#WeAreNorthern

Meet Hannah Bisignano, ANUM Team Lead of the Ash Team in Antenatal Clinic.

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

I love a large latte to fuel my caffeine addiction.

Q: Tell us about your role at Northern Health

I am the ANUM Team Lead of the Ash Team in Antenatal Clinic. On a Wednesday, at Craigieburn Community Hospital, the Ash Team provides a midwifery-led model of care. My wonderful team of midwives empower families through their pregnancy journey with education, continuity of care and a safe place for open discussions.

On Thursdays, at Northern Hospital Epping, our Obstetric and Midwifery Team work together with Maternal Fetal Medicine, Genetics Counseling and our OPAL clinics to provide individually tailored care for complex pregnancies.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

My favourite part of my job is facilitating a growth driven environment. I am very passionate about empowering people. Whether that is through educating and encouraging patients or supporting and upskilling staff.

Q: How do you resonate with Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind and Together?

We are always striving to uphold Northern Health’s values. The structure of our care model perfectly demonstrates working together to create a safe environment for all. And a key aspect to achieving this is through using open and kind communication with all involved in the pregnancy, birthing and postpartum experience.

Q: Favourite place to travel and why?

My favourite place that I’ve ever travelled is Venice. I love the romanticism and architecture within the city. As well as being surrounded by water.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, real or imaginary, who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with my favourite musician, Vessel. He is the lead vocalist of Sleep Token and I find their music haunting. I would love to discuss the bands lore, musical processes and inspiration.

On Saturday, 23 August 2025, the Freemason Lodges of Bank Place, Evolution, Garibaldi, and Victorian Naval and Military, came together to host A Touch of Spring Gala at Casa D’Abruzzo Club in Epping, raising vital funds for Northern Health Foundation to continue supporting cancer services at Northern Health, and the overall vision of building a Cancer Wellness Centre, here in the north.

Guests were welcomed into an elegant evening featuring a three‑course meal, live music, and a dance floor alive with energy. The gala also offered a range of ways to participate in fundraising activities on the night, including a table raffle and a silent and live auction with prizes up for grabs including a luxury Bali Stay.

The event not only offered a delightful night out but also reinforced the vital collaboration between Northern Health and local philanthropic organisations. Ticket sales supported the Foundation’s work to enhance patient care and healthcare services.

A heartfelt thanks is given to the support of the event sponsors who made the evening possible; Casa D’Abruzzo Club, Josie and Rino Minniti’s Cancer Fundraising Group, AECS, Forensic Engineers, NorthLink, Care Dental Group, and RMIT University. A sincere thank you is also extended to Josie Minniti OAM, Professor Peter Brooks AM, along with special guest speaker Professor Wanda Stelmach, the Northern Health Community Choir for their joyful preformance on the evening, and the four Freemason Lodges and Freemason Foundation for their support.

Peter McWilliam, Northern Health Foundation Board Chair, spoke on the event saying, “A big thank you to everyone who supported the spring gala dinner, especially the four Freemason lodges, Casa D’Abruzzo, our wonderful event sponsors, and the Northern Health Foundation staff for all their help in making this a very successful evening that exceeded our expectations. Thanks also to Professor Wanda Stelmach, who enlightened us on how we started this journey, and the importance of this for [oncology] patients.”

Through events like this gala, Northern Health Foundation continues to build momentum toward its long-term goals, including the Cancer Wellness Centre, and improved patient services across the northern suburbs. These efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for local residents.

With the success of A Touch of Spring Gala, Northern Health Foundation looks to the future with optimism, eager to expand its circle of supporters and deepen its impact across northern Melbourne. The generosity shown at the gala underscores the strength of community spirit and the difference that collective effort can make.

Thank you to all four Freemason Lodges for their support in hosting this event and to the Freemason Foundation for their support.

Wound Awareness Week (1 – 7 September 2025) raises awareness about chronic wounds and their impact on individuals and communities. The theme this year of Wounds Affect Every Body, emphasises that every cut, graze, or tear in the skin can become chronic if not treated properly.

To bring awareness to living with a wound, the Foot Procedure Unit sat down with Mr Abdul-Halim Saad (one of our current clients) for a Q and A regarding his experience with living with a diabetic foot ulcer over the past five months. 

Q: What is it like living with a wound? 

I’ve previously had Charcot’s foot, and now this wound has impacted my daily life, requiring regular dressing and limiting my ability to walk both inside and outside the home.

I’ve been going through a challenging time, and it has impacted my ability to work, as I was unable to travel as planned. Even for simple things like going on a picnic, I’ve had to decline because I’m not in a position to attend right now. I’m hopeful that with proper care, I’ll overcome this and be able to enjoy these activities again.

Q: What advice would you give someone else in a similar position? 

If you know what the problem is, in this case diabetes, make sure to keep your blood sugar levels under control, keep the wound clean, always take the advice of your medical team and try to limit movement while the foot wound is healing. Doing so will help the wound heal faster. 

Q: What have you done or what strategies have you put in place to cope with the period you have be managing the wound? 

I have found the management through the podiatry and orthotics team to be very helpful. I have followed the teams’ instructions with the offloading felt and the boots that they have prescribed me. I am hoping that this will help me to get out of this problem soon. So, following the specialist’s instructions has been a big help. 

Q: How has podiatry helped you to achieve your goal/s? 

They have been very supportive, advising me on the wound’s progress and suggesting solutions and ways to offload the area to help improve the healing rate. The podiatry and orthotics team have been debriding and cleaning the wound for me, reapplying the felt to my foot, and using all their available resources to keep the wound healthy and progressing toward healing. I had a new orthotic fitted today, so hopefully, I’ll remain wound-free with this.

Photo caption: Mr Abdul-Halim Saad photographed with Tim Butters (Podiatrist) and Amanda Sergi (Orthotist) from the Craigieburn Centre, Sub Acute Foot Procedure Unit. 

Northern Health’s newest board members were on tour last week, visiting facilities across the network to gain firsthand insight into the organisation’s diverse services and exceptional care.

The comprehensive tour took the new board members to four key sites, providing them with direct exposure to the breadth of services Northern Health delivers to the community.

At Bundoora Centre, board members visited Aged Care Mental Health, Community Therapy services and participated in morning tea with staff and residents at Ian Brand Residential Aged Care. This visit provided valuable insight into Northern Health’s community-based services and residential care programs.

At Broadmeadows Hospital we focused on visited the Surgical Centre, where board members learned about recent same-day surgery improvements that have enhanced patient outcomes and operational efficiency. They also visited the Mental Health BIPU, showcasing facility upgrades and the recently enhanced therapeutic gardens that support patient wellbeing.

At Craigieburn Community Hospital, the board members toured the impressive new facility, witnessing firsthand Northern Health’s commitment to growth and expansion in response to community needs. The visit highlighted the modern infrastructure and capabilities that define the new addition to the network.

The final stop at Kilmore District Hospital showcased the organisation’s heritage in care in the outer northern. With board members visiting maternity, urgent care, and inpatient services housed and the beautiful heritage-listed bluestone building. The timing coincided with the exciting EMR Go Live implementation, demonstrating Northern Health’s commitment to modernised health care and systems.

“It was fantastic to showcase the breadth and quality of services across our network to our new board members, particularly the excellent work happening at Bundoora,” shared Johanna Hayes, Divisional Director.

The comprehensive tour program ensures board members understand the full scope of Northern Health’s operations and the dedicated staff who deliver care across the network.

Featured image L-R: Dr Michael Walsh, Board Director, Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly, Board Chair, Christina Campbell, Director of Nursing/Site Operations Director, Kilmore District Hospital, and Nirasha Parsotam, Board Director, at Kilmore District Hospital.

Northern Health is leading the way in making genomic testing during pregnancy more accessible, culturally safe, and trusted by families from diverse backgrounds.

Professor Lisa Hui, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at Northern Health and Professor at the University of Melbourne, has been awarded a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Genomics Health Futures Grant for the ImpACT-PG project (Improving Access and Community Trust in Perinatal Genomics for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations.)

Families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, particularly South Asian communities, often face barriers to accessing genomic testing during pregnancy. The ImpACT-PG project aims to address these challenges through a consumer-driven, community-centred approach.

Over the next two years, the team will gather evidence on family experiences, co-design culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, explore ethical and policy challenges, and develop a framework to monitor equity and effectiveness in perinatal genomic screening across Victoria.

The project is delivered in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Monash University, the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Safer Care Victoria, Genetic Support Network Victoria, and other community and government partners.

Northern Health serves one of the most culturally diverse communities in Victoria, with more than 160 languages spoken, and one in four babies born to women of South Asian background.

“Northern Health looks after a vibrant, culturally diverse community. It is vital that our genomic care reflects the needs and values of these families, so that all parents can make informed decisions in pregnancy,” says Professor Lisa Hui.

By focusing on South Asian families, the project will directly benefit patients and provide evidence to inform care for clinicians across Victoria. Patients will gain improved access to genomic testing, resources in their preferred language, and greater confidence in genomic care. Staff will benefit from tools, training, and a scalable model to support culturally safe communication, practice, and policy improvements.

By the end of the project, ImpACT-PG will deliver new evidence on the experiences of South Asian and CALD families, culturally tailored communication resources for families and clinicians, and a framework for equitable genomic care that can be scaled across the state.

Today is Wear It Purple Day, an annual awareness day that celebrates and supports young people in the LGBTIQA+ community. On this day, people are encouraged to wear purple as a visible sign of acceptance, diversity, and inclusion.

The day was founded in 2010 in response to the rise in teenage suicides within the LGBTIQA+ community, many of which were linked to bullying and the “lack of acceptance” of sexuality or gender identity.

This year’s theme, “Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, highlights the power of self-expression and youth advocacy. It reminds us that when LGBTIQA+ young people are encouraged to speak up and be heard, they can shape a future that is more inclusive, empowering, and hopeful.

Andrew Grey, Chair of the Rainbow Sub-Committee, said it is an important day for Northern Health to acknowledge and embrace the voices of our young LGBTIQA+ consumers to ensure that they feel safe at the health service.

“We recognise that many members of our community identify as part of the rainbow community, and we also know that they often face barriers to accessing health services and experience poorer health outcomes,” he said.

“Our goal is to demonstrate that Northern Health is committed to actively creating spaces where these voices are not only allowed but uplifted. In doing so, it helps pave the way for brighter, more equitable outcomes for young rainbow individuals.”

Lisa Shih, Occupational Therapy Allied Health Assistant & LGBTIQA+ Working Group member also highlighted the importance of the day.

“No one should ever be made to feel ashamed of who they are. Especially now, when the rights and experiences of young queer people are being challenged, it is now more important than ever to step up and show your support,” Lisa said.

“Wear it Purple Day reminds LGBTQIA+ people that our identity is something to be proud of and not hidden away. Everyone deserves a space that will love them for being them.”

Sharon Lau, TCP Allied Health Assistant says, “Growing up is hard for everyone but when you feel like you might be different or you don’t fit in, then it can be even harder. When people see their identities represented, there’s a sense of unity and community. That’s why Wear It Purple Day is important for me, everyone should feel safe to be who they are, to know that there is a strong and proud community there for them.”

Featured image: Electra Ulrich and Andrew Grey.

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed on 31 August, is a powerful reminder of the lives behind the statistics and the urgent need for education, support, and prevention. In Victoria, the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia – Victoria (EDNAV) is playing a crucial role in this effort.

As a state-wide early warning system, EDNAV brings together toxicologists, pharmacists, emergency physicians, forensic labs and researchers to monitor the emergence of novel psychoactive substances and track drug trends across 18 metropolitan and regional health services. By analysing and sharing toxicological insights, the network provides vital information to health authorities and frontline providers – helping to raise awareness, guide responses, and ultimately reduce harm in the community.

The EDNAV project was introduced to the Northern Health Emergency Department in 2020 as part of our ongoing efforts to protect our community from harm associated with illicit drugs, in particular Novel Psychoactive Substances.

Headed by Associate Professor Joe Rotella, the initiative has become an integral part of our proactive approach to managing drug related harms.

“EDNAV encompasses all three of the Northern values of Safe, Kind and Together” says A/Prof Rotella.

“We have been able to improve people’s experience of care by providing them with information that will empower them to make better informed choices, thereby being safe and kind. To work with other hospital networks to improve our awareness of the substances that are out there and compose harm to consumers who may be exposed to these without their knowledge, is part of being together and working towards the ideals of consumer-centered care,” he adds.

ED Research Nurses, Aisling Kiely and Yasmin Sungkar, conduct patient screening and weekly reviews to uphold high standards of care and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data is maintained.

Since the introduction of EDNAV to Northern Health, 379 cases have been analysed, with 93 returning positive for NPS. Patients who return positive results are contacted where possible to inform them of their results and to provide guidance on appropriate next steps.

Northern Health’s involvement in the EDNAV project enhances the safety of our patients and local community. The work also reinforces our role as a proactive partner in a broader statewide public health response to a complex and ever evolving challenge.

Pictured above: Yasmin Sungkar and Aisling Kiely channel the spirit of Breaking Bad, the crime drama centered around the world of illicit drugs.

Communication is more than just talking. It’s how we use our voices, bodies, behaviours, and minds to share what’s inside us.

Now, imagine waking up one day unable to speak. You try to write, but the words are gone. You attempt to gesture, but your body won’t cooperate. Even when you try to draw, all that comes out is a meaningless squiggle.

This might sound extreme, but it’s the daily reality for tens of thousands of Australians living with communication disorders. Communication is a fundamental human right – yet it’s something many of us take for granted.

Who are speech pathologists?
Speech pathologists are allied health professionals who specialise in all aspects of communication. At Northern Health, our Speech Pathology Department includes more than 40 speech pathologists working across all four campuses, supporting children and adults in acute, rehabilitation, community, and mental health settings.

Their work covers:

• Speech – how we form sounds and articulate words

• Voice – the sounds we produce to speak

• Language – how our brain understands and organises words

• Literacy – how we read and write

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – other ways of communicating when speech is not possible

“This year’s theme Impact Through Communication, highlights the powerful, far-reaching impact communication has on every part of life and the vital role speech pathologists play in making that possible,” says Catherine Moller, Speech Pathologist, Mental Health, Northern Health.

Each day focuses on a key theme:

• Day 1: Connection – Building and sustaining relationships through communication

• Day 2: Confidence – Helping people express themselves clearly and proudly

• Day 3: Inclusion – Advocating for accessible, diverse communication for everyone

• Day 4: Empowerment – Supporting individuals to self-advocate and voice their needs

• Day 5: Opportunity – Creating pathways in education, work, and community life

• Day 6: Wellbeing – Exploring the link between communication and emotional, mental, and social health

• Day 7: Independence – Fostering autonomy and self-expression throughout life

“Each theme reflects the depth and diversity of the profession, showcasing how speech pathologists make a lasting impact every day. This Speech Pathology Week, we take a moment to reflect on how communication shapes your life and what it means when that ability is lost,” adds Ms Moller.

Pictured in featured image: The Speech Pathology team at the Northern Hospital Epping.