This week, Northern Health will celebrate both International Day of the Midwife (May 5) and International Nurse’s (May 12) in a series of celebrations held across the week. Each day shines a spotlight on the compassion and dedication of nurses and midwives, and the vital role they play within our community.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our nurses and midwives for all that you do. Each interaction of care that you provide is so incredibly important, and the impact you have on our patients and community is undeniable.

I am proud to be the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Northern Health, and I thank you for your dedication, your expertise and your kindness. I encourage all staff at Northern Health to celebrate our nurses and midwives for all that they do today, and every day.

Over the next week, we will acknowledge these important celebrations by distributing a special gift to our nurses and midwives, publishing a range of iNews stories, and releasing a new podcast episode featuring Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer, and registered nurse, registered midwife and nurse practitioner.

Lunchtime BBQ’s will be hosted from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm on the following dates:

• Monday, 6 May – Kilmore District Hospital
• Tuesday, 7 May – Northern Hospital Epping (sponsored by BankVic)
• Thursday, 9 May – Bundoora Centre
• Friday, 10 May – Broadmeadows Hospital

All staff are invited to join and celebrate their nursing and midwifery, and staff on other sites are encouraged to visit one of these sites for lunch.

Nurses at our Mental Health sites (Bell Street, Talgarno Street, Noogal Clinic, Pleasant View sites) and at Craigieburn Centre will receive snack boxes on Wednesday, 8 May.

Later this week, I look forward to announcing the recipient of the inaugural BankVic Scholarship, which will be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role. This $5,000 scholarship may be used for further education or towards a national based conference or a professional development activity.

Once again, thank you to all of our wonderful nurses and midwives across Northern Health for everything you do.

Lisa Cox
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
Northern Health

#WeAreNorthern

Consulting on family violence matters is not her only passion. Meet Amanda Dashwood, Mental Health Division, Specialist Family Violence Advisor – and her four goats, Anastasia, Arabella, Cyrus and Baby Iris along with her two Maremma Sheepdogs, Muggle and Mr Darcy.

Q: Your coffee order, please?

A: Latte with one sugar, thank you!

Q: How would you describe your role? 

A: Busy! Consulting on complex family violence matters for our mental health teams; attending high risk review panels; keeping up to date with current practises in the family violence sector for victim and survivors; advocating with external services for a free flow of information under the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) & Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS); embedding family violence practice, policies & procedures; engaging with external services such as Orange Door, Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice, Child Protection and so on… streamlining service system communications.

Q: How did you get into this role? 

A: Previously I was a Senior Detective of Police. I then moved into the family violence sector, that was 25 years ago. This job sounded exciting and new. I believed I could bring a wealth of knowledge with me. I met the criteria for the position, sat an interview, got the job (which I love), still here seven years later (and still passionate about my role).

Q: Any highlights? 

A: My fondest highlights are when staff come to me for a secondary consultation, and I inform staff they have done all the right things re: risk and family violence. They are so switched on and just get it. I couldn’t be more proud of our service and the difference they are making. Highlights are many but representing the Mental Health Service at an international family violence conference, speaking about the marginalisation of mental health consumer, was one.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of this role?

A: Interacting with the teams and watching the amazing work they do to get the best outcomes for their consumers, families and carers.

Q: Your impressions on joining the Northern family?
A: ‘Safe Kind Together’, is a sincere commitment to our consumers and staff. Together, we are achieving goals that address community needs in clinical pathways.

Q: Lastly, tell is something that will surprise us about you?

A: I went to purchase one goat and came home with four – Anastasia, Arabella, Cyrus and Baby Iris. I also have two Maremma Sheepdogs and a tractor named Clementine with matching designer boots.

 

Northern Health’s Accreditation Survey has been officially announced for 6 – 10 May 2024.

Accreditation is a formal process whereby an independent team of healthcare professionals assess the quality and safety of services provided against best practice standards. The Accreditation assessment will involve on-site visits by assessors who are independent of the health service. They look for evidence that each action in the Standards has been implemented.

Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Kilmore District Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre will all be visited during this time. All transitioned mental health services will also be included in the survey, apart from the aged residential services, which will be surveyed under the Aged Care Standards by the Aged Care Commission.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the care given to patients, families and people visiting our organisation is the best it can be, and that we have the right culture where quality and safety is valued. Please make the surveyors feel welcome, and provide them with the answers or information they seek.

A timetable for the surveyors is currently being finalised, and will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.

Scream

So that one day

A hundred years from now

another sister will not have to

dry her tears wondering

where in history

she lost her voice.

 

Jasmine Kaur

 

Last night, a poignant candlelight vigil took place at the Rose Garden of Kilmore District Hospital (KDH). The purpose was to commemorate and honor the lives lost due to domestic and family violence. The bluestone building at Kilmore District Health was illuminated in purple, symbolizing solidarity with this critical cause. The vigil, organized by Safe Steps, a Victorian family violence crisis service, provided a space for people to share stories and remember those who tragically lost their lives.

National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, observed on the first Wednesday of May each year, coincided with this solemn event. Across Australia, candlelight vigils and public landmarks bathed in purple light serve as poignant reminders of the devastating impact of family violence. This month-long initiative aims to raise awareness about the profound social and personal consequences of domestic and family violence, while also emphasising the importance of community support for survivors and victims.

Nurse Educator and Associate Nurse Unit Manager Regula ‘Regi’ McKinlay, one of the organisers, said, “For the last four years KDH has joined the Safe Steps evening of reflection and remembrance to honour the memories and help bring light to this national crisis by lighting a candle and illuminating the heritage hospital building in purple. The Candlelight Vigil is a powerful space for our staff and our community to come together to mourn, share, connect. “

Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV), says, “Family violence is a prevalent and serious health issue that has a profound impact on the psychological and physical well-being of victim survivors.  Victim survivors are among our community and frequently present to our health service. The health service is a critical entry point for many people, which presents as on opportunity for identification, response and referral.”

She adds, “At Northern Health, Family Violence Training is mandatory for all staff members and volunteers.  Please ensure to complete this training and use the Family Violence Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient who has disclosed family violence.”

Mental Health Division Specialist Family Violence Advisor, Amanda Dashwood, says, “The Family Violence Protection Act 2008, recognises that family violence is a fundamental violation of human rights. Our procedure requires us to screen every consumer for family violence under the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Management (MARAM) Framework.

Startling Statistics:

• On average, police respond to a family violence incident every six minutes in Victoria.
• Victim survivors often experience increased violence from perpetrators after the relationship has ended.
• Children are present in 30 per cent of family violence incidents attended by police.
• Women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience violence from a current or former partner.
• Aboriginal women face a staggering 33 times higher risk of hospitalization due to family violence compared to non-Aboriginal women.
• In April last year, there were 14 violent deaths of women in Australia, whereas this April saw 26 such tragic losses. This translates to one woman’s life lost every 4.38 days in 2024.

Source: https://safeandequal.org.au/understanding-family-violence/statistics/

As Premier Jacinta Allan said, “Behind every statistic is a woman, is a family, and a community who are grieving.”

So, how can you help somebody experiencing domestic violence? Amanda has this advice. “Make it clear that you want to help. They may or may not be ready to talk. Hold that space. Listen, believe and let them know the abuse is not their fault. Let them know you will check in with them again and are there to help.” Lastly, she says, “Provide referral options and remind them to call 000 in an emergency.”

Tanya says, “The SHRFV Team is also available to facilitate family violence training in a face-to-face capacity.  Please contact the SHRFV Team if you would like to organise training in your area (8405 8519).”

If you are concerned about your safety, or the safety of someone you know, please talk to a health professional or contact a Family Violence Specialist Service:

Safe Steps 24/7: 1800 151 188

The Orange Door: 1800 319 355

1800 RESPECT 24/7: 1800 737 732”

 

Picture shows Bec van de Paverd, Director of Nursing and Site Director, Kilmore District Hospital, at the vigil.

Today, 1 May 2024, marks six months since Northern Health and Kilmore District Health joined to become a stronger health service, caring for the growing and diverse needs of the northern catchment, together.

On 1 November, 2023, Kilmore District Health became a campus of Northern Health, joining an existing network of services across Craigieburn, Bundoora, Broadmeadows, Epping, Mill Park, Preston and Mernda. Under the Northern Health brand, the service itself became known as Kilmore District Hospital.

With an established history of successful collaboration, the amalgamation was a natural evolution of our partnership, and has already taken steps towards a more a sustainable future for both staff and patients. While much has remained unchanged, there have been some significant achievements.

“It’s been a busy, but exciting six months since the voluntary amalgamation between Kilmore District Health and Northern Health,” said Jennifer Gilham, Divisional Director, Community Hospitals.

“During this time, we have seen the commencement of paediatric clinics and more doctors employed in urgent care to support increased medical coverage. We have also received support from the Northern Health Workforce Unit to help transition Northern Health staff to work at Kilmore when required.”

“We have been able to increase surgical lists at Kilmore and provide birthing and post-natal care for maternity patients when demand for these services has been high at Northern Hospital. We have also seen greater opportunity for professional development and access to study days. To date, 25 of our senior leaders have attended the two day Navigating Northern course,” Ms Gilham added.

Bec van de Paverd, Director of Nursing and Site Director, Kilmore District Hospital, is also proud of the significant achievements of staff, and of the progress towards better connected care.

“The amalgamation has brought together our resources and expertise, facilitating streamlined processes and an enriched patient experience, ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality care.”

“A notable achievement has been the introduction of Values Week and our focussed efforts to improve access to Maternity services and the Urgent Care Centre. These initiatives enable more members of our community to access care conveniently closer to home,” Ms van de Paverd said.

While there has been a significant amount of work involved in integrating ICT, finance, quality, safety processes, policies and procedures, the teams have successfully united to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted transition.

“We have also been able to tap into the expertise of project managers to support and progress capital projects such as the theatre work, antenatal clinic and coming soon… an on-site cafe to support consumers, visitors and staff,” said Ms Gilham.

“Most of all it has been fantastic to see staff at all campuses dedicated and committed to providing a comprehensive range of services, as well as identifying new opportunities for services at Kilmore. This has enabled greater collaboration and more comprehensive care for our local Kilmore community, who can access care close to home where possible, with streamlined access to a major metropolitan health service if required.”

Effective communication is paramount in medical settings and significantly impacts patient outcomes, satisfaction, and risk reduction. Northern Health’s diverse patient demographic, comprising of individuals from over 130 countries, speaking in more than 120 languages, underscores the necessity for robust language support.

The Transcultural and Language Services Department (TALS) provides over 60,000 interpreting occasions of service per annum. According to the statistics, approximately 20 per cent of Northern Health’s patients require language services. These services are available face-to-face, or via telephone or video.

During occasions when it is challenging to access interpreting service, cue cards, a communication tool developed to assist health professionals with patients/carers who have limited English proficiency, have been mostly used in the wards. Now, these can be replaced by accessing the Talk to Me app, a comprehensive phrase library application, offering multilingual support through text and speech interfaces. Initially developed in 2015 by St. Vincent’s Hospital, this app facilitates communication between staff and patients/residents, particularly during non-critical moments. Examples include questions around mealtimes, personal care, feelings or emotions and basic pain symptoms (e.g. ‘Are you worried?’, ‘Are you tired?’, ‘Are you in pain?’).

While AI-driven translation apps, such as Google Translate, are not recommended and carry the risk of miscommunication, the Talk to Me app has been developed by health professionals in collaboration with medical certified interpreters, cultural diversity trainers and other experts in the field, to ensure the accuracy of the translation of the phrases provided.

Incorporating the Talk to Me app into daily workflows empowers staff to bridge communication gaps swiftly during non-critical moments, enhancing patient care experiences.

The Talk to Me Progressive Web App has been added to the staff Intranet page under ‘My Favourite Links’. With over 500 phrases curated for health professionals and patient user interface, it is available in 16 languages (Arabic, Cantonese, Croatian, Dinka, Persian, Greek, Hakka, Italian, Macedonian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Serbian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese), covering a range of categories.

Besides requesting interpreting service as the best practice for addressing language barriers, the use of the “Talk to Me” app can facilitate risk-free communication with patients who have limited English proficiency.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Christine Humpheries, patient, Evie, Registered Nurse, Navneet Gill, Translations Coordinator and Andrew Grey, Bookings Team Leader.  

Northern Health nurses and midwives have less than one week to apply the inaugural Nursing and Midwifery BankVic Scholarship, worth $5,000.

In the lead up to International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurse’s Day (12 May), BankVic has generously offered one scholarship to be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role.

BankVic, in association with Northern Health Foundation, is offering a $5,000 scholarship towards a national based conference or a professional development activity. To enter, nurses and midwives need to submit a response to the following:

In 250 words or less, please tell us how the theme of International Nurses Day ’24 or International Day of the Midwife ’24 (whichever applies to you) will inspire you in your role at Northern Health.

Themes for 2024

International Day of the Midwife 2024 – Sustainable Midwifery – Caring for Tomorrow’s World

Sustainable midwifery practices prioritise the wellbeing of both mother and child while minimising environmental impact, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

International Nurses Day 2024 – Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care

Despite being the backbone of health care, nursing often faces financial constraints and societal undervaluation. International Nurse’s Day 2024 aims to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.

Application process 

Applications need to be submitted in writing to Elizabeth.Moon@nh.org.au. A committee comprising of Northern Health Executives and BankVic representatives will choose the successful submission. Applications close 5 pm on Friday, 3 May. The successful applicant will be announced during the week of 6-10 May 2024.

International Day of the Midwife was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives and celebrates and raises awareness about the midwifery profession. International Nurses Day is recognised around the world every year on 12 May, which marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth – the founder of modern nursing.

An Australian-first virtual program that aids patient recovery after a heart event, procedure or heart condition has launched at Northern Health.

The Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation (VCR) Program is designed to improve the health in patients with heart disease, and to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Patients on the program have goals that include developing healthy habits into the future that help lower the chances of going back to hospital. Having a virtual cardiac rehab program enables patients to access the support they need with more flexible options to the traditional group program.

“Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to reduce hospitalisation and reduce the risk of death from heart conditions,” said Terri Guy, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Consultant.

“It involves a tailored exercise program, emotional and psychological support from a multidisciplinary team and health education to improve health and wellbeing.”

As part of the virtual program, patients can loan a compatible smartwatch, with clinicians able to track patient progress.

“Patients are able to participate in the virtual program at a time more suitable and that better integrates with their home and work routine,” Terri said.

“It also assists with reducing transportation and eliminates travel barriers.”

“Patients use an app and smartwatch that send reminders to exercise, and their activity data is then sent to their care team. During weekly or fortnightly phone calls with the cardiac nurse or cardiac team, patients can receive feedback on their progress and ask questions or raise concerns.”

The way in which healthcare is being delivered is constantly changing. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative ways to traditional face-to-face services, including the current cardiac rehabilitation program offered at Northern Health.

Fiona Beadle, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Consultant, submitted the idea of a Virtual Cardiac Program in 2023 as part of the Big Idea campaign. This resulted in a program being trialled at Bundoora Centre and was then presented to the Executive team.

“Not long afterwards, the CLEO team approached the Cardiac Rehabilitation team to discuss using Northern Health’s My Health platform to deliver a virtual cardiac rehab program,” Fiona said.

“The timing was perfect. Clinicians and managers from the Community Therapy Service, Cardiac Rehabilitation and CLEO have been meeting regularly to develop a program that meets the needs of consumers and clinicians.”

Elisha O’Dowd, Effectiveness and Outcomes Manager, CLEO, said the service is a wonderful way to showcase the amazing work that the Cardiac Rehabilitation team do on a daily basis.

“This gives us the opportunity to reach patients who are not available for regular daytime appointments,” she said.

The virtual program will be offered to a select number of patients before the service is expanded in the future.

Featured image left to right: Fiona Beadle, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Terri Guy, Clinical Nurse Consultant and Sam Gorge, Exercise Physiologist.