August 2024
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Partnering in healthcare: VVED and Nurse-On-Call
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and Nurse-On-Call (NOC) have collaborated to support more patients to receive the care they need at home, helping to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department. Since the collaboration’s inception in August 2023, nearly 20,000 NOC callers, who would have previously been advised to attend an emergency department, have instead been redirected to the VVED and assessed from home. More than 80 per cent of these cases have been successfully managed via video consult, therefore reducing physical attendances across emergency departments in Victoria by over 16,000. The collaboration arose from co-design sessions with consumers,…
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Exploring the future of simulation in healthcare education
Rapid advancements in technology are set to revolutionise simulation-based education in healthcare training, with artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), improved audio-visual hardware, ‘built for purpose’ software and high-fidelity manikins leading the charge. These innovations are poised to transform the ‘simulated’ landscape by creating more immersive, lifelike environments, where learners can safely practice and hone their skills. AI is at the forefront of this transformation, enabling simulations to dynamically adapt to each trainee’s needs. This allows for personalised scenarios and real-time feedback, accelerating learning and enhancing decision-making capabilities. VR takes trainees into fully immersive 3D environments, where…
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A bittersweet goodbye: Farewell and good luck to Northern Health’s CE Siva Sivarajah
Today, we bid farewell to our esteemed Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah. As Northern Health’s inspiring leader for nearly a decade, Siva’s departure marks a moment of pride and reflection not only for us, but for the broader Victorian health community. Siva’s journey at Northern Health has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining us in 2015, and under his visionary leadership, Northern Health has transformed from a modest community hospital, into a major healthcare service, providing excellence and cutting-edge innovation. His unwavering commitment and strategic foresight have taken Northern Health to new heights, setting a benchmark for healthcare excellence across…
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Happy First Birthday Education and Training Division!
Northern Health’s Education and Training Division recently marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its first birthday. Over the past year, the division has been instrumental in guiding staff and the community through significant organisational changes, including the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and preparation for short-notice accreditation. Initially, the division focused on the EMR rollout and accreditation readiness, providing essential support to ensure a smooth transition. They also played a crucial role in the disaggregation of mental health services and the amalgamation with Kilmore, streamlining the management of learning across previously separate health services. Since…
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It’s never too late for the flu vaccine
Influenza is a highly contagious disease, which can usually be prevented by receiving the flu vaccine. It’s the most important measure to prevent the flu and its complications and is recommended for all people aged six months and over. At Northern Health, the flu vaccine is mandatory for all staff, clinical and non-clinical. Barsha Baral, Manager, Infection Prevention and Surveillance, says not only does the flu vaccine reduce your chance of getting influenza, but also reduces the risk of serious illness, medical visits and hospitalisation if you do get the flu. “The flu isn’t like the common cold, it can…
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Northern Health unveils new state-of-the-art PET/CT department
Northern Health is proud to announce the launch of its new PET/CT department, which commenced operations on Monday, 12 August 2024, and will be fully operational by the end of the month. The PET/CT team is led by a distinguished group of Nuclear Medicine Specialists, including A/Prof Stephen Schlicht, Dr Tony Hannah, Dr Raghava Karri and Dr Vivek Baskaran. They are supported by a dedicated team of nuclear medicine technologists under the leadership of Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Carly Sibson. The new PET/CT facility will greatly enhance access to imaging services for a diverse range of patients, including inpatients, outpatients,…
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Successful Accreditation outcome for Northern Health
Northern Health has achieved successful Accreditation during the Short Notice Assessment, conducted from 6 – 10 May 2024. The Accreditation assessment involved on-site visits by assessors, independent of the health service, who spent time at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Kilmore District Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre, along with all transitioned mental health services. Surveyors experienced great hospitality throughout the week as they met with staff, spoke to patients and looked for evidence that each action in the National Standards has been implemented effectively. They looked for evidence of a culture where quality and safety are valued, and systems…
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Get to know: Margaret Trajkovski
#WeAreNorthern Meet Margaret Trajkovski, Pharmacy Technician. 1. What is your coffee order? Regular skinny latte, extra hot. 2. What is your role at Northern Health and what does it entail? I have been working as a pharmacy technician since 2015. The role as a pharmacy technician is looking after medications across all Northern Health. Those include stocking up medications in the pharmacy and all wards, conducting expiry checks, assist the pharmacist and maintain the imprest room. 3. What do you love most about your role? I am always passionate in helping other people. Some might even call me their personal…