May 2025
-
Get to know: Alexis Wellavize
#WeAreNorthern Meet Alexis ‘Alex’ Wellavize, Data and Integration Manager, always smiling and (most times) seriously bearded. Read Alex’s story, from stubble to sage, his beard not just grown, but earned. Firstly, what’s your coffee order, please Alex? Medium cappuccino, sometimes with one sugar. Tell us of your journey at Northern Health? I started at Northern Health in April 2018 as a Business Intelligence Developer in the Decision Support Unit (DSU) developing Power BI reports, self-service web portals, database development, process automation and system integration. In March 2024 I applied and was successful for the position of Data and Integration Manager…
-
A time to remember: Northern Health Memorial Service
Last week, Northern Health’s Spiritual Care, Palliative Care, Mental Health and Social Work teams hosted a Memorial Service to honour the memory of those who passed away at Northern Health between June and November 2024. The service, ‘A time to remember’, was an opportunity for loved ones and staff to join together to remember those who passed away. The service also paid tribute to Northern Health staff who passed away during this time. The event was attended by more than 100 family members and 40 Northern Health staff, including Dr Andrea Kattula, Northern Health Board Member, Debra Bourne, Chief Executive,…
-
LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day: Seen and Believed
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…
-
The Gift of Healing: A Northern Health Perspective on Supporting First Nations Participation in Clinical Trials
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…
-
Controlled medication management goes digital
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…
-
Get to know: Casey O’Brien
#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…
-
Northern Health Foundation Gala Ball raises $135,000
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…
-
Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication: Norma McGrillen Honoured During National Volunteer Week
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…