Today marks a significant milestone in the history of Northern Health and Kilmore District Health as we join to become a stronger health service, caring for the growing and diverse needs of the northern catchment, together.

This amalgamation will enable us to improve access to care for our patients in the Northern Growth Corridor – one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions. It will also provide greater opportunities for staff to further their education and enhance their professional skills.

Our health services have successfully worked together for many years. This next step is a natural progression in our partnership and will ensure a sustainable future for staff and patients. You can expect most things to remain as they have been until now. We anticipate a smooth transition, and we are here to answer any questions you may have.

In the coming months, we will begin working to develop an integrated Strategic Plan and Clinical Services Plan which encompasses a shared vision for the future. We look forward to involving you in these plans.

Much work has taken place behind the scenes to get us to this day. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to ensure the successful outcome of this project. We will continue to work together to shape our new and better-connected health service.

On behalf of the boards and executive of Northern Health and Kilmore District Health, I thank you for your input throughout the process of voluntary amalgamation and look forward to working with you to improve the health outcomes of our local communities.

Kind Regards,

Siva Sivarajah
Chief Executive
Northern Health

Northern Health Research Week has concluded for another year. This week-long event united clinicians, researchers and academics, allowing them to shine a spotlight on their remarkable work.

One word resonated throughout the event – ‘translation’. Nowhere was this more vividly brought to life than in the dynamic poster blitz sessions. In this distinctive format, our research came alive within the hospital’s walls, engaging peers, colleagues, and most importantly, our community. It was heartening to see curious members of the public gravitating towards these lively gatherings, eager to listen to captivating presentations and take home valuable insights.

Thursday’s Medical Grand Rounds launched the first of a series of presentations. We heard from clinician-researcher Dr Sanjeevan Muruganandan, who highlighted his groundbreaking research on managing malignant pleural effusion. His work is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital health and remote monitoring. This was followed by Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health, who highlighted the exceptional digital health team he has built to support clinicians ‘to infinity and beyond’.

Our Chief Medical Officer, Ms Wanda Stelmach, officially opened Research Week on Friday. We were reminded of Northern Health’s humble beginnings, which were echoed by A/Prof Prahlad Ho, who reminisced about dodging kangaroos to walk to the hospital building. A/Prof Ho outlined the future research vision at Northern Health, which included key university partnerships with La Trobe, RMIT and The University of Melbourne, the new Research Development Unit and the support of a growing research culture with the establishment of flagship research groups.

He also announced an invigorated Northern Health Research Grant Scheme, which includes a $50,000 Northern Health Foundation Grant. Professor Magdalina Plebanski (RMIT) introduced us to the concept of “inflamm-aging” while Professor Vipul Bansal (RMIT) offered insights into successfully translating nanotechnology research from the lab to the clinic. The session closed with some inspirational thoughts from Professor Geoffrey Donnan, who said, “Think big – a small project takes as much time and effort as a big project.”

Our keynote showcase featured the groundbreaking COVID-19 research led by our very own Professor Don Campbell, whose big ideas, as he informed us, come to him while ironing – hence his ever-immaculate attire.

Associate Professor Lisa Hui enlightened us about the development of the NCHER Reproductive Health Biobank, in partnership with The University of Melbourne, and its role in nurturing the future generation of clinician-researchers. Dr Erica Hately promised to “feed your intellectual soul”- and she didn’t disappoint. Systematic reviews have never looked so exciting.

A highlight of the event was the Allied Health Rising Stars session, where promising clinician-researchers Dr. Hazel Heng, Belinda Baines, Emily Farrugia and Stephen Quick shared their insights on key research initiatives at Northern Health, such as the ‘Stepping into Research’ program with La Trobe University that ignited their passion for research. Personally, I was extremely proud to see these young clinicians share their journey and vision for the future.

The ‘best of the best’ oral presentations competed for the inaugural Peter Brooks Research Award. Congratulations to all our presenters, with a special shout-out to our winners – Natasha de Alwis (3rd place), James Walker (2nd place), and the first-ever Peter Brooks Award winner, Ishara Atukorala, for her presentation on, ‘First trimester placental exposure to novel CMV antiviral drugs: an in vitro toxicity study.’

The Professor Peter Brooks Oration was delivered by Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos (RMIT). She spoke of his passion for medicine and for access to healthcare, particularly his pioneering thinking around virtual care which he championed over two decades ago. It’s no coincidence that virtual care has become a cornerstone of clinical research at Northern Health. Professor Brooks has undeniably left a lasting legacy- our future is indeed bright.

All in all, an exciting week, best summed up by Professor Donnan who said, “I wish I was where you are now”.

Written by
Dr Adam Semciw
Associate Professor – Allied Health

 

Featured image shows Ishara Atukorala  receiving the inaugural Professor Peter Brooks award.

This morning, Northern Health hosted its fourth and final Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards for 2023, virtually coming together to honour and appreciate the exceptional contributions of our devoted staff.

Once more, we were overwhelmed by the remarkable participation of our staff, receiving numerous nominations spanning across seven categories.

Jade Ralston, Acting Executive Director, People and Culture, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the incredible work of our staff across the health service.

“As this is the final Quarterly Awards Ceremony for 2023, I would like to acknowledge all of the deserving staff who have received awards or been nominated by their peers over the past 12 months,” she said.

“I also look forward to our next awards ceremony is 2024, where we will also have the opportunity to acknowledge staff from Kilmore District Hospital, as they join the Northern Health network as of 1 November.”

“I am extremely proud to work in an organisation where staff are passionate and kind and turn up to work every day to provide outstanding care to our patients and community. We thank you all for your hard work and dedication.”

Derrickson Mano, ANUM at Ward 1, Bundoora Centre, won the Innovation Award, for being instrumental in ensuring the ward was ready for the highly anticipated EMR launch. He was also recognised for his volunteering and active participation in creating resources such as the QRG hard copy, which was greatly beneficial to staff during the transition.

The Patient Experience Award went to Damian Cresp, Health Coach in the Patient Watch team, for delving deeper and finding out that one of his clients had been a victim of elder abuse for over two decades. Damian not only exposed this injustice but also passionately advocated for his client, displaying unwavering empathy, determination, and dedication throughout the process.

Lisa Bannan, Ward Clerk, Admin Services, won the Education Award for playing an integral part in training new clerks and others within the Maternity Unit. She was also praised for being knowledgeable, kind and always displaying enthusiasm.

Danielle Cook, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from the Paediatric Unit at Northern Hospital Epping, was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award for excelling in her clinical skills and knowledge, having an incredible bedside manner and for being an excellent leader with a compassion and kindness that are truly admirable.

The Excellence in Safety Award was awarded to Awash Prasad, Director of Legal Services for demonstrating exceptional dedication by forging a collaborative partnership with the Mental Health Division and facilitating the seamless integration of the division’s intricate legal processes and Melbourne Health’s requirements into Northern Health.

Sally Braddock, Gardener, Engineering Services, won the Rising Star award for her remarkable enthusiasm and dedication to her role. She has played a pivotal role in transforming the garden environment at CCU by actively overseeing repair and restoration efforts.

Lastly, the inaugural Excellence in Leadership Award went to Joby Allen Baby, RN/ANUM at Unit 1, Medical Surgical Ward, Broadmeadows Hospital, in recognition of her exceptional mentorship and leadership abilities. Joby’s unwavering integrity, deep respect, and profound empathy have played a crucial role in fostering a positive and secure environment for all.

Big congratulations to all award winners today!

The Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards are proudly sponsored by BankVic and Northern Health Foundation.

To watch the ceremony, please click here.

Featured image (L-R) top row: Derrickson Mano, Damian Cresp, Joby Allen Baby, Lisa Bannan. 

Bottom row (L-R): Awash Prasad, Danielle Cook, Sally Braddock. 

October is Mental Health Awareness Month. Scott Bell is a Lead Peer Support Worker/Consumer Consultant at our North West Area Mental Health Service (NWAMHS) in Moreland/Merri-Bek. Peer Support workers are an important part of our Lived Experience Workforce. Their ‘lived’ expertise and insights help others access our services. Scott is also a musician.

Q: Scott, let’s start with your favourite genre of music?

Any type of 90’s grunge or the desert/stoner rock movement in late 80’s. Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Fu Man Chu, Kyuss are some of my favourite bands.

Q: Favourite tune to relax?

Some Texas style blues with some deep Stevie Ray Vaughan influences. I can jam on that for hours!  

Q: How would you describe your role? 

My role is one that makes the consumer the expert in their own lives. The consumers and I work together to create hope and find a life worth living.

Q. Tell us the role of the ‘5 Ways Cafe’ and what purpose it serves?

The ‘Cafe’ is run and managed by consumers. They choose what they would like to do, and this fosters other peer relationships outside of the service. It creates a safe space where people get to be the experts in their own life.  

Q:  Tell us more about how ‘people get to be the experts in their own life’?

People get to be the experts in their own life where they get to make choices and recover the way they wish. Mental health is a journey, one of ups and downs. What’s really special is seeing someone focus on what they want rather than being stuck on what they can’t change.

Q: How would you describe Northern Health? 

Northern Health is a service that is growing. They have been very supportive of our Lived Experience Workforce and the opportunity to truly integrate lived experience in all aspects of its service.

Q: Tell us something about you, that will surprise our readers?

I’m a reptile enthusiast who owns many snakes and reptiles!

To do justice to a career as extensive and illustrious as that of Professor Peter Brooks AM, one would require much more than a column of this size. Having published over 400 papers over the past five decades, Peter’s curriculum vitae reads more like a medical journal than a resume, and that is the condensed version.

Professor Peter Brooks AM MD FRACP is an extraordinary academic figure who has made significant contributions to the fields of education and research. With his immense knowledge, passion, and dedication, he has become a respected authority in his numerous areas of expertise.

After graduating from Monash University, Peter went on to hold hospital and university posts in Hobart and Glasgow, training initially as a rheumatologist. He has held professorial appointments at many of Australia’s leading universities including University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Flinders University, and University of Tasmania. He has been widely published in the areas of musculoskeletal diseases, health education and more recently on health care and health workforce reform.  He is also a respected commentator on health policy and the importance of developing an evidence base in this area.

Those who know Peter, would be aware of his long-standing interest in digital health. It pleased him to see Northern Health lead the way with the rapid deployment of telehealth during the pandemic, and the subsequent investments by Northern Health and the State Government in the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and the creation of digital pathways to access healthcare.

It is fair to say that Professor Brooks has been instrumental in laying the foundations for the strong research culture that is currently being built at Northern Health. When I asked Peter about key highlights in his time with us, he cited Research Week, the PhD scholarships, and the annual Research Dinner as being amongst his most memorable. He is also very proud of the partnerships with academic partners University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, RMIT, and Swinburne. But perhaps what he is most proud of is the Health Navigator Program with Swinburne University and Medibank Private, with Dr. Rebecca Jessup as the lead.

Peter’s passion for research and his desire to make a difference have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2010, he featured on the Australia Day Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The citation read ‘for service to medicine, particularly in the field of rheumatology, as an academic, researcher and clinician’.

Professor Brooks is not only a distinguished and revered academic but also a compassionate individual. I have had the pleasure of knowing Peter since we served on the Foundation Board together over many years, where he shared his skills, knowledge, expertise and passion for medical research to stimulate and encourage philanthropy in this area. We are extremely grateful for the significant contribution Peter had made to the Northern Health Foundation.

There is no question about the impact Professor Brooks has made to both the academic community and society as a whole. On behalf of everyone at Northern Health and Northern Health Foundation, I applaud Peter on a stellar career and thank him for sharing his wisdom and knowledge so we can continue working towards the ultimate vision of providing outstanding healthcare for our community, and significantly growing our research capabilities.

Please join us this evening, as Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos delivers the Professor Peter Brooks Oration and my colleague on the Foundation Board, Peter McWilliam, will pay him a special tribute.  Professor Brooks will thereafter present the inaugural research award named in his honour.

 

Pina Di Donato

Executive Director

Public Affairs and Foundation

 

This week, we celebrate all the Occupational Therapists (OT) employed at Northern Health. The theme this year is ‘Unity through Community’. This is also Mental Health Awareness Month and today we showcase occupational therapists working in our Mental Health Division. Occupational therapists are employed in a variety of roles including:

• Clinicians (Grade 1 to Grade 4 general roles) and Clinical Specialist roles
• Clinical Educators
• Professional Leaders (Chiefs)
• Research translation
• Operational management
• Projects and service development

This is what they have to say:

 

“I believe occupational therapists brings a vital perspective to the mental health field. Our holistic and practical approach to recovery through meaningful occupation helps our consumers have better health outcomes, a more satisfying life and probably a lot more fun!”
Laura Ferronato, OT Clinical Educator 

“Occupational therapy means growth and healing through doing what matters to us each day.”
Megan Turville, OT Research Lead

“OT means promoting health and wellbeing though participating in meaningful activities that we need and want to do. Occupational therapists are curious and keen to understand consumers’ lives and their typical days as “how we spend our days is how we spend our lives” (Annie Dillard, The Writing life)”
Carolyn Dun, Northern Area Mental Health Service (NAMHS)

“I believe that OT is more than a profession, it is a way of living, interacting and seeing the world. What excites me as an occupational therapist, is that we are in the business of creating opportunities for engagement, satisfaction, fulfillment and enabling people of all ages and abilities to live the life that they want to live. We are not magicians – rather we use skills, knowledge, experience, and evidence to make a sustainable change in the person’s life”.
Kieva Richards, Occupational Therapy Professional Leader-Specialist Older Adults Consultation Service/Aged Mental Health

“Mental ill health can impact all domains of a person’s life, as mental health occupational therapists, we have the privileged position to play a role in understanding what is most important to a person.  Then, either by supporting, coaching, advocacy, connecting, walk alongside the person as they take the steps towards living the life they define as meaningful, worthwhile and fulfilling”.
Erin Finch, Occupational Therapy Professional Leader- North West Area Mental Health Service (NWAMHS)

For me, the value and reward of being an Occupational Therapist is summed up in the following quote:
“Occupational Therapists are change agents who work to enhance the health, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals and communities” I love that our skills, knowledge and perspective mean that we are able to work and make a difference to peoples’ lives in a diverse range of roles and settings.
Sue Pike, Director – Service Development and Improvement.

 “As an OT, I am geared towards helping people identify and meet their own goals and thus like to think that I display an elevated level of empathy. It helps me to ask important questions, understand any barriers and discern a person’s strengths and also areas for improvement.

In addition, OTs are highly regarded and well known for their person-centred and strengths-based approach. We recognize the value of individual differences. These are important qualities in a leader as well. Leaders find a way to utilize each person’s strengths within a team, and alongside leading with empathy, OTs create environments that promote well-being, cooperation, and unity that enhance and focus on people’s growth and workplace success”
John Dermanakis, Director of Operations, Northern Area Mental Health Service (NAMHS)

 

Kilmore District Health and Northern Health boards welcome the Victorian Government’s approval for the two health services to unite as an amalgamated service. The new service will officially begin on 1 November 2023.

Under the new structure, Kilmore District Health will become a campus of Northern Health, joining its existing network of services across Craigieburn, Bundoora, Broadmeadows, Epping, Mill Park, Preston and Mernda. While under the Northern Health brand, the service itself will be known as Kilmore District Hospital.

This voluntary amalgamation builds upon the existing partnership between the two services which has been jointly serving the community of Mitchell Shire for many years.

An amalgamation between the services will ensure greater coordination of care across the Outer North and focus on meeting the community’s future healthcare needs.

It will deliver more care closer to home, attract and retain an experienced workforce and provide greater career development opportunities and employment flexibility for staff.

Jennifer Gilham, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Kilmore District Health, welcomes the State Government’s approval of the amalgamation.

“It is clear that working together is the best way to care for our rapidly growing community. By collaborating, we can expand our services to meet the needs of our patients. This means patients can receive care in a familiar setting, from familiar faces, and closer to home,” said Ms Gilham.

Northern Health’s Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, also welcomes the decision by the Victorian Government, saying that staff and the community can now expect a greater breadth of care locally.

“This is a natural next step in our partnership. I look forward to welcoming the staff and community to Northern Health. We already care for the same community, and the community and staff know our services well. So, we are confident we can deliver better care together – and not apart.”

Kilmore District Health Board Chair, Gillian Leach, praised the community and staff for their contribution to the service and welcomed the decision to join Northern Health.

“The community has been involved every step of the way – this is a win for our community, and we can be proud of the outstanding care Kilmore District Health has and will continue to provide in the future.”

Northern Health Board Chair, Jennifer Williams AM, also welcomed the decision and is looking forward to leading the expanded health service.

“This enhanced partnership presents a real opportunity to strengthen the way care is delivered for our catchment. We must find new ways to innovate and improve healthcare outcomes for all,” said Ms Williams.

“Our immediate focus is developing an integrated Strategic Plan and Clinical Service Plan. We want to develop a shared vision for the future. We can only do this together with Kilmore District Health, bringing together the voices of our staff and the community,” added Ms Williams.

Northern Health reaffirms its commitment to:

• The maintenance of local name and identity for Kilmore District Hospital.
• There will be no reduction in staffing levels as a direct result of the amalgamation. Staff will continue to work when and where they work today, unless they wish to change.
• Delivering care closer to home by increasing the ways local residents can access care in their local community and introducing more specialist services, which many Kilmore residents are already accessing at Northern Health.
• With more young families in the local community, we are committed to introducing a paediatric outpatient service at Kilmore to provide better care for children, closer to home.
• By strengthening local maternity services, more women will be able to give birth in Kilmore.
• Access to tertiary care will be streamlined through collaboration and improved communication.
• Engaging with staff and community to develop an integrated Strategic Plan and Clinical Service Plan within the first 12 months of an amalgamation.
• A positive and sustainable workplace for all. Our health workers are the backbone of care. We are committed to providing enhanced training and development opportunities for our staff to develop their careers.

 

Every October, Safe Work Australia runs National Safe Work Month – a national campaign to raise awareness of occupational health and safety (OH&S).

The main objective of National Safe Work Month is to encourage all individuals and organisations to prioritise safety in the workplaces and to work towards reducing the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

We all understand that safety and wellbeing are important and how it impacts everyone, even beyond the workplace. Please refer to this iNews article for the views of some staff on what OH&S means to them.

Everyone has a part to play to ensure that the workplace is safe for all. But most importantly, you are the missing piece in the puzzle and your contribution is critical for the safety of patients, your colleagues, visitors and yourself.

Your mental health also matters when it comes to the health and safety of staff in the workplace, and together, we can work as one to support each other’s mental health. It is important to care for yourself first so that you can provide care for others. There are many supports available to support your mental health. You can refer to this page for more information.

Watching your step to reduce slips, trips and falls is also a fundamental aspect in keeping everyone safe. There have been 87 trip and fall incidents reported across Northern Health since the start of the year. Staff play an important role in mitigating slips, trips and falls by being aware of your surroundings and not being distracted. Visit this page for more information. Together, we can reduce the number of slip trip falls.

This week, we have highlighted how the OH&S and Wellbeing teams are here to keep you safe. Refer to this page to find out more. However, this means nothing without the help and support of everyone from management to each individual staff.

The OH&S and Wellbeing teams have reached out to some staff and asked the question: “How does working together keep us safe?” Please refer to the below video to see what their views are.

 

As you can see, by working together, positive outcomes can be achieved. As we wrap up this National Safe Work Month for 2023, there is more we can do, and only by working together we can make a difference.

Featured image: Williams Akengowa, Nurse Unit Manager, McLellan House, Julie Mason, HRS for PSA/Carps and Graham Wilson, OH&S Director.