Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and the perfect chance to enjoy your favourite sports like tennis, golf, or basketball. But before diving in, it is important to remember that enthusiasm without preparation can lead to painful setbacks. From fractures to strains, common sports injuries can turn your summer fun into a season of recovery.

Here are some of the most common sports related injuries to watch out for:

• Fractures: A partial or complete break in any bone, which can result from repeated stress (like overuse) or a single trauma such as a fall.
• Dislocations: A painful separation of two bones at a joint, often caused by a direct blow or fall during contact sports.
• Strains: Tears or overstretching of muscles or the tendons that connect muscle to bone.
• Sprains: Damage to ligaments, the tough connective tissue that stabilizes joints, caused by sudden twists or impacts.
• Overuse Injuries: Repetitive stress to bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles, often stemming from doing too much too soon.

Tom Cooper, Physiotherapist and Dylan Perera, Senior Exercise Physiologist at Northern Health know a thing, or two, about common summer sport injuries.

“The most common summer sports injuries are either acute sprains like a rolled ankle or back sprain. The other most common injury are overuse injuries such as Achilles tendinopathies or Runner’s Knee,” says Mr Cooper.

“In the new year, people get very motivated about their health and fitness and take up new exercise routines, which is fantastic. Acute sprains and strains usually occur due to accidents during sports, such as falling awkwardly on the ankle or attempting too heavy a weight in the gym. Overuse injuries occur when someone rapidly increases their exercises levels from being very sedentary to very active in a short amount of time. The muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissue have not had time to grow and adapt to your new activity levels yet, because this takes weeks and months to achieve,” advises Mr Perera.

Summer sports should be about enjoyment, not injuries. By taking a few simple precautions and listening to your body, you can make the most of your favourite activities and stay in the game all season long.

Here is some useful advice from our staff:

“To avoid acute sprains and strains, ensure you are adequately warmed up before you exercise or play sports. This is best done through low intensity plyometric exercises, agility drills and mobility work. To avoid overuse injuries, we recommend slowly building up your total amount of exercise over a longer period of time. The national guidelines for exercise recommend 150-300 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise, but if you are doing little or no exercise, even 15 minutes a few times a week is a great place to start.” – Tom Cooper.

“It’s important to listen to your body as it will communicate early warning signs like fatigue, stiffness and excessive muscle soreness. Putting some extra effort into recovery strategies such as sleep, healthy refuelling, and active recovery will help to prevent progression of niggles into injuries.” – Dylan Perera.

 If you have an injury that is stopping you from exercising, please make an appointment with the Staff Physiotherapy Clinic via the Intranet here.

If you are wanting advice about how to start a new exercise routine, or how to better use exercise to improve health and fitness, you can make an appointment with the Staff Exercise Physiology Clinic via the Intranet. 

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dylan Perera and Tom Cooper.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in many East and Southeast Asian communities. Embedded in centuries-old traditions, the holiday marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon rather than the solar calendar used in most Western countries. Lunar New Year typically falls between late January and mid-February, with celebrations lasting up to 15 days.

The holiday is a time for renewal, reflection, and reconnection – a fresh start to honour ancestors, cherish loved ones, and express hopes for health, prosperity, and happiness. Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck, while red lanterns and paper cut-outs symbolising good fortune adorn walls and doors.

“Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and reflect on the year past. Wishing everyone a prosperous and healthy Year of the Snake! Gong Xi Fa Cai!” said Prahlad Ho, Chief Medical Officer, Northern Health.

Terry Kok, Director of Imaging Services, shared, “The Lunar New Year celebration marks the start of a new year in the lunisolar calendar and is a very busy time, associated with many customs and traditions. For me, it’s about spending quality time with my family, both near and far, enjoying our reunion dinner and wishing each other lots of luck and prosperity for the year ahead!”

Thi Nguyen, Director of Operations, Medicine and Cancer Services, said, “I would say Lunar New Year is a deeply meaningful cultural celebration and experience that connects people to their roots, their families and their hopes for the future. I would like to wish all our staff at Northern Health celebrating a New Year filled with happiness, prosperity, good health and precious moments with your loved ones.”

In 2025, the Lunar New Year begins on 29 January and ushers in the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are often thought to be resourceful, determined, and insightful. This year’s celebration will focus on embracing the traits of the snake to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities for growth.

“Known for wisdom, creativity, and charm, the snake also teaches us the power of resilience in life’s challenges. Like the snake’s ability to adapt and overcome, may we find strength in adversity, intelligence in our decisions, and intuition to guide our paths. Let this year be a celebration of growth, courage, and the joy of overcoming together. Happy Lunar New Year!” said Luyuan Chen, Mandarin Interpreter and Translator, Transcultural and Language Services (TALS), Northern Health.

Lunar New Year is celebrated with a variety of joyful traditions. Families come together to enjoy festive meals featuring symbolic foods like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Red envelopes, or “hongbao,” filled with money are exchanged as a gesture of good luck. Fireworks and lion dances bring excitement to the festivities, while traditional rituals honour ancestors and deities. Across the globe, communities celebrate this occasion with parades, cultural performances, and public gatherings, showcasing the rich diversity of this cherished holiday.

At Northern Health, a display has been set up in the front foyer of the Northern Hospital with the contribution of Chinese artist Mr Jihua Wu. Born in Shanghai, China, in November 1933, Mr Wu was a senior engineer in China before his retirement.

He came to Australia in 1998 and joined the North Eastern Melbourne Chinese Association (NEMCA). He is currently the Vice President of NEMCA and the Secretary-General of the Australia-China Calligraphy and Painting Art Research Centre. He has been voluntarily engaged in the study, research, and teaching of Chinese calligraphy for 28 years.

In April 2002, his work won a silver medal at the 6th International Calligraphy and Painting Aesthetic Competition.

Mr Jihua was introduced to Northern Health via his daughter Holly Qianhui Wu, who has been a Consumer Advisor for Northern Health since 2023.

Holly shared, “I believe that our public health system is the backbone of people’s welfare, and it can benefit from partnering with consumers. My primary involvement is as a member of the Sub-Acute Division Quality & Risk Management Committee. Through the monthly committee meetings, I gain valuable insights into the operations of this division. My ultimate goal of sitting on this committee is to help eliminate the risks and incidents affecting public health consumers through prevention, as well as to improve overall management. By the way, I was born in the year of the snake.”

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Ms Holly Qianhui Wu, Yue Hu, Director, TALS and NWG ASU, Mr Jihua Wu, David Le, TALS Manager, and Stefania Zen, Education and Engagement Manager, TALS and NWG ASU. 

Northern Health is committed to strengthening and supporting the research our staff undertake to improve healthcare.

The Northern Health Research Grants Program provides funding to projects and work that will benefit Northern Health’s community, lead to applications for external grants or funding, develop and strengthen the research culture across the health service, support pilot projects and increase research productivity at Northern Health.

Applications for the 2025 program are now open, with three exciting funding opportunities available:

Northern Health Foundation Grant ($50,000): Our flagship grant, awarded to one exceptional researcher, is designed to build capacity and drive success in securing Category 1 research funding. This highly competitive grant recognises outstanding track record and potential for significant contributions to the field.

Research @ Northern Support Grants ($20,000): This grant supports research initiation or establishment within Northern Health, with three grants available. Early career researchers are strongly encouraged to apply, with equal opportunities alongside established researchers.

Grants in Aid ($10,000): This grant provides funding for equipment, consumables, or external technical support to enhance your research capabilities. Five grants are available to support growth and innovation.

Tilini Gunatillake, Research Development Manager, said Northern Health was proud to invest in the growth and development of a robust research culture.

“To support this goal and enhance Northern Health’s contributions to the broader research community, we are proud to offer a variety of research grants through the Northern Health Research Grants Program.

“We encourage all staff to apply for this exciting opportunity. These grants not only support projects that address immediate healthcare needs for our community but also positions our staff for success in securing external funding, amplifying the reach and impact of their work.”

Last year, a large number of exceptional applications were received, with nine staff members receiving grants to fund their research. You can read more about 2024 successful applicants here.

Click here to apply and for more information. Applications close on Friday, 28 February. Successful applicants will be announced in June.

Featured image (L-R): Prof Don Campbell, Dr Heng Khuen Cheok, Dr Jason Talevski, Dr Hazel Heng, Dr Rowena Brook, Dr Sun Loo (and Dr Chong Chyn Chua), Eleanor Johnson (on the behalf of Dr Siaw Hui Wong), Melissa Grenville, Prof Geoff Donnan at last year’s grants announcement.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Natalie Tirant, Executive Assistant and Digital Content Creator for the Clinical Leadership, Effectiveness, and Outcomes (CLEO) team.

Q. Nat, could I start with your coffee order please?

I’m one of those rare individuals who doesn’t drink coffee! I’ve never liked the smell or taste—I’m the caffeine rebel in a world of coffee aficionados.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your career?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art and started out working in a variety of gallery administration roles, but eventually found my way into medical reception work. I’ve been in medical administration for over 10 years now and joined Northern about two and half years ago. I started out with the admin team in the Respiratory Lab but moved over to the Clinical Leadership, Effectiveness and Outcomes (CLEO) team as an Executive Assistant / Digital content creator when the team was first getting started at the end of 2022.

Q. What are the best things about working at Northern?

Northern is a very exciting place to work. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some amazing, hardworking and driven people in the CLEO team and Digital Health. It’s amazing to see the impact of the work we do and the projects we lead, knowing we’re making a real difference in our community.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love sewing and making my own clothes. I find it a very rewarding creative outlet. I also enjoy camping and spending time with friends; there’s something special about being in nature and sharing those moments with good company.

Q. What is something that most people would not know about you?

I’m an artist and photographer by background, with an interest in graphic design. Alongside my full-time role, I maintain an art practice, steadily pursuing creative projects. I’ve been fortunate to showcase my work in both solo and group exhibitions over the years which has been a great experience.

Q. Do you have a bucket list item? Something you love to do?

I’ve always wanted to speak another language fluently. I was practicing Spanish for a while and really enjoyed it, but I kind of dropped the ball. I’d love to pick it back up and continue learning!

Q. Favourite destination to travel and why?

Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is absolutely incredible. The 5-day W Trek is one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever done, as it takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes. Every day brought something new, from turquoise lakes to waterfalls to glaciers and the quiet beauty of the valleys. It’s a place that truly left me in awe.

With the demand for healthcare continuing to rise in Melbourne’s fast-growing northern growth corridor, the Northern Hospital is undergoing a major redevelopment.

The Victorian Government has committed $813 million to deliver the Northern Hospital Redevelopment Project as part of the Victorian Emergency Department Expansion Program.

The project, which aims to deliver expanded and improved facilities and enhanced service delivery to meet the needs of the growing local community, will be delivered in two stages over the next six years to ensure minimal disruption to patient care.

The first stage, which commenced last week with the closure of the Southern Afternoon Carpark, comprises the construction of the Ambulatory Care Centre Building (ACC). When completed, the ACC building will house administration, clinical and outpatient health services decanted from the old hospital and portables from the northern part of the hospital campus.

This stage will begin with the demolition of the old childcare centre. Stage one is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The completion of Stage 1 is a key enabling activity for the second stage of the Northern Hospital Redevelopment Project.

Stage two involves the construction of a new emergency department and inpatient units tower fronting Cooper Street. This stage is due for completion in late 2029, and includes:

• Emergency department with dedicated paediatric zone, mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub
• Inpatient units and emergency observation unit in a new clinical tower
• Site infrastructure upgrades supporting the expanded hospital including engineering services, improvements to hospital entrances and car parks

Northern Hospital Epping has the busiest emergency department in Victoria, treating more than 110,000 patients each year. Northern Health cares for over 114,000 patients admitted to hospital each year, with over 34,000 patients arriving by ambulance.

This two-stage project will enable local families to have access to healthcare close to home as Melbourne’s north continues to grow. The project will also help meet the growing healthcare needs of Melbourne’s north, and deliver expanded and improved facilities and enhanced services to the community.

For more information about the project, please click here.

Featured image: Artist impression of Ambulatory Care Centre Building.

What a joy it is to see the smiling faces of our incredible volunteers back at Northern Health after their Christmas and New Year break.

Our volunteers have returned with renewed energy and enthusiasm, ready to do what they love most – sharing their time and talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The year has already kicked off with a whirlwind of activity for our volunteers, and as always, they’ve stepped up with unwavering kindness and generosity. In a world often filled with negative headlines, their dedication reminds us of the immense compassion and goodwill that still thrive in our community.

Here’s just a snapshot of the roles our volunteers are currently embracing:

• Maternity Support: Collating green books for expectant parents
• Day Procedure Unit: Assembling patient packs
• Hearing Clinic: Placing stickers on brochures
• Diabetes Education: Assisting with administrative tasks
• Emergency Department: Sorting lost property and replenishing essential supplies
• Physiotherapy Team: Preparing exercise band packs
• Northern Health Foundation: Counting donations to support vital projects
• Finance Team: Folding letters and preparing them for mailing
• Neonatal Unit: Providing warmth and care with baby cuddling
• Palliative Care: Visiting patients and gifting beautiful handmade rugs from local craft groups
• Tea-Trolley Service: Delivering refreshments to patients and visitors with a friendly smile
• Broadmeadows Goods Trolley: Offering patients books, puzzles, and small comforts during their stay
• Meal Buddies: Assisting patients with opening containers and enjoying their meals
• Bundoora Patient Transport: Supporting patients in getting to their appointments
• Guides: Helping patients, visitors, and staff navigate the hospital while providing assistance with parking and wheelchairs
• Fundraising: Selling raffle tickets and knitted goods with all proceeds going directly back to the hospital

Each of these roles showcases the incredible ways our volunteers bring care and comfort to those who need it most.

If you’d like to explore how volunteer support can benefit your area, reach out to our team members Kim Berger or Natalie Carroll.

Our Volunteer Services Team manages recruitment, ongoing training, daily supervision, and role allocation, while also celebrating the contributions of these extraordinary individuals.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@nh.org.au or call 8405 8971.

Together, let’s celebrate the heart and soul of Northern Health – our volunteers!

Featured image: Volunteers Mandy and Gwen.

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and unfortunately, the unwelcome buzz of mosquitoes. A recent outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in mosquitoes has raised alarms across northern Victoria, with health authorities urging vigilance among residents and visitors.

The discovery of two infected mosquitoes in Moira Shire, near Cobram and Yarrawonga, highlights the presence of this rare but potentially serious virus in inland riverine regions, particularly near the Murray River.

What is Japanese encephalitis?

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain. Symptoms range from fever and headaches to seizures, paralysis, and, in severe cases, coma. The virus is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, posing a heightened risk during warmer months when mosquito activity peaks.

In a recent article in the Herald Sun, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Tarun Weeramanthri, emphasised the importance of prevention, “The best defence is to limit outdoor exposure and use insect repellents in high-risk areas.” While no specific treatment exists for the virus, a free vaccine is available for eligible individuals in 24 high-risk zones.

Tackling mosquito-borne diseases with innovation

Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. To combat this, Oxitec Australia, a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and UK-based Oxitec Ltd, is introducing genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) in Australia.

These GMMs are non-biting male mosquitoes designed to produce only healthy non-biting male offspring. By reducing the number of female mosquitoes, this innovative approach aims to control the spread of diseases like dengue, zika, and chikungunya.

Professor Brett Sutton, Director of Health and Biosecurity at CSIRO, in an interview for ABC’s RN Radio said, “Mosquito-borne diseases have spread significantly in recent years due to climate change. By investing in new and innovative solutions that complement existing control programs, we can reduce the public health impacts of these exotic and invasive mosquito species.”

Expert advice on mosquito bites

We spoke with Dr Daniel Engelman, Paediatrician and Research Fellow in Tropical Diseases at Northern Health, for advice on mosquito bites.

“Most mosquito bites, despite being very itchy, don’t need medical treatment. Occasionally, adults or children may develop a large local reaction with swelling or ongoing pain. In some cases, bites can become infected, showing signs like increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or crusting,” he explains.

Signs of severe illness:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Progressive rash
• Joint pains

“If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention from your local GP, Urgent Care Centre, or the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department,” advises Dr Engelman.

Tips for a bite-free summer

Prevent mosquito bites and enjoy summer with these simple strategies:

• Apply repellent regularly and evenly to all exposed skin (on top of sunscreen)
• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and enclosed shoes
• Empty or remove buckets and containers around your home to reduce mosquito breeding

For itchy bites:

• Apply a cool pack or have a cool bath
• Use lotions or topical sprays to relieve the itch
• Consider oral antihistamines if the itch is severe and impacting sleep
• Use distraction techniques for children and keep fingernails short to prevent scratching

The best way to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses is to prevent bites altogether. For more tips and resources on mosquito protection, visit Victoria Health’s Mosquito Protection Guide.

Every year, Northern Health attracts a talented and dedicated group of new doctors who are eager to serve the local community.  On Monday, 6 January, Northern Health was pleased to welcome 61 new interns. The enthusiastic group of junior doctors embarked on an orientation week, where they were introduced to the hospital’s systems and services before beginning their clinical work.

During their orientation, the interns participated in a series of workshops designed to familiarise them with the hospital’s processes. These included training on the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, pharmacy and medication protocols, and learning various hands-on skills. The interns also had the opportunity to work alongside the previous year’s interns, gaining valuable experience on the wards under their guidance.

The internship program is an integral part of training new doctors, providing them with the skills and experience necessary to become future leaders in healthcare.

“As a medical student who was part of the Northern Clinical School, I have spent the last four years at Northern Health and it was my first priority when applying for my job as an intern,” says Peter Polydoros.

He adds, “I’m looking forward to starting my career as a doctor at Northern Health where I can continue to learn, foster relationships within the hospital, treat the wonderful patients and educate the next group of eager students.”

Alexandra Jarman says, “I thoroughly enjoyed my three years as a medical student at the Northern and was eager to return as an intern. The hospital has earned its reputation for supporting junior medical staff, my first week in the anaesthetics department has been fantastic! The culture of mentorship and encouragement I experienced as a student made my decision to return as an intern an easy one.”

Dr Chong, the Supervisor of Intern Training with over 15 years of experience, shared her excitement about the new cohort, “Our interns are ready to help the community. We warmly welcome them to Northern Health and look forward to a successful internship.”

Featured image: New interns at Northern Health.