Tuesday, 26 August, will mark a historic milestone for Kilmore District Hospital with the official launch of its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This digital transformation follows months of stakeholder engagement and weeks of comprehensive super user and end-user training, ensuring all employees are equipped to deliver safer, more efficient, and coordinated care.

The EMR implementation will extend across multiple areas of service delivery, including:

• Urgent Care Centre (adapted from the Emergency solution)
• Inpatient services
• Theatre and anaesthetics
• Maternity

Kilmore District Hospital provides acute and aged care services to the Mitchell Shire and surrounding regions, as a comprehensive healthcare facility. Kilmore District Hospital offers an extensive range of services including an urgent care centre, infusion clinic, inpatient and maternity services, operating theatres, palliative medicine, aged care, district nursing, radiology, pathology, outpatients, and allied health services.

The introduction of the EMR builds on this strong foundation, positioning Kilmore District Hospital at the forefront of modern healthcare delivery in Victoria.

“The successful implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system at Kilmore District Hospital marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward enhanced patient care and streamlined clinical operations. By adopting the EMR, Kilmore District Hospital now aligns seamlessly with Northern Health, further cementing the vision of ‘one patient, one integrated record’ across the region. This achievement ensures that healthcare professionals have timely access to comprehensive, accurate health information, supporting safer, more effective care for every patient. Congratulations to the EMR project team, Clinical Informatics, Digital Health Training, and all KDH staff for their commitment, collaboration, and dedication in making this transformation a reality. Your collective efforts set a new standard for integrated digital healthcare and make a positive difference in the lives of the communities we serve,” says Terri Fiorenza, Director of EMR.

Benefits for Staff and Patients

For Staff

• Real-time access to patient information across Northern Health, reducing duplication and delays.
• Improved clinical documentation through standardised digital workflows.
• Enhanced patient safety with built-in alerts and decision support.
• Greater efficiency, allowing more time for direct patient care.
• Strengthened collaboration between doctors, nurses, and allied health teams via a single integrated system.

For Patients

• Safer, more consistent care with allergies, medications, and medical histories captured electronically ensuring a consistent and complete record.
• Continuity of care across urgent, surgical, maternity, and inpatient settings and across health care facilities.
• A streamlined experience, reducing repetitive history-taking and improving access to results.
• Future-focused digital health with the foundations in place for patient portals and telehealth integration.

The EMR go-live represents more than a technology upgrade; it is a significant step forward in delivering patient-centered, connected, and high-quality healthcare. By transitioning from paper-based processes to an integrated digital record, Kilmore District Hospital joins the broader Northern Health network in strengthening care delivery for its communities.

This achievement is the result of collaboration across clinical teams, ICT specialists, leadership, and frontline staff, all working together to ensure a smooth transition.

“We’re excited to announce the rollout of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) across Kilmore District Hospital. This transition from paper to electronic systems and processes will streamline clinical workflows, reduce administration, and enhance the accuracy and accessibility of our patients’ information. For employees, it means more time for direct patient care and better support for clinical decision-making. For our patients, it ensures safer and more coordinated care. Thank you to everyone involved in making this milestone possible, especially the EMR team – it is your commitment that is shaping the future of healthcare provision to our community at Kilmore District Hospital,” says Christina Campbell, Director of Nursing / Operations Director, Kilmore District Hospital, Division of Community Hospitals.

Pictured in featured image: Christina Campbell, Director of Nursing at Kilmore District Hospital, is shown a demonstration of the new EMR theatre handover process by Perioperative Nurse Super User.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Caroline Walters, Enrolled Nurse, Dianella Hostel.

 

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

A: I love a Singapore breakfast tea.

 

Q: Tell us about your journey at Kilmore District Hospital (KDH), specifically Dianella Hostel? 

A: I started at KDH in August 2014, and my current role is an Enrolled Nurse level 3 at Dianella Hostel. I have an awesome job working with a great team to ensure excellent care of our elderly. I often step in to the team leader role which gives me lots of opportunities to make Dianella the wonderful place it is!

It’s a privilege every day to be part of the Dianella family.

 

Q: What is the best part of working at Dianella Hostel?

A: The best part of working at Dianella Hostel is being able to talk with so many interesting people from the elderly and their families to our wonderful staff, including our medical health professionals.

 

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

A: A day in my job is always busy and mainly entails ensuring our residents and their lovely families receive all the great nursing care they deserve. There’s lots of behind the scenes work our nurses and healthcare workers do to ensure the safety and happiness of our residents every day!

 

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

A: I started out straight after school in banking but always wanted to be a nurse, so I’m right where I want to be!

 

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

A: Something not everyone knows about me: I have had lots of success with breeding horses and even hand reared a two-day old baby named “Maisey” after her mummy passed away, until she was 10 months old!

I had to get up overnight every two hours to feed her with a bottle just like a newborn then start work at 7 am. I was tired, but it was so rewarding seeing her grow up to be happy and healthy.

 

Q: Sweet or savoury?

A: Sweet …. I’m a hopeless chocolate lover!

 

Q: Mountain or beach? Why?

A: Mountain, I love the ever-changing environment, and my second home is Tasmania when I’m not busy at work.

 

Q: What advice you’d like to give to your younger self?

A: I really wouldn’t change a thing; I have a wonderful life surrounded by lots of awesome people!

From Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August, Northern Health will join colleagues across Australia in celebrating Health Information Management Awareness Week.

This year’s theme, “Our Identity, Our Impact: Demonstrating Our Value,” highlights the shared professional identity of Health Information Managers (HIMs) and the vital role they play in delivering safe, high-quality care.

At Northern Health, our Health Information Services (HIS) Program spans a wide range of critical areas, including:

• Clinical coding (NWAU), statutory reporting, and data governance
• Digital health and health records management, including iPM and CPF
• Clinical documentation improvement and privacy
• Administrative workforce management, supporting ward clerks, ED & VVED clerks, Hospital Reception, and Revenue services
• Specialty areas, including Mental Health

We also have HIM professionals embedded across Digital Health, EMR, GSD, and Medicolegal Teams.

These experts ensure that health data is accurate, secure, accessible, and meaningful. The workflows and systems they manage form the foundation for safe care, informed decision-making, and operational excellence across our health service.

Odette Taylor, Health Information Services Director, Northern Health says, “This dedicated week is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate, and raise awareness of the HIM profession. We encourage our HIMs to amplify their voice, showcase their expertise, and highlight the breadth of their contribution to patient care and organisational success. HIM professionals at Northern Health make an impact every day, and we thank them for their dedication and expertise. There is access to HIS HIMs across every Northern Health site, and we now have a HIM representative on each of the NSQHS Clinical Improvement Committees (CICs), so please reach out!”

“As the Chief Medical Officer at Northern Health, I deeply value the pivotal role Health Information Managers (HIMs) play in supporting clinical leadership and operational excellence. Their expertise in ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and integrity of health data empowers informed decision-making at every level. HIMs are instrumental in helping us demonstrate our impact, both financial and clinical, and uphold our standards. We thank them for their tireless efforts,” comments Prahlad Ho, CMO, Northern Health.

“I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the work the Health Information Managers and their teams do across our Health Service as we celebrate Health Information Management Awareness Week. The 2025 theme, Our Identity, Our Impact: Demonstrating Our Value, reflects the critical contribution HIMs make in enabling accurate reporting, compliance, and financial sustainability,” adds Basil Ireland, CFO, Northern Health.

Across the week, the HIS Program will:

• Host delegates from Saudi Arabia to showcase our robust Coding and Casemix Program
• Collaborate with the CareSync Project Team from the Department of Health as we prepare for the go-live in September

“Your work may happen behind the scenes, but it’s absolutely essential. From keeping patient records accurate and secure, to helping guide better decisions across the health service — you make a real difference, every day. Thank you for your dedication, your attention to detail, and the vital role you play in supporting quality care. Happy Health Information Management Week!” says Linda Romano, Chief Operating Officer, Northern Health.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Claire Poulter Associate Director HIS – ABF & Reporting, Odette Taylor, Health Information Services Director and David Mangano Associate Director HIS – Healthcare Records.

This morning marked an important milestone for the people of Craigieburn and surrounding suburbs, with Northern Health officially opening the new Craigieburn Community Hospital.

The new facility, which builds on the foundation of the Craigieburn Centre, represents a major step forward in delivering more health services, closer to home. It will ease pressure on nearby major hospitals, including Northern Hospital Epping, while giving local families access to a greater range of specialist care.

Craigieburn Community Hospital will provide essential, everyday health services such as day surgery and public dental care, alongside new services that went live this week, including:

• Audiology
• UV Skin Treatment
• Paediatric Development Clinic
• Paediatric Feeding Clinic
• Antenatal Clinic
• Pre-Term Birth Clinic

From October, additional services including a Lung Cancer Screening Program (Radiology) and an Insulin Pump Clinic will commence, with more to follow in 2026.

The opening was celebrated with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, followed by a performance from the Northern Health Community Choir, highlighting the strong cultural and community connections behind this project.

The event was attended by The Hon. Ros Spence MP, Member for Kalkallo; Don Tidbury, CEO DPV Health; and Cr. Jarrod Bell, Mayor of the City of Hume, alongside Northern Health’s leadership team and staff.

The Hon. Ros Spence MP, Member for Kalkallo, emphasised the importance of the hospital to the community:

“One of the really important parts is that the community has seen it and knows it’s here. People are able to be in this space and see what the offering is, and seeing these services being progressively rolled out — which is incredibly important as this community is growing so rapidly.”

Northern Health Chief Executive Debra Bourne reinforced the significance of the opening, noting:

“This is more than just the opening of a new facility — it represents the next stage in our journey with this community. The transition from the Craigieburn Centre to the Craigieburn Community Hospital is more than symbolic. It reflects our continued and long-standing commitment to the people of Craigieburn and surrounding suburbs. I want to sincerely thank our Northern Health staff for their dedication in bringing this project to life — in particular Chief Operating Officer Linda Romano, Acting Divisional Director, Community Hospitals, Tracey Wyllie, and Site Director Operations/Director of Nursing, Jacqui Harper.”

For Jacqui Harper, Site Director Operations and Director of Nursing, Craigieburn Community Hospital, the day was a proud moment:

“It’s fantastic to see the opening of Craigieburn Community Hospital! This is a huge step forward for the local community, bringing services closer to home for so many families. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen.”

Located at 121 Lygon Drive, Craigieburn, the hospital will operate:

General hours: 8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Dialysis: 7 am – 8.30 pm, Monday to Saturday

The opening of the Craigieburn Community Hospital is a celebration not only of expanded healthcare services, but also of the deep and enduring connection between Northern Health and the local community it proudly serves.

Pictured in featured image: The Hon. Ros Spence MP, Member for Kalkallo and Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly, Board Chair, Northern Health.  

“I’m Violeta, I’m 75 years old. I’ve been looking after Mum for the last 34 years. I’m honoured to do so.”

It’s a simple statement, but one that carries the weight of a lifetime. And now, as Albina celebrates her 100th birthday in the Palliative Care Ward at Northern Hospital Epping, surrounded by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the gentle care of dedicated nurses, that bond feels stronger than ever.

Born on August 6, 1925, Albina reached her centenary – a milestone marked not just by candles and cake, but by the presence of four generations of family. While the nurses on the ward held a quiet celebration, the real party was reserved for when Albina’s extended family gathered to honour the matriarch who held them all together.

Her granddaughter Silvana said, “On the 6th of August l had a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate my grandmother’s 100th Birthday. Albina Sereci is not only my grandmother but a woman who l lived with in Kosovo for 4 years from the age of nine until l turned seven and returned to my parents in Australia.  I am blessed to have shared my wedding day and the birth of my boys with my grandmother, who along with my amazing mum, helped make me the strong woman l am today. Love you Baka.”

Albina’s journey began in Croatia, where she raised her children with discipline, faith, and a fierce maternal instinct. “She didn’t work outside the home,” Violeta recalls. “She looked after us. No childcare, just Mum. Always cooking, always making sure we ate. Every day, church at six, home by seven.”

Violeta left Croatia before she turned 18, newly married and full of hope. Albina came to visit in 1978 to help her daughter. “She stayed for six months,” Violeta says. “And then in 1990, we brought her here to live. It’s been 34 years now.”

Ask Violeta what her mother loved most, and she doesn’t hesitate, “Baking. All those desserts! She’d be up at 5 am, then off to church, then home to cook. That was Mum.”

Albina has been in and out of Northern Hospital several times over the past year, but this latest stay—now in its fourth week—feels different. “She’s in Palliative Care now,” Violeta explains. “And I’m very comfortable with her being here. The staff are like family.”

That sentiment is echoed by Nurse Mark Giantsis, who has been part of Albina’s care team. “She has been a gentle and beautiful presence and caring for her has been complemented by meeting her highly dedicated daughter, Violeta. Her companionship and love reflect the strong bond within their family.”

Violeta’s trust in the team is so strong that she’s able to go home and rest, knowing her mother is in safe hands. “They told me I could stay overnight if I wanted. But I’d only be in the way. They’ve got their routine. I don’t want to disturb that. They do a terrific job.”

As Albina turns 100, her legacy isn’t just in the years she’s lived—it’s in the lives she’s shaped. In Violeta’s unwavering care. In the laughter of great-grandchildren, she once cradled. In the quiet dignity of a woman who baked, prayed, and loved. And now, in the gentle hands of the Palliative Care Team at Northern Hospital.

As Nurse Giantsis reflects, “Looking into the eyes of Albina is a historic experience as we reflect on all the amazing times she has lived through during her long years.”

 

How can we address mental health problems before they become a crisis? That was the powerful challenge posed to students at the Health iOS Hackathon.

The hackathon was a two-day innovation sprint hosted last week by RMIT School of Health and Biomedical Sciences in collaboration with Apple and strongly supported by Northern Health.

Bringing together students from across RMIT’s STEM and health disciplines, the event invited participants to design prototype mobile apps using the Apple iOS ecosystem and Xcode platform.

The goal was to empower people to manage their mental health earlier and more effectively.

Northern Health played a key role in supporting the event’s success. Staff from the General Systems Design team, led by James Pownall, Aaron Woods, and Philip Vukovic, generously mentored teams and helped guide the development process.

The final pitches were assessed by Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health, Belinda Scott, Executive Director, Mental Health, Don Campbell, Divisional Director, Design and Discovery, and Sing Tan Director, Clinical Digital Innovation.

The winning team has been invited to collaborate further with our Digital Health team — a fantastic example of how events like this can spark lasting innovation.

We’d also like to acknowledge and thank the following Northern Health mental health staff whose involvement and insights helped shape the event:

• Jessica Hunter, Social Worker
• Taylor Behnn, Social Worker
• Pat Roe, Area Senior Nurse
• Dan Stinson, Area Senior Nurse
• Graeme Bryan, Lived Experience Worker
• Prakash Kamath, Consultant Psychiatrist
• Gary Ennis, Director of Nursing

“It was inspiring to witness the hackathon presentations firsthand. The students should be commended not only for the energy, commitment and amazing ideas but for the teamwork displayed,”
said Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health.

A big thank you to our partners at RMIT University and Apple, and to everyone from Northern Health who helped make this initiative possible. Together, we’re not just imagining a better future for mental health care, we’re helping to build it.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Mary De Gori, Allied Health Director. Mary rejoins Northern Health, having previously served as Interim Director of Allied Health and Director of Capital, Planning and Development from 2014 to 2019.

Let’s start with your coffee order please Mary?

Skinny, weak latte – even though many often comment, “Why even bother, that’s not a coffee!”

What inspired you to return to Northern Health, and what excites you most about stepping into the Director of Allied Health role?

It has been great to return to Northern Health to the welcome of many familiar faces, to meet new staff, and see the inspiring examples of how Northern Health is leading the way, especially in virtual care.

As Director of Allied Health, I am excited to work with the teams to further look at opportunities for innovation in the way we provide care to our patients and to enhance the roles of Allied Health to assist the organisation to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Any anecdotes from your last time here?

In my previous role as Director of Capital Development, during the refurbishment of the Emergency Department a fire sprinkler was accidentally struck, causing significant flooding in the area. What stands out most is the image of the Executive Director—closely aligned with Capital Development at the time—grabbing a broom and joining the team in the clean-up effort. His leather shoes and suit pants didn’t survive the ordeal, but the moment perfectly captured Northern Health’s “roll up your sleeves, support one another” culture that makes it such a remarkable place to work!

Having held leadership roles across both Northern and Western Health, how have these experiences shaped your vision for Allied Health services?

My various roles at Northern and Western Health have provided me with a broad understanding of health leadership and management, the complexity of public health care and the flexibility and agility required to successfully lead teams in these environments. In recent times, my experiences have taught me the importance of nurturing and supporting the development of our workforce.

My vision is to enhance the recruitment, retention and career pathways of Allied Health staff at Northern Health – with clinicians working at their top of scope, clinical experts in all disciplines providing  clinical leadership and expert knowledge, advanced practice clinicians in all disciplines providing innovative models of care and more timely access for our vulnerable community and a focus on interdisciplinary practice.

As a physiotherapist and Fellow of the Australian College of Health Services Management, how do you see clinical expertise influencing strategic leadership?

I think clinical expertise and leadership studies intersect to help the leader develop a strong understanding of both patient needs and the complex healthcare context in which we deliver care. In this way, the leader can develop strategies and implement improvements that are evidence-based, data driven, patient-centred and aligned with the goals of the organisation.

You’ve been involved in research and evidence-based practice—how do you plan to strengthen Northern Health’s research culture within Allied Health?

My vision for further strengthening research for Allied Health is to encourage and facilitate research at every level. It is important that research is embedded in every clinician’s work in some way – either through the implementation of evidence based practice, clinician researchers adding to the evidence base or translating it into practice.

I hope to see increasing numbers of Allied Health clinicians undertaking research higher degrees, obtaining research grants and continuing to increase our research publications and presentations to demonstrate the great work we are doing at Northern Health.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for Allied Health in the next few years?

I think there is a great opportunity for Allied Health clinicians in advanced practice roles to provide innovative, alternative models of care for a number of patient cohorts, reducing waitlists and providing more timely access to care, to assist in workforce shortages and also in the retention of highly skilled clinicians.

 Lastly, tell us something  about yourself that we wouldn’t find on your résumé?

I am the master of many ‘grandma hobbies’– I bake and decorate cakes, crochet for charity, make candles and have recently started pottery classes.

I have read that grandma hobbies help reduce stress, promote mindfulness, foster creativity and improve cognitive function – and when that doesn’t work, a nice glass of Heathcote Shiraz at the end of the work week does wonder.

Under a moonless sky, the stars weren’t just in the heavens—they were in our auditorium. Seven of our brightest surgical registrars took the stage for the mid-year Northern Surgical Registrars Prize Night, dazzling us with real-life medical mysteries, surgical showdowns, and a side of sushi (thanks to our generous sponsor, Bard).

This tradition, started by Prof Hamish Ewing, gives registrars just 10 minutes to present a fascinating case. Our two judges, Dr Ben Keong and Dr Kim Jeffs, watched closely, as our timekeepers, Dr Azhar Auckloo and Dr Betty Lai, kept things sharp and snappy.

Here’s how the night unfolded:

• Dr Rumana Islam kicked things off with a twist: a patient thought to have a common bowel issue turned out to have endometriosis—a condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows elsewhere. Surprise diagnosis!
• Dr Simon Bennet brought suspense with two back-to-back cases of rare stomach tumors (GISTs) that suddenly burst—on consecutive days!
• Dr Khadijah Ahmed had us on edge with a post-surgery infection mystery. Her warning? If it happens again, the whole department gets swabbed (and not the gentle kind). Her dramatic flair earned her third place.
• Dr Naya Masood shared a nerve-wracking case where a device meant for veins accidentally ended up in an artery—potentially dangerous. She showed how ultrasound can help avoid this mistake.
• Dr Angus Hann wowed us with a breast surgery technique that preserves tissue using a clever flap of skin and fat. His artistic presentation and video demo earned him second place.
• Dr Jordan Lee showcased a high-stakes liver and pancreas surgery for a rare tumor—like something out of a surgical thriller.
• Dr Abid Khan wrapped up the night with a case that seemed simple—appendicitis in a young adult—but turned out to be another rare tumor. His interactive style and suspenseful storytelling won him the top prize.

A huge congratulations to our seven stars, who shine every day in the Northern surgical team. Thank you to our judges, our sponsors (Sam Fawad from Beckton Dickinson), our time-keepers and our audience.

The next Surgical Registrars Prize Night is on 18 December. Come for the cases, stay for the sushi—and maybe a few surprises.

Pictured above, Dr Abid Khan receiving his prize from the judges.