October 2021
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Our accreditation success
Northern Health has received formal notification from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) that we have met all actions within the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Northern Health was acknowledged for the progress it has made since the last assessment and the commencement of its strategic journey towards a ‘High Reliability Organisation’. “This is a fantastic achievement and is a direct reflection on the quality of the care that our staff provide to our patients and our broader consumers every day. We can all be proud of this affirmation of the quality of services we provide…
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Get to know your lemons
The statistics are sobering – 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. So far this year, over 3,000 Australians passed away from breast cancer including 36 males and 3,102 females. That’s nine Australians a day dying from the disease. What they also make clear, as Cheryl Murray, Breast Care Nurse Consultant (BCN) points out is, “breast cancer doesn’t stop for a pandemic.” Says Cheryl, “I want to acknowledge it’s been a tough year and taking care of yourself has never been more important.” October, Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, provides an opportunity for us all…
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Shoes for our COVID Ward nurses
Our COVID Ward nurses on Ward 22 have received a generous donation of work shoes from footwear company Skechers. As part of Skechers October campaign – ‘Skechers Supports Essential Workers’ – 48 shoes from their work range, were donated to nurses on Ward 22. Kaitlin Themistoklis, COVID Ward Registered Nurse, thanked Skechers for their new foot gear. “It feels great to receive the shoes, we really appreciate it. Thank you to Skechers for supporting our hard work and thank you for helping us to continue working hard,” she said. Rebecca Foggie, COVID Ward Registered Nurse, said, “We are very thankful…
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Internal emergency code number is changing
As part of a Department of Health requirement, on 1 November 2021, Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre will be changing our internal Emergency Code phone number from 444 to the new number 2222. Across Australia, 51 different phone numbers are used to initiate an in-hospital emergency code across different health services. It is widely acknowledged that having one in-hospital emergency number improves staff awareness and reduces the likelihood of a time delay. Standardising the in-hospital emergency number to 2222 across all Victorian hospitals will enhance recall and improve patient safety. While Northern Health is transitioning…
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How to take care of your voice when wearing PPE
During COVID Peak, our Speech Pathology team has been fielding questions for advice on vocal fatigue and strain related to communication with N95 masks. Elissa Thomson, Senior Speech Pathologist at Broadmeadows Hospital, explains, “Just like other muscles in our body, overuse or rapidly increased load can lead to straining our vocal chords, particularly when wearing N95 face masks and shields for long periods of time.” “Emotional factors, such as stress and anxiety, as well as other health and lifestyle factors, such as reflux, smoking, and viral infections, can also contribute to voice problems.” “It is important to consider your voice…
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Phoning in on Telehealth Awareness Month
October marks National Telehealth Awareness Month. This year’s themes are promotion and awareness of telehealth and virtual care for consumers, and addressing digital inequity and digital literacy. As part of our response to COVID-19, Northern Health introduced telehealth as a strategy to support patients attending our Specialist Clinics (Outpatients). Now, telehealth is used right across our health service. Earlier this year, a Telehealth Hub was launched – a new, redesigned and dedicated space where clinicians can conduct video or phone call appointments with patients. Meggan Barratt, Speech Pathologist, works in Community Therapy Services at Broadmeadows Hospital. She sees clients who…
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Virtual ED partners with Ambulance Victoria
Northern Health’s Virtual Emergency Department (ED) has now partnered with Ambulance Victoria, allowing paramedics to use the Virtual ED service from a patient’s home and receive emergency medical advice and care. Amanda Thornton A/Regional Improvement Lead, Ambulance Victoria said this partnership will help connect patients with the services that best meet their health needs. “Our aim is to minimise patients’ and paramedics exposure to COVID-19, by spending less time at the hospital, and keeping care at home or closer to home. We are essentially going to bring the Emergency Department to their home,” she said. The new partnership means that once…
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Junior Doctor of the Year: Lucas Taranto
The Northern Health Medical Education Unit (MEU) is pleased to announce that our junior doctor, Lucas Taranto, HMO2, won the prestigious 2021 ‘PMCV Junior Doctor of the Year’ award. This award is granted to only one junior doctor across Victoria by the Postgraduate Medical Council Victoria (PMCV) for significant contribution to teaching and education. When asked how he felt when he heard the news of winning the prestigious award, Lucas said, “I’m still in shock I think – it’s not something I had ever considered being able to win, but it’s an award I am so grateful for.” Lucas Taranto…