2021
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100th donor recruited to NCHER Reproductive Health Biobank
The Northern Centre for Health Education & Research (NCHER) Reproductive Health Biobank celebrated a major milestone this month, with the 100th donor recruited to this flagship research project in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. “We have been so encouraged by the overwhelming support from our community for this project,” said co-director of the Biobank, Associate Professor Lisa Hui. “Over 80 per cent of pregnant women that we approach to donate their blood or placental samples have been happy to contribute, which is a fantastic recruitment rate.” “The successful launch of our Biobank is due in large part to our…
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COVID-19 Vaccination Program
As the first COVID-19 vaccinations begin to be administered across the state, Northern Health is preparing to launch our own vaccination centre for those living in Melbourne’s north. In partnership with the North Eastern Hub led by Austin Health, Northern Health’s initial focus will be providing vaccinations to residential aged care facilities in our catchment area, along with our frontline staff, commencing early March. Staff vaccinations will take place in the Transit Lounge of the new building. Debra Bourne, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, explained our staff will be notified via email and SMS to make an appointment and book…
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Vascular team host first Virtual Complex Venous Workshop
The Northern Health vascular surgery team was pleased to host their fourth annual Complex Venous Workshop last week – but this year the event looked a bit different. The annual workshops involve procedures on patient cases of complex venous disorders. Northern Hospital is the only hospital in the state that hosts an annual complex venous workshop, and likely the only hospital in the country to host one. Traditionally, the team would invite international experts and world-renowned surgeons from other parts of Australia and overseas to attend. They would travel to Melbourne not just to watch the procedures, but also take…
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Medical Education on MS Teams
Orientations are important to anyone entering a new job. This is true also of our new interns, JMOs and HMOs. It is of utmost importance to provide them with information about our ways of working, values and what they need to know in order to provide safe, quality care to our patients. This year, our orientation for over 200 HMOs and registrars was done completely virtually via MS Teams. “These groups are very large and it is not possible to provide them with face to face orientation and socially distance at the same time. MS Teams was critical to deliver…
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Our EMR journey begins…
This week marks the beginning of our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) program journey, following the recruitment of approximately 40 staff members to join the EMR project team. The majority of the new team members started working with the EMR team this week, as we gear up for a two-year project to successfully implement an EMR at Northern Health. You will see and hear more about the team soon. Approximately half of the team are from Northern Health, and together bring a wealth of experience. The EMR will transform the way in which we provide care. Over the coming months, you…
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EVE App now live
Last year, the maternity team at Northern Health was looking for innovative digital solutions that will enable pregnant women and new mothers to have access to information and assistance when they need it. Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of Eve, a mobile application designed to enhance the pregnancy and parenting experience for mums in the north by providing them with access to evidence based information relating to pregnancy, birthing and early parenting. Nicole Carlon, Director of Operations, Women’s and Children’s Services, says Eve came about as a result of, “looking at ways to improve women’s involvement in…
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Toxicologist Dr Joe Rotella on snakebites
We sat down with Dr Joe Rotella, Northern Health Clinical Toxicologist, to talk all things snakebites. Joe explains how to stay safe during snake season and what to do if you or someone you’re with is bitten. Why is snakebite management important for the community to learn about? It’s important for a few reasons. Firstly, snakebites are treatable. We have a safe treatment and a hospital that can manage snakebites effectively. It’s also important to note that snakebites are avoidable, so educating your children about what not to do is very helpful, as well as training pet dogs so they…
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Northern Hospital Expansion Project: Operational Simulation
As Stage 2 of the Northern Hospital Expansion Project approaches completion, Dr Nancy Sadka, and the hospital in-situ simulation team have been busy testing the facility and training and providing orientation to staff prior to the go–live date. The operational simulation project, a quality and safety initiative and part of our trusted care transformation, began on 1 February and will run for six weeks, and has already conducted over ten simulations. Nancy says they plan to conduct one a day over the coming weeks. The project involves a multidisciplinary team and will include simulations of Code Blue, Code Grey, Code…