Last week, 26 February, the Northern Health Abortion Service hosted its first-ever Abortion Care Study Day at the Northern Centre for Health Education and Research (NCHER).

This milestone event was attended by over 100 delegates, and was led by Kate Chaouki, Abortion Clinic Lead from the Northern Health Abortion Services team.

The day brought together healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines including midwifery, nursing, medical, social work, radiology and genetic counselling. The study day aimed to enhance knowledge and understanding of abortion care, and strengthen the support and referral network by connecting care providers from across Melbourne and surrounds. Amongst the attendees were staff from Northern Health, as well as Mercy Health, Western Health, DPV, Sexual Health Victoria, The Women’s, the Sexual & Reproductive Health Hubs, and MSI.

The study day was made possible with funding from the University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Justice Hallmark Research Initiative, and focused on the abortion landscape in Victoria, understanding the needs of abortion seekers, conscientious objection/obstruction, values clarification, and how to prevent burnout amongst care providers. Speakers from Western Health, 1800 My Options, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, The Women’s, Austin Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women contributed their time and expertise to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking day.

Team members from the Abortion Service at Northern Health also contributed to the event, with Ms Chaouki leading a session on debunking myths and barriers, Eleanor Johnson, Registered Nurse, sharing insights from her recent Co-design workshops, and Dr Kate Shearer providing an overview of the Northern Health Abortion Service. Dr Debra Penney-Walsh joined an expert panel to discuss second trimester abortion care, while Sarah Wotherspoon, Counsellor/Social Worker, led a fantastic interactive session on reproductive coercion.

“The study day stimulated insightful discussions and offered practical strategies to support best practices for this important area of health care. The Northern Health Abortion Service team would like to thank Melanie Riseley, Clinical Midwifery Educator, and the midwifery education team for their support in the organisation and smooth running of the day,” said Ms Chaouki.

Nicole Carlon, Divisional Director Operations – Nursing, Women’s & Children’s, praised the event, “The abortion care study day saw a fabulous turnout of passionate staff from both within and outside Northern Health. The high-quality presentations and excellent audience engagement sparked important conversations, challenging us to reflect on our biases and explore how we can strive to deliver best practice, person-centred abortion care.”

 

Pictured in the featured image: The Abortion Care Study Day speakers, (back row L-R) – Dr Paddy Moore, Melanie Riseley, Carolyn Mogharbel, Eleanor Johnson, Dr Lisa Hui, Dr Shelly Makleff, Dr Kate Shearer, Dr Erica Millar, Melissa Graetz, Dr Stefan Kane, Sarah Wotherspoon.

Front row (L-R): Dr Debra Penney-Walsh, Kate Chaouki, Dr Aekta Neel, Dr Carol Vance, and Clare McDonald.

Northern Health’s Hospital in the Home (HITH) and Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM@Home) programs are making a significant leap forward with the full implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) today, 4 March 2025.

Previously, these services relied on a mix of paper and digital records, leading to inefficiencies in accessing patient information. Moving to a fully digital system will streamline documentation, improve communication, and ensure clinicians have real-time access to essential patient details – enhancing care at home.

“Implementing the EMR in HITH and GEM@Home is a major advancement for the teams and, most importantly, for our patients. With one connected, real-time record, we can provide safer, more efficient care while ensuring clinicians have the information they need – wherever they are,” says Daniella Chapkoun, Clinical Informatics Advisor and Project Lead, EMR.

Dr Rabin Sinnappu, Consultant, HITH, welcomed the change. “Transitioning to EMR will allow better patient care and bring HITH in line with the wider health service.”

Bridget Brendel, Clinical Coordinator, GEM@Home, added, “We’re excited to transition to EMR. It will streamline our program, reduce paperwork, and give staff instant access to patient information.”

Caroline Kilmartin, HITH Liaison Nurse, highlighted the impact on workflow and said that EMR will help bring HITH and all community services in line with the hospital’s technological transition.

“The exciting part is that care can now be documented in real time instead of waiting until we return to the office. Patient care will improve significantly through the efficiency of EMR processes.”

Terri Fiorenza, Director of EMR, calls this a key milestone.

“The EMR go-live for HITH and GEM@Home is our first since Phase 1 EMR implementation in 2023. This step brings enhanced efficiency, seamless care, and a brighter future for our teams and patients. Huge congratulations to the dedicated staff for making this possible,” she said.

Johanna Hayes, Divisional Director, Subacute Services and Hospital Without Walls, reinforces the patient safety benefits.

“The EMR will enable safer, connected care at home. With real-time access to patient information, clinicians can make informed decisions quickly, improving patient safety. Our patients are now very used to seeing nursing and medical staff using computers as part of their care in hospital, and this is the next step. Northern Health has one of the largest Hospital in the Home services, caring for both adults and children. Our patients tell us they love receiving their care at home.”

This transition reinforces Northern Health’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care, ensuring safer, more efficient, and better-integrated hospital-level services at home.

Pictured in featured image: Sharyn Martell, Registered Nurse with GEM@Home. 

Today, Northern Health launched a new Strategic Plan for 2025-29, reflecting our shared vision, values and strategic directions for the next five years.

The new plan has refreshed the vision, maintained Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind, Together, and set the six strategic directions to guide the health service through the coming years.

In a process that began in February 2024, the plan was developed from workshops and consultations with our staff, our partners and the community, with over 1,000 voices sharing ideas and feedback.

“Thanks to everyone who participated in consultations and workshops over the past nine months, particularly Laura Hughes, Ren Cazar and Zahra Ogden who generously shared their skills and expertise with the Planning Team to make the process a success,” said Helena Maher, Manager, Planning.

Northern Health has undergone much change during this time. The State Government’s Health Services Plan was released, outlining a future direction which involved the development of Local Health Service Networks. Siva Sivarajah, former Chief Executive, departed Northern Health to lead Hospitals Victoria, a new agency within the Department of Health. And finally, a new Chief Executive, Debra Bourne was appointed. These developments would have major implications for Northern Health’s future. In response, the six new strategic directions maintain our role as the leading health care provider for our growing region, while engaging with the opportunities to strengthen care for our community.

In setting the new strategy, Debra Bourne, our new Chief Executive, the Board and Executive set a path for growth and innovation while remaining clear that Northern Health’s values would continue to provide the touchstone for everything we do.

“Our values are the foundation for our culture of care, teamwork and collaboration at Northern Health,” said Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, who launched the plan at The Window today.

“Integral to this is our commitment to staff wellbeing – when staff feel valued and supported, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our community.”

Northern Health’s vision for the next five years is creating a healthier future by working together, innovating and delivering great care.

“Our vision captures the aspirations of staff of becoming leaders in healthcare and innovation for our community, drawing on the amazing culture and collaboration and agility here at Northern Health,” said Helena Maher.

Over the next few weeks, staff will have the opportunity to hear more about the new Strategic Plan, including presentations on results from the 2024 People Matters Survey. Together with the Planning Team, Debra Bourne and Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, will visit sites across Northern Health to talk with staff about the shared vision, values and strategic directions for the coming years.

The schedule of site visits, starting on Tuesday, 4 March, can be found on the Intranet.

For more information, please contact Helena Maher at helena.maher@nh.org.au.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Terri Fiorenza, Director – Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Digital Health.

Q: Terri, could I start with your coffee order please?
A: A small skinny latte is my go-to, however I also have an espresso after dinner as well.

Q: You are the Director of EMR – what does the job entail?
A: I oversee the EMR team who is responsible for maintaining, optimising and enhancing the EMR based on user and organisation requirements, which also includes establishing the future direction for EMR build across the organisation in line with the Northern Health Digital strategy and the organisation’s strategic plan.

Q: If you could describe Northern Health in a sentence, what would it be?
A: Northern Health is an innovative and progressive healthcare organisation committed to achieving exceptional outcomes through patient-centred care, advanced medical practices and continuous improvement.

Q: What has been your greatest achievement in life?
A: My greatest achievement is my family, who inspire me with purpose and direction.

Q: How do you unwind from work?
A: The drive home is time I take to unwind from work, by listening to music and making phone calls to family and friends.

Q: What is something that most people would not know about you?
A: Not much really! My kids find it hard to believe that I have sky dived, bungee jumped and ridden in a hot air balloon.  These activities occurred before children, and needless to say, those thrill-seeking days have definitely slowed down as I’ve gotten older!

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination? 
A: Italy would have to be my favourite holiday destination because of its rich culture, history and vibrant atmosphere. I’m lucky enough to be visiting again this year after 14 years since my last visit, and this time around sharing the experience with my family.

Northern Health Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The updated site is designed to make it easier for staff and the northern community to engage with the work of the Foundation, donate, and read inspiring stories about the people and programs that make a difference across our community.

The new site features a user-friendly experience that highlights the purpose of the Foundation, its generous supporters, and upcoming events that will continue supporting the north. It also provides visitors with a seamless way to make online donations, discover impactful stories, and learn about the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare across Northern Health.

“We are thrilled to unveil this refreshed online presence for Northern Health Foundation,” says Melissa Grenville, Foundation Director.

“Our goal is to foster a deeper connection with our staff, donors, and northern community. This website will help us tell the stories that matter, showcase how contributions are making a real difference, and provide an easy platform for our community to give back.”

Staff are encouraged to explore the new site, share stories, and learn how they can support the Foundation’s work through donations or third-party fundraising efforts, which is a great place to start if you are considering hosting your own fundraising event to support the needs of our health service.

Northern Health Foundation relies on the generosity of businesses, community members, academic partners, sponsors and donors to continue supporting the needs of our growing community. The Foundation is thankful for the ongoing contributions as they work to raise funds to support the purchase of life-changing equipment, research and training for our local health service.

Visit the new Northern Health Foundation website today at nhfoundation.org.au and see how your support can help shape the future of healthcare at Northern Health. Whether you’re looking to donate, get involved, or simply read more about the incredible impact being made, the new website is the place to be.

For more information, visit nhfoundation.org.au, call the Foundation team on 8405 2897, or via email at foundation@nh.org.au.

Let’s continue to work together, supporting the communities that make Northern Health the strong, resilient organisation it is today.

The Virtual Sexual Health Collaborative Consult service is addressing a gap in sexual healthcare access for LGBTIQA+ individuals.

The service, which is part of Northern Health’s Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults (VVSC), provides free, virtual video consultations to LGBTIQA+ individuals living in regional areas. A targeted outreach clinic of the VVSC, the sexual health clinic partnered with the Sunraysia Community Health Service Nurse Practitioner candidate offering specialist expertise and mentorship through video collab-consults.

Launching in July 2023 to fill the void left by a departing community GP, the innovative collaboration merges the expert input of a metropolitan-based sexual health physician with the hands-on support of a local healthcare provider. In doing do, specialist care can be provided in a safe and inclusive manner to a marginalised community in a regional setting, without needing to travel to metropolitan Melbourne.

Dr Vinita Rane, Sexual Health and General Medicine Physician, said the barriers of seeking care in a metropolitan centre, including time and travel costs and fear of discrimination, have shown to negatively impact health-seeking behaviour amongst LGBTIQA+ individuals.

“While all LGBTIQA+ people are often challenged by stigma and discrimination, research tells us very clearly that LGBTIQA+ people living in rural or regional areas experience even further disadvantage,” she said.

Dr Joanna Lawrence, VVSC Director, said one of the key strengths of the collab-consult was to support local healthcare providers to build their own capacity and independence whilst ensuring every patient receives expert-informed care.

“Through this model, we are truly providing patient-centred care. The trust and holistic care provided by the community clinician is augmented by the expert input of our specialists. This means patients can receive the very best evidence-informed care across the spectrum of specialities without having to leave their own community, provided by a local healthcare provider they know and trust.”

Dr Rane said the combination of trust and expertise was even more valuable to marginalised communities.

“Without this initiative, these patients would have faced a significant burden to access healthcare, or gone without critical treatment, therefore increasing the risk of further disease transmission amongst the community and poorer healthcare outcomes for the individual,” she said.

Yasmin Birnie, who is now a fully qualified nurse practitioner, has transitioned to practicing independently but can continue to book into Dr Rane’s clinic when she needs expert advice. Meanwhile, Dr Rane will now use the success of this initiative as a blueprint to extend similar services to other regional centres.

“By championing healthcare equity and addressing disparities, many patients have received specialised sexual health services closer to home, underscoring the immediate impact of the initiative and the pressing need for such inclusive care,” says Dr Rane.

The Virtual Sexual Health Collaborative Consults was a finalist in last year’s Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, under the category ‘Excellence in Supporting LGBTIQA+ Victorians’.

VVSC, also a finalist in last year’s Victorian Public Healthcare Awards under the category ‘Care Closer to Home’, offers similar collab-consult services across over 30 different specialties partnering with primary healthcare clinicians across the state to extend timely access to specialist care.

“We believe strongly that this collaboration between hospital and non-hospital specialists helps overcome fragmentation in care and enables more patients to receive expert-informed care, provided by their trusted clinician, closer to home,” said Dr Lawrence.

For more information, please visit: https://vvsc.org.au/

Featured image: Yasmin Birnie.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a vital reminder of the impact of this disease on women.

With ovarian cancer often referred to as the “silent killer” due to its vague symptoms, awareness and early detection are crucial in improving survival rates.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and can quickly spread to surrounding organs if not detected early. It is the most lethal gynaecological cancer in Australia, with over 1,800 women diagnosed each year. While the majority of cases – over 80 per cent – occur in women over 50, ovarian cancer can affect individuals of any age. Unfortunately, due to the disease’s subtle symptoms, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging.

“At present, it is difficult to detect ovarian cancer early as symptoms tend not to develop until the cancer is quite advanced. Symptoms can be vague and include persistent abdominal pain and bloating. If you experience any persistent new concerns, you should see your doctor in a timely manner,” says Dr Frances Barnett, Director of Medical Oncology, Northern Health.

Whilst research is ongoing, there are currently no screening tests that reliably detect ovarian cancer in its early stage, or simple preventative measures available to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer in most women.

“Ovarian cancer is not as common as many other cancers including breast and bowel cancer. Some people have genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations that are associated with a significantly higher risk of ovarian cancer when compared to the average person, and these women are usually advised to have their ovaries removed after completing their family to reduce their risk,’ adds Dr Barnett.

“Surgery and chemotherapy are the treatments used for ovarian cancer. Pleasingly, there have been treatment advances in recent years which are helping women with incurable ovarian cancer to live longer.”

Even though the only way to really prevent ovarian cancer is to remove your ovaries, this is not necessary for most women. According to Dr Barnett, “More important is general cancer prevention and that includes a healthy diet, keeping active, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and having recommended screening tests for certain cancers – cervical cancer, breast cancer, bowel cancer, and lung cancer for those who smoke.”

Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a pelvic exam, scans, blood tests and ultimately, a surgical biopsy.

This February let’s take the time to educate ourselves and others about ovarian cancer. Every conversation can make a difference!

For more information on ovarian cancer, visit the Cancer Council website.

This Wednesday, 26 February, the first WellAhead Open Day will be held at Kilmore District Hospital. It is a half day of activities, from qigong and yoga to card making, Japanese Braiding, a ‘Book Chat’ and a Sound Bath.

The activities have been carefully designed for those living with and beyond cancer. This includes patients, their families, and carers throughout every stage of their cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship and beyond.

Activities like yoga and qigong promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve flexibility and strength. Card making and other creative pursuits offer emotional expression and a sense of accomplishment.

Kumihimo Braiding is a traditional Japanese art form of braiding threads into cords for garments or festival decoration. It helps capture your emotions, as well as document your life stories, through braiding.

Northern Health Library will host a relaxed and welcoming Book Chat. Reading plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing, offering relaxation, mental stimulation and a sense of connection.  The Book Chat will encourage conversation and community, highlighting the ways reading can support wellness in everyday life.

The day’s activities end with a sound bath. A sound bath is when healing instruments are played for a group to create a therapeutic atmosphere that helps us rest deeply, rebalance our nervous systems and help us release emotions. The Sound Bath will be conducted by Romy Paltoglou. Romy is an accredited Peter Hess Sound Massage and Sound Bath Facilitator.

Bev Carman and Northern Health Foundation are proud sponsors of the inaugural WellAhead Open Day, presented in partnership with VITA Martial arts, health and wellbeing and Beveridge U3A.

Mike Masilamani, Wellbeing Program Project Officer, says that while bookings are encouraged for the Open Day, they are not essential. “We are really keen the Open Day benefits the wider community-even if they aren’t patients of Northern Health. Please share this with someone you love.”

To learn more about the WellAhead program, visit nh.org.au/wellahead.  You can also email wellahead@nh.org.au  or call 0452476665.