#WeAreNorthern

Meet Tina Zafari, Hospital Medical Officer (HMO), who was recently selected as an Australian Medical Council (AMC) Board Member.

Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?

A: Small soy latte.

Q: How does it feel to have been selected as an AMC Board Member?

It feels incredibly rewarding and humbling to be selected as an AMC Board Member. This role is an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of medical standards in Australia while advocating for the perspectives and needs of international medical graduates. I’m excited to collaborate with esteemed colleagues to help ensure our healthcare system continues to uphold excellence, inclusivity, and equity.

Q: What will this role entail?

A: As an AMC Board Member, my role will involve contributing to the development and oversight of standards for medical education and practice in Australia. This includes evaluating pathways for registration, ensuring they are fair and rigorous, and supporting a diverse, high-quality medical workforce. I’ll also have the opportunity to advocate for international medical graduates, helping to address challenges they face and promote their valuable contributions to Australian healthcare.

Q: What impact do you hope to make on International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as a Board Member?

A: As a Board Member, I hope to make a meaningful impact by advocating for more supportive pathways for IMGs. My goal is to ensure their contributions are fully recognised and that they receive the resources and guidance needed to integrate successfully into the Australian healthcare system.

With approximately 50 per cent of Australians either born overseas or having at least one parent born overseas, IMGs play a vital role in providing culturally sensitive care. Their multilingual skills enhance communication and build trust with patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, ensuring equitable healthcare access and strengthening trust in the healthcare system.

Q: Tell us about your journey and role at Northern Health? 

A: I started working in Australia as an ED HMO with provisional registration at the Northern Hospital in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was severely affecting Victoria. The Northern ED team was incredibly supportive, and many of the consultants played a key role in helping me learn the nuances of the system and adapt quickly. Thanks to the mentorship and guidance of my supervisors, Northern Health supported me in obtaining my general registration in 2021.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a resident across various metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, locum around Victoria, and start surgical assisting in private hospitals as a side hustle. These experiences have provided me with a broad perspective on the Australian healthcare system, working in both the public and private sectors across metro and regional areas, and across various specialties. This has been invaluable in developing my clinical skills and deepening my understanding of Australian healthcare system.

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

A: I love Cabernet Wine and belly dancing!

The Virtual Communities in Healthcare event, held in December, highlighted the transformative power of digital platforms to connect people, ideas, and expertise across professions and borders.

The event was a collaborative initiative led by RMIT University in partnership with Northern Health. Coordinated by the Northern Health Library, it aimed to build a network of virtual communities to tackle critical healthcare challenges.

The event brought together over 35 participants, including researchers, health professionals, and digital technology experts, to explore how virtual communities can foster collaboration, improve access to knowledge, and drive innovation.

Expert speakers Dr Leah Li (RMIT University), Professor Wanda Stelmach (Northern Health), and Associate Professor Anthony Gust (Northern Health) shared insights on leveraging digital technologies to support healthcare professionals and provide social support to individuals with chronic illnesses and disadvantaged groups, particularly CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities.

This partnership exemplifies how combining academic expertise with patient-centered care can make a tangible impact. Together, Northern Health and RMIT University are co-creating frameworks that strengthen support systems for healthcare professionals and improve equity in healthcare delivery.

Virtual communities are also proving to be powerful tools in reducing health inequities and addressing social determinants of health.

Northern Health’s Health Literacy Coordinator, Jo van Dort, explained, “Health equity is a fundamental principle in healthcare. Virtual communities for healthcare delivery have significant potential to address health inequalities and social determinants of health.”

The program featured a dynamic panel discussion that encouraged participants to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate.

Tania Barry, Director of Library and Information Literacy Services at Northern Health, said, “Bringing together expertise from communication, digital health and applied health disciplines, this workshop showcased how virtual communities can enhance health service delivery and management.”

As we look to the future, the outcomes of this event will pave the way for stronger networks, enhanced healthcare delivery, and innovative partnerships that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world healthcare challenges.

For more information or to stay connected with ongoing initiatives, please contact the Northern Health Library team.

Many Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) patients face challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences that make it harder for them to participate in cancer clinical trials. Expanding access for CALD communities is a critical step in improving health equity.

With a North Eastern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Services (NEMICS) Service Improvement Grant, and support from a TrialHub grant, Northern Health is undertaking a project to build capacity and expand local access particularly for CALD communities in our catchment. Based on feedback received from our consumers, clinical and Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) staff, the project will create new tools and support systems to help CALD patients better engage with cancer clinical trials.

The Cancer Clinical Trials team includes:

Lisa Walker, Unit Leader

Chong Chyn Chua, Haematologist

Sharni Norouzi, Scientist

Frances Barnett, Oncologist

Seraphina Kwak, Pharmacist

Belinda Lee, Oncologist

Stefania Zen, Yan Qin, Imad Hirmiz, Atilla Babaali, Kostas Karamarkos, Nisreen Awad from TALS.

Associate Professor Rebecca Jessup, Deputy Chair, Northern Health Research Executive Committee and consumers, Arif Hajher, Kelly Burnham and Ljubica Milevska representing the Afghan, Greek and Macedonian communities, respectively.

Lisa Walker, the Unit Leader, says, “Navigating cancer and the treatment options can be quite daunting for all patients, even more so if not only the language but also the cultural customs of your care are different to what you might be used to.”

Sharni Norouzi, says, “Our goal is to ensure that every patient, regardless of background, has equal access to the opportunities and benefits that clinical trials offer for cancer treatment.”

This project will have a positive impact on both staff and patients. For patients, it will improve access to cancer clinical trials, ensuring that CALD communities receive the same opportunities for cutting-edge treatment and care as others. By overcoming language and cultural barriers, patients will feel more supported and understood throughout their treatment journey.

For staff, the project will provide new tools, resources, and training to help them better engage with CALD patients on cancer clinical trials. This will improve cultural competency and enhance communication, leading to better patient care and stronger trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.

“By being part of this project, we can ensure that language support is not just about translation and interpretation. It is about making sure patients feel heard, respected, and fully involved in their care decisions,” says Kostas Karamarkos, Greek Interpreter.

Imad Hirmiz, Arabic/Assyrian/Chaldean Interpreter, says, “I am grateful to be involved in this project and to contribute to ensuring that my community’s cultural perspectives are acknowledged and respected.”

In the heart of our bustling health service, the Northern Health engineering team quietly works their magic. Like unsung heroes, they operate behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly while doctors and nurses, and everyone else, focus on what they do best – caring for patients.

The engineering team is responsible for maintaining the hospital’s infrastructure, from the heating and cooling systems to the medical gas lines that deliver life-saving oxygen to patients. Their work is essential, especially in a health service that prides itself on being at the forefront of patient care. But what truly set Northern Health’s engineering team apart is their commitment to sustainability.

As the world becomes more aware of environmental issues, the team embraces the challenge of reducing our carbon footprint. They implemented energy-efficient systems, upgraded lighting to LED, installed solar panels and ensure they make eco-friendly decisions. Our reward for this commitment comes in the form a number one ranking as the most energy efficient health service in Victoria according to NABERS Sustainability Portfolio Index (SPI).

More recently, the team celebrated a win, alongside their finance colleagues, in the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. Among some very significant competition, Northern Health emerged as winners in the category ‘Creating a sustainable and climate resilient health system’ with their submission: Virtual healthcare – reducing the health sector’s carbon footprint. This puts Northern Health well on the path to achieving its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The engineering team are key to achieving this.

Alex Jovanovski, Director, Engineering and Building Services, is proud of the team, saying, “We have a lot of ground to cover in such a large health service with many campuses, but it is rewarding to know that we are contributing in such a meaningful way to our patients, our staff and the environment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the engineering team for their hard work.”

Basil Ireland, Chief Financial Officer, recognises the important role the engineering team play in Northern Health reaching its sustainability objectives.

“The engineering team has been outstanding in their commitment to implementing energy saving initiatives. We are proud of the recognition received through our most recent awards, and will continue to work together to ensure we achieve our targets,” says Basil.

Northern Health’s engineering team proves that behind every great health service, there lies a dedicated group of individuals who not only fix leaky pipes and maintain equipment but also care deeply for the environment and the community. Their down to earth nature, sense of teamwork, skill, and hard work make them the true heartbeat of our hospitals, keeping them running smoothly and ensuring that both patients and the planet receive the care they deserve.

Pictured in featured image: The Engineering team at Northern Health. 

The notion of time travel is a fascinating one. Being able to relive events from days gone by, or thrill at new experiences of things yet to be, would be remarkable. But, whether you prefer to travel in the TARDIS with The Doctor, or a Delorian with Marty McFly, one sad fact remains. It’s all science fiction … until today.

Come back through time with us and listen with fresh ears to Visiting Hours Season 2. Northern Health’s very own podcast, listened to regularly in over 60 countries, highlights the outstanding work being done here, while paying tribute to our staff.

You’ll be guided to explore and appreciate the multi-faceted human beings that contribute to making this organisation more than just four walls and a stethoscope.

The second half of Season 2 touches on themes of connection, authenticity and enjoying simple pleasures. You’ll learn that community matters, specialised care is key, and allowing oneself room to recharge is vital. It’s a fun trip full of laughter and surprise.

So, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past as we hurtle into the new frontier of the future, well equipped and ready for whatever 2025 may bring.

Episode 12 – Dr. Katharine See, Chief Health Outcomes Officer and Director of Respiratory Medicine at Northern Health, talks about the importance of building resilience, practicing mindfulness and the sacrifices needed to make tough choices as a leader.

She shares her relaxation routine, favourite cinema hack and why working at Northern Health is like fixing healthcare with your friends.

Episode 13 – Associate Professor Jaclyn Yoong, Oncologist and Palliative Care Physician at Northern Health, shares on how making connections with people has become a crucial part of bringing joy to her life.

A self-confessed ‘Jaclyn of all trades’, she’s an accomplished pianist, a ballroom dancer and a passionate participant in motorsport.

Episode 14 – A passionate advocate for making the workplace not just safe, but positive and engaging, Graham Wilson, Northern Health’s Director of OHS and Wellbeing, shares his thoughts on authenticity being the key to unlocking meaningful conversations.

Graham offers insights into his love of cooking where simple ingredients are allowed to shine, his techno-centric search for rare vinyl, and how his mum’s views on body modification were forever changed by a single string of binary.

Episode 15 – Northern Health’s Emergency Department and visit with Nurse Practitioner, Tyson McLeod reveals his goal of becoming a very specific kind of nurse after having seen the wonderful treatment his grandmother received in the ED.

He shares on his passion for toxicology, the importance of getting away from screens, and where your mind can go on a 100km run.

Episode 16 – A long-time crusader for social equity, Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, Northern Health’s Divisional Director of Mental Health Services, shares on the importance of having a specialised focus on psychiatric illnesses in the same way we do for other medical conditions, and advocates for legislative change beyond awareness.

He presents a strong argument as to why Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world, challenges our thinking on ‘speaking up’, and reveals he could have been an international cricketer.

Episode 17 – Northern Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Prahlad Ho talks about the support he received throughout his journey at Northern Health, starting as an intern.

He shares fondly about his family, the importance of making everyday moments an opportunity to connect, and how an encounter in the cardiac ward changed his life for the better.

Episode 18 – Professor Lisa Hui talks about the work being done by the Reproductive Health Biobank and the benefits the research is allowing.

She shares her passion for photographing our feathered fauna, bringing family together in the kitchen, and boosting biodiversity in the backyard.

Episode 19 – Jen Gilham, Divisional Director of Community Hospitals at Northern Health, shares her love of travel, friendships and nursing.

She highlights the true value that nurses bring to their patients and families, and looks forward to the expansion of Northern Health’s facilities bringing better connected care closer to home for rural residents.

Episode 20 – Northern Health Foundation Board Chair, Peter McWilliam, recalls some of the highlights of the last year and points to a bright future for the organisation. He praises the work of the Foundation, noting some of the lifesaving work being done here as a direct result of the Foundation and its supporters.

Peter shares on the lasting influence of his grandfather, the rewards of serving the community, and how a black cowboy hat helped kindle a lifelong partnership.

Remember, the offer to travel back through time extends beyond this voyage. You can listen to every episode of Visiting Hours here, or wherever you get good podcasts.

“Always try to be nice. Never fail to be kind” – The Doctor

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Gustavo Salamone, Italian Interpreter, Transcultural and Language Services (TALS), Northern Health.

Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?

A: My coffee order is typically a short black, however, I enjoy starting the day with a latte for a bit of variety.

Q: Tell us about your journey with Northern Health?

A: I’ve been working as an interpreter at TALS for over six years. Before joining Northern Health, I worked as a freelancer for various interpreting agencies. Prior to that, my background was in manufacturing, which, although quite different, helped me develop skills like adaptability in fast-paced environments and attention to detail. These skills have been invaluable in my current role, especially when interpreting sensitive medical information.

Q: What does a day in the life of an interpreter look like?

A: A day in the life of an interpreter at Northern Health is incredibly diverse and unpredictable. Each day requires a new set of skills and brings challenges. For example, I could be interpreting for a psychiatric assessment in the morning, followed by an aged care assessment in the afternoon, then assist with a cardiology consultation later in the day. The variety extends across all Northern Health campuses, and it even includes home visits. This means I have to be prepared for any healthcare situation that may arise, from routine check-ups to complex medical procedures.

Q: Favorite childhood memory?

A: My favourite childhood memory is spending time with my family. Those moments together were filled with laughter and love, creating lasting bonds that I cherish to this day.

Q: Are you a night owl or an early bird?

A: While I consider myself more of a night owl, I don’t mind waking up early when there’s a good reason to do so. It’s all about balancing my natural habits with the demands of my work as an interpreter.

A Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) has rolled out across Northern Hospital Epping. Collections bins have been placed in key locations across the hospital for staff and patients to deposit CDS recyclables into the bins, including items that staff may wish to bring from home.

Recyclable items including drink cans, bottles and cartons can be placed in the bins, with all proceeds raised going directly to the Northern Health Foundation to support investment in research, innovation and medical equipment for the northern community.

“The Container Deposit Scheme is an initiative ISS is introducing to Northern Health in partnership with Return-It. This program focuses on collecting eligible containers, with all proceeds donated to the Northern Health Foundation. This marks the second healthcare site in Victoria where ISS has rolled out this initiative, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and supporting the community,” said Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager.

“The CDS initiative significantly contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste to landfill, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing the overall carbon footprint of our operations.”

“This initiative highlights the strong partnership between ISS and Northern Health, blending environmental sustainability with community support. By donating proceeds to the Northern Health Foundation, we are not only enhancing our sustainability efforts but also giving back to the community we serve.”

Rick Garotti, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, said the CDS initiative was an easy way for staff and patients to support the Northern Health Foundation and the environment.

“We are delighted to partner with ISS to roll-out the CDS collection service across Northern Health commencing with Northern Hospital Epping. All proceeds raised will go directly to the Northern Health Foundation. This is an easy way for staff and our patients to support the Foundation and our environment – every bottle deposited into a CDS container rather than a general bin reduces our landfill.”

There are plans to expand the CDS initiative to additional Northern Health sites by March 2025.

Featured image: Rick Garotti, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Pina Di Donato, Executive Director Public Affairs and Foundation and Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager.

With summer here, it’s important to stay safe in the heat and around water to make the most of the season.

Understanding the Risks

High temperatures can lead to heat related illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion, or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, are particularly at risk.

Similarly, while water activities provide relief and recreation, they also come with risks. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children. Practicing water safety is just as important as managing the summer heat.

Staying Safe in the Heat

• Hydrate regularly: Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Cool off: Use wet towels, take cool showers, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces like libraries or shopping centres.
• Limit sun exposure: Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, wear light, loose clothing, and use sunscreen and hats for protection.
• Check on others: Stay connected with elderly neighbours, friends, and family during extreme heat.

Avoid leaving children, adults, or pets in hot cars under any circumstances, as temperatures can rise dangerously within minutes.

Water Safety Awareness

If you’re heading to the beach, pool, or other water spots to beat the heat, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always supervise children around water and never leave them unattended.
• Avoid swimming alone and know your limits.
• Wear a life jacket when boating or engaging in water sports.
• Learn basic CPR skills to be prepared for emergencies.
• Swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present, and always pay attention to safety signs.

Preparing for Summer

• Stock up on water, food, and essential supplies to avoid unnecessary trips during extreme heat.
• Ensure fans and air conditioners are in good working order.
• Safeguard medications by storing them at the recommended temperatures.
• Consider cooling your home with window coverings or shade cloths.

Water activities can be a great way to cool down, but they require caution and preparation. Whether it’s learning to swim, staying hydrated, or understanding your surroundings, every step matters in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer.

For more tips on staying safe during summer, visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.