Today, 28 May, is LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day – a day dedicated to helping end violence within LGBTQ communities by increasing visibility, fostering understanding, and giving hope and courage to victims and survivors.

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day was originally created in Australia in 2020. It is the first time in history that an awareness day was formed to highlight domestic, family and intimate partner violence occurring in LGBTQ communities. It has since grown into a global event, with hundreds of government departments and organisations across 20 countries recognising and supporting this important initiative.

The theme for this year is #SeenAndBelieved, with the emphasis on the importance of acknowledging and validating the unique experiences of LGBTQ victim survivors of domestic violence. It aims to bring awareness to the issue and ensure that they are seen, heard and believed.

The health sector is a critical entry point for people affected by family and domestic violence, which is an opportunity to provide medical care, support and referrals to specialist services. Every person affected by violence, each with their unique identities and relationships, has a right to be seen and believed by their health care providers.

At Northern Health, the Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program and the Rainbow Working Group and are working together to raise awareness on this important health issue.

Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV), says, “Family violence is a serious and prevalent health issue that has a profound impact on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victim survivors. Victim survivors are among our community and frequently present to our health service.”

“It is a human right to live a life free from violence and we all have a part to play in ensuring that we identify and respond to victim survivors of family and domestic violence.”

“Unfortunately, there is still apprehension within the LGBTQIA+ community to disclose family violence or contact mainstream services, which means victim survivors remain largely invisible with low levels of disclosure and reporting.”

“Northern Health aims to play an important role in preventing family violence through providing a respectful, equitable and safe service. We are committed to providing an environment that is safe for all victim survivors of family violence to disclose their experience and receive support and safety,” she added.

Family violence is behaviour by a person towards a family member that is physically or sexually abusive, emotionally or psychologically abusive, economically abusive, threatening, coercive or controlling of that family member and causes them to fear for their safety.

Family violence can impact people of all genders and sexual identities and can occur in all family types including intimate partners, across generations, extended families and carer relationships.

According to the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, more than 60 per cent of LGBTQ+ people have experienced domestic, family or intimate partner violence and abuse in their lifetime. Forms of family violence perpetrated specifically against LGBTQIA+ individuals include threatening to ‘out’ a person’s gender, sexual identity or intersex status to family, friends, colleagues or their community and this threat is used as way to control the victim survivor.

Despite this prevalence, LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to recognise domestic or family violence in their relationships, less likely to report it to the police or seek support from services and are far less likely to find support services that meet their specific needs.

Northern Health encourages staff to get involved and show their support to the LGBTQIA+ community by wearing something rainbow throughout the week, having a conversation about healthy relationships, spread the word on social media with #SeenAndBelieved and become aware of support services available to LGBTQIA+ victim survivors.

Tanya reminds staff to please ensure to use the Family Violence MARAM Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient who is at risk of family violence. The Tool is best practice in identifying and responding to family violence. The Tool is located on EMR (AdHoc Forms Section) and PROMPT.

The SHRFV Team is also available for specialist family violence consultation and to deliver family violence training. Please contact the SHRFV Team if you need to consult or organise training in your area (8405 8519).

Click here to get involved or for more information on LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day.

Support services:

• Safe Steps: 24-hour State-Wide Crisis Response Service Ph: 1800 015 188
• With Respect: Specialist LGBTQI+ Family Violence Service – Ph: 1800 542 847
• Rainbow Door: LGBTQIA+ information, support and referral helpline Ph: 1800 729 367
• 1800 RESPECT: 24/7 National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service Ph: 1800 737 732
• Qlife: LGBTIQ+ Peer Support, Information and Referral. Ph: 1800 184 527
• Disclose to your health professional to access support and safety.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Maria Soo, Director, Workforce Planning and Projects, People and Culture, Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Penelope Vye, Associate Director, Allied Health, Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence and Chamie, Social Worker.

This week, 27 May – 3 June, is National Reconciliation Week.

It is a 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.

At Northern Health, we are committed to ensuring our First Nations communities have equitable access to lifesaving and quality-of-life-improving treatment options. Clinical trials can offer exciting new opportunities for care, especially for conditions that disproportionately impact our community.

Northern Health’s participation in the TrialHub program has enabled us to walk alongside the community in shaping how clinical trials are communicated and delivered. From the outset, we heard clearly that First Nations people value a close, culturally safe model of care – where there is one main point of contact and a genuine opportunity to improve health outcomes for the next generation.

This feedback helped shape the development of a unique and culturally resonant clinical trials resource, The Gift of Healing – a bespoke brochure created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The project was driven by a shared understanding that First Nations voices must be central in the design and communication of health services.

“It’s not just about delivering information – it’s about honouring culture, connection, and choice. The Gift of Healing allows our community to see themselves in the narrative of research, where healing is guided by cultural strength,” said Karen Bryant, Manager of Narrun Wilip-giin – Aboriginal Support Unit (ASU), Northern Health.

This initiative grew from a recognised gap. Two years ago, as clinical trials began expanding into regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria, it became clear that First Nations people had not been adequately consulted in how trials were communicated. For the past 18 months, deep and respectful conversations were held with Indigenous researchers, medical students, and community members to shape both the language and content of the brochure.

Celebrated Indigenous artist Dixon Patten, a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man, was commissioned to bring the brochure to life. Based in Bendigo, Dixon worked closely with TrialHub and the seven partner health services – Latrobe Regional Health, Bass Coast Health, Peninsula Health, Northern Health, Mildura Base Public Hospital, Bendigo Health and Alfred Health – to create an artwork that truly reflects community stories and hopes.

“Our healing experiences can sometimes feel isolating and lonely,” Dixon said. “This art reminds us that we are part of a community with an abundance of strength and resilience. Taking ownership of our healing is a powerful gift we give ourselves and our communities.”

The result is The Gift of Healing, a vibrant and culturally grounded visual and written resource that not only explains what clinical trials are, but celebrates the community’s role in shaping a healthier future. Click here to view the PDF version.

Brochures are available in the Main Foyer, at Entry 5, and throughout Northern Health, including Outpatient Clinics and various wards.

Northern Health is proud to be part of this collaboration – supporting clinical trial participation that is culturally safe, locally delivered, and community led. The artwork stands as a gift from the seven partnering communities, a symbol of resilience, strength, and the shared journey toward healing.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Natalie Bloomfield, Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Educator, Lisa Walker, Cancer Clinical Trials Unit Leader and Coordinator, Jo Quinn, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Stephanie Thompson, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Alana Chrisomalidis Cohen, Nurse/Midwife and Alex Slade, Midwife.

Northern Health is adopting electronic tracking of controlled medication management that is both practical and reliable, to enhance patient medication safety and operational efficiency.

HS8 is a digital platform to record and monitor movement of controlled medicines. Traditionally, this process relies on paper logbooks which are prone to errors, illegible handwriting, and time-consuming reconciliation.

David Harris, Deputy Director of Pharmacy, said HS8 will mitigate risks associated with medication errors.

“It will reduce administrative burden for our clinical staff, freeing up time to focus on direct patient care,” he said.

Real-time compliance alerts for stock adjustments and discrepancies will also assist in timely rectification of irregularities or diversion. Furthermore, its user-friendly interface facilitates efficient documentation and visibility of controlled drugs within the hospital, making dispensing and distribution much more efficient.

Northern Health’s transition to electronic controlled medication registers began with a successful pilot program across Pharmacy in February 2025. This initial implementation served as a critical testing ground, allowing staff to familiarise themselves with the system, provide feedback, and identify initial challenges.

This successful expansion was supported by the efforts of pharmacy site leads Elise Simionato, Angelo Tonietto and Paula Parkins, and Pharmacy Education team Jeff Khoshaba and Ginny Dhillon.

The teams are now in the planning phase to extend HS8 beyond our pharmacies. A working group comprised of senior nursing staff and pharmacists, including Deanne Rowland, Ligi Jomy, Rashminder Singh, Jeena Chhetri, Lisa Cox, Uyen Hua and David Harris have convened to scale the platform across all Northern Health clinical areas.

This collaborative effort is ensuring that the ward implementation is tailored to the unique workflows and needs of nursing staff, while maintaining established governance and legislative standards for S8 and S4D medicine handling and management.

The ward pilot program is set to go live July 2025 across two wards – Northern Hospital Epping Ward 16 and Broadmeadows Unit 1.

Featured image L-R: David Harris, Elise Simionato and Uyen Hua.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Casey O’Brien, Senior Psychologist – OHS & Wellbeing, People and Culture at Northern Health.

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

A: Skinny cappuccino or flat white. We have a morning ‘coffee walk’ ritual in our team, so coffee is very much part of our culture.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?

A: After 10 years at St. Vincent’s Hospital, I started at Northern Health in 2021 during the COVID pandemic. As a people person, it was challenging to build relationships with managers and staff when I was largely working from home. Now, a favourite part of my role is being invited into different spaces across Northern Health, taking a tour, and talking to staff about wellbeing and what matters to them. My current role is quite diverse which is the way I like it! Depending on the day I could be delivering education, working on our wellbeing strategy, or supporting a team through a critical event. Each area at Northern has its own culture and strengths within our broader culture of care, so taking time to listen and understand the needs of each area is important to providing support.

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

A: While I may have the ‘wellbeing’ job title, I have met many people here who are equally passionate about wellbeing and do amazing work to promote wellbeing in their areas. We established the NH Peer Support Program in 2022, and I am especially proud of our peers who provide kind, compassionate and really practical support to staff who are navigating challenging situations.

Q: If you weren’t in your current role, what would you have been instead?

A: I originally wanted to study Tourism Management because I loved to travel and plan holidays! I have been lucky to have a diverse career working in research, as a therapist providing individual counselling, and also as a yoga teacher. I also considered forensic psychology to work in criminal investigation and behavioural analysis, but I will leave that to Hollywood, lol.

Q: Tell us one thing not many people know about you?

A: I lived in Dublin, Ireland for four years during my 20s. When I hear an Irish accent now it is a sweet moment and takes me back to that time. I met so many amazing people (I never got a taste for Guinness though!) and enjoyed travelling around Europe and the UK. My grandfather grew up in Deventer in the Netherlands and came to Australia after World War II. I had the privilege of travelling there and meeting my Dutch family, walking in his footsteps. It was very special.

Q: Sweet or savoury?

A: Give me a bowl of salt and vinegar potato chips and I am happy!

Q: Mountain or beach? 

A: I am definitely not a sun bather but love walking along the beach on a windswept early evening, taking in the fresh air and sounds of the ocean is very therapeutic!

Q: What advice you’d like to give to your younger self?

A: Trust your judgement and don’t worry so much about what others think – do what is right for you.

On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the Northern Health Foundation hosted its annual Gala Ball at the Savoy Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, bringing together over 430 guests to support cancer services in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The elegant evening featured a three-course dinner, world-class entertainment, and live auctions with great prizes available, all aimed at raising funds for cancer services at Northern Hospital Epping.

The event, hosted by renowned radio and television personality Ben Sorensen, featured a vibrant mix of entertainment, including energetic Bollywood dancers and dynamic Lebanese drummers to set the stage. Adding to the excitement was world-class comedian Joe Avati who made a special appearance, delighting guests with his signature humour. Corporate sponsors, including Principal Partner ISS, and local MPs were also in attendance, contributing to the event’s success. 

Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the Gala Ball raised over $135,000. These funds will support the vision of creating a cancer wellness centre here in the north, while also providing support to cancer services at Northern Health to aid in the purchase of a scalp cooling machine for its patients. 

Pina Di Donato, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Foundation, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome from Saturday night. It was a wonderful event and a tremendous effort on behalf of the team, who I am very proud of.” 

A heartfelt thank you to our Principal Partner, ISS, and to all our generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Your unwavering support is instrumental in enhancing healthcare services for our diverse and growing community. We look forward to welcoming guests to the next Northern Health Foundation Gala Ball, to continue seeing the impact your generosity makes on our community and, most importantly, the patients here at Northern Health.

Northern Health Foundation continues to rely on the generosity of the community to fund vital healthcare services in the rapidly growing northern region.

For more information on how to support the Foundation, visit nhfoundation.org.au

Featured image (L-R): MC, Ben Sorensen and Chief Executive, Northern Health, Debra Bourne

Featured image: Sapphire Dancers (Bollywood)

Northern Health’s beloved volunteer, Norma McGrillen, has been a devoted member of the Preston Auxiliary – affectionately known as Busy Fingers – at the Northern Health Bundoora Centre for an incredible 25 years. In 2024, she proudly joined the celebration of the Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the enduring impact of the group and dedicated volunteers like Norma.

A true fixture of the Bundoora community, Norma is fondly described as “part of the furniture.” Known and deeply appreciated by both staff and visitors, she brings unwavering warmth and commitment to her role. For the past 17 years, Norma has also served as Treasurer, carrying out her responsibilities with diligence, a sharp business sense, and a famously keen eye for a bargain.

Reflecting on her years of service, Norma recalls countless moments when familiar faces would pop up unexpectedly while she assisted customers. Her journey with the Auxiliary began, as she puts it, when she was “hoodwinked” by the Auxiliary’s founding members, Olive and Jack Wall, into joining. In those early days, even the husbands got involved – transporting handmade goods to stalls at Northland and Epping shopping centres to raise much-needed funds for the hospital.

Quietly generous and always ready to lend a hand, Norma brings light to every day with her wicked sense of humour and kind spirit. Whether helping a customer or chatting with a patient, she leaves people feeling a little brighter.

Norma and her late husband, Bernie, share a proud family legacy – two daughters, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

To mark National Volunteer Week 2025, we sat down with Norma to learn more about her journey and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.

Q: After 25 years of volunteering, what has been the most unexpected lesson or experience that stayed with you?

A: I’ve learned that a smile and time spent with someone – regardless of cultural differences or language barriers – is absolutely priceless.

Q: What motivates you to keep showing up year after year? What’s at the heart of your motivation?

A: For me, volunteering is a way to give back. It’s my ‘Thank you’ for the care and compassion my dad received – and later, the support given to my husband while he was living with Parkinson’s disease.

Q: How has volunteering changed you personally over the years?

A: I’ve become a better listener – and more tolerant.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their volunteer journey, what would it be?

A: Absolutely do it! Volunteering is incredibly rewarding. You’ll gain valuable experience, hear meaningful stories from the people you meet, and make a real difference. And most importantly – never underestimate the power of a warm smile.

From all of us at Northern Health, we extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Norma for her remarkable 25 years of service at the Bundoora Centre. Your dedication is truly inspiring!

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Natalie Carroll, Volunteer Coordinator at Bundoora Centre with Norma McGrillen. 

Clinical trials offer patients the chance to try the latest treatments and medicines, benefiting their health now and for future generations.

Today is International Clinical Trials Day. This day honours James Lind’s ground-breaking work in 1747, marking the first randomised clinical trial. It highlights the crucial role of clinical research in advancing public health and recognises the contributions of everyone involved.

This Year’s Theme: “Rethinking Clinical Trials: Inclusivity in Practice” emphasises the importance of inclusive and representative trials. At Northern Health, we are dedicated to making clinical research accessible to all, understanding that diversity is key to developing treatments that benefit everyone.

With residents from over 185 countries speaking 106 languages, more than 50 per cent of our cancer patients need language support services from TALS. However, those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are still underrepresented in clinical trials.

There are now more than 90 open clinical trials at Northern Health across multiple specialties. Northern Health is one of the only health services in Australia to be assessed as a fully mature clinical trials service against the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework.

Our clinical and TALS staff have created patient-specific lay language clinical trial information sheets in multiple languages to reach CALD communities.

“The growth in clinical trial capacity at Northern Health is truly inspirational. It reflects the commitment of researchers at our organisation to strive to continually improve the quality of care provided to our diverse community,” according to A/Prof Mayur Garg, Acting Director of Research and Director of Gastroenterology.

Since 2022, Northern Health has partnered with TrialHub at Alfred Health to enhance our clinical trial workforce and increase cancer trials. Watch our video, created with TrialHub, to learn more about how clinical trials are available to everyone, regardless of age or ethnicity.

Dr Belinda Lee, Medical Oncologist and Head of Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, says, “Our goal at Northern Health is to ensure that every patient, regardless of background, has equal access to the opportunities and benefits that clinical trials offer our community.”

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21, at the Ideas Lab, NCHER Level 3, for a one-hour Research Grand Round. Reflect on promoting inclusivity in clinical research and hear from Dr Sharni Norouzi about key barriers impacting CALD participation in cancer trials. The session will conclude with networking opportunities to discuss enhancing inclusivity in our research and practices.

To receive a calendar, invite for this session, please email NH.Research@nh.org.au

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Belinda Lee, Medical Oncologist and Head of Cancer Clinical Trials Unit with Gurinder Kaur JP.

At Northern Health, small acts of kindness are making a big difference. Whether it’s the comforting touch of a handmade blanket or the quiet escape offered by a good book, the Care and Comfort Program and Patient Libraries are enriching the hospital experience for patients and residents alike.

These two initiatives were developed by the Library and Information Literacy Services team to enhance person-centred care. Their goal is to create welcoming, compassionate environments that support emotional wellbeing alongside clinical care.

The Care and Comfort Program, officially launched in early 2025, provides handmade items – beanies, blankets, baby cardigans, sensory toys, and more – that bring colour, warmth, and a sense of human connection to hospital stays. To date, more than 500 items have been lovingly shared with patients and residents across Northern Health.

Each piece is made and donated by generous volunteers from the community, including the Friends of Wyndham Craft Group, Epping RSL Poppy Ladies, Knit for Charities, and several skilled staff members. These small tokens of care are more than just gifts – they are reminders that people outside hospital walls are thinking of those within them.

“The beanie I received was warm and comforting and reminded me that someone cared enough to make it,” said one patient.

“It was wonderful to have a blanket – it was so bright and colourful and helped cheer me up. It was nice to have when you come to hospital with nothing,” said Amy Stewart, consumer from Ward 23.

Kathryn Visser, OT in Ward 7, says the provision of crochet and quilted blankets has added warmth to the overall space on the Ward.

“Consumers have enjoyed using the blankets outside on warm days, to sit on together and enjoy our morning coffee group with. The small crochet flowers have been enjoyed and utilised as sensory fidget tools, and many have been given to consumers to take home on discharge to provide ongoing support as a tool in their recovery.”

In parallel, the Patient Libraries have transformed hospital wards into places of mental retreat and imagination. First piloted in late 2024, this rotating collection of books and magazines now spans 28 libraries across Northern Health facilities, offering almost 1,500 titles for patients and residents to enjoy.

The collection is entirely donation-based, with a wide range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, crime, romance, biographies, graphic novels, children’s books, and magazines covering puzzles, lifestyle, gardening and current affairs. Curated and replenished by the library team, the Patient Libraries provide more than just entertainment – they offer distraction, comfort, and a sense of normalcy.

“I didn’t expect a library in hospital. It was such a nice surprise – something to read helped the time pass and made it feel a little more like home,” was one patient’s feedback.

“The books in the Patient Libraries are very popular and help people to explore new worlds, perspectives and ideas,” said Jason Ray, Senior OT, Ward 23.

“Thanks to the NH Library, we’ve replaced the old books at Dianella Hostel with a fresh selection – it’s wonderful for our residents,” says Susan Palmer, Executive Assistant, Kilmore District Hospital.

“Although the patient library is a new addition to Ward 9, we know it will help patients pass time and ease some of the stress before surgery. It’s been great to see patients already engaging with the books and resources,” noted Fran Daly, A/Num, DPU, Northern Health.

These programs are not only effective but entirely community-powered, relying on the goodwill and contributions of volunteers, staff and local donors. They reflect Northern Health’s broader commitment to treating each person with dignity and compassion – providing care not only for the body, but for the mind and spirit too.

“These initiatives support emotional wellbeing and a sense of dignity during what can be a vulnerable time. Something as simple as a book or a handmade item can help patients and residents feel more connected, cared for and at ease in a clinical environment,” says Tania Barry, Director, Library and Information Literacy Services.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the NH library team for setting up a small library on Ward 18. For many of our patients, hospital stays – especially following surgery – can be long, stressful and emotionally challenging. Reading can be a powerful companion in recovery, and we believe having access to books of all reading abilities will bring comfort, distraction and a sense of normalcy to our patients and their families. We look forward to sharing patient’s experiences and feedback with the ward’s library in the near future,” said Hannah Conrick, NUM of Ward 18.

Whether it’s a crocheted fiddle item helping someone feel more grounded, a cheerful magazine brightening a long day, or a soft blanket offering comfort in an unfamiliar room, these small touches are making a lasting impression.

As one patient put it best, “The blanket was beautiful. It has made a big difference to my room.”

 

Pictured in featured image: Staff from Ward 18 at the Patient Library