Northern Health is adopting electronic tracking of controlled medication management that is both practical and reliable, to enhance patient medication safety and operational efficiency.
HS8 is a digital platform to record and monitor movement of controlled medicines. Traditionally, this process relies on paper logbooks which are prone to errors, illegible handwriting, and time-consuming reconciliation.
David Harris, Deputy Director of Pharmacy, said HS8 will mitigate risks associated with medication errors.
“It will reduce administrative burden for our clinical staff, freeing up time to focus on direct patient care,” he said.
Real-time compliance alerts for stock adjustments and discrepancies will also assist in timely rectification of irregularities or diversion. Furthermore, its user-friendly interface facilitates efficient documentation and visibility of controlled drugs within the hospital, making dispensing and distribution much more efficient.
Northern Health’s transition to electronic controlled medication registers began with a successful pilot program across Pharmacy in February 2025. This initial implementation served as a critical testing ground, allowing staff to familiarise themselves with the system, provide feedback, and identify initial challenges.
This successful expansion was supported by the efforts of pharmacy site leads Elise Simionato, Angelo Tonietto and Paula Parkins, and Pharmacy Education team Jeff Khoshaba and Ginny Dhillon.
The teams are now in the planning phase to extend HS8 beyond our pharmacies. A working group comprised of senior nursing staff and pharmacists, including Deanne Rowland, Ligi Jomy, Rashminder Singh, Jeena Chhetri, Lisa Cox, Uyen Hua and David Harris have convened to scale the platform across all Northern Health clinical areas.
This collaborative effort is ensuring that the ward implementation is tailored to the unique workflows and needs of nursing staff, while maintaining established governance and legislative standards for S8 and S4D medicine handling and management.
The ward pilot program is set to go live July 2025 across two wards – Northern Hospital Epping Ward 16 and Broadmeadows Unit 1.
Featured image L-R: David Harris, Elise Simionato and Uyen Hua.
Meet Casey O’Brien, Senior Psychologist – OHS & Wellbeing, People and Culture at Northern Health.
Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order?
A: Skinny cappuccino or flat white. We have a morning ‘coffee walk’ ritual in our team, so coffee is very much part of our culture.
Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?
A: After 10 years at St. Vincent’s Hospital, I started at Northern Health in 2021 during the COVID pandemic. As a people person, it was challenging to build relationships with managers and staff when I was largely working from home. Now, a favourite part of my role is being invited into different spaces across Northern Health, taking a tour, and talking to staff about wellbeing and what matters to them. My current role is quite diverse which is the way I like it! Depending on the day I could be delivering education, working on our wellbeing strategy, or supporting a team through a critical event. Each area at Northern has its own culture and strengths within our broader culture of care, so taking time to listen and understand the needs of each area is important to providing support.
Q: What is the best part of working at Northern Health?
A: While I may have the ‘wellbeing’ job title, I have met many people here who are equally passionate about wellbeing and do amazing work to promote wellbeing in their areas. We established the NH Peer Support Program in 2022, and I am especially proud of our peers who provide kind, compassionate and really practical support to staff who are navigating challenging situations.
Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you have been instead?
A: I originally wanted to study Tourism Management because I loved to travel and plan holidays! I have been lucky to have a diverse career working in research, as a therapist providing individual counselling, and also as a yoga teacher. I also considered forensic psychology to work in criminal investigation and behavioural analysis, but I will leave that to Hollywood, lol.
Q: Tell us one thing not many people know about you?
A: I lived in Dublin, Ireland for four years during my 20s. When I hear an Irish accent now it is a sweet moment and takes me back to that time. I met so many amazing people (I never got a taste for Guinness though!) and enjoyed travelling around Europe and the UK. My grandfather grew up in Deventer in the Netherlands and came to Australia after World War II. I had the privilege of travelling there and meeting my Dutch family, walking in his footsteps. It was very special.
Q: Sweet or savoury?
A: Give me a bowl of salt and vinegar potato chips and I am happy!
Q: Mountain or beach?
A: I am definitely not a sun bather but love walking along the beach on a windswept early evening, taking in the fresh air and sounds of the ocean is very therapeutic!
Q: What advice you’d like to give to your younger self?
A: Trust your judgement and don’t worry so much about what others think – do what is right for you.
On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the Northern Health Foundation hosted its annual Gala Ball at the Savoy Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, bringing together over 430 guests to support cancer services in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.The elegant evening featured a three-course dinner, world-class entertainment, and live auctions with great prizes available, all aimed at raising funds for cancer services at Northern Hospital Epping.
The event, hosted by renowned radio and television personality Ben Sorensen, featured a vibrant mix of entertainment, including energetic Bollywood dancers and dynamic Lebanese drummers to set the stage. Adding to the excitement was world-class comedian Joe Avati who made a special appearance, delighting guests with his signature humour. Corporate sponsors, including Principal Partner ISS, and local MPs were also in attendance, contributing to the event’s success.
Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the Gala Ball raised over $135,000.These funds will support the vision of creating a cancer wellness centre here in the north, while also providing support to cancer services at Northern Health to aid in the purchase of a scalp cooling machine for its patients.
Pina Di Donato, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Foundation, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome from Saturday night. It was a wonderful event and a tremendous effort on behalf of the team, who I am very proud of.”
A heartfelt thank you to our Principal Partner, ISS, and to all our generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Your unwavering support is instrumental in enhancing healthcare services for our diverse and growing community. We look forward to welcoming guests to the next Northern Health Foundation Gala Ball, to continue seeing the impact your generosity makes on our community and, most importantly, the patients here at Northern Health.
Northern Health Foundation continues to rely on the generosity of the community to fund vital healthcare services in the rapidly growing northern region.
For more information on how to support the Foundation, visit nhfoundation.org.au
Featured image (L-R): MC, Ben Sorensen and Chief Executive, Northern Health, Debra Bourne
Northern Health’s beloved volunteer, Norma McGrillen, has been a devoted member of the Preston Auxiliary – affectionately known as Busy Fingers – at the Northern Health Bundoora Centre for an incredible 25 years. In 2024, she proudly joined the celebration of the Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the enduring impact of the group and dedicated volunteers like Norma.
A true fixture of the Bundoora community, Norma is fondly described as “part of the furniture.” Known and deeply appreciated by both staff and visitors, she brings unwavering warmth and commitment to her role. For the past 17 years, Norma has also served as Treasurer, carrying out her responsibilities with diligence, a sharp business sense, and a famously keen eye for a bargain.
Reflecting on her years of service, Norma recalls countless moments when familiar faces would pop up unexpectedly while she assisted customers. Her journey with the Auxiliary began, as she puts it, when she was “hoodwinked” by the Auxiliary’s founding members, Olive and Jack Wall, into joining. In those early days, even the husbands got involved – transporting handmade goods to stalls at Northland and Epping shopping centres to raise much-needed funds for the hospital.
Quietly generous and always ready to lend a hand, Norma brings light to every day with her wicked sense of humour and kind spirit. Whether helping a customer or chatting with a patient, she leaves people feeling a little brighter.
Norma and her late husband, Bernie, share a proud family legacy – two daughters, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
To mark National Volunteer Week 2025, we sat down with Norma to learn more about her journey and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.
Q: After 25 years of volunteering, what has been the most unexpected lesson or experience that stayed with you?
A: I’ve learned that a smile and time spent with someone – regardless of cultural differences or language barriers – is absolutely priceless.
Q: What motivates you to keep showing up year after year? What’s at the heart of your motivation?
A: For me, volunteering is a way to give back. It’s my ‘Thank you’ for the care and compassion my dad received – and later, the support given to my husband while he was living with Parkinson’s disease.
Q: How has volunteering changed you personally over the years?
A: I’ve become a better listener – and more tolerant.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their volunteer journey, what would it be?
A: Absolutely do it! Volunteering is incredibly rewarding. You’ll gain valuable experience, hear meaningful stories from the people you meet, and make a real difference. And most importantly – never underestimate the power of a warm smile.
From all of us at Northern Health, we extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Norma for her remarkable 25 years of service at the Bundoora Centre. Your dedication is truly inspiring!
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Natalie Carroll, Volunteer Coordinator at Bundoora Centre with Norma McGrillen.
Clinical trials offer patients the chance to try the latest treatments and medicines, benefiting their health now and for future generations.
Today is International Clinical Trials Day. This day honours James Lind’s ground-breaking work in 1747, marking the first randomised clinical trial. It highlights the crucial role of clinical research in advancing public health and recognises the contributions of everyone involved.
This Year’s Theme: “Rethinking Clinical Trials: Inclusivity in Practice” emphasises the importance of inclusive and representative trials. At Northern Health, we are dedicated to making clinical research accessible to all, understanding that diversity is key to developing treatments that benefit everyone.
With residents from over 185 countries speaking 106 languages, more than 50 per cent of our cancer patients need language support services from TALS. However, those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are still underrepresented in clinical trials.
There are now more than 90 open clinical trials at Northern Health across multiple specialties. Northern Health is one of the only health services in Australia to be assessed as a fully mature clinical trials service against the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework.
Our clinical and TALS staff have created patient-specific lay language clinical trial information sheets in multiple languages to reach CALD communities.
“The growth in clinical trial capacity at Northern Health is truly inspirational. It reflects the commitment of researchers at our organisation to strive to continually improve the quality of care provided to our diverse community,” according to A/Prof Mayur Garg, Acting Director of Research and Director of Gastroenterology.
Since 2022, Northern Health has partnered with TrialHub at Alfred Health to enhance our clinical trial workforce and increase cancer trials. Watch our video, created with TrialHub, to learn more about how clinical trials are available to everyone, regardless of age or ethnicity.
Dr Belinda Lee, Medical Oncologist and Head of Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, says, “Our goal at Northern Health is to ensure that every patient, regardless of background, has equal access to the opportunities and benefits that clinical trials offer our community.”
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21, at the Ideas Lab, NCHER Level 3, for a one-hour Research Grand Round. Reflect on promoting inclusivity in clinical research and hear from Dr Sharni Norouzi about key barriers impacting CALD participation in cancer trials. The session will conclude with networking opportunities to discuss enhancing inclusivity in our research and practices.
To receive a calendar, invite for this session, please email NH.Research@nh.org.au
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Belinda Lee, Medical Oncologist and Head of Cancer Clinical Trials Unit with Gurinder Kaur JP.
At Northern Health, small acts of kindness are making a big difference. Whether it’s the comforting touch of a handmade blanket or the quiet escape offered by a good book, the Care and Comfort Program and Patient Libraries are enriching the hospital experience for patients and residents alike.
These two initiatives were developed by the Library and Information Literacy Services team to enhance person-centred care. Their goal is to create welcoming, compassionate environments that support emotional wellbeing alongside clinical care.
The Care and Comfort Program, officially launched in early 2025, provides handmade items – beanies, blankets, baby cardigans, sensory toys, and more – that bring colour, warmth, and a sense of human connection to hospital stays. To date, more than 500 items have been lovingly shared with patients and residents across Northern Health.
Each piece is made and donated by generous volunteers from the community, including the Friends of Wyndham Craft Group, Epping RSL Poppy Ladies, Knit for Charities, and several skilled staff members. These small tokens of care are more than just gifts – they are reminders that people outside hospital walls are thinking of those within them.
“The beanie I received was warm and comforting and reminded me that someone cared enough to make it,” said one patient.
“It was wonderful to have a blanket – it was so bright and colourful and helped cheer me up. It was nice to have when you come to hospital with nothing,” said Amy Stewart, consumer from Ward 23.
Kathryn Visser, OT in Ward 7, says the provision of crochet and quilted blankets has added warmth to the overall space on the Ward.
“Consumers have enjoyed using the blankets outside on warm days, to sit on together and enjoy our morning coffee group with. The small crochet flowers have been enjoyed and utilised as sensory fidget tools, and many have been given to consumers to take home on discharge to provide ongoing support as a tool in their recovery.”
Amy with her blanket
In parallel, the Patient Libraries have transformed hospital wards into places of mental retreat and imagination. First piloted in late 2024, this rotating collection of books and magazines now spans 28 libraries across Northern Health facilities, offering almost 1,500 titles for patients and residents to enjoy.
The collection is entirely donation-based, with a wide range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, crime, romance, biographies, graphic novels, children’s books, and magazines covering puzzles, lifestyle, gardening and current affairs. Curated and replenished by the library team, the Patient Libraries provide more than just entertainment – they offer distraction, comfort, and a sense of normalcy.
“I didn’t expect a library in hospital. It was such a nice surprise – something to read helped the time pass and made it feel a little more like home,” was one patient’s feedback.
“The books in the Patient Libraries are very popular and help people to explore new worlds, perspectives and ideas,” said Jason Ray, Senior OT, Ward 23.
“Thanks to the NH Library, we’ve replaced the old books at Dianella Hostel with a fresh selection – it’s wonderful for our residents,” says Susan Palmer, Executive Assistant, Kilmore District Hospital.
“Although the patient library is a new addition to Ward 9, we know it will help patients pass time and ease some of the stress before surgery. It’s been great to see patients already engaging with the books and resources,” noted Fran Daly, A/Num, DPU, Northern Health.
These programs are not only effective but entirely community-powered, relying on the goodwill and contributions of volunteers, staff and local donors. They reflect Northern Health’s broader commitment to treating each person with dignity and compassion – providing care not only for the body, but for the mind and spirit too.
“These initiatives support emotional wellbeing and a sense of dignity during what can be a vulnerable time. Something as simple as a book or a handmade item can help patients and residents feel more connected, cared for and at ease in a clinical environment,” says Tania Barry, Director, Library and Information Literacy Services.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the NH library team for setting up a small library on Ward 18. For many of our patients, hospital stays – especially following surgery – can be long, stressful and emotionally challenging. Reading can be a powerful companion in recovery, and we believe having access to books of all reading abilities will bring comfort, distraction and a sense of normalcy to our patients and their families. We look forward to sharing patient’s experiences and feedback with the ward’s library in the near future,” said Hannah Conrick, NUM of Ward 18.
Whether it’s a crocheted fiddle item helping someone feel more grounded, a cheerful magazine brightening a long day, or a soft blanket offering comfort in an unfamiliar room, these small touches are making a lasting impression.
As one patient put it best, “The blanket was beautiful. It has made a big difference to my room.”
Margaret reading a book
Pictured in featured image: Staff from Ward 18 at the Patient Library
This week, Northern Health joins in recognising National Palliative Care Week (NPCW).
Now in its 30th year, NPCW is celebrating by asking a simple yet powerful question: “What’s your plan?” It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life.
It’s a very natural and human response for some people to find it difficult to talk about death. However, this reluctance to engage with the topic often contributes to a widespread misunderstanding of what palliative care is and what it can offer.
Julius Quiring, Nurse Unit Manager Palliative Care Unit, explains “Asking the question ‘What’s your plan?’ is a powerful reminder of how important it is to be aware of all the options that are there for you.”
“People shouldn’t be scared of us. Our focus is on ensuring that the patient and their family are helped in any way we can, that symptoms are managed, and we listen to what really matters to them”. Julius continued, “Our team treasure the moments of joy we can bring to patients, that’s our reward”.
No one could say this more clearly than Ali Yilmaz, a recent patient in the unit and a true gentleman, whose story we are honoured to share in the video below. Ali’s experience beautifully brings to life what palliative care means to patients and their families.
He could not believe the facilities and the kind treatment he received here. “I’d never heard of palliative care before I came here, but when I saw the ward and sat on the bed, the first words out of my mouth were ‘This is heaven’. I’ve been able to spend time with old friends and family surrounded by their beautiful faces. When you come here, you’re not losing, you’re gaining.” he said.
Use this National Palliative Care Week to start talking about what actually matters to you and your family. Ask questions, explore Advance Care Planning and know your options. It may be a little uncomfortable, but the potential for a fuller richer life may be right in front of you.
#wearenorthern #safekindtogether #northernhealth
Featured image – Staff of Palliative Care Unit, Northern Hospital Epping
DPV Health and Northern Health Unveil Comprehensive Service Directory for Melbourne’s Northern Community
DPV Health and Northern Health are proud to announce the launch of the DPV Northern Health Service Directory, a comprehensive resource designed to serve the diverse and rapidly growing communities in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. This directory aims to provide a “one-stop-shop” for patients, families, and carers, offering easy access to a wide range of internal and external health and community services.
Addressing a Long-Felt Need
The creation of the DPV Northern Health Service Directory addresses a long-felt need for a consolidated inventory of available services. Prior to this project, an inventory of community services had been developed during the COVID-19 pandemic but was not widely advertised or distributed. Recognising the importance of such a resource, DPV Health took on the responsibility of maintaining and expanding the directory when the Hume Whittlesea Primary Care Partnership ceased operations in 2022.
A Collaborative Effort
Since taking over the project, DPV Health and Northern Health have worked collaboratively, contributing funds and resources to update and expand the directory. The updated directory now includes a broader range of services and ensures that all information is current and easily accessible.
Enhanced Support in the Updated Directory
New additions include specialised community support options for individuals recovering from cancer, helping them find essential resources right in their local area. The mental health section has also undergone significant updates, providing consumers, families, and carers with a broader range of mental health and wellbeing services. These enhancements reinforce a commitment to holistic care, ensuring that every individual receives the support they deserve.
Accessible and Inclusive
The DPV Northern Health Service Directory will be available on both the DPV Health and Northern Health websites, ensuring broad accessibility for all community members.
About DPV Health
DPV Health, a not-for-profit organisation, is dedicated to providing exceptional health care services to people of all ages and backgrounds. DPV Health deliver a wide variety of clinical, health support and community services that focus on treatment, prevention and integrated health promotion. These include medical, dental, mental health, physical health, NDIS & disability, Aged Care and Children’s Services.
A Vision for the Future
As Melbourne’s northern suburbs continue to grow, the DPV Northern Health Service Directory will play a crucial role in ensuring that residents have access to the health and community services they need. It is anticipated that the next iteration of the directory will be a digital version, using AI to maintain the currency of content.
This directory is a testament to the commitment of DPV Health and Northern Health to empower, engage, and support their communities.
Don Tidbury, CEO of DPV Health, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch: “DPV Health is committed to supporting our community to access local high-quality health care services in a timely manner. The DPV Northern Health Service directory will help create a more connected health system, which is vital to achieve this goal. We are proud to work with Northern Health to provide this important support to Melbourne’s North”
Debra Bourne, Chief Executive of Northern Health, said: “This directory is a significant step forward in providing comprehensive and accessible health services to our rapidly growing population. We are pleased to partner with DPV Health in updated this important resource for our community”
