This week Northern Health celebrates National Palliative Care Week, which aims to open the conversation on ‘Matters of Life and Death’ and will run until 27 May.
Palliative care is as much about life as it is death and encourages us to reflect on the things that really matter. Whilst we might not want to talk about it, avoiding conversations about the end of our lives might actually be making it harder for each of us.
The Northern Health Palliative Care Service continues to grow, providing a mix of specialist inpatient (Palliative Care Unit), consultative (Palliative Care Consultation Service) and outpatient care to over 1,200 patients and their families every year.
Medical Director of Palliative Care Services at Northern Health, Dr. Alison Giles, says, “It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate team, who, together with our wonderful volunteers, work every day to care for patients and families during this very important, but often challenging, time of life.”
From the perspective of our Palliative Care Team, the work is about allowing people to live as well as possible in the face of life-limiting conditions. Often this means engaging in activities and treatments that add the most meaningful time to the remainder of their lives.
This may be achieved by managing physical symptoms, putting care arrangements in place, exploring strategies to support a person’s quality of life, or considering the benefits and burdens of treatment options, right through to providing care and supporting loved ones in the final days of life.
Pictured: Palliative Care staff admiring the new artworks adorning the halls of (PCU), located in Ward 3 at Northern Hospital Epping, made possible by the generous support of the Northern Health Foundation.
Meet Snezana Velevski, Support Services Coordinator at Broadmeadows Hospital
Q: Tell us about your current role at Northern Health?
A: I work as a Support Services Coordinator, looking after the Patient Services Assistants (PSAs), cleaning, linen, waste, car parking and much more. I am based at Broadmeadows Hospital but also support the PSA teams at Bundoora and Craigieburn Centres. Every day in my role is different, and I love helping my staff and patients with their queries and requests.
Q: What is your favourite thing about your career?
A: I enjoy helping clinical teams provide the best service possible to our patients. I have a great team of staff, who I look forward to working with and supporting every day.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I would love to still be working at Northern Health in a bigger role, further supporting our staff, patients and community.
Q: What is the best gift you have been given?
A: One of the greatest gifts I’ve been given are my beautiful grandchildren.
Q: What is your favourite food?
A: Burek – a traditional pastry popular in the Balkan countries and made of a thin flaky dough such as filo and filled with either meat, cheese or spinach.
National Volunteer Week 2023 is a celebration of a volunteers’ power to drive change. The Busy Fingers Auxiliary is a shining example of a group that has taken action to create positive change in our local community, one thread at a time.
Fifty years ago, a chat amongst a group of women, led by Mrs Kath Atkinson, the wife of the Mayor of Preston at the time, led to the establishment of an Auxiliary Fundraising Group. Kath Atkinson and her group of volunteers were indeed change-makers, dedicating their time and effort towards a cause they believed in.
Their initial project was to raise funds to establish independent aged care services in Melbourne’s north. They were successful in achieving this and did so by holding fundraising activities and submitting funding applications. These activities included holding raffles, book stalls, trading tables, trash and treasure markets, car boot sales, hosting card playing afternoons, fashion parades and even baby shows.
The Auxiliary opened the Busy Fingers Shop at Bundoora Centre in 1993, which was funded with money raised through the Auxiliary. To date, the Auxiliary has raised over $3,000,000 for aged care services and support at Bundoora – an incredible achievement.
Each and every day, the equipment they have funded assists patient care within Bundoora Centre.
Over the years, the Auxiliary has funded many projects and equipment, including the daily living display centre in the Information and Advisory Centre (IAC), a bladder scanner, tools for the Old Blokes Shed, the Kath Atkinson Wing Rotunda, portable weigh scales, a medical refrigerator and defibrillators.
Their latest equipment purchase was a vein-finder. With the enhanced imaging processing unit of this Vivo vein-finder, up to 80 per cent of invisible veins can be detected. This equipment not only enhances the work of our staff but contributes to a more pleasant patient experience.
Kerry Wall, President of Busy Fingers, and a member of the Busy Fingers Auxiliary for over 40 years, spoke of how invaluable this equipment is.
“I am really thrilled we have donated the vein-finder, as I had a bad experience with Dad before he died, that caused him a lot of grief. If only the doctor had had a vein-finder then. That is what makes people like me, do what we do, when we can help someone else and make their life a little easier,” says Ms Wall.
Although over the years the membership of this fundraising auxiliary group has changed, the Wall family has been the mainstay. Kerry’s mother was at that very first meeting at Kath Atkinson’s home 50 years ago, and Kerry’s father was also part of the Auxiliary for 33 years.
“I’d like to personally thank Busy Fingers for the amazing contributions they’ve made in funding some essential equipment at Bundoora Centre throughout their many years of fundraising. Every item received is greatly appreciated by staff and patients. Congratulations on 50 years of the Busy Fingers auxiliary. Thank you for the outstanding and continued support at Bundoora Centre,” said Kirralee Jensen, Site Operations Director and Director of Nursing at Bundoora Centre.
Pictured (L-R): Kirralee Jensen, Site Operations Director and Director of Nursing with Volunteers Norma McGrillen and Kerry Wall.
Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, otherwise known as IDAHOBIT Day.
The day is celebrated across Australia and is an opportunity to take a stand against discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people.
Today, and always, we stand together with our LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate each others diversity.
IDAHOBIT Day was launched in 2004, and marks May 17 1990, the day the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.
Christine Nicolaidis, co-chair of the Rainbow Working Group, says, “Whilst we have come a long way since homosexuality was considered a disease, LGBTQIA+ people are still discriminated against and experience poorer health outcomes as a result.”
Electra Ulrich, fellow co-chair, added, “As health care workers on the front line, it is important to know how to support and respect our diverse community, so that everyone, including staff, feel safe.”
Northern Health staff will today wear rainbow colours in support of our LGBTQIA+ community and are invited to join an education session this afternoonvirtually at 2.30. This will be run by Minus 18, an Australian charity working to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. The speaker is Max (he/him), who feels strongly about promoting and creating safe spaces to drive LGBTQIA+ inclusion all across Australia.
Other activities to mark the day include displays across sites, giveaways and even dog therapy at Bundoora Centre, Broadmeadows Hospital and Northern Hospital Epping from 10 am – to 12 pm today. Thank you to Lort Smith Animal Hospital! You can also participate in a staff survey and share ideas on how we can we better support the LGBTQIA+ community, including staff and patients.
As Paula Murray, Health Literacy Coordinator, and member of the Rainbow Committee says, “The LGBTQIA+ community need support more than ever.”
The Volunteers Services team at Northern Health is responsible for coordinating volunteer support across Northern Hospital Epping, Bundoora Centre, Broadmeadows Hospital and Craigieburn Centre.
There are three staff members working across Northern Health; Henni Wade, Manager Volunteer Services, based at the Northern Hospital Epping, Kim Berger, Volunteer Coordinator at Broadmeadows Hospital and Craigeburn Centre and Natalie Carroll, Volunteer Coordinator at Bundoora Centre.
The team conduct induction, training, and ongoing management, support and recognition for the volunteers. They also work in partnership with Northern Health Foundation, helping to coordinate fundraising and engagement activities.
Volunteering Australia’s National Standards for Volunteer Involvement are used as a guide to manage the program, and the guidelines provide a framework with eight standards that address the key areas of volunteer involvement.
Prior to COVID-19, the team had over 300 volunteers. Currently, there are 185 volunteers that provide support to various departments within Northern Health.
“For us, it is not so much about the actual numbers of volunteers, it is about the impact they make,” says Volunteer Services Manager, Henni Wade.
“This week we are celebrating National Volunteer Week and we have 27 volunteers reaching milestone years of service. Two of these are celebrating 20 years and a further two are celebrating 25 years.”
2023 also marks 50 years of the Busy Fingers Auxiliary at Bundoora. Current Busy Fingers President Kerry Wall, along with her parents have clocked up over 120 years of service with the Auxiliary.
“Volunteering provides an opportunity to be involved in activities, reflecting interests and skills. Meaningful activity in turn, promotes a sense of belonging and general wellbeing. For others, volunteering can be a way to develop skills, potential pathways to employment, or a way to contribute existing skills for the common good. It can also be a great outlet to just get out of the house for a change of scenery,” says Henni.
The volunteers support Northern Health in many ways, including wayfinding support for patients and visitors, helping behind the scenes, assisting with fundraising and a variety of administration tasks for many areas of the hospital.
Volunteers also cuddle babies, help in the simulation space, transport patients from home to hospital for appointments and provide face to face visiting in Palliative Care and Aged Care Facilities. Volunteers also provide virtual visiting through How-R-U telephone support program.
The Consumer Participation team also benefit from volunteer involvement, with volunteers giving their time to sit on Northern Health committees, working groups, focus groups and projects.
In 2023, the team are excited about rebuilding the volunteer program to pre-pandemic numbers.
“Reinstating volunteer fundraising activities is also exciting. The volunteer fundraising has been put on hold due to temporarily vacating the Foundation Office in the front foyer, but in six weeks, we hope to return our space,” says Henni.
In the months prior to relocation, their small retail shop was bringing in around $1,500 a month from sales. The majority of the items for sale are hand-crafted by Northern Health volunteers and from local community groups. Money raised goes directly to the Foundation.
“The volunteers are proud to see their contributions have a four-fold impact. The first being the volunteers feel their skills in crafting are valuable, the items they make will bring a smile to somebody’s day and they are raising money for the Foundation. This money will then go towards a piece of equipment that many of our patients will benefit from,” she adds.
Thank you to our volunteers for all your support and dedication!
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Henni Wade, Volunteers Services Manager with volunteers Brian Hoctor, Tama Kanasaby, Anuki Manamperi, Julie Phillips and Eden Galea.
Kim Berger, Volunteer Coordinator, Natalie Carroll, Volunteer Coordinator and Henni Wade, Manager Volunteer Services
Northern Health’s Simulation and Safety Unit is paving the way to build stronger multidisciplinary links that will ultimately improve patient care.
Dr Kirin Channa, the recently appointed Medical Lead, In-Situ Simulation, together with Elise Sutton, Nurse Coordinator, Simulation and Safety, are keen to incorporate simulations into both operational expansion and quality improvements for policies and procedures.
As described by Dr Channa and Ms Sutton, when it comes to human factors, there are four types relating to work:
Work as imagined, what we believe is happening. Work as prescribed, what were told to do. Work as described, how we explain it to others, and finally work as done.
It’s this factor, ‘work as done,’ that the Simulation and Safety Unit want to focus on. As Dr. Channa explained, it’s more about how people, policies and procedures combine, and less about testing clinical knowledge.
“Simulations were instrumental in the successful launch of the Main Ward Block. Doctors, nurses and PSAs all played a part in providing feedback on what worked and what didn’t, ensuring any issues in procedures could be fixed well before patients ever set foot in the space,” said Dr Channa.
Mini simulations held during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Emergency Department and the Anaesthetic and Intensive Care teams helped foster trust and long-lasting relationships that have benefited many staff.
“Medical and nursing times often just don’t line up, so we end up in silos. In-situ simulations are held on the ward, at an ad hoc time, so staff can treat it as if it’s a real patient,” said Ms Sutton.
“We’re testing the environment and systems – we’re not testing the staff on their clinical knowledge. So we often share the scenario beforehand so that everyone knows what to expect. Also, it’s fun!” Dr Channa added.
Debriefs are a really significant part of the process as it gives everyone a voice and can bring about some new understanding. Feedback following the simulations often highlights how, a few days after a specific simulation, the same patient presentation happens in real life, and the unity between the departments is really tangible.
The Simulation and Safety Unit has big plans to expand but are currently only available one day a week. To book a simulation, or just find out any more information, please email: sasenquiries@nh.org.au
Pictured: Dr Kirin Channa, Medical Lead, In-Situ Simulation and Elise Sutton, Nurse Coordinator, Simulation and Safety.
As we celebrate International Nurses Day today, we meet Courtney Lowry, Director of Operations, Women’s and Children’s.
Q: Today is International Nurses Day. What significance does this day have for you?
A: For me, International Nurses Day is a time to take a moment to recognise the passion, dedication and contribution of, not only my own nursing colleagues, but nurses right around the world. The last few years have really shone a spotlight on nurses, and I think it’s a time to reflect on the significant work we do and the impact we have on our patients and families lives while caring for them.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: One of the things I enjoy most about my job is how rewarding it is. Within the Women’s and Children’s Division, we care for patients and families at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Watching kids leave and wave goodbye from the Paediatric Ward after they have been nursed back to health, or watching families leave for home with their newborn baby, which is an extremely precious time for them, is heart-warming. I am very fortunate to be a part of these experiences.
Q: We understand you started at Northern Health as a student nurse. Tell us about your journey and some of your career highlights.
A: My nursing career has spanned 22 years, of which I am proud to say, has all been at Northern Health. I completed my graduate year in 2001, with a specialty rotation in the Paediatric Ward. When my grad year finished, I was offered a position to continue on the Paediatric Ward and I have never looked back. I progressed over the years with the skills and knowledge that I built as a Registered Nurse, a Clinical Nurse Specialist for a number of years, and then an Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM). During my time as an ANUM, the role required me to network and work alongside other leaders within Northern Health, on a shift-by-shift basis. This opened up many opportunities and I found myself then job-sharing with Paediatrics and the Access Team as a Hospital Coordinator. This gave me a great opportunity within Northern Health to expand my skills outside of Paediatrics, and it was a challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed.
In 2019, I took on the role of Nurse Unit Manager of Ward 2 – Children’s Ward. This role would have to be one of my highlights, and was so rewarding. I learnt so much in the three years that I fulfilled the role, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity. I learnt a lot about leadership and management, and I was privileged to have been able to lead the exceptional and special team of paediatric nurses on Ward 2.
After much thought, consideration and support from my leaders, I made the decision to step away from direct patient care last year and into the role I am currently in, which is Operations Director- Women’s and Children’s Division. I am absolutely loving my new role with all the new challenges it brings, and I am proud to be a part of the wonderful work that the Women’s and Children’s team achieves every day.
Q: What makes you laugh the most?
A: My family and friends make me laugh the most. These last few years have been extremely tough and challenging for everyone, so being able to come together with my family and friends and have a good laugh is a great outlet and time out.
Q: What songs have you completely memorised?
A: I have the radio on all the time in the car and at home. I do love all of the 80’s classics, but if I had to pick a favourite, I would have to say Bon Jovi. I have most Bon Jovi songs memorised!
On Saturday, 6 May, Northern Health Foundation hosted its first major fundraising event since the beginning of the pandemic – The Northern Health Foundation Fundraising Gala, in the stunning Plaza Ballroom on Collins Street, Melbourne.
The event showcased the incredible work being undertaken at Northern Health and highlighted the brilliance and innovation that stems from research right here in our northern community.
Research is an integral part of any health service. Innovations such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) stemmed from ideas that eventually came to fruition. This platform now services all of Victoria, saving lives, and eliminating pressure on our Emergency Department by enabling patients to access care in the comfort of their homes.
Given the extreme weather on the night, the team was grateful for the incredible turnout of sponsors, corporates and executives who all enjoyed a wonderful evening. The night involved live and silent auctions, with Joe Horton from Nelson Alexander ramping up the crowd to maximise our fundraising efforts. A sincere thank you to ISS for their kind donation of the MCG Corporate Box which raised $8,000 alone during the live auction.
The support from the event made over $74,000 in proceeds alone for research at Northern Health, which is an incredible effort.
Melissa Grenville, Foundation Director, was thrilled with the outcome.
“This fabulous event was only made possible by the support of our sponsors and guests who danced the night away whilst raising valuable funds for our research department – what a fantastic effort by the Foundation team to ensure the success of the night,” Ms Grenville said.
A special thank you to our speakers, Jennifer Williams AM, Dr Katharine See, Dr Loren Sher, Nikolajs Zeps and Channel 7 reporter Christie Cooper, our wonderful MC for the evening.
We also thank our sponsors, New Epping, ISS, Lendlease, Ramsay Health Care, La Trobe University, RMIT University, The University of Melbourne, The SILC Group, That’s Amore Cheese, Nexus Primary Health, BankVic and Henry’s Cafe, as well as our entertainment which included the enigmatic Three Waiters, violinist, Evangeline Victoria and band Un-Limited.
Northern Health Foundation looks forward to holding its next Gala Fundraiser to continue raising much-needed funds for our growing community.
