On Monday, 14 October, Northern Health held an innovative interdisciplinary workshop aimed at enhancing communication skills among healthcare professionals. The event was a collaboration between Northern Health and Deakin University’s Centre for Organisational Change in Person-Centred Healthcare (OCPH).

On the day, 17 participants from surgery, oncology, medicine, emergency, and mental health divisions engaged in interactive learning with facilitators from Deakin University, University of Southern Denmark, and Northern Health. The workshop was held at the Northern Centre for Health Education & Research (NCHER), and focused on advancing communication skills as a critical component of patient-centered care.

The program was co-led by communication and healthcare experts; Professor Peter Martin, Director of Deakin University’s OCPH, A/Professor Connie Timmermann, Deputy Director of the Centre for Research in Patient Communication (CFPK) at the University of Southern Denmark and James Watt, Team Leader and Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Palliative Care Consult Team at Northern Health.

James Watt’s longstanding association with OCPH, and his commitment to enhancing communication skills training at Northern Health, were instrumental in bringing the workshop to life.

“Communication skills development is a lifelong learning commitment. Few opportunities exist for health clinicians to refine and improve their skills in this area, and communication skill training is often overlooked in favour of practical skills,” said Mr Watt.

“We have greatly benefited from OCPH subsidising the majority of costs for this workshop, leveraging their experience in training thousands of clinicians across Victoria,” he added.

The workshop offered participants a unique opportunity to delve into the evidence-based frameworks that underpin effective communication. They practiced skills such as establishing a shared agenda in clinical consultations, recognising and responding to patient cues, and exploring patients’ goals, values, hopes, and fears. Participants also received valuable feedback on their communication approach, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the overall patient experience.

Professor Peter Martin commended the collaborative environment by saying, “It was a fantastic diverse group of participants who were very engaged and had a wealth of experience to contribute.”

“This interactive communication-skills workshop recognises the large role that the ‘language of communication’ plays in keeping our patients safe. The workshop, as well as being interactive, was purposely number limited to ensure tailored feedback could be given to participants. Of particular priority during the workshop was to develop enhanced confidence in recognising and responding to patient cues, as well as how to establish shared agendas with patients and families during consultations,” said Tony McGillion, Divisional Director, Education and Training.

This workshop is part of Northern Health’s ongoing efforts to help healthcare professionals improve their communication skills and enhance patient-centered care. By using these skills in everyday practice, healthcare teams can ensure that patients and their families feel heard, respected, and supported. As communication continues to be a priority in healthcare, Northern Health and OCPH are excited to collaborate further to help clinicians provide the best care possible.

Pictured in feature image (L-R): A/Professor Connie Timmerman, Professor Peter Martin, Melanie Bullock, Metastatic Breast Care Nurse, James Watt, Team Leader and Clinical Nurse Consultant, Rachel Coutts, Director Medical Education, Anastasia Sizemova, Registrar and Arjun Guduguntla, Urology Registrar. 

Northern Health is proud to support our community in growing their families through accessible public fertility care. In a service led by The Royal Women’s Hospital, Northern Health is committed to making fertility services more available to individuals and families who currently have limited access to private services.

One of these families is the Rowe family. Sarah and Matt Rowe had been trying for a baby for some time. All around them, their friends were having babies, and they were concerned with why it didn’t seem to be happening to them. While it appeared to come easy to others, they were really struggling and the disappointment was beginning to take its toll.

They were aware there were options, such as IVF, but these would be costly. And while they were prepared to pay for IVF, it would mean going without other things, restricting them and affecting their lifestyle.

The couple became aware of Victoria’s new Public Fertility Care through their GP. They obtained a referral and an appointment was made for them at Northern Health, their closest satellite service. There they met Jacque Dulson, a Registered Nurse with Northern Fertility Service.

“Patients who never thought having a family would be possible are now overjoyed that they are able to access this free fertility service. It means that the ability to pay is no longer a determining factor in whether or not you have a family,” Ms Dulson said.

From the outset, Sarah and Matt were at ease and very comfortable in the environment and with the information that had been provided to them. They felt welcomed and safe to ask any questions, and comforted by the knowledge that they would be supported at every step of the process.

“We really had no idea about the fertility process and we assumed we would go straight to IVF. Instead, we went through ovulation induction which was a different experience to what we thought we would have, but a successful one,” said Mrs Rowe.

The couple undertook nurse-led ovulation induction – a process where medication is used to stimulate and induce regular ovulation, allowing for more accurate timing of intercourse – which proved to be successful.

Their beautiful, healthy baby girl, Lola is Northern’ s first baby born due to intervention from the fertility service. The couple were overjoyed with Lola’s arrival, describing the experience as ‘surreal’.

Sarah, Matt and Lola paid a special visit to Northern Health’s Women’s Health Hub when Lola was just two weeks old to meet with Jacque and the medical team. The team at Northern were thrilled to meet Lola and experience first-hand the impact of their work and how it can change the lives of our local families.

“Having access to the service and being able to access it so close to home is huge for people and families in our situation,” said Mrs Rowe.

A new patient registration portal for the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is helping to fast track patient care.

Affectionately known as ‘Reggie’, the portal launched in August 2024 and was developed and built internally by the Digital Health Team. The portal features a user-friendly interface that enhances the experience for patients and key stakeholders. It also includes a comprehensive dashboard for clerical staff to register patients into the iPM and FirstNet EMR systems.

‘Reggie’ has been created to match the workflows of VVED, and in turn, has saved staff time and enables a faster registration process. The software has also been built on the most recent cloud infrastructure, meaning upgrades and changes can happen with no down time an no effect on patient care. A stringent cybersecurity posture has been implemented, which helps to decrease the risk of third-party vendors.

The Development Team within the Digital Division was the primary team behind the build of the portal, with the ICT, VVED and Project Evaluation teams also assisting.

Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health, said having a primary development team within Northern Health positions the health service at the forefront of digital health.

“It’s an amazing innovation for Northern Health,” he said.

Nicholas Caruana, HIS Manager, Emergency Services, said the new portal has greatly enhanced data capture and validation, resulting in a more efficient registration process for both the patient and the clerical team.

“In its first 15 days, the portal assisted in the reduction of duplicate patient records by 10 per cent and increased Medicare number capture compliance from 73 per cent to 88 per cent,” he said.

In addition to providing increased efficiencies for staff and patients and improved cyber posture, the new portal has also helped to decrease costs.

“Having the in-house ability to develop other applications, we can also use the patient registration as a template for other services. The plan is to reuse the portal for Residential-In-Reach as well as Outpatients – build once and repurpose,” Anthony Gust said.

Since go-live, the new portal has demonstrated considerable effectiveness. The Digital Team has been proactive in addressing any issues or implementing changes that have arisen during the initial period. This adaptability has highlighted one of the primary benefits of transitioning the portal to in-house.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Ella Critchley, Program Manager at the Advance Care Planning (ACP).

Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?
A: Skinny latte, double shot.

Q: Tell us about your Northern Health journey?
A: I’ve been with Northern Health for just over a year now and am still getting familiar with the various campuses!
Recently-ish, I completed a Master of Gerontology which along with my experience as an educator, researcher and nurse, has provided a solid foundation for my role as Program Manager.

Q: What do you like most about your role?
A: The opportunity to work alongside incredibly knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate professionals. My position allows me to increase awareness of Advance Care Planning, both within Northern Health and the broader community alongside an incredible team. I appreciate the diversity and flexibility of the role. One day, I will present at an in-service, the next at local community event, and the next I could meet someone in their home to discuss the planning for future healthcare.

Q: What is your greatest achievement or favourite memory since working here?
A: Founding the Champion Special Interest Group is definitely up there! We meet monthly and share updates on Advance Care Planning across different areas and discuss ways to continue growing and improving our practices. The passion and drive of the group is admirable.

Q: How would you describe Northern Health in one sentence and why?
A: Northern Health provides a supportive environment that fosters both professional growth and meaningful impact.
Why? It’s the culture and the kindness that people show each and every day that makes it a pleasure to work here!

Q: Where is a favourite place you’ve travelled and why?
A: The unparalleled beauty of Italy, hands down! I adored the charming cobbled streets, the remarkable buildings, the rich history, the Renaissance art in Florence, and of course, the beautiful Churches! What’s not to love about enjoying fresh pasta alle Vongole (delish!) followed by a cherry cheesecake flavoured gelati in Venice (yum!)? A local favourite is the beauty of Daylesford. I often take my boys to the lake where we relax on a picnic rug, stare at the sky and make patterns out of the clouds – a perfect way to unwind!

Featured image: Ella Critchley in her office at the Bundoora Centre.

The Paediatric Tonsillectomy Digital Care Pathway (DCP) at Northern Health is designed to support children undergoing tonsillectomy.

As one of the most common surgical procedures for children, typically required for recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive sleep apnoea, this pathway aims to make the process as smooth as possible for both the child and their family.

Starting with our little patients in the Children’s Ward, the program ensures a positive surgical experience and enhances patient care through comprehensive education and information provided both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Through the My Health@Northern app, parents and caregivers receive educational brochures and videos covering all aspects of the tonsillectomy process, so they are well informed about what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Post-operatively, parents complete a daily recovery checker from Day One to Day 10, allowing the Paediatric Virtual Care Team to monitor recovery progress and quickly identify any potential issues.

“At Northern Health, safety isn’t just a goal, it is our foundation. Every child deserves the best care, starting with a commitment to safety,” said Anita Joshi, ANUM Ward 2, Northern Health.

One significant concern after tonsillectomy is the risk of tonsillar haemorrhage, a serious complication that may require hospital readmission.

Northern Health is committed to reducing re-admissions by monitoring recovery closely and intervening as needed, helping children return home sooner for recovery in a comfortable environment.

“By partnering with families to monitor post-operative progress, Northern Health will be able to proactively identify children with pain and hydration issues, and intervene early, avoiding unnecessary representations to hospital. This responsive model of care will ensure every child has a safe and positive post-operative experience,” said Dr Joanna Lawrence, Director VVSC and Director Paediatrics VVED, Northern Health.

This project is driven by dedicated leaders, including Dr Joanna Lawrence, Dr Paul Goodyear, Dr Bill Shearer, Executive Director of Quality & Safety and Transformation, and Anita Joshi.

With support from Tracey Webster, Director of Clinical Leadership, Effectiveness and Outcomes (CLEO), the digital care pathway on the Datos platform is streamlining care and allowing timely, personalised interventions tailored to each patient’s needs.

“The team have transformed the post-tonsillectomy care for children at Northern Health, providing much-needed reassurance for parents during the difficult post-operative period. I’m very proud to be part of this transformative team and model of care that can serve as a benchmark for future projects,” said Dr Paul Goodyear, HOU and ENT surgeon, Northern Health.

In line with Northern Health’s commitment to value-based healthcare, the Paediatric Tonsillectomy DCP aims to reduce emergency department admissions and minimise repeat visits. The program promotes better self-management, and supports patients in achieving the health outcomes that matter most to them.

As Anita Joshi reflects, “Helping children to go home sooner is a key initiative. By minimising hospital stays, we not only enhance the comfort and wellbeing of our young patients but also improve overall healthcare efficiency and outcomes.”

The depth and breadth of allied health clinical expertise at Northern Health was recently showcased through involvement in the Allied Health Clinical Education Network (AHCEN) complex case series webinar on Functional Neurological Disorders.

These webinars provide free education and training to allied health professionals across Victoria, with the format developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face training opportunities for all health professional ceased. The sessions were primarily designed to support early career allied health professionals and focus on facilitated case discussions. They also provide experienced interprofessional panel of allied health professionals with the opportunity to problem-solve and discuss their reasoning behind clinical decisions.

Justine Slattery, Allied Health Education Lead at Northern Health, is part of the team that organises and facilitates these webinars. Ms Slattery reflected on the positive contribution that the Northern Allied Health team have made to these webinars.

“Over the last couple of years, we have delivered six webinars and Northern Health allied health staff have been represented in four of these as either facilitators, panellists or both,” Ms Slattery said.

The demand for this model of professional development doesn’t appear to have waned post-pandemic. On average, over 500 allied health professionals have registered for each of these events over the last two years.

September’s webinar on Functional Neurological Disability attracted over 1,000 allied health professionals – exceeding the team’s capacity for online meetings.

Expert allied health professionals from across different health services, including Northern Health, spoke at the webinar, with Rachel Nolan, Senior Speech Pathologist, representing Northern Health on the panel.

Ms Nolan’s involvement in the co-design and delivery of this webinar provided the opportunity for her to network with different allied health professionals from other health services, including Royal Melbourne Hospital, Epworth, Austin Health and Barwon Health.

“It was a great opportunity to network and learn from other experts that are passionate about working in this field. We collaborated in the planning meetings for this webinar to ensure it reflected our joint interests in Functional Neurological Disorders and desire to share our learnings and experiences with early career professionals,” Ms Nolan said.

Northern allied health clinicians involved in previous complex case webinars include:

• Stephen Quick (Allied Health Education & Physiotherapy), Navigating the inpatient continuum of care for older people with frailty and cognitive impairment: the importance of the multidisciplinary team webinar (2023)
• Ingrid Ioannidis, Northern Health NDIS Lead was a panellist on the 2023 CCS NDIS and Disability webinar.
• Christina Lambros (Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist), Early Allied Health Intervention to Optimise Neurodevelopment in High-Risk Infants (2022)

“Being a panellist was a wonderful opportunity to not only share our specialist knowledge with a large audience across health services but it provided the opportunity to collaborate with other specialists to plan the event. Being a panellist in the event highlighted one of Northern Health’s values of working together,” said Ms Ioannidis.

The webinar format is an accessible way for early career allied health professionals to gain insight into the roles and contributions of allied health professionals, fostering a better appreciation of teamwork and enhancing outcomes for patients presenting with increasingly complex presentations.

Learner feedback from September’s webinar suggest it is hitting the mark – “This was by far one of my favourite PD I’ve attended all year! The host was great! I loved the way it was presented.”

Last month, two new Endoscopy rooms and reprocessing areas opened at Northern Hospital Epping.

The Ward 9 team moved into the new rooms that boast larger spaces set up with the latest technology to enable our staff to deliver quality care to patients.

The journey to last month’s go-live had been a long one, commencing about seven years ago. After identifying that the old rooms were non-compliant with Australian standards, submissions were made to build two new rooms within the existing footprint of what was the old theatre recovery room.

“It’s a very exciting time for the Ward9/Endoscopy Team that have watched all other perioperative departments refurbish and redevelop. I’m really pleased that this team finally get their beautiful new spaces,” said Tracey Wyllie, Director of Operations – Surgical Services.

Phase One of the redevelopment included the washing and reprocessing of rooms. Phase Two will add a Step Down (low acuity) Theatre, two new consulting rooms and plenty of additional storage, which will open later in the year.

“The Ward 9 team have been resilient and very patient, working in cramped difficult spaces over the last few months during the build, but they can now be excited and proud to work in our new spaces,” said Sue Van Meeuwen, Nurse Unit Manager, Ward 9.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts and patience in preparing the new Endoscopy rooms for go-live. Without the teams support and hard work behind the scenes during construction, setup and education, the opening would not have been as smooth.”

“The staff were excited to show off the new Endoscopy rooms to our Peri Op and Gastroenterology colleagues, and to deliver quality care to our patients in a professional bright environment.”

For the past six years, the Abortion Service at Broadmeadows Hospital has been providing an essential service to the community in Melbourne’s north. As part of Northern Health’s commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare, the service offers both early medication and surgical abortion in a pro-choice, safe, and supportive environment.

Operating on Thursdays and Fridays, the clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals including clinical midwives, doctors, a counsellor/social worker, and a research midwife. Together they ensure that patients receive the highest level of care and support throughout their journey.

The abortion service at Broadmeadows Hospital is an integral part of Northern Health’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible reproductive healthcare services for women in the region.

“Access to safe abortion is an essential part of reproductive health care. We are proud to offer this service at Northern Health and enjoy working collaboratively with primary health care providers and other major health services to ensure ongoing provision of high-quality abortion care to our community,” says Kate Chaouki, Clinical Midwife Consultant/Clinic Coordinator, Northern Health.

Sarah Wotherspoon, Counsellor/Social Worker, joined the Abortion Service in June 2023. The addition of social work has broadened the scope of the clinic and allows access to non-directive pregnancy counselling, family violence support and other vital assistance to patients who need it.

“We knew that social work was important in this space, but had not quite anticipated the high level of demand for Sarah’s skills in the clinic. We recently celebrated Sarah’s 200^th referral for abortion counselling/social work and could not provide this level of comprehensive care without her,” says Ms Chaouki.

Sarah enjoys working in this space and consistently receives positive feedback from patients whose experience of abortion care is enhanced by her support.

“I am proud to work with this highly skilled, supportive and kind team, providing an essential health service to our patients,” says Ms Wotherspoon.

Recently, several team members had the opportunity to attend the Children by Choice Conference in Brisbane, where they engaged with abortion providers, advocates, and academics from across Australia and New Zealand. The team was privileged to present both a poster and an oral presentation on their ongoing research titled “Co-designing Abortion Care in Melbourne’s North.” Follow this link for further information.

How to refer?

If you have a patient who is pregnant and seeking pregnancy options counselling, you can refer them to 1800 My Options, a pro-choice abortion and contraception information and telephone service. 1800 My Options is available Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, via www.1800myoptions.org.au or by calling 1800 696 784.

If you would like to refer a patient to the Abortion Service at Northern Health, you can submit an internal referral via CPF. Please follow this link for referral guidelines on the Intranet.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Kylie Johnston, Midwife, Sarah Wotherspoon, Counsellor and Social Worker, Dr Eliza Robinson, Kate Chaouki, Clinical Midwife Consultant and Eleanor Johnson, Research Midwife at the Children’s by Choice Conference.