June 2024

This week is Refugee Week, one of Australia’s peak annual activities to promote greater awareness of refugees, their issues, and their contributions to the Australian community. In 2024, in a world marked by displacement and the search for refuge, this year’s Refugee Week theme is ‘Finding Freedom’, with a focus on family. This theme encapsulates the profound journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience. This theme invites us to explore the stories of refugees who, despite their challenges, discover a source of freedom within the embrace of their families. Whether it’s the unwavering support of parents,…

read more

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) occurs annually on 15 June and aims to raise awareness and voice opposition to violence, abuse and suffering inflicted on older people. Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person that has been committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust, such as a partner, family member, friend or carer. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual, and can include mistreatment and neglect. Elder abuse can also lead to serious physical injuries, long-term psychological consequences and death. Elder abuse is a recognised form of family…

read more

#WeAreNorthern Meet David Abud, Radiation and Laser Safety Officer, Biomedical Engineering Department, Northern Health. Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order? A: Latte with an extra shot. Q: You recently started a new role at Northern Health. Tell us a bit more about that. A: I recently started the role of Radiation and Laser Safety Officer for Northern Health in the Biomedical Engineering Department. My duties consist of looking after education and training, auditing of safe practices and investigating accidents and incidents when using laser and radiation equipment, and management of dosimetry badges and lead apron testing. Also monitoring, servicing…

read more

Two of our Northern Health family have received recognition in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours. Dr Sherene Devanesen AM, Board Director, and Dr Amanda Baric AM, Deputy Director, Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, have received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division. The Order of Australia is the nation’s recognition for outstanding achievement and service, and recipients were announced on Monday by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd). Dr Sherene Devanesen AM, Board Director, Northern Health, received the member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, for…

read more

Kellie Le, Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Coordinator, Vascular Surgery and Senior Podiatrist at Northern Health, is one of 10 clinicians across the state selected for the 2024 MacHSR Future Leaders Fellowship program. The program is open for fully qualified clinicians (doctors, nurses and allied health professionals) who are keen to use Health Services Research to explore an evidence-based solution to a practical healthcare problem that is pertinent to their health service. Kellie was selected for the program for her project: ‘An Evaluation of the Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults (VVSC) at Northern Health.’ “I had a rollercoaster of emotions when I…

read more

Breast cancer is a significant health concern, and early detection and treatment plays a crucial role in improving survival rates. Northern Imaging Victoria has expanded its breast imaging services with a team of seven Breast Radiologists and dedicated mammography technologists. They have also instituted a new Women’s imaging Fellowship in Radiology, further contributing to the expertise and knowledge available within the team. In April, Northern Imaging also introduced three new specialised services – Contrast Enhanced Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsies and MRI Breast Biopsies. This expansion has resulted in the availability of a fully comprehensive breast imaging service at Northern Health. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM): Mammograms can…

read more

#WeAreNorthern Meet Atif Khawaja, Talent Acquisition Partner, People and Culture, Northern Health. Q. Firstly, your coffee order please? Extra hot cappuccino with two sugars and full cream milk. Q. Can you tell us a bit about your career. My career is diverse. I’m a qualified electrical engineer and certified lead auditor. After earning my MBA, I worked as an HR Generalist for a multinational telecom company, managing HR functions in their technical operations and maintenance department. I moved to Australia just before the Covid-19 outbreak. Q. What is your greatest achievement since working here? My journey at Northern Health spans…

read more

Northern Health Foundation hosted their 2024 Thank You Evening at NCHER yesterday, Wednesday, 5 June, to celebrate the wonderful support of their donors and community and to say thank you. The evening began with an introduction from Pina Di Donato, Executive Director Public Affairs and Foundation, who acknowledged the efforts of our generous supporters and donors and thanked all the guests in attendance. This was followed by Peter McWilliam, Northern Health Foundation Board Chair, who spoke about the wonderful work being done at the Foundation saying, “I am pleased to report that the Foundation distributed $728,000 to Northern Health in…

read more