2021

Dr Stefan Herodotou is celebrating an incredible 40 years at Northern Health. Stefan started working at PANCH on 1 May 1981. “Forty years of my life. How fast all those years have gone!” he said. “I feel it was only yesterday. I remember so vividly being interviewed for the job by Dr Peter Leslie, the then medical director, and my excitement a few days later when I was told that the job was mine. The job which would give me an infinite number of rewarding moments.” “A job which would give me highs and lows. Would give me excitement and…

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This week marks National Child Protection Week (NCPW), which has been running since 1990, starting on Father’s Day each year in September. The week raises awareness of child abuse, to keep children and young people safe from harm, and to prevent them from entering the statutory child protection system. At Northern Health, the Social Work Department, in partnership with the Strengthening Hospital’s Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) teams, raise awareness on the harmful effects of child abuse and advocate for the prevention of child maltreatment. ​This year, the theme is ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go. To…

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Ward 22 on the Main Ward Block at Northern Hospital Epping has opened and been fitted out as a dedicated 28 bed pandemic ward. The ward is also purpose-built with full negative pressure environment. Ward 22 on Level 6 opened on Friday, and patients were relocated from the previous COVID Ward on Ward 20 on Friday afternoon. Associate Professor Craig Aboltins, Director of Infectious Diseases, said it was great to open the brand new ward designed to keep staff and patients as safe as possible. “We have up to date equipment and highly trained staff with all COVID PPE available.…

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Ward 14 has completed its successful move into Ward 18 at Northern Hospital Epping in the Main Ward Block. The move forms part of Stage 2 of the Northern Hospital Expansion Project. Jacqui Harper, Ward 18 Nurse Unit Manager, said the completed move was “such a relief for all staff.” “The move to Ward 18 now gives us a settled feeling. Although it took a bit of planning and time for renovations, staff really love the new space,” Jacqui said. “When the other wards in the Main Ward Block moved, Ward 18 was closed to have the carpet removed and…

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Dear Northern Health staff, As we continue through this extended lockdown, I am checking in with you to acknowledge the challenges we are all experiencing right now. These include the ongoing disruptions to our work, new procedures, increased PPE measures and other constant changes. Interactions can be more difficult as PPE can mean we don’t get to interact with our colleagues as much as we would like to and not seeing our patient’s faces, and them not seeing ours, makes communication harder. More work is being completed virtually rather than face to face. For many of us, there have also been…

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They came together. Twenty-three individuals – staff members, our partners, a cancer patient and her daughter. Each with a different personal reason. All sharing a common goal. To make a difference to patients with cancer. To them, their sacrifice didn’t compare to that of the people who would ultimately benefit from their efforts. While they went ‘Dry’ for a good cause, they reaped many other rewards. Firstly, they tripled last year’s effort, raising a grand total of $31,199. Secondly, they finished seventh (out of 100) on the overall leader board. And most importantly, they raised enough money to purchase another…

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Today, Northern Health’s second Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards ceremony for 2021, showcasing the brilliant achievements of our dedicated staff, was held online. More than 170 nominations, for six categories, were submitted by the winner’s colleagues. Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, opened the virtual presentation. He said the awards recognised the “outstanding contributions by our employees and celebrate staff excellence.” “Northern Health has over 5,700 staff who work across a wide range of areas who are committed to providing great care,” Siva said. “Through these awards, we recognise staff for their hard work and dedication to our patients, staff and community. Award…

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To support and protect patients in the community, Northern Health’s Virtual Emergency Department (ED) is extending its working hours to 11.30 pm, instead of the usual 9.30 pm. Dr Loren Sher, Emergency Physician, explained this temporary change is made so that residents in the north can have increased emergency access to virtual nursing and medical care. “In many instances, we will be able manage a patient’s condition at home. Patients that need to attend the ED will be advised when it’s best to attend for their condition and will be given advice on how to manage their condition at home…

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