On Monday, 18 May, the Residential In-Reach (RIR) team at Northern Health held an Education Skills Day, bringing together over 70 Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) staff from across the Northern catchment for a day of learning, connection and collaboration.

Guided by the theme Educate, Empower, Collaborate, the session reflected RIR’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care beyond the hospital setting.

RIR provides a seven-day service offering rapid face-to-face and telehealth reviews to support RACF staff in caring for residents. Since 2023, this model has expanded virtually to Hume and other regional areas of Victoria, improving access to specialist care. Referrals are received from a range of sources including facility staff, Ambulance Victoria, the Virtual Emergency Department, general practitioners and family members.

The multidisciplinary RIR team, comprising Geriatricians, Registrars, a Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Consultants, works closely with RACF staff and GPs to deliver hospital-level care within residents’ homes. A key focus of the service is preventing avoidable hospital presentations and supporting safe transitions back into aged care following hospital stays.

Education remains central to this model of care. The recent Skills Day featured a combination of lectures and practical workshops designed to strengthen clinical knowledge, build confidence and support best-practice care delivery within facilities.

Topics included:

• Delivering care at the right time, in the right place
• Managing heart failure
• Advance care planning
• Recognising palliative care symptoms
• Updates in aged care
• Troubleshooting indwelling catheters

RIR Nurse Practitioner, Ann Dewey, highlighted the broader impact of the day, noting that it not only strengthens professional relationships but also creates opportunities to share knowledge and build the confidence and clinical capability of RACF staff.

As Residential In-Reach Clinical Nurse Consultant, Gagan Ahluwalia shared, “Collaboration turns knowledge into confidence, and confidence into better care. When we lift each other, we lift every patient we serve.”

Feedback from attendees reflected the value of the session:

• “An inspiring education day that helped build our confidence and skills—it’s great collaborating with the In-Reach service.”
• “A great learning experience that will support me in delivering the right, evidence-based care.”
• “I now have a better understanding of managing clinical situations, accessing support and communicating with families.”
• “The day reinforced my knowledge and increased my confidence in managing potential issues.”

Through initiatives like this, Residential In-Reach continues to strengthen partnerships, build capability and support high-quality care across the community. By educating, empowering and collaborating, the team reinforces Northern Health’s commitment to being Safe, Kind and Together, while maintaining excellence in the care of older people.

Last Thursday evening, 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 2025.

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 about 130 family members and staff. The Northern Health Community Choir performed at the service and was joined by members of the Whittlesea Community Choir. Melbourne Market Authority kindly supported the event by donating the flower arrangements.

During the service, guests were invited to reflect by choosing a butterfly that represented an element – grief, courage, memories, love, peace and hope – that was meaningful to them. The butterflies were placed on a community tree in memory of those being honoured, creating a very colourful representative of attendees thoughts and feelings.

Julius Quiring, Nurse Unit Manager, Palliative Care Unit, said the occasion was such a beautiful atmosphere.

“From the conversations afterwards, it was clear the service meant a lot to families, giving them an opportunity to remember and honour their loved ones. Some families were excited to see some of us there,” he said.

“One family member approached me after the service and said she didn’t feel comfortable speaking in front of everyone but wanted to let me know how much she appreciated the whole team and how we made a really difficult time easier for their family.”

“Hearing all the positive feedback about Northern Health, and especially our Palliative Care Unit, was truly touching and a reminder of why we do what we do.”

Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, thanked all staff who were involved in organising another memorable event.

“It is a privilege to be working with kind and compassionate colleagues. You have made a difference to the patients and families who are blessed to be cared for by you,” she said.

“Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do.”

Adj. Prof Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, attended the service. She said it was another deeply moving and uplifting event where families could gather to honour their loved ones who have passed.

“These occasions are incredibly important to our community. Often, this is the place where they last saw their loved one, and the opportunity to return, to share stories, and to grieve alongside others, and with the staff who care for them, is an important part of the hearing journey,” she said.

“I was so proud to hear from families who shared that they had a positive experience at Northern Health. It is truly special to have staff who care for patients.”

Yesterday, (17 May) was IDAHOBIT – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphopbia, Interphobia and Transphobia – an opportunity to take a stand against discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.

IDAHOBIT is the anniversary of 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. The first IDAHOBIT was held in 2005 and is today acknowledged by millions of people globally.

IDAHOBIT has had many names and meanings around the world since 2005 when the day was first acknowledged:

2005 – the day was known as IDAHO, standing for International Day Against Homophobia

2011 – The name was updated to IDAHOT, standing for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

2018 – The name was updated to IDAHOBIT, standing for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia.

2022 – IDAHOBIT grew to be referenced to as the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination to specifically include those of us who are lesbian, queer and asexual.

Reflecting on the importance of inclusion, safety and belonging in the workplace, Casey O’Brien, Manager, Staff Wellbeing, and member of the Rainbow Subcommittee said, “IDAHOBIT Day reminds us that psychologically safe workplaces are built when every person feels seen, respected and able to bring their whole self to work,” she said.

“The wellbeing of our staff depends on creating environments where LGBTIQ+ people feel safe, included and supported every day – not just today.”

Lisa Shih, Allied Health Assistant – Occupational Therapy, and member of the Rainbow Working Group said, being part of the Rainbow Working Group here at Northern Health has been a great way to contribute to the awareness of our queer colleagues and patients.

“Especially in this current climate where our sheer existence is considered controversial by some, we need to lift up queer and gender diverse voices in public and professional spaces more than ever,” Lisa said.

Max Lynch, Program Manager, Craigieburn and Mernda Community Mental Health, reflected on the past six decades, and felt proud on how far Australia – and our communities, had come.

“While terms like IDAHOBIT and LGBTQI+ may seem like acronyms and tongue twisters, they carry deep meaning – representing history, oppression, bravery, identity, resilience, and progress,” Max said.

“They remind us to move beyond tolerance, towards acceptance, genuine respect, inclusion, and to embrace difference. IDAHOBIT acknowledges the harm experienced in the past and the shared responsibility to create safe, inclusive, and affirming environments for all.”

“IDAHOBIT is not just about awareness – it is about action and continuing to build a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.”

To celebrate IDAHOBIT, Northern Health had brightly colourful displays across campuses. Staff also attended a special presentation by guest speaker Maria Kairouz – an LGBTQ identifying psychotherapist who combines her lived experience and professional expertise to her work with individuals, couples and communities to navigate the often complex terrain or trauma, identify and healing.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Hung Lam, Business Manager.

Q: Let’s start with your coffee order.

My go-to is a latte with honey. I’ve found that honey is a really nice substitute for sugar, and I really enjoy the flavour it adds.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health

I started at Northern Health in June 2025 and have had many opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. I came from Deloitte, and after completing key milestones there – including a secondment to The Netherlands – I felt ready for the next chapter in my career.

Since joining, I’ve received generous support from my managers, Chloe and Jimmy, whose guidance has helped me transition smoothly into the health sector. I’ve also had the privilege of working with Belinda and her team within the Division of Mental Health, and every day I feel proud of the work they do.

My experience at Northern Health so far has been incredibly positive, and I’ve met so many passionate and dedicated people. I’m really grateful to be part of an organisation that makes such a meaningful impact and to be surrounded by people who are so passionate about helping others.

Q: Tell us about your role as Business Manager – what does it entail?

When I explain my role to people outside of finance, I usually say: “I go out and talk to people to see if they have a problem or a new idea I can help with financially – then I go back and work on Excel to make it happen.” I like to think of it as a bit of financial magic.

On a more serious note – day to day, I support Belinda and the Division of Mental Health in achieving their operational goals by helping them navigate the financial landscape and to make informed decisions.

Q: What does an ideal weekend look like for you?

My ideal weekend would be a road trip away from Melbourne to somewhere peaceful. In summer, that’s by the beach swimming; in winter, it’s a cosy cabin playing board games with friends. Good food is a must either way. I also love stargazing, so if the skies are clear, you’ll probably find me outside looking up.

Q: Favourite travel destination, and why?

The best place I’ve been to is the Azores. I first came across it through a Facebook reel and decided to visit for an adventure. It’s a stunning group of islands with dramatic landscapes, amazing food, and incredibly kind and welcoming people.

Fun fact: I love gin. On the main island, São Miguel Island, there’s a place called The Gin Library that has the largest gin collection in the world. You can’t buy their bottles – only trade for one they don’t already have. It was such a unique experience.

Q: What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m an accountant by trade and generally quite risk-averse – but that completely changes when I’m on holiday. I’ve swum with sharks and manta rays, hiked volcanoes, and I’m planning to get my scuba licence in Bali later this year. This is all in preparation for my goal of visiting Palau next year!

Northern Health’s Hospital in the Home (HITH) service has taken another major step forward in digital innovation with the successful implementation of Fusion Field Service, a new scheduling and care planning platform designed to support community-based care.

The new system will improve how staff coordinate visits, manage schedules, and deliver care in the community, helping create a more streamlined and person-centred experience for patients receiving care at home.

Clinical Informatics Advisor and Project Lead Daniella Chapkoun said the project reflects HITH’s strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

“This is the second digital project I have had the opportunity to complete with the HITH service, and I continue to be inspired by the team’s willingness to embrace change and drive improvements for better patient care.”

“Their focus on innovation and finding digital solutions that improve both staff workflows and patient experiences makes HITH a truly forward-thinking service,” she added.

Nurse Unit Manager, Lynne Santamaria, said the introduction of Fusion Field Service would support staff in delivering safer and more coordinated care, “This new platform will help improve scheduling, communication and visibility across the service, ensuring our clinicians can continue providing high-quality care to patients in their homes.”

Johanna Hayes, Divisional Director Hospital Without Walls and Sub Acute, said the implementation positions Northern Health as a leader in digital healthcare innovation.

“Northern Health are proud to be the first HITH program to introduce this new scheduling and care planning software. Once again, we are leading the way with innovation and solutions to help enable more person-centred care,” she said.

The successful implementation marks another milestone in Northern Health’s ongoing commitment to modernising healthcare delivery and supporting innovative models of care across the organisation.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Fred Manaysay (HITH Nurse), Maddy Leone (Project Officer, Fusion Field Service Project), Linh Tran (Digital Health Trainer), Lynne Santamaria (NUM HITH), Kate Wills (HITH Nurse), Riya Patel (HITH Nurse), Lovepreet Kaur (HITH Nurse) and Kayla Giampino (HITH Nurse). 

For patients receiving dialysis, treatment becomes more than just a medical appointment – it becomes part of life.

For Hermanus Hulsen, a patient receiving haemodialysis at Northern Health’s Mernda Community Hospital, that experience became something worth writing about.

Moved by the care, compassion, and support he has received from the Mernda dialysis team, Hermanus recently shared a handwritten poem expressing his gratitude for the staff who have helped make his treatment journey a positive one.

In an email accompanying the poem, Hermanus wrote: “Last Friday, I was impressed once again when staff and nurses addressed a concern I had. Their actions created confidence and support within me that gave me the desire to express my gratitude for their actions.”

For the Mernda team, it was a touching reminder of the impact compassionate care can have.

The Mernda dialysis service opened in January 2026 as part of Northern Health’s expanding dialysis network, with eight treatment chairs supporting patients requiring ongoing haemodialysis closer to home.

With most patients living locally, the service was established to improve access to care while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for people undergoing long-term treatment.

Joy Black, Nurse Unit Manager, said the nature of dialysis care means relationships between staff and patients often become incredibly meaningful.

“Dialysis is not a one-off interaction, our patients spend many hours with us each week, often over many years, so trust, compassion and connection are incredibly important,” Joy said.

“Our team has worked hard to create an environment where patients feel safe, supported and genuinely cared for.”

“The fact that Hermanus felt moved to express his gratitude through poetry is incredibly special and speaks to the relationships our staff build every day.”

His poem, Alice of Dialysis Land, beautifully captures the experience of care through the eyes of a patient.

She waits for you with a bright smile
just like she has been ready for a while.
First, she weighs you on the scales to know
how much water in your body has to go.

She guides you to one of the medical chairs
inspires confidence and shows she cares.
Reading and entering from screens
what your kidney requires it seems

She is confident and yet carefully
places your arm on the pillow thoughtfully.
letting you know when the needles enter the fistula
First the skin then the vein then the artery and Hallelujah.

Frowning, visualising, and great focus
the needle, it goes in no hocus pocus.
None or little pain it goes in it seems
and certainly without a flinch or any scream.

The dialyser tubes and syringes connected first hand
she keeps smiling and shows she understand
she knows what it is like for the next five hours
lying still and letting it run for all these hours

Alice of Dialysis Land proves she can be a professional
and smile be kind and care for you in your cubical
Dialyses maintains your current life for years
especially with an Alice of dialysis who certainly cares.

For Hermanus, the care he received clearly left a lasting impression.

As he prepares to relocate to Ararat to be closer to family, his words leave behind a meaningful tribute to the team who cared for him.

Stories like this are a powerful reminder that healthcare is not only about treatment – it is also about human connection, kindness, and the moments that make patients feel seen, heard, and supported.

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. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” we’re sharing reflections from Milly Frezghi, Clozapine and Physical Health Nurse Coordinator, Mernda Community Mental Health and Noogal Clinic, Northern Health.

Q: What does International Nurses Day mean to you?
A: International nurses’ day means a lot to me. For centuries, nurses have been the most caring, compassionate and kind human beings on Earth, even through wars, plagues and human devastations. It has been nurses who have been there for all humans, no race, politics nor religion being a barrier to care for vulnerable people, only pure humanity. This is not something you learn but innate within each person who choose to become a nurse. I have worked and still work with some amazing, kind and compassionate nurses. These nurses go above and beyond to care for their consumers. While we have chosen the profession and get paid to do our job, pay is not the main reason nurses chose the field. It is rather the satisfaction that nurses get from witnessing patients improve physically and mentally, by being there for them through the most difficult time of their lives, at times even through their last breath. The experience is priceless and difficult to explain unless you have been there.

Q: What motivated you to choose a career in nursing?
A: When I migrated to Australia on my own at the age of 21, I had to choose an education pathway that will allow me and my family to migrate permanently. My father had instilled in me the importance of education, especially as a female. I initially enrolled in Bachelor of Nursing and moved into the new Psychiatric Nursing degree at Deakin University. I was very intrigued by the course and naturally gravitated towards psychiatric nursing, especially being raised during war in my hometown, and witnessing trauma and mental illness.

Q: Can you walk us through your professional journey in nursing?
A: I started my Bachelor of Psychiatric nursing at Deakin University in 1991 and graduated in 1993, following which I was accepted into the Gradate program at Northeastern Metropolitan Psychiatric services. I completed rotations in various areas, such as rehab, geriatrics, admission and acute as well as speciality units. I gravitated towards inpatient psychiatry, working with the most acutely unwell patients. I worked in acute setting for many years, including while raising two children and doing 14 years of night shift to balance my career and duties as a mother.

I have worked with many experienced and competent senior nurses throughout my career. I have worked across various roles in Northern Health since its opening in 1998. In 2012, my then Nurse Unit Manager Gary Ennis, who is our current Director of Nursing (Mental Health), encouraged me to apply for the Clinical Nurse Unit Manager (CNUM) role as he believed in my capability to be a future leader of the ward. After five years as a CNUM, I felt I needed a change and moved to Emergency Mental Health and worked at the emergency department (ED), including PACER, until 2020. When COVID happened, working in ED became exceptionally challenging physically and emotionally. Being inspired by my colleagues in the community mental health setting, I decided to explore a career there. I joined Noogal clinic as the Senior Nurse before moving into the Clozapine and Physical Health Nurse Coordinator role. I love my job as I feel I have been part of many consumers’ lives, from their acute to community journey. It cannot get better than this!

Q: Is there a patient story or moment of care that has left a lasting impact on your heart?
A: When I was in my graduate nursing program, I was working in Mother/Baby and Mood Disorder Unit (speciality ward). My role was to look after new mothers experiencing post-natal depression. I remember a very young mother with twin boys, who was struggling with grief of losing her own mother and had become severely depressed. I was not only looking after her but her babies as well, as she was not able to bond with them. After a few weeks of supporting her through electro-convulsive therapy to treat her depression, she started to hold and feed her babies. I still remember the day she walked out of the ward with a smile on her face, in the company of her family. We all hugged and cried in happiness. I will never forget this experience as it made me realise the level of compassion and care we as nurses have for our vulnerable patients with mental illness.

Q: What message would you like to share with your fellow nursing colleagues?
A: Nursing is not an easy profession; it is challenging and exhausting but also very rewarding. So, no matter how difficult it gets, please remain kind at all times.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Dr Prakash Kamath, Consultant Psychiatrist.

Q: Let’s start with your coffee order
A: I keep it simple but specific – an extra-hot latte, ideally brewed with a single-origin bean like a Costa Rican or Ethiopian blend.

Q: Tell us about your journey at Northern Health – where you started and how you ended up in your role today
A: My time here has been a rewarding evolution within the clinical space. I joined Northern Health as a clinical professional with the support of Dr. Vinay Lakra, our Divisional Director. Since then, I have enjoyed focusing my contributions on registrar education and digital health.

During my tenure, I also completed a Global Executive MBA and an Advanced Certificate in Psychotherapy from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). Today, I leverage this combination of clinical expertise and leadership training to contribute to our network’s growth and enhance our clinical documentation standards.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about working at Northern Health?
A: The genuine sense of community and our shared commitment to the diverse population we serve in Melbourne’s north. There is a collaborative spirit here that is hard to find elsewhere; whether we are navigating a complex clinical case or a new administrative initiative, everyone works together to find the best possible solution for our patients.

Q: What advice would you give others considering your specialty?
A: Prioritise adaptability. Healthcare is changing rapidly, especially with the integration of new technologies and digital health records. Beyond sharpening your clinical skills, try to understand the broader “system”—how different departments interact and how data flows between them. Also, never underestimate the power of clear, concise communication; it is the most essential tool in any clinician’s kit.

Q: How do you like to relax after work?
A: I find balance through a mix of technical projects and family time. I enjoy staying active with information technology and exploring new ways to use technology for productivity. When I’m not at a screen, I’m usually reading, spending time with family and friends, or helping my daughter with her studies.

Q: Favourite travel destination, and why?
A: Anywhere in nature. There is nothing better than finding a quiet spot outdoors to unplug, recharge, and gain a bit of perspective away from the hustle of daily life.