications that community pharmacies are unfamiliar with handling. Furthermore, many patients are anxious about self-administering subcutaneous medications, and hence need additional support.”

“These anxieties have been compounded in the COVID era, with limited face-to-face contact with clinicians. The SILVER Service enables additional support, with patients not having to worry about obtaining stock, and allowing direct reporting of any concerns about these medications to our team,” he adds.

Andrew states, “It has been quite exciting to be a part of starting this service, and the patients in general have been very thankful. They have appreciated how it has made things easier for them, especially during COVID, and are often pleasantly surprised that we offer the service. The extra layer of support and connection with these patients has already been valuable for the quality of their care on numerous occasions.”

“The SILVER Service is a first-in-world initiative that aims to increase patient adherence to medications, engagement, empowerment of this vulnerable group of patients with a chronic disease, and one that is already showing very promising results. Northern Health can be truly proud of this service,” says Mayur.

Vinod Chellaram, Director of Pharmacy, says, “Northern Health Pharmacy is always exploring innovative ways to deliver pharmacy services to the community and this is a valuable initiative. The SILVER Service is one way that we are providing the best care to our patients. The extension of pharmacy technician roles into different areas such as this, is evidence of the positive impact it has, on not only patient health outcomes, but also a positive patient experience.”

Featured image shows from left to right: Kate Murphy, IBD CNC, Andrew Tsoi, IBD Fellow, Nicola Dalgleish,  Gastroenterology Research Nurse, Tanya Williams, IBD CNC, Meera Rajendran, IBD Pharmacist, A/Prof Mayur Garg, Director of Gastroenterology and in the foreground Andrew Leake, IBD Pharmacy Technician.

“Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”

As we look forward to spending the Christmas season with close friends and family, spare a thought for the patients in our Children’s Unit at Northern Hospital Epping.

For the fifth year running now, ISS Facility Services are hoping to make a difference to these children, unfortunate enough to be spending Christmas away from their families with their annual Christmas Appeal.

Snez Poposka, Facilities Service Manager ISS Facility Services, reminiscing on what prompted her to organise this Christmas appeal, says “It was the thought that whilst I am enjoying Christmas with my kids, there are these children without even the simple pleasure of a Christmas present.”

“It doesn’t have to be an expensive present. It’s the thought that matters more. It is a chance to bring a smile to a child,” she adds.

For more details on what presents you could give please click here. The last date for sending in presents is 15 December.

Says Courtney Lowry, Nurse Unit Manager Children’s Unit, “The last couple of years has been especially challenging for children in our ward as a result of COVID. Year after year the ISS Christmas Appeal has brought a smile to the children in our care, during what is a stressful time while they are in hospital. I would urge staff and colleagues to support this appeal.”

Josie Verga, Fundraising and Relationships Manager, Northern Health Foundation, said she would like to thank Pacific Epping and the marketing team for their ongoing support. In addition, she wanted to thank Santa for making the trek all the way from the North Pole to the Children’s Ward.

Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, Snez Poposka, ISS Facilities Service Manager and Courtney Lowry, Nurse Unit Manager Children’s Ward with a patient.

 

The International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), is observed on 3 December.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

This year’s UN theme is, ‘ Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.’ 

Since November 2020, Northern Health has a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer (DLO), who provides support to people with disability, their families and carer to access our hospital services and to ensure their hospital stay or outpatient clinic appointment is safe, accessible and inclusive.

This includes equitable access for those with disability from LGBTIQ, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and from a CALD background. The service also has a focus on assisting those with a disability to access COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Says Simone Ortiz, our DLO, “My role entails receiving direct referrals for people with disabilities seeking additional support and assistance to access COVID-19 vaccination, testing or healthcare support within our region. These referrals primarily came from the coronavirus hotline but also from disability service providers.”

“Since June of this year, I have worked closely with the Department of Health to identify ways to better support people with disability access vaccination particularly as they are more vulnerable to the illness.”

Brodie and his mum Melissa have lived in Epping for 18 years. Says Melissa, “I’ve been raising Brodie on my own since he was 10 months old. His dad has Aspergers, so we knew there was a chance any children we had might, be on the Spectrum. At the age of four and a half years old, Brodie was officially diagnosed with Autism and an Intellectual disability. I received a lot of support from my family and from the teachers at Merriang Special Developmental School. He went to this school from 2008 to 2020. He graduated in 2020. I was so very proud of him and everything he achieved.”

 

Brodie and mum know Northern Health well.

In 2008, Brodie had an accident in the playground at his school and needed  treatment.

Says Melissa, “It had to be done under general anaesthetic due to him not being able to stay still. From that point on, he attended the hospital four times. As for me, I was in the hospital thrice. Each time the doctors and nurses were fantastic, especially towards Brodie.”

“When the news broke that a vaccine for COVID-19 had become available, I jumped at the chance to get it, but I wasn’t sure if Brodie was eligible, due to his disability.”

“I called Northern Health and explained my situation. They then put me through to Simone. From that point on, I knew I had nothing to worry about.”

“Simone kept in touch with me on a regular basis, updating me with the information I needed including confirming that Brodie was able to get vaccinated.”

“We are now double vaxxed. I can’t thank Simone enough for all the support and help she gave Brodie and me. It made getting the vaccine so much easier,” says Melissa.

Simone says, “The Disability Liaison Program has received close to 800 referrals to assist people with disability access COVID-19 vaccine, testing, treatment or general health care support. The program will be expanding over the coming months and I look forward to better supporting people with disabilities within our community, access healthcare.”

Chelsea Simpson, Chair of the Northern Health Disability Sub-Committee says, ““The addition of the Disability Liaison Role at Northern Health has been integral to Northern Health being able to support so many people during the pandemic and I would like to thank Simone for all of her work in this regard. We look forward to the program expanding and being able to support even more of our community members and patients with a disability.”

Featured image shows Brodie and mum Melissa.

We recently welcomed new Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager, Tanya Davis, to Northern Health.

Tanya joined us from Epworth Camberwell, where she was the Nurse Unit Manager for the Hospital Coordinator Team. Prior to her appointment, Tanya worked clinically within Emergency Departments both in Darwin and Melbourne, across both public and private sectors.

In addition, Tanya worked as a Flight Nurse for CareFlight International and served as a Nursing Officer in the Australian Defence Force, bringing with her diverse, clinical and leadership skills to her new role.

“I spent several years as a Nursing Officer in the Army which was in Victoria, Brisbane and Darwin, including a short deployment to PNG, along with working as a Regimental Nursing Officer to an Infantry Battalion, and in an Indigenous Infantry Battalion as well,” she said.

“I had the opportunity to work for CareFlight International whereby I transferred critically ill patients from overseas, as well as interstate, in a jet with myself and a Registrar as the medical crew. I have also worked in several Nursing Management roles as well, and completed my Masters in Health Leadership and Management last year,” she explained.

Tanya was keen to return to Northern Health after having worked here in the past.

“I worked at Northern Health in Emergency several years ago, and it was the busiest ED in Victoria then. The people at the Northern who I worked with were an amazing group of nurses, and so it was with great joy I could come back in a leadership role to work with them again,” she said.

Tanya is looking forward to settling into her new role, with a key focus on staff recruitment and development.

“My main focus at the moment is staff recruitment and the leadership development of the ANUM team, with ongoing review of how we do business and looking at how we can do it better as a part of the greater ED team and the Emergency Services Division,” she explained.

“I am someone who enjoys a challenge and seeing positive change occur so that we can improve staff safety and the patient experience.”

This afternoon, we hosted the 2020-21 Northern Health Annual Meeting.

The Northern Health Board and Executive were virtually joined by members of the local community, consumers, primary care partners, volunteers and staff, to hear about Northern Health’s highlights and achievements over the past 12 months.

Jennifer Williams AM, Board Chair, opened the meeting, acknowledging yet another challenging year, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The first half of the year saw us fighting the height of the pandemic, with a number of outbreaks affecting our northern community and health service significantly. I am delighted to say our staff at Northern Health exemplified our values of safe, kind and together, in continuing to provide high quality health services for our community,” Jennifer said.

Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, reflected on some of the operational achievements from the past year.

“Our Northern Hospital Epping Emergency Department continues to treat more patients than any other emergency department in Victoria, including seeing the third highest number of presentations in Australia,” Siva said.

“In the past 12 months, we have received more than 103,000 emergency presentations, including over 21,000 paediatrics and over 32,000 patient arrivals from Ambulance Victoria.”

“Some highlights from 2020-21 include the Northern Hospital Stage 2 Expansion Project, which was completed in early 2021, with three new wards opening. Shortly after, three new operating theatres, including one hybrid theatre, and an increased theatre recovery area become operational at Northern Hospital Epping,” he said.

Siva also congratulated staff on the tremendous role they have played in the fight against COVID-19.

“I want to thank each and every staff member for your enormous effort and commitment over the past two years. I am proud of what we, as an organisation, have achieved to keep our community safe and healthy.”

Peter McWilliam, Board Director and Finance Committee Chair presented the Financial Report which included an operating surplus of $0.1m. he also introduced the Northern Health Annual Report, which you can find here.

A video, featuring the likes of Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, comedians and TV presenters, Peter Hitchener, 9 News, Ben Brown, Melbourne Football Club, Jill Gallagher, CEO VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, was presented during the meeting. These well known Victorians praised Northern Health staff for their ongoing work during the pandemic.

“It’s great to see the work of our dedicated frontline workers being recognised amongst the Victorian community. Well done,” said Jennifer.

You can watch the Northern Health Year in Review video below.

Featured Image (clockwise from left): Jennifer Williams AM, Board Chair; Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive; Peter McWilliam, Board Director and Finance Committee Chair 

Today, Ian Brand Residential Care (IBRC), located at our Bundoora Centre, marks 30 years of service.

IBRC is Northern Health’s 30-bed residential aged care facility that provides 24 hour nursing care for 27 of our community’s most vulnerable population.

Donna James, Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) for IBRC, says, “To be entrusted with the care of a family’s loved one is a very special and rewarding part of being an aged care nurse. When a resident is admitted into our care here at Ian Brand Residential Care, we become part of their journey. We not only provide the care and support to our residents, but we also provide the support to families who may be struggling with having their loved ones in care.”

“We currently have one staff member who has been here for 30 years, and another nine staff members who have been working here greater than 10 years. These nurses continue to come to work each day with a smile on their face and the attitude of making our residents day. It is a privilege to oversee the care of our residents here at Ian Brand Residential Care.”

The residents at IBRC are joining in the celebrations. Here’s what one family had to say:

To everyone at Ian Brand Residential Care,

Wishing you all a very Happy 30th Birthday!

Mum has been a resident at IBRC for three years now and we, her family, couldn’t be happier with the decision to move mum to Ian Brand.

The love, kindness, compassion and understanding shown to mum by all staff at IBRC has been amazing.

Mum is very happy residing at Ian Brand and that has confirmed to us, we made the right decision.

COVID has been a very trying time for everyone and IBRC is to be commended for the way you have managed the situation from day one, always putting the safety and wellbeing of the residents first.

A huge ‘thank you’ to both Paula (former NUM) and Donna for the outstanding job overseeing everything.

Thank you to all the staff for all that you do day in and day out, for not only our mum but all who reside at Ian Brand Residential Care.

Happy Happy Birthday!

Lynda Kendall 

IBRC has a lot to celebrate. This year it won two grants. The first is for a Community Kitchen Garden. This grant was to improve an existing kitchen garden or for an additional kitchen garden.

Kirralee Jensen, Site Director Operations and Director of Nursing, Bundoora Centre, says, “The aim of this is to include the gardening aspect for able residents into the lifestyle program, as well as the ability to pick and consume the produce for able residents and families – a shared experience. Significant work has occurred with new garden beds for vegetable gardens and planting of multiple fruit trees.”

“There has also been a redevelopment of the backyard with a new footbridge and paths. It has become a lovely space for residents to enjoy and we look forward to sharing it with families when able,” she says.

Says Kirralee, “With the second grant, we were successful in purchasing a sensory system called a Tovertafel. This is a projector with inbuilt games. It is mounted on the ceiling and projects infra-red lights onto a table, the lights are immersive and interactive. Residents move the lights and shapes around with their hands.”

“It will play an integral part of our lifestyle program to assist and improve resident interaction and also assist as a distraction tool for any residents with agitation or behaviour of concern. I observed some residents playing with the game and it is so heart-warming watching their smiles while playing.”

“I cannot wait to share this experience with their families when they are able to visit. I am sure the birthday cake game will be used for the anniversary of IBRC!” she adds.

Adding to the chorus of well-wishers is Dr Ian Brand himself. He says, “I was surprised to learn that 30 years have passed since we opened, but I am happy to say I have only heard good things about the care and attention all our residents receive. On the occasions I visited, I was impressed with the manners of the staff, and while I hope I never have to be a patient, I am certain I would be wonderfully looked after, as are all our residents.”

“Please extend my warmest congratulations to the staff and management at the Bundoora Centre and at Residential Care,” says Dr Brand.

Featured image shows a resident playing a game on the Tovertafel