January 2024
-
Launch of Mental Health Outlier Program
This week the Mental Health Division welcomes Rebecca Beaumont and Anthony Rathbone to the newly launched Mental Health Outlier Program (MHOP). Mental Health consumers in general inpatient beds can pose significant challenges for the multidisciplinary team caring for them. The MHOP nursing role compliments the care provided by other health care professionals in a general inpatient ward. Working out of Northern Hospital Epping, Rebecca and Anthony will undertake clinical assessments, engage with consumers and their families, assist with the implementation of the clinical treatment plans and build capability and confidence in the multidisciplinary team. Rebecca commenced her Mental Health Nursing…
-
The ABCDE of skin cancer
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with approximately two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer can present as any new mole or other skin lesion growing or changing over time. The “ABCDE” signs are a simple way to identify possible suspicious changes in a lesion that should be brought to the attention of your doctor. A = asymmetry (lesions becoming asymmetrical) B = border (lesions with irregular borders) C = colour (lesions with multiple colours) D = diameter (lesions growing to have a large…
-
Pride March 2024
Pride March is an annual event held in Melbourne as part of the Midsumma Festival, a celebration of LGBTIQA+ culture and arts. This year, the march will be held on Sunday, 4 February. More than 7,000 marchers take to the streets in St Kilda each year to show their support of the LGBTIQA+ community, and over 45,000 people line the streets and balconies along the march route to show their support. Northern Health first marched at Pride March in 2020, with the Pride in the North Network, and again in 2021. Last year marked the first year Northern Health marched under…
-
Welcome to 2024 Medical Interns
For the first time since COVID 19 intervened, Northern Health had the pleasure of welcoming 61 medical interns, in person, for their orientation – the highest number ever. Eleven new positions have been added to the program: four in General Medicine, one in Plastics Surgery, two in Mental Health, two in Emergency Department, one in Renal Service, one in Palliative Care. Dr Carol Chong, Supervisor of Intern Training, says, “It is a reflection of Northern Health’s expanding catchment and the increasing health needs of the community.” 2024 is the commencement of the new AMR Framework which includes revised assessments, the…
-
Get to know : Tye Robertson
#wearenorthern Today we chat to Tye Robertson, a Grade 1, Occupational Therapist who has recently joined the Home and Community Care team at our Bundoora Centre. Q. Firstly, your coffee order Tye? Large cappuccino please! Q. How would you describe your role? As an Occupational Therapist Grade 1, I visit clients’ homes and communities to get an understanding of their occupational capabilities. This involves prescribing and trialling assistive equipment/aids, creating goals for activities of daily living, drawing diagrams for home modifications, understanding various funding services and processes, and doing a lot of paperwork! Q. Any anecdotes to share in your…
-
Michael’s life-changing cataract surgery
Michael Radcliffe has a new perspective on life, thanks to life-changing cataract surgery at Broadmeadows Hospital. In 2021, Michael noticed his vision deteriorating and decided to visit a local optometrist, where it was confirmed, he had cataracts. Following on from this appointment, Michael was referred to a doctor and was put on a waiting list for cataract surgery. Whilst on the waitlist, Michael’s quality of life was severely affected. “I couldn’t see. I was falling over a lot so I would always try and control the fall – if I was going down, it would be with my hands, but…
-
Beat the heat: Navigating the summer heat safely
Even though the weather in Melbourne can be quite unpredictable, hot days and extreme weather conditions are sure to be expected during summer. Understanding the potential risks and adopting strategies to thrive in the heat is crucial. High temperatures can result in conditions like heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with the possibility of progressing to the life-threatening condition of heatstroke. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and those with medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes, are particularly at risk. How to beat the heat? Medical professionals recommend staying well hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and…
-
2022-23 Quality Account
Northern Health has released the 2022-23 Quality Account. The Quality Account is developed to inform patients and community members about how quality and safety are monitored and improved throughout the health service. In the report, information about our services and the changes we have made to improve care and patient outcomes are highlighted, along with patient stories and data on important quality and safety indicators. “Throughout this report, you will read about how Northern Health continues to meet, and exceed, many of the state and national health standards,” said Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive. “While it is important to measure our…