This week marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March), with a focus on moving from awareness to action and creating meaningful organisational change.

Neurodiversity is not something to fix. It is something to understand, support and value. At Northern Health, recognising and embracing different ways of thinking strengthens our teams and improves the care we provide to our community.

Deepmala Awasthi, Disability Liaison Officer (DLO), shared that creating accessible workplaces for neurodivergent staff also leads to safer, kinder and more inclusive care for patients.

“Different minds strengthen teams, and when everyone can work in the way they work best, everyone benefits.”

Andy Allen, Social Work – Allied Health Clinical Educator, shared their experience as a neurodivergent staff member at Northern Health.

“Northern Health has a well-established culture of being inclusive from diverse perspectives. This extends to neurodivergent staff, creating an environment where differences are not only accepted but respected,” Andy said.

Andy also highlighted the impact of practical adjustments, such as Northern Health’s bring your own device (BYOD) approach.

“Being able to use my own device allows me to access personalised accessibility tools and systems that help me manage my workflow more efficiently and in a neuro-affirming way. This flexibility is vital.”

A key message for the week is simple: Recognise. Support. Include.

Recognise
Neurodiversity is a natural part of human diversity, with around 15–20 per cent of the population being neurodivergent. Each person has a unique profile of strengths and challenges. Many neurodivergent individuals bring valuable strengths such as deep focus, creativity, pattern recognition and strong problem-solving, which are highly relevant in healthcare.

Support
Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
For staff, this may include clear communication, structured expectations and flexible ways of working.
For patients, it may involve using simple language, allowing time to process information, reducing sensory stress and providing written information where possible.
These changes benefit everyone.

Include
People do their best work when they feel safe to ask for adjustments, share what helps them succeed and be themselves at work. Creating inclusive environments strengthens both staff wellbeing and patient care.

Looking ahead, Andy shared that there are opportunities to further strengthen inclusion at Northern Health.

“Establishing a neurodiversity working group could empower staff voices, provide insights to leadership and support ongoing improvements in accessibility and inclusion.”

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can better support our colleagues and patients, and to take practical steps towards more inclusive, neuro-affirming care.

For more information and resources, including events and learning materials, visit:
• https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/resource-hub
• https://www.neurodiversityhub.org/resources-for-employer

This morning, Northern Health hosted the Bi-Annual Awards, virtually coming together to honour the exceptional contributions of our staff.

The ceremony, sponsored by BankVic, was hosted by Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health, and Becc Hodges, Chief People Officer.

“Northern Health has thousands of staff who work across a range of areas, departments and sites, dedicated to providing outstanding care to our community each and every day,” said Debra Bourne, Chief Executive.

“Among our award winners today are staff who demonstrate a strong and positive workplace culture, live Northern Health’s values of safe, kind and together, and show a genuine commitment to their patients.”

The ceremony celebrated winners from July 2025 – December 2025 in seven categories, with each award matched against Northern Health’s values and strategic priorities.

“I am delighted to be here today to celebrate and award the staff who demonstrate excellence in their care and work at Northern Health,” said Becc Hodges, Chief People Officer.

“I feel proud to work in an organisation where staff are collaborative and kind and turn up to work every day to provide such incredible care to our patients and community – we thank you all for your hard work.”

Hung Lam, Business Manager, won the Innovation Award. Hung was nominated by Jimmy Jacob.

“Since joining Northern Health Finance team six months ago, Hung has consistently demonstrated a level of capability, initiative, and maturity well beyond their career stage and being new to the health sector. They have quickly developed strong technical expertise in Mental Health Finance, while also showing an impressive ability to understand the broader organisational context and strategic objective,” Jimmy said in his nomination.

The Patient Experience Award was presented to Cassie MacAlpine and Meghan Burkett, Coordinators, Housing Pathway Teams. The pair was nominated by Jennifer Williams.

“Cassie and Meghan have demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in their work supporting some of our most vulnerable consumers – individuals living with enduring mental health challenges, who often fact significant barriers in accessing safe and secure accommodation,” Jennifer said in her nomination.

“They work collaboratively with a wide range of external services to strengthen pathways into housing, ensuring consumers are not navigating these complex systems alone.”

Wendy Nicol won the Excellence in Leadership Award. She was nominated by her colleague Snezana Velevski.

“I am nominating Wendy in recognition of her consistently outstanding support, guidance and leadership across Support Services. Wendy leads with integrity, empathy and clarity, and she creates an environment where staff feel supported, respected, and motivated to perform at their best,” Snezana said in her nomination.

The Education Award was presented to Dr Prakash Kamath, Consultant Psychiatrist. Dr Prakash was nominated by Yang Yun.

“Dr Prakash is an exceptional consultant psychiatrist at the Hotham St Clinic whose passion for education and mentorship profoundly inspires those around him. His visionary leadership in co-establishing a dynamic fortnightly lecture series for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists trainees within the mental health division of Northern Health, launched in February 2025, and has truly transformed the junior registrars training experience,” Yang said in their nomination.”

Sarah Hales, Nurse Practitioner, was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award. She was nominated by Menaka Thapa.

“As a senior clinician and nurse practitioner, Sarah consistently demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge, sound clinical judgement, exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality patient-centred care, and an unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes for diverse populations,” Menaka said in their nomination.

“Her practice extends far beyond routine clinical duties – she promotes preventative health, fosters trust with patients and families, and serves as a reliable source for both medical and psychosocial support.”

The Excellence in Safety Award was presented to Belinda Pitts, Emergency Management Advisor. Belinda was nominated by Jason Amos.

“Since joining the Emergency Management team in 2024, Belinda has gone above and beyond in supporting Northern Health’s journey towards creating a safe, inclusive, supporting workplace for our staff and community,” Jason said.

“Belinda has been instrumental in increasing compliance of mandatory face-to-face Area Warden training with over 50% within 12 months, to a current compliance rate of 90% across all NH campuses.  Belinda actively participates in the Northern Hospital Emergency Controller role and has supported Incident Management Teams for major Code and business continuity incidents.”

Lastly, Nadrah Asghar, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, took home the Rising Star Award. Nadrah was nominated by Caroline Nassima.

“Nadrah consistently demonstrates exceptional kindness and compassion, not only towards patients and their families, but also towards her colleagues. Even on days when her primary role is performing nuclear general scans, Nadrah takes the initiative to check on and assist colleagues in the PET department during quieter times,” Caroline said.

“This willingness to offer support is beyond her formal duties and reflects her genuine awareness of others’ needs and her commitment to fostering a caring, supporting environment. Nadrah’s kindness and compassion truly exemplify the values we strive for.”

Congratulations to all the award winners.

Click here to watch the award ceremony.

Hear from our consumers and clinicians

This week marks National Advance Care Planning Week (16–22 March). Northern Health is proud to share a powerful video featuring the voices of our consumers and clinicians, highlighting why planning for future medical care matters.

Three consumers, Willeke, Julie, and Lorenzo, generously share their personal experiences with Advance Care Planning – what prompted them to start the conversation, what the process meant for them and their loved ones, and why they believe it is important. Lorenzo stated, “It gives me peace of mind with the knowledge that when something will happen to me, which it invariably will, to everybody I guess, in one way or another I will be in a position to feel more at ease that everything I needed to do for my situation has been taken care of and there is no need for anybody else to intervene.”

The video also features insights from two Northern Health clinicians, Dr Wanda Stelmach and Dr David Crosbie, who speak about the clinical value of planning for future care. They reflect on how Advance Care Planning supports patient-centred care, guides medical decision-making, and ensures treatment aligns with what matters most to the person.

Dr Stelmach explained that when discussing a diagnosis and potential treatment with a consumer, it is important to give them the opportunity to consider their preferences and wishes.

“It gives them a chance to reflect on the options, the possible side effects, and how those choices align with what matters most to them,” she said.

Advance care planning is more than a document — it’s a continued conversation and helps people:

• Clarify their values, preferences, and medical instructions for future care
• Appoint a Medical Treatment Decision-Maker
• Provide clarity and reduce uncertainty for loved ones
• Support clinicians to deliver care aligned with a person’s goals

We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch the video and reflect on how you can support advance care planning in your role — whether that’s starting conversations, recognising opportunities, or referring to the ACP team.

If you would like support for yourself, your team, education sessions, or guidance on referral pathways, please contact the ACP team.

Call: (03) 9495 3225
Email: acp@nh.org.au
Webpage: https://www.nh.org.au/service/advance-care-planning/

Watch the video:

Let’s continue working together to ensure every person’s voice is heard – today and in the future.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Julie Loughran, Diabetes Nurse Consultant, Bundoora Centre and Community Services, Northern Health.

 

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

A: The most challenging part of moving to Australia was finding the right coffee. After many combinations I have now found the perfect choice – weak long black with cold milk and hot water on the side, never did I think coffee could be so complicated!

 

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.

A: I began working at Northern Health 13 years ago, shortly after moving from the UK to Australia. It’s hard to believe how quickly that time has passed. Over the years, Northern Health has evolved significantly, and while I continue to work as a Diabetes Nurse Consultant, the role itself has continually developed and expanded.

I have always worked within the sub-acute setting at Northern Health, collaborating closely with the whole diabetes team. More recently, I have also had the opportunity to work alongside community and transition services, supporting patients as they move from hospital to home and helping to ensure seamless continuity of care for people managing diabetes after discharge.

One of the most significant changes in diabetes care during this time has been the rapid advancement of technology. Continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy have been transformative for many people living with diabetes. It truly is an exciting time to be working in this field.

 

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

A: Northern Health is open to new ideas. There is an attitude of can do rather than cannot, it is very refreshing.

 

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your role?

A: Every now and again we can have a sweet treat! Often staff members hide the sweeter things when they see me coming.

 

Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

A: Listening, it is such a valuable skill. It is always so easy for us to tell a client what we think they should know rather than listening to what they want to know. Information overload is a real issue in diabetes education – we have so much to say but timing is everything.

 

Q: How do you like to spend your weekends or time off?

A: Like many I try to keep fit, my passion is running but always comes with the risk of injury. A weekend full of exercise, coffee, time with friends and family and a glass of wine is the perfect weekend.

 

Q: Who or what inspires you most?

A: I am continually inspired by the researchers whose work has transformed the lives of people living with diabetes. Having worked in the field for more than 25 years, I have witnessed extraordinary advances in equipment, treatment options, and technology. The progress has been remarkable.

I am now looking forward to the opportunity to train as a registered nurse prescriber. This new initiative represents an important step forward, enabling nurses to practise to their full scope and further enhance patient care.

We are pleased to announce that Dr Katharine See, Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Northern Health, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Lung Foundation Australia’s prestigious Professor Christine Jenkins AM Woman of Influence in Lung Health Award. She is the third recipient of this national honour.

A respiratory physician with a longstanding commitment to improving care for people living with chronic lung disease, Dr See established the Respiratory and Sleep Medicine service at Northern Health in 2017 and has since led its growth into a comprehensive, future-focused service grounded in value-based healthcare. Under her leadership, the service has expanded access to specialist respiratory care, strengthened diagnostic and treatment pathways, and embedded multidisciplinary, integrated models of care that span acute, ambulatory and virtual settings.

With a strong strategic vision and deep commitment to person-centred care, she has championed digitally enabled programs such as the Severe Asthma Digital Care Pathway and Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation. These initiatives embed patient-reported outcomes, improve timely access to specialist support and deliver measurable improvements in outcomes for people with respiratory disease. Her work is transformative in scope, redesigning models of care to achieve the health outcomes that matter most to patients while strengthening equity, sustainability and system performance.

Dr See is recognised as a national leader in value-based healthcare, driving large-scale service redesign so that clinical excellence is matched by equity, efficiency and measurable impact across the health system.

The award was presented at the Celebrating Women of Influence in Lung Health Dinner in Sydney on 6 March 2026, held in recognition of International Women’s Day. The event brought together leaders from across Australia to honour women shaping the future of lung health.

The Professor Christine Jenkins AM Woman of Influence in Lung Health Award recognises an early to mid-career clinician, researcher or practitioner whose work has made a significant impact on lung health in Australia. Established in honour of Professor Christine Jenkins, whose distinguished career in respiratory medicine, research and advocacy has influenced standards of care nationally, the award includes a $10,000 professional development grant.

Lung Foundation Australia is the country’s leading non-profit organisation dedicated to improving lung health through research, advocacy, education and support. The award highlights the importance of leadership, equity and innovation in improving outcomes for people living with lung disease.

Congratulations to Dr Katharine See on this outstanding achievement!

Today, 11 March, Northern Health is recognising World Delirium Awareness Day, joining healthcare organisations around the world to raise awareness about delirium and its impact on patients, families and healthcare systems.

Delirium is an acute change in mental state that is often triggered by illness, surgery or certain medications. It can have serious consequences for patients, including an increased risk of falls, functional decline, longer hospital stays, a higher risk of dementia, and increased mortality.

Despite its significance, delirium can sometimes be missed or under-documented. Encouragingly, research shows that delirium is preventable in more than one third of older people with risk factors. Early identification and management are really useful to shorten the duration of delirium but won’t prevent it.

At Northern Health, clinicians follow the Delirium Clinical Care Standard developed by the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care to support the prevention, identification and management of delirium.

In 2025, a Delirium Dashboard was introduced, leveraging the capabilities of the electronic medical record (EMR) to monitor compliance with the clinical care standard and support ongoing quality improvement.

Northern Health is also participating in Improving Care for Older people at Risk of Delirium (iCORD) project led by Safer Care Victoria. The initiative aims to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium and shorten hospital stays for patients who develop the condition.

Initial work through the iCORD project focuses on improving daily delirium screening and ensuring urgent escalation when new changes in alertness or cognition are identified. Future stages will focus on strengthening clinical care approaches to prevent delirium and support earlier intervention.

There is also a strong focus on increasing awareness among patients and families, empowering them to speak up if they notice changes in a patient’s thinking, behaviour or level of alertness.

Dr Louise Monk, Geriatrician and Co-Chair of the Preventing Delirium and Managing Cognitive Impairment Sub-committee at Northern Health, said raising awareness is key to improving outcomes.

“Delirium is common, serious and often preventable. By improving screening, recognising changes early and involving families in care, we can significantly reduce its impact on older patients and support safer hospital stays.”

“Encouragingly, research shows that delirium is preventable in more than one third of older people, when there is careful attention to optimising factors such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, mobility, communication, orientation and the use of sensory aids,” she added.

Through initiatives like the Delirium Dashboard and the iCORD project, Northern Health continues to strengthen its commitment to improving care for older patients and reducing the burden of delirium across the community.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Louise Monk, Geriatrician, Co-Chair Preventing Delirium and Managing Cognitive Impairment CIC, Co-Lead iCORD delirium project, Mr Steve Ferguson, Project Manager, Co-Chair iCORD project, Ms Heather Christensen-Anderson, Consumer Rep iCORD project and Mr Joseph David, NUM Ward 6, team member iCORD project. 

Northern Health proudly celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday, 6 March, bringing together staff, board members, distinguished guests, and community members for an inspiring morning at Mantra Epping.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, speaks directly to who we are. Progress is built through contribution, when women give their time, knowledge, care and leadership to create opportunity – not just for themselves, but for others.

From students and graduates beginning their careers, to senior clinicians, managers and executive leaders guiding strategy across our campuses, Northern Health is shaped by women who choose to give, and in doing so, elevate those around them.

The event was well attended by staff from across many divisions and departments. The event was also attended by Bronwyn Halfpenny MP – Member for Thomastown, Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly, Board Chair, Northern Health, Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health, Dr Andrea Kattula, Cate Kelly and Nirasha Parsotam, Northern Health Board Members, Josie Minniti AM and Margie Hill, Northern Health Foundation Patrons, and Shannon Ryan, Northern Health Foundation Board Member.

The morning began with a powerful message from Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation. She spoke about the important reminder that when we invest in women, we support, uplift and empower one another.

“Today, as we come together under the ‘Queen B’ theme, we acknowledge the powerful truth – that excellence in healthcare, much like a thriving hive, depends on leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the collective good,” she said.

“At Northern Health, women are central to that strength. They lead with clarity, deliver care with compassion, and support one another so that our communities receive the very best possible care.”

‘We are proud to foster an environment where people are supported to grow and succeed – a place where opportunity is nurtured, leadership is encouraged, and potential is realised. Here, a PSA can go on to become a nurse. A ward clerk can one day become a surgeon, and a nurse can rise to become our Chief Executive. This is what Give to Gain looks like in action.”

The highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr Susan Alberti AC AO AM, a highly respected Australian businesswoman, philanthropist, and former Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club.

She has raised more than $200 million for medical research and other charitable causes. In 2016, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, for eminent service to the community. She was later named Melburnian of the Year in 2017 and Victorian of the Year in 2018, recognised for her influence across community, health and sport. Her story embodies resilience, advocacy and the power of collective action. It promises to challenge, inspire and remind us of what is possible when leadership is grounded in purpose.

She captivated the audience from start to finish, with a remarkable and emotional story of resilience, courage, and fortitude.  She spoke about her work in the AFL and building industry, two industries often associated with men.  An avid lover of AFL, kicking the footy with her brother, and her beloved Western Bulldogs, she’s proud to see the progress of women sport in Australia, but admits, there’s still a long way to go.

“It gives me such joy to see these little girls given the opportunity that their brothers are given to go and play the sport they truly love – and why not, why shouldn’t they be given the same opportunity,” she said.

“It’s there for them now, they can have a career in footy, whether it be playing the game, administration, coaching – it’s there for them to realise their dream.”

“It is the modern 21st century Australia. Let us celebrate the achievement of the birth of women playing at the highest level of AFL football. We have come a long way, but there is still a lot to be done. Why should women not be given the same opportunities as men?”

Following her speech, the excitement continued with the much-anticipated door prizes. All attendees also received honey jars, lovingly made by Rowan Shield, Director, Digital Projects.

The event was more than a calendar event. It was an opportunity to collectively honour the women who shape our culture at Northern Health, strengthen our services, and drive the future of health in Melbourne’s north.

Progress does not happen quietly.
It happens because women step forward.

They mentor the next generation on busy wards.
They lead services through complexity.
They build teams. Shape culture. Open doors.

At Northern Health, this is not abstract…it is everyday practice.

Remember our gentle giant, Dr Sela Koyamaibole?

Although we farewelled him last year, he has just helped make history. Fiji’s health sector has reached a major milestone, with the first-ever Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) performed in the country, and likely the South Pacific region.

The procedure was led by Dr Koyamaibole himself at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, with support from a team of Australian volunteer clinicians as part of the Global Vascular Companionship, founded by Northern Health Vascular Surgeon Dr Iman Bayat.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Koyamaibole said, “We were able to perform the country’s, and possibly the Pacific’s, first endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Traditionally in Fiji, we treated it with open surgery, which involves extensive preparation, intensive care and a long hospital stay. With this vascular approach, it is minimally invasive.”

Dr Koyamaibole previously undertook vascular surgery training at Northern Health, making this milestone a powerful example of sustainable training partnerships and international collaboration in action.

The Northern Health delegation included:

• Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, Vascular Surgeon
• Pinar Peler, Vascular Theatre Nurse
• Robert Beavan, Podiatrist
• Donna Oomens, Vascular Sonographer and lecturer at Western Sydney University

Working alongside Dr Koyamaibole and the CWMH theatre team, the group supported the delivery of Fiji’s first EVAR procedure — a minimally invasive technique used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms and prevent life-threatening rupture.

Beyond the landmark surgery, the visit focused strongly on education, mentoring and strengthening local services.

Robert Beavan delivered hands-on education sessions to foot care nurses and physiotherapists from across Fiji, focusing on assessment, treatment and offloading techniques for diabetic foot wounds. He also contributed to the review of Fiji’s soon-to-be-launched diabetic foot guidelines from a podiatry perspective.

Diabetes is endemic in the region, with high rates of limb loss due to complications affecting the feet. Access to vascular surgery and multidisciplinary care is critical in preventing avoidable amputations and improving long-term outcomes.

Donna Oomens provided education and mentorship to local sonographers in vascular ultrasound, an essential diagnostic tool used to assess arterial and venous circulation accurately and guide surgical decision-making.

The achievement was recognised nationally, with Fiji One News airing the milestone on its national bulletin on Friday, 20 February 2026. Click here to watch the video.

Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan said the partnership reflects the true meaning of companionship.

“Companionship is a specifically chosen word, which means to partner with or to walk the same path together. We are privileged to be here in Fiji and share in the successes that the vascular surgeons here are achieving. They’ve worked very hard and sacrificed time with their families to travel overseas to acquire the training needed to become skilled vascular surgeons. We’re very proud to see this service grow here and across the Pacific.”

The successful EVAR marks a significant advancement in Fiji’s surgical capability and reflects the power of long-term partnerships built on training, mentorship and mutual respect.

Congratulations to Dr Sela Koyamaibole and the entire CWMH team on this historic achievement, and to our Northern Health staff for their contribution to advancing vascular care in the South Pacific.