October 2024
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Translational Research: Transferring scientific discoveries into practical applications
Translational research transfers scientific discoveries into practical applications that can benefit patients and society at large. To be successful, translational research leadership needs to be people-centred and innately collaborative in its drive. Such collaborations enable individual expertise to support a larger framework, thereby facilitating interactions between clinically motivated individuals and their basic science counterparts who may provide skills, knowledge and technology necessary to drive research innovations. At Northern Health, we are blessed with a committed leadership that has driven collaborative networks across numerous academic institutions and the Northern Clinician Leadership. Recent partnership initiatives between Northern Health, the Royal Melbourne Institute…
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Get to Know: Tilini Gunatillake
#wearenorthern As we approach Research Week, say hello to Tilini Gunatillake, Research Development Manager, Northern Health. Firstly, what’s your coffee order?  A medium oat cappuccino! Tell us about your Northern Health journey? I feel like I’m still a newbie as I’ve been here just under a year (I joined in November 2023). I’m the Research Development Manager working in the Research Development and Governance Unit. My role covers off a few things, but mainly I’m here to support and cultivate the research culture at Northern. My focus is on developing researcher capability by providing the supports, tools, education and training…
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Looking out for safety
Safety doesn’t happen by chance or guesswork. It requires risk management and doing the OHS fundamentals well. The first step to safety is to identify hazards. Workplace hazards are sources of potential harm or damage to someone or something in any work environment. They can be material or any activity that has the likelihood to cause injuries under specific conditions. Hazards should be eliminated as soon as they are identified to prevent workplace incidents or fatalities. Early detection of hazards and implementing safety practices will help prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. Some ways to identify hazards at Northern Health include:…
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Enhancing preparedness: Code Black Sim in ED
Occupational violence and aggression refers to instances where individuals are abused, threatened, or assaulted in connection with their work. These incidents can originate from various sources, including clients, customers, the public, or even colleagues. Recent statistics reveal that 95 per cent of healthcare employees have encountered violent or aggressive behaviour while on the job. Last week, the Simulation and Safety team at Northern Health conducted a Code Black simulation in the Emergency Department. This was in response to a recent increase of Occupational Violence and Aggression incidents across the organisation. Northern Health recognises the safety concerns staff are facing with…
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Foot Health Week
Foot Health Week (14 – 20 October) is dedicated to raising awareness of the scope of the podiatry profession and educating the community of the diverse ways podiatrists can support our health. Leonardo da Vinci described the human foot as a “masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” “The human foot is indeed a complicated structure composed of 26 bones that interact with a variety of muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue to keep us moving upright throughout our lives. A healthy functioning of all these structures is required to engage in work, exercise and sport,” said Robert Beavan,…
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Allied Health Professions Day: Stronger together
Allied Health Professions Day is a social movement to recognise the contribution of Allied Health professionals to patient care and population health. It is also a chance to get to know and celebrate the skills and achievements of Allied Health professionals across the world. The theme for this year’s Allied Health Professions Day is ‘Stronger Together’, which highlights the benefits of multidisciplinary team-based care. Northern Health has an extensive Allied Health department, spanning all sites, with many dedicated staff working across all disciplines, including: Audiology Exercise Physiology Dietetics and Nutrition Occupational Therapy Orthotics Orthoptics Physiotherapy Podiatry Psychology Social Work Speech…
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A workplace safe from violence starts with us
Northern Health creates a safer workplace through assessing and controlling the risks of OVA to minimise harm and create a strong culture of care, and our workplace plays an important role in psychological health and safety. Rachel Green, Ward 19 Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), shares with us how OVA risks in her ward were reduced by working together. 1. Please share difficulties you have encountered in managing violence and aggression on your ward? At times, it can be overwhelming for me and the staff involved in an incident. The, toll it takes on my team, not only throughout the OVA…
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People Matter Survey: Make every day a great day at Northern Health
The People Matter Survey is now live for staff to complete. It is a safe and anonymous way for staff to have their say about what it’s like to work at Northern Health, what the organisation is doing well and what can be improved to ensure the health service is a place staff love to work at. Staff are able to safely voice their opinion and concerns on what really matters to them relating to job satisfaction, career development, manager and leadership support, diversity and inclusion, work-related stress and much more. Bianca Fazzari, People Experience Business Partner, People and Culture,…