Northern Health Cancer Services is committed to providing the best care to our cancer affected patients and families.

With the help of our generous community, Northern Health can continue to provide this high quality care to our patients. Over the many years, we have received donations from grateful patients and families as their way of showing appreciation and thanks to the Cancer Services team.

As a result of the many shows of thanks, the Northern Health Foundation Cancer Giving Tree came to life, to acknowledge the ongoing support from our community.

The Giving Tree is on display in the Day Oncology Unit at Northern Hospital Epping, brightening up the ward so patients, families and staff can see the generous donations and the differences our community has made to cancer patients’ lives.

The tree has different coloured leaves, each representing a donation from the community ranging from $250 to $10,000. The butterflies symbolise very generous donations of over $10,000.

Melissa Gwynne, Day Oncology Nurse Unit Manager, explained the importance of the Cancer Giving Tree.

“It provides patients and families a platform to be able to donate funds to assist Northern Health Cancer Services. By doing so, they can have their donation recognised on the tree. It is also a centre piece in the department and brings the lovely gardens outside, indoors,” she said.

Previous donations have enabled the Day Oncology Unit to purchase a range of equipment including treatment chairs, infusion pumps, vital sign machines, scalp cooling machines, ECG, blanket warmers and care packages for NOAH@Home patients – a service which allows patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own home.

“This equipment has enabled staff to provide the high standard of care for our patients and provide comfort during treatment. Some patients spend six to eight hours for treatment, so comfort is a big factor,” Melissa said.

“We are always in need of new equipment – some to replace older devices and some for any new treatment equipment that becomes available. As we are expanding, the donations from the Giving Tree are vital.”

“I am very grateful and thankful to all our donors. We have donors that raise money annually through their fundraising events and we wouldn’t be where we are without their generosity. Most people are touched by cancer in some way and the Cancer Giving Tree allows them to be a part of the great work we do here at Northern Health Cancer Services.”

Pina Di Donato, Acting Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, said, “It has been very rewarding to watch this beautiful tree grow, donation by donation. Every branch, every leaf, signifies a person touched by someone’s cancer journey and a life made a little more comfortable through their generosity. We are so grateful for every contribution.”

We encourage our community to donate to the Cancer Giving Tree to help make a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

To make a donation, click here.

Featured image: Day Oncology staff in front of the Cancer Giving Tree

“What makes a good clinical teacher?”, asks Associate Professor Leonie Griffiths, Director Northern Clinical School.

As she explains, this has been “the subject of much debate and numerous literature reviews over the years. The pandemic has taught us the value of providing students with clinical role models who can support learners, make sense of the patient experience, the hospital culture and of the diversity and health inequities we see in the northern community.”

“Students need to surround themselves with educators who bring varied perspectives, curiosity and who can engage in conversations that support a student to grow,” she adds.

The Northern Clinical School Teacher of the Year Award aims to answer precisely that question, by asking students each year to vote for clinical teachers that have made a positive impact on their learning.

Mr Krinal Mori was chosen as the Joint Winner – Medical Doctor Year 2 (MD2) Teacher of the Year 2021.

Krinal is a General and Gastro-Intestinal Surgeon at Northern Health and Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Northern Clinical School. He completed his fellowship at Northern Health in 2016 and has been working as a surgeon since 2017.

Krinal has a keen interest in surgical skills training and says, “Surgical education is my passion.”

Over the years, he has been involved in educating medical students at the Clinical School, as well as training of surgical registrars, HMOs and interns at the hospital. Krinal is also the Supervisor of General Surgery Training at Northern Hospital, Epping.

His students have nothing but praise for Krinal:

“Krinal is a wonderful educator who is clearly passionate about what he does. He is very encouraging to students and breaks down difficult concepts into easy explanations. He is very good at teaching examinations and gives good tips and advice. His surgical case presentations were detailed and facilitated great discussion.”

“Lovely manner, great teacher and very committed to his students.”

“I really enjoyed our bedside discussions of surgical issues, as well as his surgical tutorials and can honestly say they have been the most helpful for learning and engaging with content.”

“His compassionate nature comes across clearly both in his work on the wards and as an educator – and his dedication to our learning experience did not go unnoticed. He was always willing to go above and beyond for us and quite often fit in tutorials after long shifts at the hospital. Each concept and topic was thoughtfully explained and he created the optimal environment for learning where there was never a fear of judgment. One of the kindest people you will meet, Krinal played a huge role in my surgical rotation.”

Associate Professor Griffiths agrees. “The students remark on his empathic bedside manner and ability to help them understand complex concepts, while providing a safe learning environment. He excites students to consider a career in surgery, ensures they talk with patients in a meaningful way and ensures students are welcome in the operating theatre. Krinal is a great advocate for supporting students to undertake research projects and mentor for the Student Surgical Society,” she says.

We congratulate Krinal on this award and salute his contribution to the Northern Clinical School.

Featured image: Krinal demonstrating the use of a Laparoscopic Maryland Forceps

During the recent Omicron surge, Northern Health held a virtual ‘Ideas Lab’ to help generate ideas on how we could minimise the impact to our workforce and patients. One of the ideas was to seek interest from the community in assisting our staff on the wards with non-clinical duties.

That is how the Non-Clinical Ward Assistant role was born.

“The Non-Clinical Ward Assistant role works with nursing staff to deliver the non-clinical part of the nursing duties. This includes things like helping patients at meal time, answering phones and call bells, unpacking stock to the ward, helping patients with personal items and calling family members with updates,” explained Katherine Anderson, Manager, People Experience.

“An external expression of interest was released via the Northern Health social media accounts, reaching almost 17,000 people. In one week, we received almost 300 applications. The People and Culture team screened over 100 applicants, appointing 55 candidates to roles. It’s been an incredible effort from the People and Culture recruitment and payroll teams to get these 55 candidates on board and commenced so quickly,” Katherine added.

One of the new recruits is Sandra Eastick, who heard about this opportunity from a family member.

“I have always had a passion for helping and assisting people, and when I heard about this opportunity, I thought it would be perfect for me to do what I love doing most,” she said.

Sandra found her first day at Northern Hospital Epping to be a rewarding one, as as she was able to work alongside so many nurses and help patients.

“I assist in Ward 4 and enjoy chatting with patients. It is very rewarding knowing I’ve finished my shift and have put a smile on someone’s face,” she added.

Her colleague, Kusum Talwar, comes from a background of looking after our youngest in kinder.

“One of my friends works here, and she told me about the opportunity. It is really great that I can help the community. Recently, I was able to interact with a patient by speaking with him in Punjabi, and he was so grateful and comfortable. I can also speak Hindi and I am able to really connect with patients in their own language,” she said.

Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19.

Over the past two years, our community has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of dealing with a new way of living for everybody, there are still many people battling cancer.

Today is World Cancer Day – celebrated every year on 4 February to raise global awareness and improve education about cancer and its impact on those living with the disease. 

This year’s World Cancer Day is being recognised under the theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’ – which is all about raising awareness of the equity gap that affects almost everyone, in high as well as low- and middle-income countries, and is costing lives. 

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

Northern Health is helping to raise awareness by promoting World Cancer Day to our community, and providing continuous care to our cancer patients during the pandemic.

Dr Frances Barnett, Director of Medical Oncology, said, “We are able to look after people with all types of cancers. We offer the full range of strategies to manage cancer, ranging from surgery, to radiation treatment and to, my speciality, which is the drug treatment for different forms of cancer,” Dr Barnett said.

“We have supportive care programs to look after people, we have information sessions and we try to include patient families and carers in all steps of the cancer-related journey.”

Our utmost priority is the safety of our patients. During COVID-19, we have adapted the way we provide our services so we can continue to provide the highest quality of care. Northern Health launched the NOAH@Home service in 2020 – providing chemotherapy to patients in the comfort of their own homes.

It’s still important as ever for patients to continue medical appointments and regular check ups even during the pandemic. Reach out to loved ones who are living with cancer to see how you can support them during this time.

“Most of World Cancer Day’s focus is on raising awareness of cancer, things we can all do to prevent cancer, detect cancer early and the management of cancer as well,” Dr Barnett said.

Featured image: Dr Frances Barnett with cancer patient Maria.

Our COVID-19 testing site at Craigieburn Centre has come to a close.

The testing site was established back in July 2020, during the second COVID-19 wave in Victoria.

Since then, the site has processed over 150,000 tests – an incredible feat.

Debra Bourne, Acting Chief Operating Officer expressed her appreciation for the wonderful work of staff.

“Northern Health has been extremely proud of the role this team provided in responding to COVID-19. It was, at times, extremely challenging for all staff in this testing site – working outside in a tent in full PPE in both times of high demand and difficult weather, we acknowledge was not easy at times. Our thanks and appreciation is extended to all staff involved in this testing site,” Debra said.

Elisha O’Dowd, Nurse Unit Manager – Infection Prevention & Surveillance and COVID-19 Testing Sites and Screening, said facilitating the site during this time has been a major collaborative effort involving a number of stakeholders.

“From Craigieburn Centre management team and staff dedicating majority of their onsite parking and internal break spaces to support the project, to Pathology working around the clock to provide results to our consumers; Traffic Control and Security working tirelessly to keep the site safe and running smoothly; Health Information Services, Nursing Workforce, agency partners and Department of Health alternative staff for providing clerical and nursing staff for the site; cleaners, couriers, and so many more. It is a team effort!” Elisha said.

Described as “the little-site-that-could”, the Craigieburn testing site rivalled some of the larger sites in the area.

“Despite its small size, Craigieburn was one of the busiest sites in the region. During a local outbreak last year, Craigieburn saw its busiest day on record, swabbing 783 patients on 30 May 2021. This is more than one swab per minute – an extraordinary effort by all involved,” Elisha said.

Despite many challenges including local outbreaks, increased demand and extreme weather, the team at Craigieburn literally and figuratively weathered many storms, showcasing their dedication to continue for our community even during the most challenging times.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to all the staff involved at the Craigieburn testing site. They have worked through the heat, cold and wind to deliver a high quality and much-needed service to our community,” Elisha expressed.

“The staff have always been so resilient in the face of constant change and uncertainty. They have truly shown the Northern Health values of safe, kind and together.”

Northern Health’s testing site at NCHER remains open to staff and the community.

“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere, without moving anything but your heart”

― Phyllis Theroux

 

Visitor restrictions, whilst in place to keep patients, staff and the community safe during the current pandemic, can prove challenging for the loved ones of those in hospital.

Being keenly aware that regular contact with a loved one is an important part of a patients stay with us, Northern Health has a number of ways to help families remain informed and connected, including a virtual visit.

One of these ways is for families and friends to send a letter to be printed and shared with their loved ones to let them know they are thinking of them, and to send love and well wishes. It even allows for photographs; a happy smile from grandchildren, a favourite pet or just a funny selfie.

Camille Meredith, Acting Allied Health Informatics Officer, says, “Once we receive the communication we print it on stationary, specially designed for this purpose, to share with the patient.”

“We ensure this personalised service is treated in confidence by the small number of staff who run it,” she adds.

Tracey Webster, from the Digital Health team, says, “The idea is for staff to get to know their patients better from the messages of love and photos sent in.”

The service has been well received with messages ranging from, “…all his kids, grandkids, and great grand kids are thinking of him and love him very much,” to, “ We miss you Mum and look forward to having you home soon.”

Jim Sayer, Director Allied Health, says, “The pandemic has been a very challenging time for all of us. As such I am acutely aware of the beneficial impact of positive family and friend connections on lifting our patients’ spirit, enhancing recovery and improving overall well-being. I am grateful for the team in bringing this initiative together, and look forward to the delivery of stacks of messages from loved ones to our patients.”

Click here for more information.

Three of our ISS PPE Spotters – Simranjeet Kaur, Bruce Watts, and Anu Bharti, have been awarded an ISS Hero Award.

Several of our ward nurses provided positive feedback for the three ISS PPE Spotters, saying, “Simran and Anu are both standouts, going above and beyond in all their duties. Bruce is also very diligent in watching the lifts for meal deliveries.”

The nurses agreed that Simranjeet, Bruce and Anu performed at a standard for others to follow.

Aktapreet Kaur, Spotter Team Leader, who nominated them for the ISS Hero Award, said the role of PPE spotters was to make sure all staff are in full PPE and go to the COVID Wards in correct PPE.

“At the moment, we are having 12 Spotters each shift throughout the day,” Aktapreet said.

“Congratulations on our three staff for doing a job well done and for making a positive impact on our customers.”

Not only are ISS PPE Spotters in charge of ensuring correct PPE is worn across the health service, but they also assist with other tasks including bed-making and linen changes, packing and unpacking of patient belongings, talking to patients, answering ward phones and tidying and wiping of benches, among many other tasks.

Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, congratulated Simranjeet, Bruce and Anu on their success and dedication to their role.

“It’s always great to see ISS staff member’s going over and beyond to make a real positive impact on this vital spotter role,” said Saj.

Featured image: Aktapreet Kaur, Spotter Team Leader, with Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, Simranjeet Kaur, Bruce Watts and Anu Bharti, ISS PPE Spotters

The Northern Health Senior Medical Staff Association (SMSA) are proud to announce their recent contribution of $25,113 towards the global COVAX campaign.

The COVAX campaign, administered by the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunisations (GAVI), is a global health partnership of private and public organisations, which aims to vaccinate the world against COVID-19. The campaign is targeted at accelerating the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.

Health care workers across the globe have worked as the backbone of the COVID-19 pandemic. They understand better than anyone the sacrifice and dedication required to get through these extremely challenging times. Because of this, the Northern Health SMSA was determined to play their part in the international response, particularly focusing on disadvantaged countries.

Leading the charge was Dr Dean Pritchard, Chair of the SMSA and Deputy Director, Emergency Department.

“As an association of senior medical staff, we thought it was crucial to contribute to the international efforts against COVID-19. As indicated by our tagline – Pandemic means worldwide,” explained Dean.

“After almost three weeks of donations, the SMSA membership raised $15,113. The SMSA has pledged to match every donation made, to a total of $10,000. This brings our grand total to $25,113.”

“From UNICEF estimates, our donation will work to protect over 5,000 healthcare workers against COVID-19, in countries that need it most. Take a bow senior medical staff of Northern Health! An enormous thank you to each and every one of you who donated to this campaign,” Dean said.

Coupled with vaccine manufacturers, major sponsors and the donating public, COVAX has now shipped over 1 billion vaccine doses worldwide, helping to provide disadvantaged countries equal access to vaccination against COVID-19.

“I am very humbled by the generosity of our senior medical staff, and hope this campaign has raised the awareness of the greater struggle that exists outside Australian borders,” Dean added.

Featured image (left to right): Dr Anthony Cross, SMSA Treasurer and ICU Director with Dr Dean Pritchard, SMSA Chair and Deputy Director, Emergency Department