#WeAreNorthern

Meet Daniella Chapkoun, Clinical Informatics Advisor, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Northern Health.

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

A: Always a latte. And while we’re here – let me help everyone out with my surname, which often causes a bit of confusion. It’s Chapkoun, like Napkin… but with a twist!

Q: Tell us about your journey at EMR?

A: I joined the EMR team in 2018 as a Workflow Analyst, before Northern Health had secured funding. My role focused on understanding current clinical processes and identifying what would be needed to safely and effectively transition the organisation into a digital environment.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to lead the implementation of Referrals Manager in Specialist clinics, which transitioned more than 145,000 paper-based referrals into a digital platform. I later moved into the role of Nursing Informatics Officer and Benefits Analyst, and I’m now in the role of Clinical Informatics Advisor within the Digital Health Division.

In my current role, I lead and support a range of digital health initiatives, working collaboratively with clinical teams to ensure our systems are safe, efficient, and aligned with best practice. I focus particularly on the intersection of technology and clinical workflows—ensuring that digital tools are designed to support, not complicate, the delivery of care.

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

A: I’ve seen Northern Health grow from a smaller service into one of the fastest-growing health services in Victoria. What’s remained consistent is the strong focus on innovation and high-quality patient care. I feel fortunate to have worked alongside passionate, forward-thinking colleagues who are committed to improvement and professional growth.

Q: What does a typical day at work look like for you?

A: I often joke that I wish I had a typical day! My role is focused on ensuring our digital systems are safe, user-friendly, and designed to enhance clinical workflows—especially for nursing staff. I spend a lot of time working through challenges with stakeholders, translating clinical needs into digital solutions. Data plays a big role in what I do, and I’m always looking for ways to use it meaningfully to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

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

A: Most likely something still tied to improving systems and processes or maybe running a small café somewhere in Italy with a well-organised spreadsheet behind the counter.

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

A: I speak conversational Italian. I learned through speaking with my grandparents as a child, and while I thought the skill had faded, a recent trip to Italy proved otherwise. I surprised not only myself but also the locals who didn’t realise I wasn’t from there.

Q: Favourite childhood memory?

A: Riding Puffing Billy with my legs dangling out the window. A little bit of freedom, a little bit of thrill – it’s a memory that’s stuck with me.

Q: Sweet or savoury?

A: I used to prefer savoury, but after having children, my sweet tooth has definitely taken over!

Pictured in featured image: Daniella at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. 

Northern Health’s Geriatric Evaluation and Management at Home (GEM@Home) program has recently marked its 10-year milestone, celebrating a decade of delivering innovative, hospital-level care to older patients in the comfort of their own homes.

The program was established to ensure frail older people with multiple and complex needs have access to specialist assessment, diagnostic and management services, including care coordination – without needing to leave home.

The idea was born from a shared vision to reimagine subacute care. “We brought together the key services traditionally delivered in a hospital bed and trained our staff to provide the same level of care in the home,” said Dr Sandra Brown, Divisional Director of Subacute Services and Hospital Without Walls.

Each day, nurses visit patients in their homes, with doctors and allied health professionals working collaboratively to support recovery. The Allied Health team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech pathologists, dietitians and a podiatrist. Allied Health Assistants then support patients in working towards their personalised therapy goals.

“GEM@Home is designed to increase access to care and strengthen connections within the community,” added Johanna Hayes, also Divisional Director of Subacute Services and Hospital Without Walls. “Our aim is to help older people reach their care goals and achieve the best possible level of health and function.”

Many staff members have been with GEM@Home since its inception. One of them is Nurse Grisel Jose, who transitioned from ward nursing to home-based care. “I’ve seen so many positive changes over the years,” said Grisel. “I used to work on the wards, but the benefits I saw in patients being supported at home really inspired me.”

Over time, the service has evolved with advancements in technology. “We now complete all of our clinical documentation using electronic medical records,” said Grisel. “It gives the team clear visibility of a patient’s care, even when delivered remotely.”

Research has highlighted the value of home-based programs like GEM@Home, particularly in promoting incidental physical activity in the home – an important factor in improving health outcomes for frail older adults. The program has proven effective in reducing lengthy hospital stays, enhancing recovery, and minimising the risks associated with hospitalisation.

Reflecting on the journey, GEM@Home Program Manager, Mathew Wood, said, “I’ve had the pleasure of leading the team for the past six years. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals who are deeply invested in both the program and our patients.”

From all of us at Northern Health, congratulations on this milestone!

Pictured in featured image: The GEM@Home team 

Since the inception of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) in 2020, Northern Health’s virtual services have continued to expand across the full continuum of care. One of the newest innovations, the Virtual Observation Ward (VOW), launched on 6 May 2024, is helping patients receive hospital-level care in their own homes.

Recognising an opportunity to support more unwell patients remotely, VOW offers hospital-grade assessment, monitoring, and treatment — virtually. It provides a less disruptive alternative for people who would otherwise need to present to hospital, particularly the elderly, vulnerable, and those in rural or remote communities.

Staffed by doctors and nurses, the VOW team conducts daily virtual “ward rounds,” ensuring patients are closely monitored while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Through telehealth, the team manages a broad range of conditions, including pneumonia, viral infections, back pain, and even palliative care needs.

“The Virtual Observation Ward is a really valuable service for our community,” says Cami, an Associate Nurse Unit Manager from VVED.

“It means patients can receive free inpatient medical care at home. This is especially important for elderly and vulnerable populations.”

In the past 12 months, clinicians have cared for 672 patients through this model — a figure that continues to grow.

“Working in VOW is incredibly rewarding,” said Dr Josh Donaghy.

“We see patients recover in their own homes, often surrounded by family, with minimal disruption to their lives.”

A Patient’s story

On Australia Day, one patient — a healthy 30-something — found himself unable to move due to excruciating back pain. Here’s how he describes his experience:

“Every time I moved, I was drenched in sweat and close to passing out. I didn’t want to go to ED, especially on a public holiday. A friend mentioned VVED, and I thought I had nothing to lose.

What I didn’t expect was how responsive it would be. Within hours, I’d spoken to a triage nurse, a physio, and a doctor — all of them compassionate and knowledgeable. I got the medication I needed and, importantly, was admitted to the Virtual Observation Ward.

Being in VOW meant I had a dedicated number to call if anything went wrong. A doctor called the next morning to check in and help prevent side effects from medication. A physio followed up with advice to keep me moving.

Not only was the immediate crisis resolved, but I felt genuinely supported over the next few days. All from home, using just my phone. It was far better than spending hours in ED.”

The VOW offers significant benefits beyond convenience. It reduces the risk of hospital-acquired complications, keeps patients connected with loved ones, and allows them to rest in familiar surroundings — all of which improve recovery and wellbeing.

Clinicians also benefit. Instead of defaulting to ED or inpatient admission, they can refer suitable patients to the VOW and provide the same quality of care — sometimes even better, thanks to the personalised attention and strong continuity of care.

As the healthcare system grapples with increasing demand and more complex patient needs, the Virtual Observation Ward is emerging as a sustainable, patient-centred solution. It enhances outcomes, improves satisfaction, reduces hospital pressures — and helps stretch limited healthcare budgets further.

The VOW is part of a broader transformation in healthcare — one that puts patients at the centre and uses smart, flexible technology to deliver care in new ways. While hospitals will always play a critical role, services like the Virtual Observation Ward are proving that the walls of healthcare can, and should, expand.

Northern Health’s Department of Anaesthetics, Perioperative Medicine and Pain made an impressive mark at the 2025 ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) Annual Scientific Meeting, showcasing the depth of innovation, expertise, and clinical leadership within our service.

Dr Hosim Prasai Thapa presented “Making Blocks Accessible”, highlighting the groundbreaking model at Northern Health where the Acute Pain Service (APS) and Pain Management Nurse Practitioner provide regional anaesthesia for hip and rib fractures — a virtually unique practice globally.

The presentation received glowing praise, with one attendee noting, “the APS team deserves immense credit for the amazing service and care that Northern is pioneering in this field.”

Dr Yiying (Sally) Tsang shared compelling data from Northern Health’s novel multidisciplinary pre-operative Complex Decision-Making (CDM) clinic. This model of collaborative, patient-centred perioperative care is leading the way in tailoring surgery decisions for complex patients.

A/Prof Suzi Nou delivered “Paediatric Anaesthetic Incidents in the Radiology Suite: Navigating the Tunnel of Doom”, drawing on her expertise in safety and quality. Audience members were particularly impressed, calling it a “fantastic presentation and insights from webAIRS for Paeds.”

Dr Mandy Baric inspired delegates with “Career Path Less Travelled: The Mongolian Experience,” where she reflected on her journey and impact abroad.

Her distinguished career in Anaesthesia has been recognised in Australia and abroad having been awarded the Mongolian Order of the Polar Star in 2021, the ANZCA Robert Orton Medal in 2023, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024. One attendee stated that they were truly in awe of what Dr Baric has been able to achieve.

Dr Darren Lowen challenged traditional thinking in his talk, “Rethinking Fluid Management”, promoting thoughtful, evidence-informed approaches to intraoperative obstetric care.

These presentations sparked rich discussion from colleagues across Australia and New Zealand. That this calibre of work comes from a service of our size is testament to the innovation, problem-solving and research excellence that defines Northern’s Anaesthetics Department.

We are proud of our team and the national recognition they continue to earn.

Today, Northern Health launched the “Get up, get moving, get better” campaign across Ward 4 at Northern Hospital Epping and Unit 1 and PCW at Bundoora Centre.

“Get up, get moving, get better” is a proactive initiative designed to combat hospital-acquired functional decline and promote faster, safer recovery for our patients.

Hospital stays, while essential for treatment, can unintentionally lead to a loss of physical function—especially in older adults. Research shows that just 10 days in bed can age muscles by a decade for people over 80, and one week of bed rest can result in a 10 per cent loss of muscle mass. These statistics are more than just numbers—they reflect real challenges our patients face in regaining independence after discharge.

The campaign encourages patients to sit out of bed for meals, get dressed in their own clothes, and wear proper footwear. These simple actions can significantly reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia, pressure injuries, deep vein thrombosis, and muscle atrophy. More importantly, they help patients maintain their dignity, confidence, and sense of control during their hospital stay.

“This campaign reminds us that recovery isn’t just about medicine—it’s about movement, mindset, and motivation,” said Renee Craig, Occupational Therapy Clinical Leader.

Mobilising patients isn’t just about physical movement—it’s about improving outcomes. Patients who are encouraged to move typically experience shorter hospital stays, fewer falls, and better psychological well-being. They are more likely to participate in their care and maintain their functional status, which supports a smoother transition back to daily life.

This campaign is a team effort, and every role matters. Nurses assess readiness and provide motivation. Physiotherapists develop mobility plans and manage complex cases. Doctors provide medical oversight and treatment. Occupational Therapists help patients overcome barriers to mobility and daily activities. Families also play a vital role by bringing in appropriate clothing and footwear and encouraging their loved ones to stay active.

Concerns about falls, lack of clothing, pain, fatigue, and time constraints are real. But with teamwork and planning, these barriers can be overcome. Safe transfer techniques, timely pain management, and coordinated care between nursing, allied health, and support staff can make all the difference.

“Get up, get moving and get better is a reminder that recovery is a collaborative and team effort, everyone on the ward working towards our patient’s improvement,” said Laura Hughes, Project Manager, Transformation Unit.

As we roll out this campaign, let’s remember – together, we can help our patients get up, get moving, and get better.

#WeAre Northern

 

Meet Colin Bourke, a Senior Social Worker, marriage celebrant, marathon runner, and mentor to many. After 20 years of dedicated service, he is preparing to retire at the end of June.

 

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

I much prefer an orange, tomato and carrots smoothie.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?

It started in 2005 when I was 54; I’d been working with The Richmond Fellowship of Victoria at their Brunswick Psychosocial Resident Rehabilitation facility in Victoria Street for about three years. I crossed from this non-profit to Northwest Area Mental Health Service (NWAMH), working at Broadmeadows Inpatient Unit (BIPU), taking over from John Belanti.

Some real game changers over the years has been the advent of NDIS community supports for consumers; and being able to fund the discharge of those on the ward who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Q: Some highlights of your time at Northern Health? Any anecdotes to share?

A highlight is having met and worked with so many young Social Workers in the Entry Level Program; every year for the last 16 years there has been a new Social Worker arrive and apply themselves to working on the ward; it has been a privilege to assist them in their development; their energy, ideas and enthusiasm has been renewing.

Another highlight is being in a position to make a difference to people’s lives.

In one particular case, a person arrived on the ward who had been sleeping rough, had no home, no income, no ID, no bank account,  no family, no friends, surviving because of the Salvo’s in Bourke Street; and to make a long story short, he left the ward with his fortunes reversed; with his wellbeing and hope restored, and with his family reaching out to him; it was a massive team effort, and deeply satisfying; a privilege to have helped facilitate a new beginning, and enable this person to become again a functioning member of society again.

Q: The best part of your job?

Coming to work each day is a privilege because you often have the opportunity to work with people who are (mostly) willing to open up and share with you their story, their vulnerability; its humbling, but important to see the person we are engaged with, i.e. they are not a ‘case’ to be managed. To treat them with the respect they deserve, to affirm their dignity, safeguard their pride, and to make it the motivation with which to act, to respond.

Despite the speed with which things happen on the ward we do earnestly seek to connect with the person they are and work hard to achieve the best outcome for each one; we do the best we can with what we have.

The best part of the job is being part of the Social Work Team at BIPU; what a unique set of individuals! We have each other’s backs, we support each other, confer with each other, especially when one of us is dealing with issues that are challenging and complex; and we know the need to get together, relax, have fun and let our hair down (if we have any!).

The other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team are fantastic as well; I have had the privilege to work with outstanding nurses, Occupational Therapists’, doctors as well as Peer Support Workers and Carer Support Workers. All of them have enriched my life in some way; it been a pleasure to work with such professionals.

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

I am a civil marriage celebrant; I have performed hundreds of weddings, and and for that matter funerals; I have been the marriage celebrant for different members of staff I got to know at BIPU over the years; that in itself is a privilege.

I enjoy being involved in helping to celebrate such joyful and beautiful occasions. Celebrating weddings serves as a real contrast to the work I do on the ward.

Another thing that not many people know is I’ll be hoping to complete my 12^th Melbourne Marathon in October!

Q: Anyone, you would like to give a shout out to?

I like to mention the cleaners at BIPU; again, there are so many that have come and gone, but each one has left an impression on me for their dedicated service, their cheerfulness, and sense of fun; it can be a tough thankless gig, and we often take them for granted, but without them BIPU would grind to a stop.

As an aside, at a staff function one night a cleaner showed us a side of her we did not suspect – she was a belly dancer and the entertainment for the night!

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to your juniors, what would it be?

Believe in yourself; even when you mess things up, believe in yourself; know you have the skills and ability, that people believe in you; and believe the good things that people say about you – it’s true!

 

Featured image shows Colin at the edge of the world — in Finisterre, Spain. Colin says, “After walking two Caminos de Santiago (also known as the Way of St. James, which leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain), I journeyed the final 90 km beyond Santiago to where the land meets the Atlantic.”

Northern Health’s continued commitment to align with the Victorian Government’s Healthy Choices Policy means staff and visitors have greater access to healthier food options.

The Healthy Choices Policy Directive aims to improve health and wellbeing by supporting and promoting the availability of nutritious food and drink options in vending machines, staff catering, and in-house food outlets.

Health services are required to meet specific targets around the proportion of healthy food and drink options offered. At least half of the food options available across catering services, vending machines, and in-house food outlets must be “green” foods. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein foods, healthy fats, nuts, and wholegrain cereals – all important components of a balanced and nutritious diet. Meeting these targets helps ensure that both staff and visitors can enjoy eating well when working at, or visiting, health services.

Northern Health and Kilmore District Hospital (KDH) are keen to continue to their excellent track record of Healthy Choices compliance to make healthy food and drink options more accessible. The annual audit of vending machines, staff meals at KDH, and staff catering menus is currently underway.

Rachael Evans, Associate Director of Dietetics at Northern Health, is working hard to promote a collaborative and organisation-wide effort to ensure healthier food and drinks are offered across all sites.

“Implementing Healthy Choices demonstrates Northern Health’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors and also sets an example to our community of enjoyable and appealing fresh, healthy food and drinks,” she said.

We continue to honour our partnerships with cafes, catering services, and vending machine providers to maintain both nutritional quality and quantity of food available for staff and visitors.

As Northern Health continues to evolve, we look forward to expanding healthy choices to make it easier for everyone to eat well. Our number one priority remains the community’s wellbeing, as we strive to go above and beyond requirements.

No matter what site you visit next, find comfort in knowing that we remain committed to making healthier choices, easier.

Featured image: La Trobe Dietetics students Chaden Halujy Ammar, Molly-May Ramsay, Stephanie Chatziopoulos, and Reem El Daouk.

This week marks Refugee Week 2025, Australia’s annual opportunity to raise awareness of the experiences, challenges and contributions of refugees within our communities.

Refugee Week is not only a time to reflect on global issues of displacement, but also to recognise the courage, determination, and strength shown by those who have sought safety and built new lives in Australia.

This year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom’, highlights the importance of welcome and belonging in the refugee journey. For many refugees, freedom is not just the absence of conflict or persecution, but the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive environment where their stories are heard, their skills are valued, and their families can thrive.

The significance of this theme was powerfully brought to life at the Refugee Study Day held on Monday 16 June, where staff had the privilege of hearing a deeply moving lived experience presentation from Northern Health’s consumer S.J. Her personal story of displacement, resilience, and ultimately, hope, offers a powerful reminder of the real-life journeys behind the statistics, and the vital role health services like Northern Health play in supporting newly arrived families as they rebuild their lives.

I’m a Refugee

“The war in Syria began during my third year of university. Many innocent people lost their lives, including loved ones, and daily life became impossible. University studies stopped because it was too dangerous to leave the house, with constant threats of kidnapping or death. Access to basic needs like food, medicine, or medical care was incredibly difficult.

I lived through eight years of war before moving to Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. During those years, I lost what should have been the most beautiful time of my youth—my ambitions, dreams of a secure life, a career, and a hopeful future. I witnessed painful things I still prefer not to recall.

In 2018, my husband and I decided to leave Syria. We had lost hope that the war would end, and our lives were under continuous threat. We sought refuge in Jordan and applied for Australia’s Special Humanitarian Visa. Leaving our home was the hardest decision—it meant years of separation from our families. And so began a new journey of unknowns and challenges.

Life in Iraqi Kurdistan was not easy. We didn’t speak Kurdish, and language quickly became our biggest barrier. Finding housing, work, or even a doctor was overwhelming. I remember visiting an emergency room and being unable to communicate my condition because no one spoke Arabic or English.

We spent three years in Erbil, and then COVID-19 arrived. Lockdowns made life even harder, and our dream of a safe future in Australia felt more distant than ever. I often asked myself, “Why wasn’t I born in a safe country? Why can’t I live a normal life?”

The medical system in Syria and Iraq is very different from what we’ve experienced in Australia. You don’t need a referral – you rely on word of mouth, friends’ advice, or even social media to choose a doctor.

In 2021, I had my first child with the help of a Syrian doctor in Erbil. I had a C-section and because of COVID-19, I was discharged on the same day. I informed the Australian embassy in Jordan about the birth, and they guided me in adding my newborn to our application. I informed the Australian embassy in Jordan about the birth, and they guided me in adding my newborn to our application.

We finally arrived in Australia in March 2023. At Melbourne airport, AMES staff welcomed us and helped us settle into temporary accommodation. The very next day, my daughter developed a high fever. It was a public holiday, and I was told to call 000. I was so grateful they arranged for an Arabic interpreter and reassured me despite my English not being too bad.

Since our arrival, we’ve received a lot of support – Centrelink, Medicare, a bank account, guidance on public transport, and referrals to community services. We enrolled in EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes to better understand the language and community.

Now, I am a Master of Public Administration student, and I can’t wait to graduate and begin my career.

As a mother, my daughter’s health has always been a concern. She has a dairy allergy and needs regular monitoring. Our GP referred us to a specialist at Northern Hospital in Epping. It was our first experience with Australia’s referral system, and it took time to understand how it works. We received a letter with all the appointment details, followed by reminder messages.

What stood out was the availability of an interpreter, the kindness of the medical staff, and their understanding of our concerns. Pathology and test results were prompt, and the entire experience was supportive. My daughter now sees the specialist annually. The only challenge has been the long wait—sometimes over six months – for appointments after a referral.

We’re still learning every day about life in Australia. We are truly thankful to this country for embracing us and giving us the opportunity to rebuild the life we once dreamed of – safe, stable, and full of possibility.”

S. J’s story is a powerful reminder that for many refugee families, freedom is found not only in safety but in the kindness and support of the communities that welcome them, from housing and education to accessible healthcare, language services and compassionate care.

At Northern Health, we take pride in being part of this journey, with many of our staff coming from refugee backgrounds. Their unique experiences and dedication enrich our workplace and strengthen our ability to provide culturally sensitive care to the diverse communities we serve.

Throughout this week, the Northern Health Refugee and Asylum Seeker Sub-Committee, together with the Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) team, have organised a range of activities for staff and the community to deepen understanding and foster meaningful conversations about the refugee experience.

We encourage all staff to take part, reflect on these stories of resilience, and celebrate the rich diversity that strengthens our health service and community.

For more information on Refugee Week activities at NH – click here