Northern Health welcomed 60 new interns at its 2026 Intern Orientation, held from Monday 5 to Friday 9 January. Many joined us from the Northern Clinical School, alongside others from metropolitan, regional and interstate clinical schools.

The week commenced with a welcome from Chief Medical Officer Professor Prahlad Ho and Director Northern Doctors Education Dr Kim Jeffs. Interns then heard from Dr Dennis Gyomber, Dr Yana Sunderland and Dr Dan Crompton who outlined what to expect during their core Surgery, Medicine and Emergency Department rotations.

The program was followed by structured presentations on important topics including MET calls, Infection Prevention and Quality, before afternoon skills stations gave interns hands-on practice in basic life support, intravenous cannulation, catheter insertion, pharmacy and EMR training. The Northern Doctors Workforce team were also on hand to provide information about rosters, expectations and wellbeing.

A standout session was delivered by Intern Support Officer Dr Sean Flintoft, an outgoing intern, who shared insights into the intern year from a junior doctor’s perspective. This session was highly valued, with Sean also providing on-ward support to the new interns during their first week.

“As Intern Support Officer, I help guide this wonderful group of new doctors through their first week of internship at Northern Health,” said Dr Flintoft. “I provide on-ward support, answer questions, and make sure they know where to go and what to do. With the support of the Northern Doctors Education team, we aim to facilitate a smooth transition into their new roles and set them up for a great intern year.”

The final two days of orientation focused on ward-based shadowing with outgoing interns and unit orientations led by experienced supervisors.

“Our aim is to ensure interns are supported and well prepared as they transition into clinical practice,” said Susie Sangas, Manager, Northern Doctors Education.

Dr Carol Chong, Supervisor of Intern Training, added, “A strong orientation is essential for patient safety and intern wellbeing. Early ward exposure and clear expectations help interns start the year with confidence.”

The annual intern orientation is a significant undertaking, involving teams across the organisation. Northern Doctors Education would like to thank everyone involved in setting our interns up for a successful year of training.

We wish all our 2026 interns every success as they begin their journey with Northern Health.

Northern Health has been awarded a $50,000 Shepherd Foundation grant to support a groundbreaking project aimed at increasing antenatal vaccination uptake among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Led by Dr Dorothy Ling (Infectious Diseases Physician and Co-Medical Lead, Infection Prevention & Surveillance) and Barsha Baral (Manager, Infection Prevention Services), the study will explore barriers and enablers to vaccination and evaluate the early impact of Northern Health’s new nurse-led antenatal immunisation clinic. The findings will help guide service improvements and inform best practice models for equitable maternal vaccination.

Dr Ling highlighted why the project is so important, saying,“Pregnant women and their babies are at higher risk from infections like influenza, whooping cough and RSV. Despite vaccines being safe and free, many CALD women miss out due to language, cultural and system barriers. This research will help us understand these challenges and ensure our clinic truly improves access and equity.”

Barsha Baral emphasised the project’s community-focused approach, “This project is about listening to women’s voices and co-designing solutions with community representatives. By identifying what works and what doesn’t, we can make antenatal vaccination easier, culturally safe and responsive to the needs of our diverse population.”

The nurse-led antenatal immunisation clinic, located near the Maternity Assessment Centre, provides free, walk-in vaccinations for influenza, RSV and whooping cough, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm (no appointment required). Interpreting services are also available, ensuring all women can access timely, safe and culturally appropriate care.

For more information, visit Maternal Vaccinations – Australian Government or call (03) 8405 8000 and ask for the Outpatient Immunisation Clinic.

(L-R): Kiranjeet Dhaliwal (Nurse Immuniser), Lisa Stafford (Nurse Immuniser), Barsha Baral (IPS Manager), and Dr Dorothy Ling (IPS/ID Physician).

Great Scott! it’s time to charge the flux capacitor, set the time circuits back to the start of 2025 and enjoy all the episodes of Visiting Hours Season 3.

Sure, we may not have hoverboards yet, but we did explore some interesting themes and programs on the podcast, which is listened to in over 75 countries.

Jump into the Northern Health DeLorean as we get to revisit all the guests that have made this series so special, provided we can reach 88 mph.

Episode 01 – Being spoken to in one’s own language is often a safe habour; the walls come down, the wrinkles in a furrowed brow relax and for patients, it’s one less thing to worry about.

Yue Hu, Northern Health’s Director of Transcultural and Language Services and the Aboriginal Support Unit.highlights the services available through Northern Health as she shares her passion for letting people know they’re being heard. She offers some insight into her early life in China and shares the experience she had at the Northern Hospital that helped her decide to stay in Australia.

Episode 02 – Letty Bastian, Emergency Department Nurse Practitioner

We discuss an exciting study underway in ED using acupuncture for pain management and its potential benefits in that setting. Letty shares the insights she gained while studying for her Masters of Acupuncture and how it has helped shape her interactions with patients.

We explore the highs and lows of living in Far North Queensland, the hidden treasures to be found in her local community and discover a path to contentment.

Episode 03 – Dr. Lucy Forrest, Music Therapist, works with oncology/palliative care patients and their families at Northern Health. She discusses how vital it is to have a supportive team around you, the joys of cooking, and how music and art have the power to change the way people perceive and interact with clinical spaces.

Lucy tells the story behind one of her original pieces of music, she explains the lasting impact legacy creation can have for patients, and even has time for a song or two.

Episode 04 – Dr Isra’a Al Jumaily, a Hospital Medical Officer here at Northern Health. shares her experience of needing to flee her country with her family as refugees., leaving behind her home and her career.

She relates what it’s been like to start from scratch in Australia while she completes her registration, the importance of holding onto the best of one’s culture, and theory on why fishing was different post covid lockdowns

Episode 05 – Andrew Morrison, Northern Health’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Employment Advisor, shares on the importance of fostering a culturally safe environment within a health setting. He reveals what prompted his journey into healthcare, and why he remains so passionate in his role today.

Episode 06 – Dr Miranda Siemienowicz, CT Lead, Northern Imaging Victoria and Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Thoracic Radiology, chats about the recent commencement of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and the positive outcomes already being seen for participants. Miranda outlines the steps she’s taken to regain a balance in her life following the programs launch, making conscious decisions to de-escalate her work habits.

Episode 07 – Ella Critchley, Program Manager, Advance Care Planning at Northern Health and Chair, Victorian Advance Care Planning, Community of Practice, focuses on the importance of putting an advance care plan in place and the benefits that it yields. Ella shares some real-world examples of the freedom and relief felt by patients during the process.

We touch on positive aging, family life and some recommendations for the perfect picnic location.

Episode 08 – Seda Kiroglu, Unit Manager of Maternity Services here at Northern Health, shares her story of growth in the organisation and her thoughts on leadership.  She highlights the vital role the Medical Obstetrics At Home (MOAH) program plays in delivering patient focused care when mums-to-be need it most.

Episode 09 – In this episode we visit with Northern Health’s Board Chair, Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly.

We explore what it means to be, not just a good leader, but a great one. Alan shares his thoughts on why Northern Health’s values Safe, Kind, Together, are so vital and why embracing them from the top-level down, is the key to a good reputation in our community.

Alan commends the staff for the wonderful work that’s been done this year and looks forward to a sensational 2026.

 

Remember, the offer to travel back through time extends beyond this jaunt. You can listen to every episode of Visiting Hours here, or wherever you get good podcasts. Now ‘make like a tree, and get outta here!’

As Northern Health steps confidently into a new year, our Executive team has taken a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. We asked them two simple but powerful questions: “What accomplishment from 2025 makes you most proud?” and “What’s one change or improvement you’re committed to driving in 2026?”

Their answers paint a picture of a health service that is growing, innovating, and deeply committed to its people and community. Most importantly, they highlight the extraordinary work of our staff — the heart of Northern Health.

Digital Health celebrated teamwork at its best. Executive Director Digital Health, Anthony Gust, said: “Most proud of was the team work showed by the Digital Division. This is summarised by the EMR role out in HITH. The training team provided thoughtful gestures, such as providing lolly bags, to support staff morale… I am also very proud of all the team from closing out 50 Digital projects such as Kilmore EMR to Active Directory separation from Melbourne Health.”

For the Foundation, 2025 was a record-breaking year. Executive Director, Foundation and Public Affairs, Pina Di Donato, shared: “If I had to highlight just one achievement, it would be the distribution of $1.6 million to Northern Health… the highest distribution in our history.”

Our nurses and midwives continued to shine. Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Lisa Cox, said: “The nurses and midwives at Northern Health continued to provide outstanding care and innovative models of care… working together to support each other.”

In Mental Health, compassion and commitment stood out. Executive Director, Mental Health, Belinda Scott, reflected: “My greatest source of pride comes from the Mental Health staff… committed to the implementation of new models of care, so that our consumers receive the right specialist mental health care in the right place at the right time.”

Finance celebrated excellence — with a touch of humour. Chief Financial Officer, Basil Ireland, said: “Source of pride and frustration – we are the most financially efficient service in the State – there should be a prize for it!”

Medical leadership reached new heights. Chief Medical Officer, Professor Prahlad Ho, shared: “To me it is the establishment of Robotic Surgery at Northern Health that will revolutionise surgical and cancer care for patients in the North.”

For many executives, choosing just one highlight proved almost impossible.

Chief Legal Officer, Carolyn Baker, reflected on a defining achievement: “There are so many great accomplishments from 2025. A highlight would have to be the opening of Mernda Hospital – so much hard work went in behind the scenes to deliver this.”

Across Allied Health, the scale of impact was immense. A/Prof Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the 75,000 interpreting sessions delivered this year, the growth in Allied Health education, our new research grants, the opening of Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals, and our two memorial services. In Aboriginal health, we launched a new Aboriginal Employment Plan, delivered over 1,200 face‑to‑face training sessions, and welcomed new staff to the Narrun Wilip‑giin team.”

For some, 2025 was also a reminder of balance and humanity. Chief Operating Officer, Linda Romano, said: “Balancing my role as Chief Operating Officer and navigating the complexity of health service delivery while supporting my son through his successful transition to high school reminds me that we can excel in both our professional and personal lives when we stay focused on what truly matters.”

And for our Chief Executive, 2025 brought both professional and personal joy. Adjunct Professor Debra Bourne reflected: “Professionally it would be the opening of our two community hospitals in Craigieburn and Mernda… Personally, it would have to be the arrival of my grandson!”

With pride in the past comes determination for the future.

Anthony Gust is committed to deeper collaboration: “To spend more time engaging with the business to identify the most significant challenges, so we can better support frontline staff and improve patient outcomes.”

Pina Di Donato will sharpen our storytelling: “My priority will be to structure our communications so they are more strategic, impactful, and meaningful.”

Lisa Cox is focused on strengthening care for women and families: “Continuing to build the midwifery workforce to support the women and community of Northern Health.”

Belinda Scott is driving consistency and safety: “Regardless of which site or service a consumer attends, they will have access to integrated specialist mental health care at the time they require it.”

Basil Ireland is targeting smarter systems: “More efficient back office processes… opportunities to streamline processes.”

Carolyn Baker is focused on strengthening our digital foundations: “I’m excited by our work in the digital space… ensuring we get the right data governance in place while continuing to foster innovation.”

A/Prof Jason Cirone is looking forward to embedding new services and partnerships: “We will focus on settling into the new Ambulatory Care Centre, and strengthening our partnerships with local Aboriginal health services.”

Professor Prahlad Ho is expanding research and education: “To working closely with our university partners to expand education and research opportunities in 2026.”

Linda Romano is championing our people: “I’m committed to empowering our teams with the right skills, resources, and partnerships…”

And Adjunct Professor Debra Bourne is preparing for one of Northern Health’s biggest milestones yet: “Work on the new Ambulatory Care Centre… paving the way for Stage 2, that will deliver a new emergency department.”

Taken together, these reflections tell a powerful story: Northern Health is moving forward with heart, ambition, and unity. Safe. Kind. Together.

“Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”

As we look forward to spending the Christmas season with close friends and family, spare a thought for the patients in our Children’s Unit at Northern Hospital, Epping.

Soft toys, colouring books, puzzles, and games, all wrapped in vibrant, festive paper, showcasing the incredible kindness and generosity of the community, were recently delivered by ISS Facilities Services, to the Children’s Ward at Northern Hospital, Epping. These delightful gifts brought smiles not only to the children but also to their families, spreading joy and Christmas cheer.

Snez Poposka, Facilities Service Manager ISS, began the Christmas Appeal in 2017, with the hope of putting a smile on children’s faces during their hospital stay over Christmas and the New Year.

“The idea was born five years ago. Being a mother myself, I often thought of all the sick children spending their Christmas in a hospital bed, instead of with their families. I didn’t want any of those children to miss out on the joy and happiness of the festive season. Each year, we donate more than 100 gifts to the children in the Children’s Ward. Over the years, we have donated over 500 gifts to the children at the Northern Hospital, Epping. I am grateful to all the ISS and Northern Health staff, as well as the Northern Health Foundation, for their unwavering support and generosity throughout the years,” she said.

Alecia Caddy, Nurse Unit Manager, Children’s Ward, Northern Hospital, Epping, said, “We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to have the ISS team visit Ward Two and donate such amazing gifts to children during the Christmas season. The smiles and pure joy that these gifts bring, to brighten their days spent away from family and friends, is just so special!”

“We thank you and are truly grateful for your generosity and kindness.”

featured Image – Little Leah full of Christmas Joy. Inset – ISS team with Ward 2 staff and Leah

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Bec van de Paverd, Divisional Director, Medicine and Cancer Services – pictured here with Marley and Maverick, keeping everything pawsitive.

 

Q: What’s your go‑to coffee order, Bec?

A: At work just a latte, on weekends I do love an affogato.

 

Q: You’ve held senior leadership roles at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Kilmore District Hospital. What sets Northern Health apart for you?

A: I’ve loved all my previous roles and the organisations I’ve worked in, but what sets Northern Health apart for me is the rapid growth and service development opportunities, the incredible diversity of the community we service and the genuine passion and care of the staff. There’s a real sense of momentum here and it’s great to part of this and make a meaningful contribution.

 

Q: You successfully managed the clinical integration between Northern Health and Kilmore District Hospital. What key lessons from that experience continue to guide your leadership style?

A: Being part of the amalgamation was a unique privilege, and I feel fortunate to have experienced it while in a leadership role. I learnt so much, especially how critical it is to really listen to people and to keep patients at the heart of decision making. It also taught me the importance of staying flexible and being open to shifting my own view when new perspectives are shared.

 

Q: How have your diverse experiences across metropolitan and regional health services shaped your vision for Medicine and Cancer Services here at Northern Health?

A: I’ve been lucky to work across so many areas – elective surgery access, gynae and fertility nursing, Hospital In The Home (HITH), aged care, COVID response and then as Site Director of Nursing at Kilmore. The metro roles gave me broad clinical experience and a great understanding of how different departments connect and how much can be achieved when we work in alignment.

Working in a regional service gave me an additional perspective that enhanced my leadership and sharpened my understanding of governance, helping me make informed, system-wide decisions focused on risk and safety for both patients and staff.

 

Q: Reflecting on your time at Northern Health, what achievements stand out as highlights?

A: There’s so much amazing work that is always happening in the Division but what has been a highlight for me is the work we are doing in relation to progression of care which is evolving to become a great shared achievement. The impact to patients, having their care actively moving forward every day is something I feel really proud to lead alongside the teams who are involved in these initiatives.

 

Q: Looking ahead, what do you see as the most exciting opportunities for Medicine and Cancer Services in the coming years?

A: In 2026, we’ll be scaling up our progression of care initiatives and developing a weekend strategy aimed at reducing length of stay and improving access and flow for General Medical patients. We’re also finalising our cancer service plan, which we expect to complete next year, and commencing work on expanding the voluntary assisted dying service, a deeply important offering for our patients and community, and one I feel privileged to help shape over the coming twelve months.

 

Q: Finally, can you share something about yourself that colleagues wouldn’t discover from reading your résumé?

A: I have become quite a big sports fan since COVID and as my kids get older and into their own sports. I have started fantasy league in English Premier League this year (not doing too well, so a lot to learn) I’m still getting over Melbourne Storm losing the Grand Final two years in a row and I have been known to be up late watching F1 and Tour de France.

I really enjoy deep diving in the teams I follow – docos, podcasts, post-game interviews and stat analysis – it could be another full-time job and it’s how I unwind from the busyness of life!

Northern Health staff embraced the festive spirit throughout December, celebrating the holiday season with a variety of fun and engaging activities that brought joy, connection and warmth to every corner of our organisation.

The festivities kicked off with the much-anticipated annual Christmas BBQs held across all Northern Health sites. These gatherings offered staff a chance to pause, come together, and celebrate another remarkable year of caring for our northern community. Adding to the cheer, the Northern Health Community Choir filled the air with vibrant carols at each BBQ, setting a merry soundtrack for the season.

Santa from Pacific Epping also made a heart-warming visit to our Children’s and Maternity Wards, bringing joy and comfort to children and families spending time in hospital during the holidays. Smiles lit up the wards as the man in red greeted little ones, spreading laughter, excitement, and a welcome moment of magic.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Northern Health without our beloved Christmas Decorating Competition. This year, staff from across the organisation truly embraced the challenge, transforming wards, hallways, and offices with tinsel, baubles, and dazzling displays that showcased remarkable creativity and team spirit. Participation was stronger than ever, with teams pouring their hearts into crafting festive spaces that lifted spirits and brought joy to everyone passing through.

From the whimsical world of Shrek land and the enchanting scenes of Christmas Wonderland to the charming Clerical Winter Wonderland, Candy Lanes, Gingerbread Village, and Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, every corner of the organisation offered something unique. Many teams went the extra mile, building hand-made fireplaces, recreating The Night Before Christmas, and designing vibrant Candy Land scenes that delighted staff, patients, and visitors alike. The creativity on display this year truly set a new benchmark for festive fun at Northern Health.

A special mention goes to Larni Koutsofrigas, Coordinator, Support Services, and her talented team of elves, whose creativity and dedication transformed the Northern Hospital Epping foyer into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Using repurposed polystyrene, they handcrafted stunning pieces that not only captured the magic of the season but also championed sustainability. The display, reminiscent of the iconic Myer Christmas windows, became a true showstopper and a source of delight for staff, patients, and visitors alike. Complementing this masterpiece, additional festive items were generously donated by a local Westfield Shopping Centre, helping to create a warm and joyful atmosphere for all who entered.

And here are the winners … (drum roll):

• Northern Hospital Epping (two winners): – Joint Winners – Medical Workforce and NCHER Level 3 (Digital Health)
• Kilmore District Hospital – Maternity Unit
• Bundoora Centre – Ian Brand Residential Aged Care
• Broadmeadows Hospital – Surgical Centre
• Craigieburn Community Hospital together with 230 Cooper Street – Recruitment Team
• Mental Health sites (one winner across all sites) – Ward 7, Northern Hospital Epping

Each winning team will receive $500 into their relevant cost centre in recognition of their standout efforts and creativity.

For the eighth year running, our ISS Facility Services team will continue to spread Christmas magic in the Children’s Ward through their annual ISS Christmas Appeal next week. Thanks to generous donations from our local community, children will receive beautifully wrapped gifts – a tradition lovingly led by Snez Poposka, Facilities Services Manager at ISS, since 2017.

As we wrap up another year, we would like to wish all our staff, volunteers and community members a very Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year. Thank you for your dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care, not just during the festive season, but every day.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly and Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health.