Northern Health nurses and midwives have less than one week to apply the inaugural Nursing and Midwifery BankVic Scholarship, worth $5,000.

In the lead up to International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurse’s Day (12 May), BankVic has generously offered one scholarship to be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role.

BankVic, in association with Northern Health Foundation, is offering a $5,000 scholarship towards a national based conference or a professional development activity. To enter, nurses and midwives need to submit a response to the following:

In 250 words or less, please tell us how the theme of International Nurses Day ’24 or International Day of the Midwife ’24 (whichever applies to you) will inspire you in your role at Northern Health.

Themes for 2024

International Day of the Midwife 2024 – Sustainable Midwifery – Caring for Tomorrow’s World

Sustainable midwifery practices prioritise the wellbeing of both mother and child while minimising environmental impact, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

International Nurses Day 2024 – Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care

Despite being the backbone of health care, nursing often faces financial constraints and societal undervaluation. International Nurse’s Day 2024 aims to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.

Application process 

Applications need to be submitted in writing to Elizabeth.Moon@nh.org.au. A committee comprising of Northern Health Executives and BankVic representatives will choose the successful submission. Applications close 5 pm on Friday, 3 May. The successful applicant will be announced during the week of 6-10 May 2024.

International Day of the Midwife was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives and celebrates and raises awareness about the midwifery profession. International Nurses Day is recognised around the world every year on 12 May, which marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth – the founder of modern nursing.

An Australian-first virtual program that aids patient recovery after a heart event, procedure or heart condition has launched at Northern Health.

The Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation (VCR) Program is designed to improve the health in patients with heart disease, and to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Patients on the program have goals that include developing healthy habits into the future that help lower the chances of going back to hospital. Having a virtual cardiac rehab program enables patients to access the support they need with more flexible options to the traditional group program.

“Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to reduce hospitalisation and reduce the risk of death from heart conditions,” said Terri Guy, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Consultant.

“It involves a tailored exercise program, emotional and psychological support from a multidisciplinary team and health education to improve health and wellbeing.”

As part of the virtual program, patients can loan a compatible smartwatch, with clinicians able to track patient progress.

“Patients are able to participate in the virtual program at a time more suitable and that better integrates with their home and work routine,” Terri said.

“It also assists with reducing transportation and eliminates travel barriers.”

“Patients use an app and smartwatch that send reminders to exercise, and their activity data is then sent to their care team. During weekly or fortnightly phone calls with the cardiac nurse or cardiac team, patients can receive feedback on their progress and ask questions or raise concerns.”

The way in which healthcare is being delivered is constantly changing. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative ways to traditional face-to-face services, including the current cardiac rehabilitation program offered at Northern Health.

Fiona Beadle, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Consultant, submitted the idea of a Virtual Cardiac Program in 2023 as part of the Big Idea campaign. This resulted in a program being trialled at Bundoora Centre and was then presented to the Executive team.

“Not long afterwards, the CLEO team approached the Cardiac Rehabilitation team to discuss using Northern Health’s My Health platform to deliver a virtual cardiac rehab program,” Fiona said.

“The timing was perfect. Clinicians and managers from the Community Therapy Service, Cardiac Rehabilitation and CLEO have been meeting regularly to develop a program that meets the needs of consumers and clinicians.”

Elisha O’Dowd, Effectiveness and Outcomes Manager, CLEO, said the service is a wonderful way to showcase the amazing work that the Cardiac Rehabilitation team do on a daily basis.

“This gives us the opportunity to reach patients who are not available for regular daytime appointments,” she said.

The virtual program will be offered to a select number of patients before the service is expanded in the future.

Featured image left to right: Fiona Beadle, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Terri Guy, Clinical Nurse Consultant and Sam Gorge, Exercise Physiologist.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Suba Vijayakumar, Senior Registered Nurse, Noogal Clinic – Northern Health.

Q. Firstly, What is your coffee order?

Flat white with one sugar.

Q. Why and how did you choose your specialty?

I have always wanted to be a nurse. It is a noble profession, and I enjoy helping people. Mental Health was new to me, but I am glad I chose to stay and grow as a professional. 10 years later, I don’t think I could have been any other type of nurse. It was meant to be!

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your career?

I started off as a pre-graduate nurse in 2013. I completed my grad year in 2014, and post-grad in 2015. I have worked across Northern Area Mental Health Service (NAMHS) sites ever since, in different roles. I have been in my current role as a Senior Registered Nurse at Noogal Clinic since January 2022.

Q. What is your greatest achievement since working here?

My greatest achievement would be that I was able to implement Safewards in Northern Psychiatric Unit (NPU) when I was working as a Safety Culture Coordinator from 2018 to 2019. I love being able to support the early career nurses to grow into amazing and competent clinicians.

Q. Could you share your journey as a professional dancer?

I started learning Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian Classical Dance, at the age of 5. I graduated in the art form at the age of 17 in Singapore. After moving to Melbourne in 2008, I continued to stay in touch with Indian dance every chance I could, and have performed at various stages, including fundraisers and cultural shows. Recently, I started learning Odissi, another form of Indian Classical Dance. I performed Odissi for the first time at the dance school’s annual concert last year and I am preparing to perform again this year.

Q. What do you enjoying doing outside of work?

I really enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love shopping for others, especially my children. I’m a home-bird, so I spend most of my free time at home. I am either organising the pantry or linen cupboard or cleaning the house. Alongside this, I am currently pursuing my Masters, and although I wouldn’t say I’m thoroughly enjoying it, I do like studying.

Q. Where is a favourite place you’ve travelled and why?

I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia. The island’s beautiful and scenic environment perfectly complemented Malaysia’s renowned food and rich cultural heritage.

 

Each week in the lead up to Accreditation, Northern Health is sharing key information to help staff prepare for the short notice assessment.

Today, we speak to Associate Professor, Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, who has been an Accreditation Assessor for over 10 years, for some tips on what to expect.

“It is a privilege going into a health service and being a part of an assessment team,” said A/Prof Cirone. “As Assessors, we understand that we are guests in a health service and that it can be quite a disruptive week. When visiting a health services, I am very mindful of that and respectful, and I know that other assessors are similar.”

Fundamentally, the assessment team are there to facilitate an onsite, objective assessment against the National Standards, and make sure that we deliver the right care, at the right time and in the right place.

“In practice, assessors have to elicit information and evidence through interviews, observations and documentation, but a lot of their job is about being in a space and sometimes not asking questions, but just looking around and listening, particularly during handovers, huddles and other team interactions,” said A/Prof Cirone.

“Understanding the patient experience is paramount to the assessment, and assessors will listen to conversations between staff, or patients commenting on their care in the foyer, cafés, the lift, or anywhere.”

“First impressions count for a lot, so please ensure your environment is clean and tidy, and make our guests feel welcome,” A/Prof Cirone said. “Also, if the assessors request information or the need to speak to particular staff member, it is important to try and arrange that quickly.

“Finally, try to remember; the assessors are examining our performance against a quality a safety framework. The quality part is really important, and we have a lot to be proud of at Northern Health – this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our achievements and how well we are doing!”

Oliver Cronin’s path to becoming a pre-eminent gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing patient care through innovative techniques. His path, from early training years to an illustrious Fulbright Future Scholarship has been a testament to his passion and hard work.

Oliver discovered his passion for complex procedural medicine early in his training. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he shares, “I’ve always been drawn to complex cases and making a real improvement to patient’s lives. Gastroenterology, especially endoscopy, appealed to me because of the clinical challenges and immediate, visible results.”

After completing gastroenterology training at the Alfred, St Vincent’s and University Geelong Hospitals, Oliver pursued additional sub-speciality training in endoscopy at Westmead Hospital, a leading institution globally for therapeutic endoscopy.

“I was very fortunate to be provided with the opportunity to train for two years at Westmead. I will be forever grateful for the mentorship I received from Professor Michael Bourke, a world-leading authority in interventional endoscopy.”

Oliver’s dedication and pursuit of knowledge inspired him to apply for, and subsequently be awarded, a Fulbright Future Scholarship. Also known as ‘the American Rhodes Scholarship’, the program affords scholars the opportunity to pursue research and academic endeavours in the United States.  Previous distinguished alumni have included 30 heads of state and 53 Nobel Prize winners.

He admits “I really wasn’t expecting to be successful in my application but equally I thought nothing would be lost by applying.”

Oliver spent six months at NYU Langone, a high-volume centre for complex endoscopic procedures under the mentorship of Professor Gregory Haber, a pioneer of endoscopic innovation.

He shares, “I learnt so much and was fortunate enough to collaborate with some really inspiring people while living in New York. I hope to continue to harness these networks to continue making positive change in the field of endoscopy.”

Living in New York with his family provided both professional growth and personal enrichment. Oliver reflects, “We had an amazing time in the States. Work was great, but outside of work was also a great experience. We lived a block from Central Park, so being able to head over there so easily for a picnic or to grab a coffee felt so surreal.”

He is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his family, especially his wife during his training. “My family are great enablers. I am so grateful to my wife and two daughters for allowing me to pursue these interstate and international training opportunities. Our five-year-old has lived in seven houses during her lifetime. We’ve certainly kept the removalist in business!” he adds.

Oliver humbly attributes his successes to the collaborative efforts of his colleagues, stating, “It’s not about me – it’s the collective dedication of our team that drives our achievements. The Gastroenterology Unit at Northern Health is a welcoming, conscientious and dynamic unit with a wealth of collective sub-specialty experience. Led by our Head of Unit, Associate Professor, Mayur Garg and Director of Endoscopy, Dr Joshua Butt, the growth and general trajectory of Northern Health makes it an exciting place to work long-term. Our nursing and other endoscopy staff work so hard and take great pride in their jobs. Without them, the unit could not function.”

Featured Image: The Minister for Education, Hon. Jason Clare MP (right) presented Dr Oliver Cronin with his Fulbright Scholarship during a Fulbright Gala Dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra.

#WeAreNorthern

Get to know Nicola Mott, Imaging Manager, Northern Imaging Victoria.

What is your coffee order?

Soy latte, extra hot. Medium or small depending on the day.

Tell us about your Northern Health journey? (When you started, your roles here etc.)

I am relatively new to Northern Health, however I have worked in radiology at Northern Health since 2015. My official Northern Health journey began in October 2023 as Imaging Manager. My previous role was as general supervisor and then imaging manager. I was part of the team involved in bringing radiology in-house.

What do you like to do after work?

I prefer to do things before work! I am usually in the gym or working out from 6 am, Monday to Saturday. After work is more restful. Weekends during the soccer season, I am usually found cheering on my daughter’s team from the sidelines.

What are some things people don’t know about you?

I learned to play classical guitar from age seven and still like to play occasionally. Most people who meet me now don’t realise I spent the first 23 years in the UK before coming to Australia, as my accent has gone. I can break out into a broad Yorkshire accent on request.

Do you have a bucket list item? Something you would love to do.

Not a specific bucket list item but definitely more travel. A trip to see the Northern Lights would be amazing. I have three overseas trips planned for this year!

This morning, Northern Health held our annual ANZAC Day Service at Bundoora Centre.

Our ANZAC Day Service has been closely associated with our patients for over a decade, particularly those at Bundoora Centre. The service provided an opportunity for us to gather to remember, reflect and pay tribute to those who made great sacrifices to make our country a safer place.

The service opened with a mounting of the Catafalque Party from the 138th Signal Squadron, Simpsons Barracks, before our masters of ceremonies, Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, welcomed everyone.

“On 25 April, 1915, Gallipoli was the site of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War,” Jason said.

“Today, we remember and honour the 60,000 Australians who were killed and 156,000 wounded or taken prisoner in that war. We also remember over 800 Aboriginal Australians who landed at Gallipoli, 13 of whom were killed in action.”

“We remember the more than 3,000 Australian civilian nurses who volunteered for active service in the First World War.”

Representatives from across Northern Health featured and attended the service, including Jo-Anne Mazzeo, Northern Health Board Director, Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer and Peter McWilliam, Northern Health Foundation Board Chair.

Members of our local community were also in attendance, including The Honourable Colin Brooks, State Member for Bundoora, Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts and Minster for Creative Industries, Councillor Tom Melican, Mayor, Banyule City Council and Councillor Richard Stockman, Nillumbik City Council.

Also in attendance was Dal Crocker, President Greensborough RSL, Timothy Riley, Commemorations Officer, Montmorency Eltham, Bill Pattinson, Bugler and David Boyle, Watsonia RSL.

Our very own Northern Health Community Choir, sponsored by Northern Health Foundation, sang The Lord’s Prayer.

The choir was also joined by the choirs of St Damian’s Primary School and Northside Christian College to sing the Australian National Anthem, along with other Australian classics.

Thank you also to the 138th Signal Squadron, Simpsons Barracks, for providing their services today.

Morning tea was provided by ISS, which included a host of delicious, themed treats that warmed both hearts and tummies on the cool autumn morning. Out thanks for their dedication and support also.

You can watch the livestream of the service here.

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to care that accommodates the needs of individuals who may have experienced the many impacts of trauma.

Very frightening or distressing events can result in psychological and physiological harm. This harm is called trauma and can affect a person’s ability to cope or function from day-to-day. Based on knowledge about the impact of trauma, Trauma Informed Care helps patients feel safe, avoid re-traumatisation and be able to engage in health care.

Trauma Informed Care acknowledges that health care organisations and teams need to have a complete picture of a patient’s life situation — past and present — in order to provide effective health care.

“We know many of our patients come to us with a trauma background, although we might not always know which patients or what trauma,” said Jennifer Preston, Acting Psychology Professional Lead, NAMHS – Mental Health Division.

“What we do know is that the principles of trauma informed care can act as an important guide though the unknowns, for clinicians at all levels of experience.”

While trauma-specific treatment is offered in specialised mental health programs and services, Trauma Informed Care should be provided in all healthcare settings. At Northern Health, the principles of Trauma Informed Care strongly align with achieving “safe, positive patient experiences”.

“Adopting the values of Trauma Informed Care helps patients to engage more fully in their health care and improves long-term health outcomes,” said Dr Brooke Froud-Cummins, Director of Allied Health Psychology.

“It also shines a light on the risks of workplace stress and supports a culture of staff wellbeing.”

Northern Health’s community is particularly diverse, with a large refugee and asylum seeker population. Practicing Trauma Informed Care with all patients is crucial because it acknowledges diverse backgrounds, respects individual experiences, and avoids potential re-traumatisation. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care recommend that health services caring for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to integrate Trauma Informed Care into policy and practice, including building awareness through staff training (ACSQHC, 2021).

Introductory Trauma Informed Care training will be launched on 29 April 2024 via Northern Health’s Learning Management System (LMS) and is highly recommended for all clinical staff on a three-yearly basis.

This initiative, led by Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, was developed locally by the Allied Health Psychology Education Team in collaboration with Mental Health Psychology and Transcultural and Languages Services at Northern Health. The aim of the training is to foster a safe and inclusive environment at Northern Health and promote better mental health outcomes for a diverse range of patients.

“Embracing a trauma-informed approach acknowledges the unique experiences and needs of each individual,” said Stefania Zen, Education and Engagement Manager, Transcultural and Language Services.

“Each patient brings their own story and with trauma informed care we are fostering an environment where trust, respect, and healing can thrive.”

Pictured: Brooke Froud-Cummins (Director, AH-Psychology / Principal Psychology Educator), Anastasia Pourliakas (Psychology Educator), Suchona Reza Paul (Senior Clinical Psychologist), Danielle Courtney (Clinical Neuropsychologist), Natasha Belmont (Clinical Psychology Registrar), Serene Lee Neuropsychology Registrar).