December 2021
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How to stay safe, kind – and cool
The heat is on! As we deal with another sweltering day, here are some tips on staying safe in this heat – some more imaginative than others. To start with, stay hydrated the right way. Too much alcohol or caffeine as we know tends to raise body temperature – yes, that includes iced coffee. So, stick to water and add mint, cucumber, or lemon to add a little flavour. Talking of flavour, did you know certain foods can raise your body temperature? Ginger, coconut oil, brown rice, garlic and cayenne pepper all contain properties that bring your body temperature up,…
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Erin Edwards: Allied Health Aboriginal Cadetship
The Aboriginal Cadet program is an opportunity for allied health students who identify as Aboriginal to work with the allied health team to develop key clinical skills around patient interactions and to develop an understanding of working within the public health network. Kym Patterson, Associate Director, Allied Health says, “Cadetships are a valued way for Aboriginal students to gain exposure to a health service as an employee and to build their confidence and knowledge.” One such student is Erin Edwards, a proud Gunditjmara woman. Here’s what she has to say: “Given COVID restrictions and everything, placements were limited so having…
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World-leading research into COVID-19 treatment
Professor Don Campbell, Northern Health’s Director of Hospital without Walls Program, is pioneering a new trial into COVID-19 treatment. Northern Health recently welcomed the Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, The Hon. Jaala Pulford, to announce a $4.2 million grant for University of Melbourne and Monash University to establish a six-month clinical trial. The trial involves using a simple heparin-based nasal spray to be used in households as both early treatment where a person has coronavirus and post exposure prophylaxis for household family members. The second most widely used drug in the world and primarily prescribed as…
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End of year message: From the Chief Executive
2021 was another challenging year for Northern Health and our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty and challenges, I am proud of the dedication and professionalism of our staff in continuing to provide care for our patients. Whilst working under immense pressure, Northern Health staff exemplified our values of safe, kind and together in continuing to provide high quality health care for our community. As the pandemic continued into 2021, our COVID-19 testing clinics at Northern Hospital Epping and Craigieburn Centre picked up throughout the year, supported by expanding testing capacity at Northern Pathology Victoria. We commenced…
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Shining staff of Northern Health
This quarter’s Shine Awards have been awarded to staff members or teams from Support Services who role model Northern Health’s values of safe, kind and together. The awards are presented under three different categories to people who have demonstrated one of Northern Health’s values. The Safety Award, was presented to Almasa Julardzija and Tonia Scuteri, for demonstrating consistent safe work practices, providing suggestions for improving safety and being a role model for other staff. Almasa and Tonia were nominated by Snezana Velevski, Support Services Coordinator. “Both Almasa and Tonia have stepped into the floater role while it has been vacated…
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Allied Health COVID-19 Navigators starting
The Allied Health COVID-19 Navigators Program has started this week, aiming to assist with discharges of COVID-positive patients across Northern Hospital Epping. Rachel Ellis, Clinical Lead Physiotherapy and Project Co-Lead for the COVID-navigator service, explained the navigators will be working both in the Emergency Department and in the COVID-19 wards, working closely with the disciplinary team to facilitate safe discharge. “We believe this initiative will improve patient experience, ensuring a safe discharge,” she explained. Simone Carris, Clinical Lead, Occupational Therapy and Acute and Project Co-Lead for the COVID-navigator service, added that four navigators will be joining the program at this…
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Length of Service Awards 2021
Yesterday, Northern Health’s Length of Service Awards ceremony for 2021 was held virtually. More than 400 staff were celebrated for achieving between 10 and 45 years of dedicated service. Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the ceremony, acknowledging all our staff for their great work. “We thank our hardworking and dedicated staff who are on the frontline each and every day, saving lives and keeping our community safe and healthy, especially during the past two pandemic years,” he said. “We have over 5,700 staff at Northern Health working across Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn Centre and Northern Hospital Epping – with…
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Tya Fry: Indigenous Allied Health Professional of the Year
Tya Fry, one of our Occupational Therapists at Northern Health, was announced as the Indigenous Allied Health Professional of the Year at the Annual National Indigenous Allied Health Awards held virtually on Friday, 3 December. This event was hosted by Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) where members came together online to celebrate the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health workforce during what has been another challenging year. Says Tya, “I am truly honoured to be a recipient of this award. I have been a member of IAHA for a few years now, watching and learning from…