October 2022
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Beat the bite
The recent floods in Victoria pose a risk of increased mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes can carry a number of diseases that can make people very ill and, in severe cases, can even cause death. Simple precautions can help protect you and your loved ones against mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry. Cover up by wearing long, loose-fitting clothing as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing. Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin. Use mosquito nets or insect screens. Use ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat. Limit outdoor…
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Rino Minniti wins Victorian Senior of the Year Award
Long-standing Northern Health Foundation supporter, Rino Minniti, was awarded the 2022 Victorian Senior of the Year Award at Government House on Wednesday, recognising his wonderful efforts to make a positive difference in our community. Rino migrated from Southern Italy to Australia in 1966, where he opened his first hair salon in Lalor, welcoming local and wider community members six days a week for over fifty years. Unsurprisingly, Rino also found the time to propagate plants to sell at markets to raise funds for cancer services, often laughing and chatting with the locals that helped to form an even deeper connection…
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Why Research Week matters
It is no coincidence that in the same month as Research Week 2022, we also celebrate two significant research grants. Firstly, congratulations to Professor Natalie Hannan and Associate Professor Lisa Hui, co-founders of the Northern Centre for Health Education & Research (NCHER) Reproductive Health Biobank, on each being awarded a 2023 Dame Kate Campbell Fellowship. The Dame Kate Campbell Fellowship is awarded by the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences through a highly competitive process. It is named after the noted Australian physician and paediatrician. This award recognises the immense contributions that Natalie and Lisa have…
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Think pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Get to know your lemons.” It’s a simple message that Cheryl Murray, Breast Care Nurse Consultant, encourages women to become familiar with. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Australia, with one in seven women at risk of being diagnosed. Men can also be affected by breast cancer, with one in 555 men also at risk. To keep on top of breast health, Cheryl encourages women and men to, “get to know your breasts.” “Normal changes in our breasts happen over time,” she said. “Get to know your breasts, what is normal for you? Breasts are all…
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Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards
Today, Northern Health virtually held the Quarterly Staff Recognition Awards, to formally celebrate and acknowledge the great work of our staff. We had an outstanding response from our staff, with a number of nominations across seven categories. Today’s ceremony awarded winners from 2022 Quarter 2 (April – June) and Quarter 3 (July – September), and also marked the addition of a new category – Education. Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, opened the ceremony, congratulating all staff on their exceptional work. “Northern Health has over 7,500 staff, who work across a wide range of areas, and who are committed…
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Spiritual Care Week: Relevant and Responsive in Times of Crises
A spiritual caregiver’s role is rooted in the sacred space of the selfless acts of listening that promotes open and safe conversations to manifest into moments of hope and resilience. This week we celebrate Spiritual Care Week, an opportunity for chaplains and pastoral care workers to share their story and to celebrate the important impact they make on patient care at Northern Health. Our pastoral care team are Northern Health employees, faith employed chaplains and volunteer chaplains, who cover a wide variety of faith and spiritual beliefs. One team member commented, “We, as the Pastoral Care team, offer a space that…
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Vascular unit hosts fifth Complex Venous Workshop
The Northern Health Vascular Surgery Unit recently hosted their fifth annual Complex Venous Workshop. Held in late August, the vascular team were pleased to host another successful workshop – this time as a two-day workshop, with two key focuses. “This year, we were able to focus primarily on two areas. Firstly, we were proud to host a forum for discussion of existing international venous guidelines by eight complex venous surgeons in Australia, and secondly, undertake procedures on four patients,” explained Dr Iman Bayat, Head of Northern Health Vascular Surgery Unit. “It was great to host interstate experts from Queensland, New…
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Neela Konara: Building trusted partnerships, creating healthier communities
Neela Konara, Northern Health’s new Director of Partnerships, says, “As the leading health service in our catchment, we can only provide adequate health services if we understand our population’s diverse and evolving needs.” A case in point is the current initiative Neela is supporting and that is the Healthy Schools for Healthy Futures campaign. The campaign aims to advocate to the Victorian Department of Education and Training to update the Healthy Eating and Other Food Services Policy for schools. This policy change will result in school canteens across Victoria providing healthier choices to school children. This is a local campaign led…