June 2023
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Urgent medical care in Melbourne’s north
This afternoon, Northern Health hosted a free webinar on urgent medical care in Melbourne’s north. Dr Loren Sher, Director, Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), and Neela Konara, Director, Partnerships, discussed two alternative options to attending an emergency department for non-life-threatening emergencies – the VVED and Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs). The VVED provides emergency care from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is a first of its kind in Australia where patients are triaged and treated for non-life-threatening conditions virtually over camera. “We are helping thousands of patients, to access the right level…
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Healing through stories of lived experience
This week, Northern Health recognises World Continence Week. The focus is on raising awareness about incontinence, which affects over five million Australians. By using stories of lived experience, it is hoped to not only empower the sharer, but encourage others to be bold enough to seek treatment. Christine Sumper, Continence Nurse Consultant and Team Leader of Northern Health’s Continence Service explains, “The importance of sharing stories of the lived experience of having incontinence helps us to break down stereotypes and stigma surrounding the condition. For many, the realisation that they’re not alone is the first step toward seeking help.” Incontinence…
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We Are Northern: This is the NASDAC team
The Northern Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Clinic (NASDAC) is a multidisciplinary clinic located at Craigieburn Centre. It provides assessment for children to determine whether they meet the diagnostic criteria of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The clinic was established in 2019, and was initiated by a review of new referrals to speech pathology over the first three months of 2018. This review indicated that 50 per cent of the children presented with ASD concerns, warranting further diagnostic investigation. In 2018, Northern Health applied for a grant and was successful in the application. The project aimed to improve the pathways…
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Refugee Week: Finding Freedom
From 18 – 24 June 2023, Northern Health will acknowledge Refugee Week, an opportunity for staff to learn more about the challenges faced by refugee and asylum seekers. This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom’ and aims to shine a light on aspects of the refugee experience and help the broader community to understand what it is like to be a refugee. Highlights at Northern Health will include lived experience presentations, case studies, and a background information session. Stefania Zen, Education and Engagement Manager, Transcultural & Language Services/Narrun Wilip-Giin Aboriginal Support Unit, is one of the presenters at the Refugee Study…
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Get to know: Yen Nguyen
#WeAreNorthern Meet Yen Nguyen, Audiologist, Speech Pathology, Orthoptics and Audiology. Q: What is your coffee order? A: Actually, I don’t drink coffee. But if was sitting down with friends at a cafe, I’d go for a peppermint tea or hot chocolate. Q: Tell us about your role at Northern Health and what do you enjoy the most? A: I am an audiologist. I am one of two audiologists here at the Northern Hospital Epping and together we are now a five days-a-week clinic. Our role here is to perform diagnostic hearing assessments for children aged nine months to adults. I…
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Speak up for safety today, and every day
Today, Northern Health celebrated Speaking Up For Safety (SUFS) Day. In partnership with the Cognitive Institute, Northern Health launched the SUFS program last year to enhance the physical and psychological safety of patients and staff. The program consists of one-hour workshops to equip staff with the skills and confidence to escalate concerns around patient safety and/or staff safety with assertiveness and respect. Over the past few months, each division has had the opportunity to attend a SUFS session. During these sessions, staff are educated on the Safety CODE (Checks, Options, Demands, Elevates) – a proactive tool that enables staff to…
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How is Northern Health measuring EMR benefits
Northern Health’s decision to implement an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) promises numerous benefits for clinicians and patients. While these benefits may not be immediately apparent during the initial stages of implementation, Northern Health is confident that as they transition to this change, we will start seeing the benefits. It is anticipated that fewer tests will be performed, medication errors will be reduced, and patients will move quicker through the emergency department, with fewer re-presentations. Being able to see patient documentation and orders from any computer, anywhere, in near real-time, will make providing patient care quicker, safer and more efficient. Northern…
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We Are Northern: This is The Foundation team
Northern Health Foundation, or ‘The Foundation’ as it’s typically referred to, is the fundraising arm of Northern Health. Their aim is to raise funds to support staff and patients across Northern Health. The Foundation team is led by Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, and Melissa Grenville who recently joined as Director, Foundation. Melissa leads a small group of enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about making a difference with her team, consisting of Margaret Rivette, Fundraising Campaigns Officer and Tatjana Dimoska, Administration and Database Officer. They work closely with Henni Wade, Volunteer Services and Manager, who is…