Northern Health will soon be paper light when the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is introduced in 2023.

This organisational change will bring significant benefits to Northern Health. These include: reducing the average time per shift spent documenting end-of-shift notes, having a single patient record that will provide accurate and up-to-date information about patients at the point of care, as well as helping us to reduce annual expenditure relating to printed forms.

When we start using the EMR, all patient registration and movement will be happening in real-time to enable any clinical documentation to happen.

For the Health Information System (HIS) department and from a clerical workforce perspective, this means clerical staff will be responsible for registering the patient in iPM, checking if the patient is in the right location and encounter in the EMR PowerChart, and performing a specific patient search in decreasing the possibility of duplications of patient information and encounters.

Scanning will continue for Community and Specialist Clinics Outpatients and there will be less volume of inpatient scanning.

“Having a centralised record will eliminate the risk of double documentation, which in return reduces transcription errors and improves patient safety – and our clerical staff will be the center of realising this benefit,” explains Daniella Chapkoun, EMR Nursing Informatics and Benefits Analyst.

One of the other benefits of implementing an EMR is positive patient identification. Each inpatient will have a patient ID wristband with a barcode/QR code identifying the patient and is linked to a specific encounter*.

In cases where the patient is moving from one Northern Health campus to another, this patient move will create a new encounter. This means that clerical staff in Bundoora will be responsible for printing a new wristband to ensure any clinical documentation happening after the patient is transferred will be linked with the new encounter. The wristbands will also be colour-coded in red to alert clinicians that the patient has known allergies.

“Implementing an EMR at Northern Health is a significant change to our cohort of non-clinical staff. While there might be new responsibilities for our clerical staff to take on after ‘go-live’, such as printing and updating ID wristbands, some tasks will remain the same. We expect to see some decrease in everyday tasks, for instance, there will be a reduction in paper scanning for inpatient settings, however, we expect to see new workflows our clerical teams will support also,” says Odette Taylor, Acting Director Health Information Services.

The cohort might also experience an increase in EMR administration, such as requests for Release of Information (ROI) and Freedom of Information (FOI) as information will then be exported from EMR via ‘report request’ instead of using CPF.

“The EMR and HIS team are working closely to determine changes and the full impact on our HIS and clerical workforce. We are witnessing an increase in engagement and inquiry about the EMR. Rest assured, we will be setting up briefings with the wider cohort group in the coming months to give project updates, as well as answering any questions that the group might have for us,” says Cliff Wiltshire, EMR Training Manager.

We have 39 HIS and clerical staff enrolled in our EMR champion program, where the EMR team gives EMR updates and system demonstrations on a monthly basis. Reach out to your local EMR champions if you would like to be kept up to date with our project. Alternatively, more information on what EMR will mean for clerical staff, ward clerks, ED clerks, and HIS clerks can be found here.

*An encounter is defined as a single patient interaction with Northern Health that holds relevant clinical information for the patient.

 Featured photo (left to right, top to bottom): Melissa Sajeva (Operations Manager Coding and Casemix), Odette Taylor (A/g Director Health Information Services), Christine Nicolaidis (A/g Operations Manager Health Information Services), Claire Ross (A/g Operations Manager Datasets Reporting Unit, Jodi Nicholls (Operations Manager, Ward Clerk Workforce) David Mangano (A/g Associate Director Health Information Services)  

According to Vicki Malamatinas, “Being one of the first Plastic Nurse Practitioners in the state is exciting and a wonderful opportunity in providing specialised care.”

To Vicki, this is a dream come true.

“I get to work within this specialty, which I have been passionate about for as long as I have been at Northern Health – 17 years. I have always loved plastic and reconstructive surgery.”

“It had its challenges at the beginning, as I had to develop my own pathway in terms of setting up the role and scope of practice, as there wasn’t another Nurse Practitioner in this specialty to obtain guidance from.”

Vicki has been busy in this role for two years and has seen and reviewed over 200 patients that required plastic surgery intervention.

Vicki works alongside the Plastic and Hand Surgery Unit, to deliver advanced practice with a specialised scope that includes assessment, diagnostic and clinical decision-making, and procedural based skills. As a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Nurse Practitioner, Vicki provides high quality and skilled care to patients requiring plastic surgery intervention.

“I have been fortunate to be trained in providing specialised care to patients that require plastic surgery intervention, as well as taught to perform certain procedures that can be done independently, and assisting in theatre or our procedure room,” Vicki said.

Vicki’s day starts off with rounds on Ward 19 with the team. Once that is complete, she heads off to the clinic to see patients, which usually includes post-discharge and newly referred patients. This can range from skin lesions that require biopsy or surgery to post op wounds.

“We also have a Burns Clinic where I see newly referred patients for assessment and management,” Vicki said.

Amanda Paleologos, Acting Director of Operations Surgical Inpatient Wards, said it was an incredible achievement for Vicki to be one of Victoria’s first Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Nurse Practitioners.

“This is truly an indication of her dedication to the nursing profession and her patients. She is an asset to the team here at Northern Health and supports nursing and medical staff alike in the treatment and care of complex patients,” she said.

Linda Romano, Divisional Director Nursing, Surgical Services and Access, says Vicki has played a critical role in helping ease the strain on the Emergency Department, and her work in setting up the Plastic Procedure Room was “pivotal in saving theatre time for critical cases.”

Rodrigo Teixeira, Head of Unit for Plastic and Hand Surgery, in congratulating Vicki for her achievement and for her work in setting up the procedure room, said it marked the “team work and collaboration, aiming for excellence of care in the Plastic and Hand Surgery Unit at Northern Hospital.”

Dennis Gyomber, Divisional Director Surgery, says, “It is a fantastic achievement by Vicki, to have become the first and only Plastics and Reconstructive Nurse Practitioner in the state. It also demonstrates the drive and innovation of the Plastic Surgical Unit and the Division of Surgical Nursing Services, to advance and improve the delivery of plastic surgical care to our community.”

“Vicki will not only play her part in improving plastic surgical care, but I believe she will become a role model for others to become Nurse Practitioners.”

After over 55 years of nursing, Lyn White farewells her beloved profession.

Lyn began her nursing career at Fairfield Hospital as a Division 2 Nurse when she was just 17 – and has been nursing ever since.

Today, Northern Health hosted a farewell afternoon tea to say goodbye to Lyn and thank her for her dedication over the years. Lyn was joined by friends, family and present and past colleagues!

Lyn has worked at Northern Health for the past 15 years, starting her journey in the Transit Lounge. She has spent the last few years working in the access team, as well as in the Transit Lounge.

Lyn has written the below to share with her colleagues.

“Little did I know when I started nursing at Fairfield Hospital under the guidance of Vivian Bullwinkel on 6 June 1966, the fabulous adventure I was heading on. It was to last 55 years. I have worked in all areas of nursing over the years and always encourage EN’s to aim for the stars. There is nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it.”

“I spent four and a half years on the inaugural Nurses Board of Victoria. What a great learning experience that was.”

“Nursing is a wonderful career and the friends you make along the way remain lifelong friends. I still catch up with nurses from Fairfield I worked with all those years ago.”

“Bundoora Extended Care KAW staff still meet a couple times a year and the wonderful friends I have made at Northern Hospital, both current and retired, catch up regularly. I have really enjoyed my 15 years at the Northern.”

“I wish to thank all the managers I have had that have supported me in many ways over the years. To my colleagues who I work with, those I drive mad on the phone and the friendly faces that I meet in the corridor. Thank you for your friendship. I will certainly miss you all.”

From all of us at Northern Health, Lyn, thank you for all you have done for the nursing profession over the past 55 years. The impact you have had on your patients, their families and your colleagues will always be remembered here at Northern Health.

Hear from some of Lyn’s colleagues in the video below.

Northern Health Foundation kicked off its Dry July campaign yesterday, with a sausage sizzle fundraiser!

Staff came out in droves, on what was a beautiful winter’s day, to purchase their sausages and support the Foundation’s 2022 Dry July Campaign. With everyone’s generosity, the Foundation raised $1,406. These funds, along with all money raised from the Dry July campaign, will go towards refurbishing the outdoor area in the new Palliative Care Unit at Northern Hospital Epping.

Our wonderful volunteers were the chefs of the day, cooking the sausages and frying the onions to perfection. Volunteers also assisted with handing out soft drinks, bottled water, tea and coffee, and Lyre’s Spirit Co non-alcoholic beverages.

ISS kindly donated the sausages, bread, sliced onion, sauces and serviettes, while Big W Epping donated all of the soft drinks and bottled water. Bunnings Epping donated disposable trays, foil, and vouchers to use as Dry July prizes.

Thank you to ISS, Big W Epping and Bunnings Epping for their amazing support. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for their hard work and assistance on the day.

Konstantina Halastanis, Fundraising and Relationship Manager, thanked everyone for their support.

“What a fabulous day the fundraising event was. I am inspired every day by the selflessness of our volunteers and staff – you are the power that drives our mission. We are all making a difference in the fight against cancer,” she said.

“Thank you to everyone for supporting Dry July and giving that little bit extra.”

Henni Wade, Volunteer Services Manager, said the sausage sizzle was a great event for everyone to come together as a team, and support a great cause.

“Our volunteers are an important and valuable part of Northern Health and it is lovely to see them slowly returning to volunteering,” she said.

There will be another opportunity next week to support and donate to Dry July – a cake stall will be held in the Northern Hospital Epping foyer. Details will be provided over the coming week.

“Our volunteers are busily baking away for the cake stall next week on Wednesday, 13 July. Please come down to the front foyer to support their efforts,” Henni said.

Thank you to all staff who attended the sausage sizzle fundraiser, and donated to a very worthy cause! If you would like to donate or join our Dry July team, click here.

Featured image shows Northern Health staff enjoying the sausage sizzle.

During the course of the past week, we have been introducing some of the key members who will be leading the new mental health team at Northern Health.

On 1 July, Northern Health officially became a designated mental health service. Approximately 800 staff were welcomed to the Northern Health family. This week, the leadership team will be spending time visiting staff at different sites and welcoming them with special treats and an insight into what they can expect while working at Northern Health.

Today, as we continue our introductory series, we speak to Joy Barrowman – Operations Director, North West Area Mental Health, to understand her role and get to know her better.

Joy, let’s start with your coffee order?

Black and short.

Tell us about your role as Operations Director, NWAMHS, and what it entails?

In partnership with the Director Clinical Services NWAMHS and the Divisional leadership team, my role contributes to the overall operational management and leadership of NWAMHS clinical services (Community, In Patient, Residential, Private, Research and a number of specialist programs) across the Hume and Moreland catchments. The role is a busy one, supporting our staff to enable and deliver the highest quality care possible to our consumers, their families and the community itself.

The role, in partnership, sets the strategic direction for continuous improvement and growth of our services to meet the increasing demand and complexity of the community and  population we service.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day. Often what is in my diary is trumped by unexpected events and demands. Multiple meetings, and tasks relating to operations, legal, service submissions and daily clinical incidents and demands. However, if a code goes off in the building, all gets dropped and I attend and support the staff. 

What excites you about your role?

What excites me are both the passion of my staff and the hope and caring for our consumers, especially with all the opportunities the Royal Commission will bring. 

What are some of the challenges of this role?

There have been many challenges in the past, mainly around resourcing, and hence why the current changes are being brought about. While those challenges do exist, I am looking ahead to what we can accomplish together as a new team and an improved service.

Lastly, what would people be most surprised to know about you?

I have my pilots licence and my Real Estate Representative Certification (love the property market). I am also a grandmother of 10 fur-babies, seven grandchildren, with two granddaughters recently born six weeks apart – Billie and Harper.

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System made significant recommendations regarding the way mental health services are organised, integrated and governed, and proposed reforms in north and west metropolitan Melbourne. These reforms will lead to a more accessible, responsive and well-resourced mental health service system over the coming months and years.

Northern Health is now a designated Mental Health Service and plays a key role in the implementation of these reforms.

This week, we are welcoming Northern Area Mental Health Services and North West Area Mental Health Services to Northern Health. We are also welcoming the staff of Merv Irvine Nursing Home and McLellan House.

Collectively, this makes us the third largest Mental Health Service in Victoria.

Today, we speak to John Dermanakis – Operations Director, Northern Area Mental Health Service, to understand his role and get to know him better.

John, let’s start with your coffee order?

Pretty boring. Just your average latte with one sugar. Occasionally, if I’m feeling adventurous, I will swap in almond milk.

Can you tell us about your role and what it entails?

I trained as an Occupational Therapist and, after a few years of practice, I was encouraged to obtain clinical leadership roles which then led to management roles. So my current role, as Operations Director, is a senior management role that blends management and leadership tasks. It’s a broad and diverse role, that in essence, aims to maximise the business, operational, people and financial management of the service, always with the purpose of having the tools and resources to drive best patient care. I work together and closely with our Director of Clinical Services and more broadly with our leadership team to set directions for the service. We spend a fair bit of time monitoring, reviewing and engaged in continuous improvement.

What does a typical day look like for you?

More meetings than I would like. Now that we are learning to live with COVID-19, my days will return to being present across our four sites, understanding and helping to resolve service challenges. My most important function is to support, mentor and supervise senior staff so they can run their programs to the very best of their ability. I have responsibility for all operational requirements and, together with others, much of my time is also spent on monitoring, reviewing and seeking service improvement. I also field many phone calls and meetings with our partner agencies, to build service relationships and jointly advocate for and work towards system reform – and now implementing the Royal Commission recommendations.

What excites you about your role?

I’ve been in this role for eight years, and in mental health for 30. What I love most is that every day is completely unique. I cherish that I can be presented with something that has never quite happened in an identical way before, so there’s never an opportunity for this role to become mundane or routine.

I also love that this role affords me the opportunity to positively influence so many people, including our staff. But, more critically, I can play my part to ensure there are better services for our consumers. The Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health Services, provided a blueprint, which will finally bring mental health into everyone’s consciousness. I am thrilled that in some small way, I will be playing my part to bring this grand vision to fruition on the ground.

The best bit of all these major reforms is that, for the first time during my career, people don’t run away when we talk about mental health. The media saturation, the general desire for better understanding, better interventions and community integration, does mean that we all are taking mental health seriously, and that is just absolutely fabulous.

What are some of the challenges of this role?

In so many ways, we have similar issues to those being felt generally across the health system. We have constant battles to fill workforce shortages. As we work in mental health, the demand for our services has increased significantly, particularly over the past few years. It’s great to know that change is happening and we will be able to respond to the needs of our consumers better than we have before. The awareness and understanding of mental health issues is also growing. In the past, we have battled against societal stigma and we are one of the few branches of medicine where many of our consumers and patients don’t want or don’t believe they need to see us.

Thankfully, the future is looking much brighter and so people don’t need to suffer in silence any more. This is the biggest change I have seen during my entire career.

Lastly, what would people be most surprised to know about you?

I was actually born on the high seas. My parents had immigrated to Australia in the late 50s and then decided to return to Greece to live, a decade later. This idea only lasted a year and my mother fell pregnant with me whilst in Greece. They decided to return to Australia so that my brother and I could have a better life. I was born 24 or so hours prior to reaching Melbourne. The story recounted my entire life, was that bad weather delayed their sail from their last stop in Fremantle for two days, otherwise I would have made it.

This is a significant week at Northern Health for more reasons than one.

Firstly, we celebrate NAIDOC Week and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This year in addition to the display in the foyer at Northern Hospital Epping and at our other sites, we also have for the first time a Video Gallery, as part of an online display.

This year too Narrun Wilip-Giin, Aboriginal Support Unit, has put together a quiz that will test your knowledge and reward you with exciting prizes. Click here for the NAIDOC Week quiz.

On Thursday, 7 July at 8 am, our speaker at our Grand Round will be Jack Bulman, a Muthi Muthi man, and Chief Executive Officer of Mibbinbah Spirit Healing. Click here to join the Grand Round.

Here at Northern Health, another cause for celebration is the Narrun Wilip-giin Cultural Space to be opened shortly.

The Narrun Wilip-giin Cultural Space will provide a space where Indigenous people can feel safe, accepted, confident that they will be respected, listened to, and will receive high quality care. We look forward to its opening later this year.

This week it is also my pleasure to officially welcome staff from Northern Area Mental Health Services and North West Area Mental Health Services, to Northern Health. We also welcome the staff of Merv Irvine Nursing Home and McLellan House. Collectively, this will make us the third largest mental health service in Victoria.

This is a significant time to be working in the mental health sector, as we declare our commitment to the ambitious reform agenda, set out by the Mental Health Royal Commission.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued work and dedication to providing mental health services to Victorians in Northern and Western metropolitan Melbourne, particularly in these challenging times.

Thank you for joining us on our journey to improve health outcomes here in the north and helping to build a better future – together.

Eleanor Johnson – Research Midwife, Northern Health, and Lactation Consultant, Western Health, is one of nine clinicians who will be joining the MacHSR Future Leaders Fellowship program in its inaugural year, for her work on the research project ‘partnering with consumers to co-design comprehensive abortion care in Melbourne’s North’.

The Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) is one of 10 Translational Centres of Excellence designated by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) across Australia.

MACH is a joint venture between 19 full partners, including 10 Victorian healthcare providers, eight independent medical research institutes and the University of Melbourne, with La Trobe University as an affiliate member. Across this partnership, around $7 billion is invested each year in health care, research and education.

This has been a busy year for Eleanor.

She was recognised earlier this year by Northern Health with the Rising Star in Research Award at Research Week 2022, for her work in Women’s and Children’s Research.

This was on top of the team at the Northern Health Family Planning Clinic receiving the University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Innovation Grant and a further $50,000 research grant from The Victorian Nursing and Midwifery Trust. The second is a highly sought-after grant awarded to health services to undertake research that aims to advance nursing and midwifery practice and improve patient outcomes.

The multidisciplinary research team consists of Kate Chaouki, Family Planning Clinic Coordinator and Midwife, Eleanor as Research Midwife, with support from Associate Professor Cathy Vaughan, Head of Gender and Women’s Health Unit in the Centre for Health Equity at Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Associate Professor Lisa Hui, Women’s and Children’s Research Lead and MFM Specialist and Dr Jeanie Henderson, Gynaecologist and Family Planning Clinic Medical Lead.

“This is an amazing achievement – and huge congratulations. So well deserved,” said Associate Professor Lisa Hui.

Professor Peter Brooks AM, Research Lead at Northern Health, described this as a fantastic award that would provide great training for Eleanor.

Chief Medical Officer, Associate Professor Wanda Stelmach, in conveying the best wishes of Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah and the Board, said, “The Rising Star at Northern Health Research Week continues to show why she is a deserving recipient of this award!”