April 2024
-
Introducing the Core Principles of Trauma Informed Care
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…
-
R.E.A.C.H. out for patient safety
At Northern Health, we understand that patients and their families or support people are best placed to recognise early deterioration in their loved ones, often before changes in observations are noted by clinical staff. As such, Northern Health has an escalation process in place for when patients, families, carers, or support people are worried about the physical or mental health deterioration of the patient or loved one. This process is known as R.E.A.C.H. (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way). R.E.A.C.H. encourages patients, carers and family members to escalate their concerns with staff about worrying changes in a…
-
Northern Health’s Journey to #EmbraceDiversity: Staff Diversity Survey
‘Diversity’ refers to the presence of a wide range of human characteristics and experiences within a group, organisation and community. These characteristics can include, but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic background, physical ability and cultural identity. In today’s diverse society, the importance of fostering an inclusive environment within healthcare institutions cannot be overstated. As a prominent healthcare provider, Northern Health recognises the significance of diversity, not only in regard to patient care, but also within its own workforce. This year, Nothern Health has embarked on a journey to #EmbraceDiversity and has launched a…
-
Get to know: Praseetha Chathoth
#WeAreNorthern Praseetha Chathoth, is a person of many talents. She is both a Clinical Pharmacy Technician and yoga teacher. She currently provides yoga classes at Northern Health for the WellAhead  program. WellAhead is a holistic wellness program, co-designed with consumers, to support and empower those living with and beyond cancer. What is your coffee order? Whilst it’s not very Melbournian, I actually don’t like coffee but I start my day with a cup of tea to wake myself up. Tell us about your role at Northern Health? I am a Grade 3 Clinical Pharmacy Technician. I have undergone rigorous training…
-
Paediatric Dietitians Credentialed to Insert Nasogastric Tubes
The Northern Health Dietetics Department were successful in obtaining a Department of Health Allied Health Advanced Practice Grant for the development of an Advanced Practice Dietitian role for Paediatric Nasogastric Tube Insertion and Management. The Advanced Practice Grant was submitted due to an increased number of paediatric patients at Northern Health requiring home enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube (NGT). This rise has led to heightened pressure on both the Emergency Department and Ward 2, particularly when NGTs dislodge and require reinsertion. The grant supported the development of a training and credentialing procedure for paediatric dietitians to upskill in the…
-
Atypical forms of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Professor Santosh Varughese is one of five medical specialists from Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, India, awarded a scholarship by the University of Melbourne to pursue a PhD study. He has chosen to collaborate with Professor Judy Savige, the Head of Medical Unit 3 at Northern Health, to delve into the genetics of atypical forms of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Professor Varughese, is the Director of Nephrology at CMC Vellore. It is also where he did all his medical studies –including specialising in Nephrology. He received training at the University of Toronto and the Renal Unit of Toronto General Hospital.…
-
Stay protected: Staff flu vaccinations now available
Northern Health staff and volunteers are now able to receive their annual influenza (flu) vaccination. As Melbourne’s cold winter months approach, now is the time for staff and volunteers to come forward, roll up their sleeves and boost their immunity with the flu vaccine. It is recommended by the Department of Health that individuals receive their annual flu vaccine from mid-April onwards to ensure protection against the flu when it is at its highest during the peak flu season, typically between June and September. Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, received his flu shot this morning. He said the vaccine was an…
-
A timely discussion on alternative admission pathways for mental health consumers
The conference ‘Right Care, Right Time, Right Place’ organized by the Northern Health Mental Health Division held at The Ibis Melbourne brought together experts to discuss alternatives to the Emergency Department (ED) admission pathway for mental health consumers. Over 150 professionals from across metro, regional, and rural services, both from Victoria and interstate, attended the conference. The conference was opened by Anna Love, the Chief Mental Health Nurse of Victoria, who spoke about strengthening pathways for direct admission and supporting the Royal Commission findings. The event facilitated valuable discussions and conversations among staff from Victoria Police, Department of Health, Ambulance…