May 2024
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Get to know: Fatema Tajbhai
#WeAreNorthern Meet Fatema Tajbhai, Senior Scientist in our newest service – Anatomical Pathology. Q: Firstly, your coffee order, Fatema? It varies and is very mood dependent – long black or batch brew (depending on the cafe)/ soy latte/soy magic. Q: How would you describe your role? It is a very challenging but rewarding role. Anatomical Pathology is a new service to the Northern Hospital, only operational since 5 February 2024. Currently, I am managing the operational aspects of running the laboratory and doing all the background work to try and offer the best service we can. Q: How did you…
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Reconciliation Week: Celebrating culturally safe care
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a significant time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. It takes place annually from 27 May to 3 June. The theme for NRW 2024 is ‘Now More Than Ever’. Now more than ever, the work continues — in treaty making, truth-telling, understanding our history, education, and tackling racism. We need connection, respect, action, and change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation. Northern Health provides essential services within the traditional lands of the Woi Wurrung Wurundjeri people, covering the City of Whittlesea…
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One bread tag at a time
At Northern Health, we are fortunate to have staff members whose dedication goes beyond their professional duties. One such inspiring individual is Fey Bakar, an EMR Surgery and Anaesthesia Analyst and Registered Nurse. Her passion for helping others led her to spearhead an extraordinary initiative of collecting plastic bread tags at Northern Health to fund wheelchairs for disadvantaged individuals. Fey’s journey began three years ago, driven by her desire to make a difference in people’s lives. “I have always found joy and a sense of fulfillment whenever I can lend a helping hand,” Fey shares. Her role as a nurse…
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LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day
Today is LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day – a day dedicated to helping to end violence and abuse within LGBTQ communities by increasing visibility and understanding, and giving hope and courage to victims and survivors. Held annually on 28 May, the day was first established in 2020 and was the first time in history that an awareness day was formed to highlight domestic, family and intimate partner violence and abuse occurring in LGBTQ communities. The theme for this year is #SeenAndBelieved, which aims to shine a light on the prevalence of domestic or family violence in the LGBTQ communities, but…
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Launching a Clinical Translational Research Partnership with RMIT
Northern Health and RMIT University have partnered to establish a Clinical Translational Research Partnership. Researchers and clinical staff will work together to speed up the translation of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches from the laboratory bench to real-world applications, ultimately benefiting Northern Health patients and consumers, and beyond. The Clinical Translational Research Partnership will initially focus on research to help patients with cancer, blood disorders and chronic diseases, leveraging RMIT and Northern Health’s strengths in imaging, spectroscopy, immunology and pharmacology. It will be home to clinical trials, particularly in cancer and nanoparticle diagnostic research, that aim to contribute to breakthrough…
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Get to know Lyn Elmer: Celebrating two decades at Northern Health
#WeAreNorthern Meet Lyn Elmer, who is celebrating 20 years of volunteering at Broadmeadows Hospital, Northern Health. Q. Firstly, your coffee order please? I have a skinny weak cappuccino, extra hot, no sugar. I’ve been perfecting that order for many, many years. Q. What motivated you to start volunteering at Northern Health 20 years ago, and what has kept you committed for such a long time? After retiring, I felt it was time to give back to the community and help people. I’ve been volunteering at Northern Health for 20 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. Not once…
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Advancing palliative care through research
Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, regardless of their specific condition. The goal of palliative care is to empower patients to live as fully as possible during their illness journey. National Palliative Care Week (NPCW), held from May 19 to May 25, 2024, is Australia’s largest annual initiative to raise awareness about palliative care. It aims to increase understanding of palliative care services and recognise the dedication of the palliative care workforce and volunteers. At Northern Health, our multidisciplinary palliative care staff collaborates to provide high-quality healthcare and support to those living…
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Harmonious healing: Dr. Lucy Forrest’s impact in palliative care
Up to four in five people who die could have benefitted from palliative care – or around 300 to 360 people every day in Australia. These numbers are increasing every year as our population ages and health needs become more complex; between 2020 and 2050, demand for palliative care is projected to double. Unfortunately, many people who would benefit from palliative care miss out – especially but not only in rural and regional areas. National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) 2024, held from Sunday 19 May to Saturday 25 May 2024, is Australia’s largest annual initiative to raise awareness about palliative…