May 2025
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Clinical trials. Tomorrow’s treatment, today.
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…
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Care, comfort, and a good read: The story behind the two Northern Health’s Library initiatives
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,…
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National Palliative Care Week – What’s Your Plan?
This week, Northern Health joins in recognising National Palliative Care Week (NPCW). Now in its 30th year, NPCW is celebrating by asking a simple yet powerful question: “What’s your plan?” It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life. It’s a very natural and human response for some people to find it difficult to talk about death. However, this reluctance to engage with the topic often contributes to…
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Launch of the DPV Northern Health Service Directory
DPV Health and Northern Health Unveil Comprehensive Service Directory for Melbourne’s Northern Community DPV Health and Northern Health are proud to announce the launch of the DPV Northern Health Service Directory, a comprehensive resource designed to serve the diverse and rapidly growing communities in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. This directory aims to provide a “one-stop-shop” for patients, families, and carers, offering easy access to a wide range of internal and external health and community services. Addressing a Long-Felt Need The creation of the DPV Northern Health Service Directory addresses a long-felt need for a consolidated inventory of available services. Prior to…
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Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre
The Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has received $35m of federal funding through Round 25 of the CRC grants. The Care Economy CRC is a $129 million partnership of 60 organisations across Australia, including Northern Health, collaborating on care technology, data solutions, and workforce initiatives. The consortium aims to develop and implement innovative solutions to improve care over the next decade. Based at La Trobe University in the Research and Innovation Precinct, the CRC will support development of care technology, apps and interfaces, connected information systems, navigation and decision support tools alongside workforce skills development, and new technology-enabled models…
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Construction begins on the Ambulatory Care Centre
Construction has started on the first stage of the Northern Hospital Redevelopment Project (NHRP). Stage one of the project includes the Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) – a new four-storey standalone building to provide a dedicated space for outpatient and ambulatory services, clinical care and hospital administration. This will create a central hub to support the needs of Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs into the future. Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne, and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas, visited Northern Hospital Epping earlier this month to turn the first sod on the redevelopment. “Our massive upgrade of the Northern…
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International Nurses Day: Our Nurses. Our Future.
Nurses are at the heart of our health system – caring for lives, families, and communities every day. Today, 12 May, Northern Health proudly celebrates International Nurses Day. In line with this year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” we’re sharing reflections from our very own Ann Dewey, Nurse Practitioner with our Residential in Reach service, who provides specialist care to aged care residents. Q. What does International Nurses Day mean to you? International Nurses Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the fabulous work all nurses do, regardless of clinical speciality or geographical setting. Q.…
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Get to know: Nicole Psaila
#WeAreNorthern This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Nicole Psaila, Postgraduate Program Coordinator – Nursing & Midwifery and Perioperative Clinical Nurse Educator, Nursing and Midwifery Education Unit, Northern Health. Q: What is your coffee order? Skinny latte or maybe a mocha for a change. Q: Tell us about your career journey. I began my nursing career at Northern Health as a graduate in 1998 as part of the very first cohort of just eight nurses! While I always knew theatre was my calling, my time…