Hear from our consumers and clinicians

This week marks National Advance Care Planning Week (16–22 March). Northern Health is proud to share a powerful video featuring the voices of our consumers and clinicians, highlighting why planning for future medical care matters.

Three consumers, Willeke, Julie, and Lorenzo, generously share their personal experiences with Advance Care Planning – what prompted them to start the conversation, what the process meant for them and their loved ones, and why they believe it is important. Lorenzo stated, “It gives me peace of mind with the knowledge that when something will happen to me, which it invariably will, to everybody I guess, in one way or another I will be in a position to feel more at ease that everything I needed to do for my situation has been taken care of and there is no need for anybody else to intervene.”

The video also features insights from two Northern Health clinicians, Dr Wanda Stelmach and Dr David Crosbie, who speak about the clinical value of planning for future care. They reflect on how Advance Care Planning supports patient-centred care, guides medical decision-making, and ensures treatment aligns with what matters most to the person.

Dr Stelmach explained that when discussing a diagnosis and potential treatment with a consumer, it is important to give them the opportunity to consider their preferences and wishes.

“It gives them a chance to reflect on the options, the possible side effects, and how those choices align with what matters most to them,” she said.

Advance care planning is more than a document — it’s a continued conversation and helps people:

• Clarify their values, preferences, and medical instructions for future care
• Appoint a Medical Treatment Decision-Maker
• Provide clarity and reduce uncertainty for loved ones
• Support clinicians to deliver care aligned with a person’s goals

We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch the video and reflect on how you can support advance care planning in your role — whether that’s starting conversations, recognising opportunities, or referring to the ACP team.

If you would like support for yourself, your team, education sessions, or guidance on referral pathways, please contact the ACP team.

Call: (03) 9495 3225
Email: acp@nh.org.au
Webpage: https://www.nh.org.au/service/advance-care-planning/

Watch the video:

Let’s continue working together to ensure every person’s voice is heard – today and in the future.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Julie Loughran, Diabetes Nurse Consultant, Bundoora Centre and Community Services, Northern Health.

 

Q: First, let’s start with your coffee order?

A: The most challenging part of moving to Australia was finding the right coffee. After many combinations I have now found the perfect choice – weak long black with cold milk and hot water on the side, never did I think coffee could be so complicated!

 

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.

A: I began working at Northern Health 13 years ago, shortly after moving from the UK to Australia. It’s hard to believe how quickly that time has passed. Over the years, Northern Health has evolved significantly, and while I continue to work as a Diabetes Nurse Consultant, the role itself has continually developed and expanded.

I have always worked within the sub-acute setting at Northern Health, collaborating closely with the whole diabetes team. More recently, I have also had the opportunity to work alongside community and transition services, supporting patients as they move from hospital to home and helping to ensure seamless continuity of care for people managing diabetes after discharge.

One of the most significant changes in diabetes care during this time has been the rapid advancement of technology. Continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy have been transformative for many people living with diabetes. It truly is an exciting time to be working in this field.

 

Q: What is the best part of working at Northern Health?

A: Northern Health is open to new ideas. There is an attitude of can do rather than cannot, it is very refreshing.

 

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your role?

A: Every now and again we can have a sweet treat! Often staff members hide the sweeter things when they see me coming.

 

Q: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

A: Listening, it is such a valuable skill. It is always so easy for us to tell a client what we think they should know rather than listening to what they want to know. Information overload is a real issue in diabetes education – we have so much to say but timing is everything.

 

Q: How do you like to spend your weekends or time off?

A: Like many I try to keep fit, my passion is running but always comes with the risk of injury. A weekend full of exercise, coffee, time with friends and family and a glass of wine is the perfect weekend.

 

Q: Who or what inspires you most?

A: I am continually inspired by the researchers whose work has transformed the lives of people living with diabetes. Having worked in the field for more than 25 years, I have witnessed extraordinary advances in equipment, treatment options, and technology. The progress has been remarkable.

I am now looking forward to the opportunity to train as a registered nurse prescriber. This new initiative represents an important step forward, enabling nurses to practise to their full scope and further enhance patient care.

We are pleased to announce that Dr Katharine See, Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Northern Health, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Lung Foundation Australia’s prestigious Professor Christine Jenkins AM Woman of Influence in Lung Health Award. She is the third recipient of this national honour.

A respiratory physician with a longstanding commitment to improving care for people living with chronic lung disease, Dr See established the Respiratory and Sleep Medicine service at Northern Health in 2017 and has since led its growth into a comprehensive, future-focused service grounded in value-based healthcare. Under her leadership, the service has expanded access to specialist respiratory care, strengthened diagnostic and treatment pathways, and embedded multidisciplinary, integrated models of care that span acute, ambulatory and virtual settings.

With a strong strategic vision and deep commitment to person-centred care, she has championed digitally enabled programs such as the Severe Asthma Digital Care Pathway and Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation. These initiatives embed patient-reported outcomes, improve timely access to specialist support and deliver measurable improvements in outcomes for people with respiratory disease. Her work is transformative in scope, redesigning models of care to achieve the health outcomes that matter most to patients while strengthening equity, sustainability and system performance.

Dr See is recognised as a national leader in value-based healthcare, driving large-scale service redesign so that clinical excellence is matched by equity, efficiency and measurable impact across the health system.

The award was presented at the Celebrating Women of Influence in Lung Health Dinner in Sydney on 6 March 2026, held in recognition of International Women’s Day. The event brought together leaders from across Australia to honour women shaping the future of lung health.

The Professor Christine Jenkins AM Woman of Influence in Lung Health Award recognises an early to mid-career clinician, researcher or practitioner whose work has made a significant impact on lung health in Australia. Established in honour of Professor Christine Jenkins, whose distinguished career in respiratory medicine, research and advocacy has influenced standards of care nationally, the award includes a $10,000 professional development grant.

Lung Foundation Australia is the country’s leading non-profit organisation dedicated to improving lung health through research, advocacy, education and support. The award highlights the importance of leadership, equity and innovation in improving outcomes for people living with lung disease.

Congratulations to Dr Katharine See on this outstanding achievement!

Today, 11 March, Northern Health is recognising World Delirium Awareness Day, joining healthcare organisations around the world to raise awareness about delirium and its impact on patients, families and healthcare systems.

Delirium is an acute change in mental state that is often triggered by illness, surgery or certain medications. It can have serious consequences for patients, including an increased risk of falls, functional decline, longer hospital stays, a higher risk of dementia, and increased mortality.

Despite its significance, delirium can sometimes be missed or under-documented. Encouragingly, research shows that delirium is preventable in more than one third of older people with risk factors. Early identification and management are really useful to shorten the duration of delirium but won’t prevent it.

At Northern Health, clinicians follow the Delirium Clinical Care Standard developed by the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care to support the prevention, identification and management of delirium.

In 2025, a Delirium Dashboard was introduced, leveraging the capabilities of the electronic medical record (EMR) to monitor compliance with the clinical care standard and support ongoing quality improvement.

Northern Health is also participating in Improving Care for Older people at Risk of Delirium (iCORD) project led by Safer Care Victoria. The initiative aims to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium and shorten hospital stays for patients who develop the condition.

Initial work through the iCORD project focuses on improving daily delirium screening and ensuring urgent escalation when new changes in alertness or cognition are identified. Future stages will focus on strengthening clinical care approaches to prevent delirium and support earlier intervention.

There is also a strong focus on increasing awareness among patients and families, empowering them to speak up if they notice changes in a patient’s thinking, behaviour or level of alertness.

Dr Louise Monk, Geriatrician and Co-Chair of the Preventing Delirium and Managing Cognitive Impairment Sub-committee at Northern Health, said raising awareness is key to improving outcomes.

“Delirium is common, serious and often preventable. By improving screening, recognising changes early and involving families in care, we can significantly reduce its impact on older patients and support safer hospital stays.”

“Encouragingly, research shows that delirium is preventable in more than one third of older people, when there is careful attention to optimising factors such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, mobility, communication, orientation and the use of sensory aids,” she added.

Through initiatives like the Delirium Dashboard and the iCORD project, Northern Health continues to strengthen its commitment to improving care for older patients and reducing the burden of delirium across the community.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Louise Monk, Geriatrician, Co-Chair Preventing Delirium and Managing Cognitive Impairment CIC, Co-Lead iCORD delirium project, Mr Steve Ferguson, Project Manager, Co-Chair iCORD project, Ms Heather Christensen-Anderson, Consumer Rep iCORD project and Mr Joseph David, NUM Ward 6, team member iCORD project. 

Northern Health proudly celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday, 6 March, bringing together staff, board members, distinguished guests, and community members for an inspiring morning at Mantra Epping.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, speaks directly to who we are. Progress is built through contribution, when women give their time, knowledge, care and leadership to create opportunity – not just for themselves, but for others.

From students and graduates beginning their careers, to senior clinicians, managers and executive leaders guiding strategy across our campuses, Northern Health is shaped by women who choose to give, and in doing so, elevate those around them.

The event was well attended by staff from across many divisions and departments. The event was also attended by Bronwyn Halfpenny MP – Member for Thomastown, Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly, Board Chair, Northern Health, Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, Northern Health, Dr Andrea Kattula, Cate Kelly and Nirasha Parsotam, Northern Health Board Members, Josie Minniti AM and Margie Hill, Northern Health Foundation Patrons, and Shannon Ryan, Northern Health Foundation Board Member.

The morning began with a powerful message from Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation. She spoke about the important reminder that when we invest in women, we support, uplift and empower one another.

“Today, as we come together under the ‘Queen B’ theme, we acknowledge the powerful truth – that excellence in healthcare, much like a thriving hive, depends on leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the collective good,” she said.

“At Northern Health, women are central to that strength. They lead with clarity, deliver care with compassion, and support one another so that our communities receive the very best possible care.”

‘We are proud to foster an environment where people are supported to grow and succeed – a place where opportunity is nurtured, leadership is encouraged, and potential is realised. Here, a PSA can go on to become a nurse. A ward clerk can one day become a surgeon, and a nurse can rise to become our Chief Executive. This is what Give to Gain looks like in action.”

The highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr Susan Alberti AC AO AM, a highly respected Australian businesswoman, philanthropist, and former Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club.

She has raised more than $200 million for medical research and other charitable causes. In 2016, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, for eminent service to the community. She was later named Melburnian of the Year in 2017 and Victorian of the Year in 2018, recognised for her influence across community, health and sport. Her story embodies resilience, advocacy and the power of collective action. It promises to challenge, inspire and remind us of what is possible when leadership is grounded in purpose.

She captivated the audience from start to finish, with a remarkable and emotional story of resilience, courage, and fortitude.  She spoke about her work in the AFL and building industry, two industries often associated with men.  An avid lover of AFL, kicking the footy with her brother, and her beloved Western Bulldogs, she’s proud to see the progress of women sport in Australia, but admits, there’s still a long way to go.

“It gives me such joy to see these little girls given the opportunity that their brothers are given to go and play the sport they truly love – and why not, why shouldn’t they be given the same opportunity,” she said.

“It’s there for them now, they can have a career in footy, whether it be playing the game, administration, coaching – it’s there for them to realise their dream.”

“It is the modern 21st century Australia. Let us celebrate the achievement of the birth of women playing at the highest level of AFL football. We have come a long way, but there is still a lot to be done. Why should women not be given the same opportunities as men?”

Following her speech, the excitement continued with the much-anticipated door prizes. All attendees also received honey jars, lovingly made by Rowan Shield, Director, Digital Projects.

The event was more than a calendar event. It was an opportunity to collectively honour the women who shape our culture at Northern Health, strengthen our services, and drive the future of health in Melbourne’s north.

Progress does not happen quietly.
It happens because women step forward.

They mentor the next generation on busy wards.
They lead services through complexity.
They build teams. Shape culture. Open doors.

At Northern Health, this is not abstract…it is everyday practice.

Remember our gentle giant, Dr Sela Koyamaibole?

Although we farewelled him last year, he has just helped make history. Fiji’s health sector has reached a major milestone, with the first-ever Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) performed in the country, and likely the South Pacific region.

The procedure was led by Dr Koyamaibole himself at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, with support from a team of Australian volunteer clinicians as part of the Global Vascular Companionship, founded by Northern Health Vascular Surgeon Dr Iman Bayat.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Koyamaibole said, “We were able to perform the country’s, and possibly the Pacific’s, first endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Traditionally in Fiji, we treated it with open surgery, which involves extensive preparation, intensive care and a long hospital stay. With this vascular approach, it is minimally invasive.”

Dr Koyamaibole previously undertook vascular surgery training at Northern Health, making this milestone a powerful example of sustainable training partnerships and international collaboration in action.

The Northern Health delegation included:

• Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, Vascular Surgeon
• Pinar Peler, Vascular Theatre Nurse
• Robert Beavan, Podiatrist
• Donna Oomens, Vascular Sonographer and lecturer at Western Sydney University

Working alongside Dr Koyamaibole and the CWMH theatre team, the group supported the delivery of Fiji’s first EVAR procedure — a minimally invasive technique used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms and prevent life-threatening rupture.

Beyond the landmark surgery, the visit focused strongly on education, mentoring and strengthening local services.

Robert Beavan delivered hands-on education sessions to foot care nurses and physiotherapists from across Fiji, focusing on assessment, treatment and offloading techniques for diabetic foot wounds. He also contributed to the review of Fiji’s soon-to-be-launched diabetic foot guidelines from a podiatry perspective.

Diabetes is endemic in the region, with high rates of limb loss due to complications affecting the feet. Access to vascular surgery and multidisciplinary care is critical in preventing avoidable amputations and improving long-term outcomes.

Donna Oomens provided education and mentorship to local sonographers in vascular ultrasound, an essential diagnostic tool used to assess arterial and venous circulation accurately and guide surgical decision-making.

The achievement was recognised nationally, with Fiji One News airing the milestone on its national bulletin on Friday, 20 February 2026. Click here to watch the video.

Dr Shrikkanth Rangarajan said the partnership reflects the true meaning of companionship.

“Companionship is a specifically chosen word, which means to partner with or to walk the same path together. We are privileged to be here in Fiji and share in the successes that the vascular surgeons here are achieving. They’ve worked very hard and sacrificed time with their families to travel overseas to acquire the training needed to become skilled vascular surgeons. We’re very proud to see this service grow here and across the Pacific.”

The successful EVAR marks a significant advancement in Fiji’s surgical capability and reflects the power of long-term partnerships built on training, mentorship and mutual respect.

Congratulations to Dr Sela Koyamaibole and the entire CWMH team on this historic achievement, and to our Northern Health staff for their contribution to advancing vascular care in the South Pacific.

 

Today is National Orthotist/Prosthetist Day, and we celebrate the quiet strength, technical expertise and compassion of our orthotists and prosthetists at Northern Health who help people stand taller, sometimes quite literally.

Orthotists and prosthetists play a pivotal role across both acute and rehabilitation settings. Whether fitting a spinal brace following a fracture or facilitating safer mobility with an ankle-foot orthosis during rehabilitation, every prescription represents far more than a device. It symbolises resilience, progress, and a return to meaningful goals.

Jack Yeung, Clinical Lead for Orthotics, reflects on the profession’s remarkable evolution.

“Orthotics has shifted from traditional workshop technical skills to advanced digital design using 3D scanning to capture limb shape and 3D printing to create lighter, more precise and highly customised devices.”

Hong Tran reflected that “As an Orthotist/Prosthetist, I have the opportunity to solve real-life problems that can truly transform a person’s mobility and overall quality of life. I am especially drawn to the unique blend of clinical reasoning and hands-on technical work, where I can combine analytical problem-solving with practical skills to make a meaningful and lasting difference in people’s lives.”

Amanda Sergi, Senior Orthotist and clinical educator highlighted “I enjoy the hands-on arty aspect of making orthoses from scratch. Clients’ presentations are often like a complex puzzle often requiring a unique solution.”

Stefania Dilella, Orthotic Allied Health Assistant and current third year student in Prosthetics and Orthotics shared, “I’ve always been drawn to science and healthcare, but wanted to do something hand-on and practical and felt this was a perfect intersection of both.”

“We also take this opportunity to raise awareness about supporting individuals on their journey back to mobility. Organisations such as Range of Motion Project provide essential prosthetic and orthotic care to people in Ecuador and Guatemala who face significant barriers to access. Their mission to Make Immobility a Thing of the Past closely aligns with our team’s commitment to restoring independence and opportunity. We are proud to support one of our orthotists on a 10-day outreach program in Ecuador this November, where he will be evaluating, casting and fitting prosthetic devices for individuals in need,” says Mr Yeung.

The Orthotics Department at Northern Health marked National Orthotist/Prosthetist Day by celebrating the profession’s growth and innovation, including road-testing new 3D-printed orthotic devices, a fitting tribute to how far the field has progressed and the lives it continues to transform.

Pictured in featured image: The Orthotics team members at Northern Health. 

March marks Hearing Awareness Week, with 3 March recognised as World Hearing Day by the World Health Organization.

This year’s theme, “Hearing care for all children, from communities to classrooms,” reinforces the importance of early identification and timely intervention to support children’s speech, learning and social development.

At Northern Health, we are proud to strengthen this commitment through the launch of our new paediatric-focused audiology service at Craigieburn Community Hospital.

A Purpose-Built Facility for Growing Communities

The new Craigieburn service is delivered from a purpose-built facility designed specifically to support paediatric assessment and family-centred care. Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technology and sound-treated testing environments, the service enables highly accurate, efficient and child-friendly hearing assessments.

This contemporary setting has been thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming experience for children and their families, while providing clinicians with advanced equipment to support early diagnosis and ongoing management of hearing loss.

Leading Expertise Across Sites

The Craigieburn expansion is supported by the recent appointment of Senior Audiologist, Dr Julia Wunderlich, who now leads audiology services across both Craigieburn and Epping. The Audiology Team, which includes experienced audiologists Mr Jasna Bruce and Ms Yen Nguyen, delivers high-quality diagnostic and management services, with a predominantly paediatric caseload, while also supporting adult patients through internal referrals as required.

The Craigieburn expansion complements our established audiology service in Epping and reflects Northern Health’s response to rapid community growth and increasing demand for local services.

Supporting Early Intervention and Access

Globally, millions of children and adolescents experience hearing loss, and many remain undiagnosed without access to appropriate services. By investing in purpose-built infrastructure and advanced diagnostic capability at Craigieburn, Northern Health is ensuring families can access high-quality hearing care closer to home.

With plans to further expand access into Mernda in the future, Northern Health remains focused on delivering accessible, high-quality, community-based audiology services that enable children and families to thrive.

Featured image: Dr Julia Wunderlich, Senior Audiologist at Craigieburn Community Hospital