Today, 10 December, all sites across Northern Health are introducing an important new change to the way we care for children – a simple but powerful question now asked during every observation set: “Are you worried your child is getting worse?”

The introduction of this question forms part of the state-wide rollout of the Refined ViCTOR Chart, following recommendations from Safer Care Victoria, and aims to strengthen early recognition of clinical deterioration in children.

Research has shown that parents often detect subtle signs of deterioration well before clinicians do and before vital signs change, making it essential that families are routinely invited to share any concerns.

Recent Victorian studies have also found that caregiver concern is independently associated with critical illness in paediatric patients, even when vital signs appear normal. These findings highlight the value of actively seeking parental input as part of routine care – something Northern Health is proud to strengthen today.

Clinical Deterioration & Resuscitation Coordinator, Liz Ward says, “Parents know their child best. By asking this simple question, we’re making sure their concerns are heard and acted on immediately.”

From today, nursing and medical staff will ask the Family/Carer Concern question whenever a parent or carer is present. If the response is ‘Yes’, a PreMET call will be initiated for urgent clinical review. The question will not be asked during procedures, at triage, immediately after birth, or when parents or carers are not at the bedside.

Dr David Tran, Divisional Director of Women’s & Children’s Services, says, “Introducing the question ‘Are you worried your child is getting worse’ means we can act faster when a child’s condition changes. It’s about giving families a voice and improving safety for every child in our care.”

Today’s implementation follows months of preparation, including staff education, scripts, translated materials and posters, along with an audit plan to ensure consistent and safe use of the updated chart across all paediatric settings.

Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator, Kelly Alysandratos, says, “This change strengthens our partnership with families. It reassures parents that their instincts matter and helps us prevent serious deterioration before it happens.”

Reflecting on the impact of today’s launch, Liz Ward adds, “We’re proud to be leading this initiative. It’s a small change that will make a big difference for children and their families at Northern Health.”

This morning, Northern Health hosted the annual Length of Service Awards for 2025, recognising the extraordinary contributions of more than 460 staff who have achieved between 10 and 50 years of service. Many of these colleagues have been with us since the days of PANCH, and together, their dedication represents over 7,500 years of collective service to our community.

More than 250 staff members tuned in online to watch the celebration, which also featured a series of light-hearted videos, in the style of Sir David Attenborough, showcasing notable moments from each year including some milestone from Northern Health.

Northern Health’s Chief Executive, Debra Bourne, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the depth of experience across our workforce.

“We have a large number of staff working across Northern Health, many who have provided service since PANCH. It is great to see how our health service has grown since PANCH, with the inclusion of Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals this year,” she said.

This year, several colleagues reached remarkable milestones that reflect decades of dedication, professional excellence and unwavering commitment to patient care.

40 Years of Service:

• Susanne Pettingill, Sonographer

• Marion Alki, Patient Service Assistant

• Anthony Salgram, Theatre Technician

Susanne and Anthony were unable to attend the ceremony in person, but their achievements were warmly acknowledged. Marion received her award from Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and spoke about the incredible evolution of healthcare over the past four decades, reflecting on the many changes she has witnessed across the organisation.

45 Years of Service:

• Gillian Walters, Computer Clerk

Gillian was presented with her award by Linda Romano, Chief Operating Officer. She shared heartfelt reflections on her long and rewarding career at Northern Health, describing the many colleagues, departments and patients who have shaped her journey.

50 Years of Service:

• Swee Khor, Clinical Nurse Specialist

Reaching an extraordinary half-century of service, Swee offered an inspiring reflection on a career grounded in compassion, resilience and commitment to nursing excellence. Her award was presented with admiration and gratitude by Lisa Cox.

Members of the Executive team also proudly presented awards to staff achieving 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service—each milestone representing a meaningful contribution to the strength and continuity of our health service.

Debra Bourne closed the ceremony by congratulating all award recipients and acknowledging the privilege of leading an organisation built on such a strong foundation of dedication.

“I am so proud to be part of an organisation with such a rich history, and whose staff are dedicated and passionate about caring and serving our community,” she said.

“Congratulations on providing another year of care, and we look forward to continuing the same level of care in 2026. As we move towards the end of 2025, on behalf of the Board and Executive team, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.”

Congratulations to all our recipients!

Featured image (L-R): Marion Alki, Deb Bourne, CE Northern Health, Gillian Walters and Swee Khor.

8-12 December marks Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week, and Northern Health is proud to recognise the vital contributions of our Nurse Practitioners to patient care, clinical leadership, and innovation across the health service.

Nurse Practitioners have been an integral part of Northern Health for more than a decade. Over the years, the service has grown significantly, with NPs now embedded across Emergency, Heart Failure, Stroke, Mental Health, Oncology, Haematology, Neonatal, and other specialty areas. Today, Northern Health boasts one of the most diverse and rapidly expanding NP workforces in Victoria.

Throughout the organisation, NPs lead advanced clinical assessment, diagnostics, prescribing, coordination of care, and patient-centred management, improving access, reducing delays, and supporting safer, more effective care pathways. Their leadership in education, research, mentorship, and quality improvement also plays a crucial role in strengthening the capability of our workforce.

“Northern Health has a strong history of creating and supporting Nurse Practitioner roles within the organisation. Northern Health leads many Victorian health services in the pursuit of advanced nursing practice and innovative and nurse led models of care. I am very proud of the wide range of specialties our Nurse Practitioners are positioned and the impact these roles have on high quality and safe care. Each Nurse Practitioner at Northern Health makes an impact on the community we serve,” says Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Northern Health. 

This NP Week, we honour the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our Northern Health Nurse Practitioners. Whether working at the bedside, responding to emergencies, delivering specialist clinics, or driving system-wide improvements, our NPs consistently demonstrate excellence and unwavering commitment to our community.

We thank every NP at Northern Health for the exceptional care you deliver each day. Your impact is tangible, valued, and deeply appreciated!

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Trudy Brown and Nicole Gauthier, both Nurse Practitioners at Northern Health. 

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Camille Meredith, Effectiveness and Outcomes Manager – CLEO, Northern Health.

 

Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order.

A: Flat white or piccolo.

 

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?

A: I started my career in 2013 as an acute Speech Pathologist in Adelaide, specialising in stroke and neurology. In 2017, I made the move to Melbourne to join Northern Health and make the most of the lifestyle.

Since then, my career has taken a pathway that resembles a ‘squiggly line’. Leading up to COVID, and thanks to some amazing mentors at Northern Health, I found myself increasingly fascinated by health informatics and health system design. Particularly, how data and digital tools can drive better care for patients and improve staff workflows. Thanks to this curiosity and few nudges from people around me, I took the leap to step outside of clinical – first as the Allied Health Informatics Officer then as the EMR Allied Health Analyst.

Following these roles and after completing the University of Melbourne’s Learning Health Systems Fellowship, I transitioned into my current position as Effectiveness and Outcomes Manager with the Clinical Leadership Effectiveness and Outcomes (CLEO) team.

 

Q: What is the best part of working at Northern Health?

A: The best part of working at Northern Health is being part of a team that is committed to transforming how healthcare is delivered, open to new ideas and encourages change. I’m able to combine my skills and passion for clinical care, health informatics and innovation to help the organisation shift towards value-based healthcare. I also have the opportunity to work with diverse stakeholders including patients, clinicians, administrative staff, and digital health experts at Northern Health and beyond.

 

Q: Tell us one thing not many people know about you?

A: During COVID, I decided I was officially old enough to take up knitting. The results are questionable, but I’m enthusiastic and my friends and family continue to accept my creations.

 

Q: Favourite place to travel and why?

A: The Slovenian Alps near Triglav National Park are hard to beat. The hiking is incredible, the Soca river is great for kayaking, and the local wine is fantastic.

Intern pharmacists from Northern Health and final-year MD4 students from the Northern Clinical School (University of Melbourne) recently took part in an innovative interprofessional simulation designed to prepare them for real-world hospital practice.

Developed in response to participant feedback, the program was created after intern pharmacists reported uncertainty about how to approach medical staff, while medical students identified gaps in their pharmacology knowledge and understanding of the hospital pharmacist’s role.

“Jeff Khoshaba, Lead Pharmacist for Education, and I connected at a recent conference and realised our students shared similar learning needs. This collaboration has not only created a fun and valuable learning experience for them, but also highlighted how interdepartmental collaboration in medical education can benefit everyone involved,” said Pip Wills, Simulation Teaching Specialist, Northern Clinical School, University of Melbourne and Emergency Physician, Northern Hospital Epping.

To address these needs, staff from Northern Health Pharmacy and the Northern Clinical School co-designed a realistic “night shift” simulation, mirroring the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a hospital after hours.

During the simulation:

• Groups of four medical students rotated through six simulated patient stations.
• They received simulated phone calls from ward nurses seeking clinical advice.
• Intern pharmacists completed ward-based responsibilities and fielded their own calls from nursing staff.
• Both groups were encouraged to collaborate in real time, consulting and problem-solving together—just as they would during an actual shift.

The exercise concluded with a joint debriefing that explored key clinical and communication scenarios, followed by profession-specific sessions to consolidate learning.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Both medical students and intern pharmacists reported increased confidence, improved understanding of each other’s roles, and greater appreciation of the importance of interprofessional collaboration in delivering safe, effective patient care.

One medical student commented, “Having a pharmacist involved in the simulation made it feel much more realistic. It helped me understand when and how to engage with pharmacists to provide better patient care.”

Ongoing feedback and evaluation will continue to refine the simulation to ensure it meets learners’ needs and reflects the evolving realities of clinical practice.

At Northern Health, the transition from medical student to junior doctor is supported by more than just orientation sessions and workshops – it’s anchored by a vital resource known as the Junior Doctor Handbook.

Behind this essential guide is one of Northern Doctors Education Unit’s dedicated Advisors, Ijaza Lafeer, who has spent over four years ensuring Junior Medical Staff (JMS) are not only informed but empowered.

“My role is to ensure our JMS are orientated, supported, informed and ready to thrive,” she explains. “From coordinating intern orientation to running the Transition to Practice Program, every day is fast-paced and rewarding.”

A typical day for her includes running weekly education programs for interns and second year Post Graduate students, coordinating practical workshops like suturing and Basic Life Support and collaborating with the Junior Medical Staff Association (JMSA). But her biggest project right now? The 2026 edition of the Junior Doctor Handbook.

“This handbook is our one-stop shop for junior doctors,” she says. “It’s the first thing they receive when they start at Northern Health, and it has everything they need – from key hospital policies and department information to welcome messages and practical tips. It’s simple, clear, and accessible anytime via Teams.”

Updated annually, the handbook is designed to reflect the most current information and serve as a reliable companion throughout the year. It’s especially helpful for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and those navigating the complexities of a new hospital system.

For Jess Gu, a 2025 intern, the handbook was more than just a document – it was a lifeline.

“Starting internship was both an exciting yet daunting experience,” Jess shares. “Despite four years of medical school, nothing quite prepared me for my first year working as a doctor. The Junior Doctor Handbook was a constant and centralised resource that addressed most concerns I had throughout the year. From key contacts to administrative tasks, it helped me navigate the system and feel supported.”

As Northern Health prepares to welcome its next cohort of interns, the 2026 Junior Doctor Handbook stands ready – a testament to the team’s commitment to the success of every junior doctor who walks through its doors.

Picture shows Jess and Ijaza with the 2026 Junior Doctor Handbook.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. This worldwide initiative began on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and concludes on Human Rights Day (10 December).

The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or private life.” The World Health Organization recognises gender-based violence as both a global public health and human rights priority.

In Australia, one in three women experience violence, and on average one woman per week is killed by an intimate partner.

Gender inequality is the primary driver of this violence. Violence against women and girls is a manifestation of inequality and discrimination based on gender, race and other power imbalances. Women in Australia continue to be disproportionately impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.

Promoting gender equality is essential in addressing this issue. Gender equality means that people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in every aspect of life—social, economic, and political. It is important because it promotes fairness, empowers everyone to reach their potential and helps prevent violence and discrimination by challenging power imbalances.

The 16 Days Campaign is an important reminder that violence is not only a community concern but is also an important workplace issue. At Northern Health, we remain committed to promoting a safe and respectful workplace environment where all employees feel valued, supported and protected.

Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager, explains that violence does not discriminate. She highlights that during the campaign, it is important to recognise that our staff members, volunteers and students also experience violence in their personal lives.

“Family violence is an epidemic, and research indicates that female clinicians working in the public health sector are at higher risk of experiencing family violence compared to the general population.”

“At Northern Health we receive multiple family violence disclosures from our staff members each week. This issue can affect the safety, wellbeing and work performance of the affected staff member and impact colleagues through risks to safety, disrupted work, reduced concentration, absenteeism and even resignation. A supportive workplace and remaining connected to employment are significant protective factors in mitigating this risk,” she adds.

Maria Soo, Workforce Planning and Project Director, emphasises that addressing gender-based violence is essential to building a fair, equitable and productive workplace. She notes that violence—whether physical, psychological or financial—undermines employee wellbeing and creates barriers to participation. Strong policies, accountable leadership and a culture grounded in respect and inclusion are key to ensuring the safety and dignity of all employees. Maria states, “When employees feel safe and empowered, they can fully participate and thrive. Supporting safety and equality strengthens our organisational resilience and long-term success.”

Northern Health is committed to providing a workplace in which violence is never tolerated or excused. We aim to play an important role in the prevention of violence and are committed to providing a workplace environment where it is safe to make a disclosure and receive support and access to safety.

The SHRFV Team and the OHS & Wellbeing Team have worked together to establish the Family Violence Workplace Support Program. The program is designed to identify, respond to and support our staff members at risk of family violence. A range of workplace support initiatives have been implemented:

• Family Violence Contact Officers (FVCOs) – have been implemented in the OHS & Wellbeing Team and are designated senior staff members specifically trained to identify and respond to family violence in the workplace. They also provide guidance and consultation to Managers. FVCOs can be contacted on T: 8405 8034 or via Email: nhfamilyviolencecontactofficer@nh.org.au
• Family Violence Workplace Safety Plans
• Family Violence Leave
• Referrals to Specialist Services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)– free counselling and emotional support for all staff members and volunteers. EAP also has Specialist Family Violence Counsellors available. T:1300 687 327
• People & Culture Business Partners – provide guidance on leave, flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments

Staff members, who are experiencing violence, are encouraged to disclose to their Manager, a FVCO or the SHRFV Program to access these workplace support entitlements.

Northern Health encourages our staff members and wider community to get involved in the campaign by wearing something orange, visiting the display in the main foyer, calling out disrespectful behaviour and having conversations about what constitutes healthy relationships.

The SHRFV Program is available to provide specialist consultation and facilitate family violence education. Please contact the SHRFV Program if you would like to organise training in your area (T: 8405 8519).

For further information and to participate in events please click here.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Jessie Zhang and Christine Nguyen (Workforce project officers), Maria Soo, Workforce Planning and Project Director, Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager and Ricky Busuttil, Executive assistant to the Chief Executive and Chief People Officer. 

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Trisha Abbey, Health Information Officer (HIS) Ward Clerk Manager, Northern Health.

 

Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order.  

A: Skinny hot chocolate extra hot- I’ve never drank a coffee in my life!

 

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.

A: I began my career with Northern Health in 2002 as a Health Information Services (HIS) Clerk. Within a few months, I transitioned into a clerical role in the Emergency Department, where I worked permanent night shifts. In 2013, I moved into the position of Emergency Department Patient Liaison Officer, followed by my appointment as Emergency Department Clerical Supervisor in 2018. In July 2023, I was proud to step into my current role as HIS Ward Clerk Manager, where I remain today leading an amazing hard-working team.

 

Q: What is the best part of working at Northern Health?

A: As outlined above, my journey with Northern Health demonstrates that consistent hard work, integrity, and respect for others creates real opportunities for career progression. My experience is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and a positive attitude — if I can do it, anyone can! Believe in yourself and your potential.

 

Q: What does a day in your job look like?

A: No two days are ever the same in my role. I lead a dynamic and busy environment, supporting a large clerical team while engaging in meetings, strategic planning, recruitment, and continuous improvement initiatives. I strive to be a supportive and approachable leader — someone who listens, guides, and helps others achieve their best.

 

Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you have been instead?

A: I have hired many employees into Northern Health over the years, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their careers progress and flourish. I take great pride in supporting and developing people, helping them grow from quiet beginners into confident, capable professionals. I truly enjoy building others up and watching their confidence soar — I suppose my dream job would be one where I can continue to inspire, mentor, and empower others to reach their full potential.

 

Q: Favourite place to travel and why?

A: Last year I fulfilled a lifelong dream by flying into New York on Christmas Day, flying over a snow-covered landscape before spending the evening at the Rockettes. There’s truly nothing like New York at Christmas — it was a magical experience and will always remain one of my most treasured travel memories.

 

Q: A book or a movie that has stayed with you and why?  

A: One book that has had a meaningful impact on me is The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. After reading it last year, I gained a valuable perspective — to focus on my own values and decisions rather than the choices of others. It’s a principle that has greatly supported both my personal growth and professional approach.

Pictured in featured image: Trisha at the Grand Canyon National Park.