On Saturday, 4 May 2024 Northern Health Foundation hosted its second annual Gala Fundraiser. Over 400 guests came together at the Plaza Ballroom in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, dressed in their most dapper attire, to fundraise for a wonderful cause.

The ballroom saw an impressive turnout of corporate supporters, including major sponsor Northern Private Hospital, along with Northern Health Executives, Northern Health and Northern Health Foundation board members and local MPs.

Radio and television personality Jo Stanley was the MC for the evening, with the supremely talented entertainment act, The Greatest Dance Show, opening the event with their vibrant song and dance routine. Internationally recognised magician, illusionist and escape artist, Cosentino, made an appearance (and disappearance), wowing and perplexing the audience with his ability of illusion, fitting perfectly in with the theme of ‘Imagine’.

Northern Health Foundation would like to sincerely thank all of the sponsors who made this event possible, and allow the team to raise over $130,000 in support of cancer services. The vision to build a Cancer Wellness Centre right here in the north is now one step closer, thanks to the generosity of our community. The goal for the wellness centre will be to allow cancer patients access to a dedicated area where they can relax and spend much needed time away from a hospital bed.

This event is the second Gala Fundraiser Northern Health Foundation has hosted of its kind, with last year raising over $70,000 towards the women’s and children’s department. This year, they have been able to double that, to continue supporting critical causes with the help of our generous community.

Melissa Grenville, Director Foundation said, “we are extremely pleased with the outcome from Saturday night. It was a wonderful event and a tremendous effort on behalf of the team, who I am very proud of. Thank you to everyone who came and supported Northern Health Foundation on the night. It’s great to know all the funds raised are going towards such a worthy cause, and thank you to our major sponsor Northern Private Hospital.”

We look forward to hosting another event of this calibre in the future, spreading the support and awareness where it is most needed to imagine a better north.

Thank you to our sponsors and guests who attended, Northern Health volunteers and the Volunteer Services team, and the Northern Health Foundation team for putting together yet another successful event.

You can view photos from the event here.

 

Featured image: Cosentino performing 

Allison Mhlanga, Graduate Nurse, Ward 6, is the recipient of the Nursing and Midwifery BankVic Scholarship.

In celebration of International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May), BankVic generously sponsored one scholarship to be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to their role.

In association with Northern Health Foundation, BankVic offered a $,5000 scholarship towards a national based conference or professional development activity.

Yesterday, Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, surprised Allison with the news that she was the lucky recipient of the scholarship.

“This is great, because I just found out that I got into the ICU STEP Program, so I am doing my post-grad next year,” Allison said when she found out she had received the scholarship.

Rebecca Attard, Relationship Manager, BankVic, said, “BankVic is so proud to partner with Northern Health Foundation and contribute $5,000 towards a scholarship to support an incredibly worthy recipient, Allison Mhlanga, to help further her professional development with Northern Health and to recognise her valuable service and dedication to her role. A very big congratulations to Allison.”

Fifty Northern Health nurses and midwives submitted an application with their responses to how the themes of International Nurses Day or International Day of the Midwife inspired them in their role.

In her application, Allison said the theme of International Nurses Day – Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care – resonated with her as a new nurse who recently completed graduate program at Northern Health.

“It underscores the vital role nurses play, not only in providing compassionate care, but also in driving economic prosperity through our expertise and dedication,” she said.

“This theme inspires me to recognise the economic impact of nursing care, both on individual patients and on broader healthcare systems. As I begin my career, I am motivated to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care that maximises positive outcomes for patients, while optimising resource utilisation.”

As a graduate nurse, Allison is looking forward to and committed to ongoing professional growth, pursing advanced education and actively engaging in initiatives that promote nursing leadership and innovation.

“By embodying this theme, I aspire to make positive changes within Northern Health, driving improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and the overall wellbeing of our patients,” Allison said.

“Together with my fellow nurses, I am excited to harness the economic power of care to create a brighter future for healthcare delivery and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we help.”

Allison plans on using the scholarship toward the completion of her post-graduate studies in anaesthetics and recovery.

On behalf on everyone at Northern Health, we salute Allison and thank all of our nursing and midwifery staff for their dedicated service.

This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Paula Cox, Senior Perinatal Mental Health Midwife/Nurse Clinician.

Q: What is your name and title?

My Name is Paula Cox and I work as a Senior Perinatal Mental Health Midwife/Nurse Clinician.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

It’s a day when we can all come together and celebrate the great work we all do as midwives and nurses. It’s a day when I reflect on what it means to be a midwife, especially with my role as a mental health nurse.

I work with women who can be at their most vulnerable, and to be able to support them and help make a difference in their lives is very fulfilling.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

As cliché as it sounds, during a hospital visit for an operation when I was younger, I was looked after by some lovely nurses who were dressed in these nice uniforms (that some nurses and midwifes wouldn’t have experienced). I looked at my mum and I said, “One day I want to be a nurse and look after people too”. I never changed my mind, and I wore pretend nurse’s uniforms at every opportunity and played with medical kits.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse.

My journey started in the UK where I trained as a nurse and midwife. After qualifying as a nurse, I knew that I wanted to work in women’s health and my first job was on a busy gynaecological ward. After a year of working in women’s health, I realised I wanted to study again and decided to embark on my midwifery training, which took me 18 months to complete. I enjoyed all the highs and lows that came with becoming a midwife.

In 2004, I moved with my family to Australia to take up a midwifery position. Midwifery practice was very different to what I was used to, there were no homebirths to attend and no being on call, so I had to quickly adapt to this big change in my career.

After a few years, the opportunity came up for me to be part of a project at the Northern Hospital – the Perinatal Mental Health Project.

This was an amazing opportunity as a midwife to develop a service to address mental health in pregnancy. I never thought I would work in mental health; however, I enjoyed the role so much that I decided to study for a postgraduate in mental health, leading to me qualifying as a post graduate mental health nurse through Melbourne University in 2021.

I have now returned to study as a nurse practitioner, to evolve my role further.

Q: What inspires you?

My own triumphs and struggles, overcoming obstacles in life and realising my strengths and resilience to things that can happen when you’re not expecting it.

Showing my children that you can achieve whatever you want to, as long as you are happy.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

Midwifery has its happy days but can also have its sad days for families.

I was in charge of birthing suite on a Christmas Eve when I received a phone call that every midwife dreads – a mother concerned about her baby not moving.

Unfortunately, this was a sad outcome, but I remember staying through the shift into Christmas Day with this family until the baby was born and beyond. It was a great privilege to be part of this family’s journey, and although it came with great sadness, out of this came a great friendship, followed by the joy of being their midwife for their next three children.

Q: Do you have a message for your nursing/midwifery colleagues?

Happy International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. You all have dedication, compassion and skills that make a profound difference in the lives of people.

Let’s take this day to celebrate all that we do and the incredible impacts we make every day.

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This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Rachel Green, Nurse Unit Manager, Ward 19.

Q: What is your name and title?

Rachel Green, Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 19.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day are days of recognition, celebration and commemoration of the amazing work and care that nurses and midwives do each and every single day of the year, both in the hospital setting and in our wider community.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

The reason I became a nurse was because I was inspired by the healthcare industry and the care and compassion shown by nursing staff, and the importance of doing the small things that make a big difference in the care and management of patients. I felt I needed a career that was hands on, involved people, was progressive and an ever-changing career pathway.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse?

I commenced my nursing journey through Victoria University TAFE as an Enrolled Nurse initially and decided that I would do the bridging course that led me into the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing at Victoria University. I completed my degree in 2008 and completed my Graduate year at Northern Health in 2009. Northern Health over the years has provided opportunities to grow as a nurse and progress into leadership roles within the organisation. In 2022, I was seconded into the Nurse Unit Manager Role on Ward 19, where I have since become the permanent Nurse Unit Manager on Ward 19 which is primarily Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery Ward.

Q: What inspires you?

I am inspired by all the amazing work that is done around the organisation. Especially the amazing team on Ward 19, who on a daily basis, amaze me with their compassion, empathy, kindness and dedication to the organisation and their patients. Throughout my years at Northern Health, I have been surrounded by many amazing and inspirational leaders, who have shaped me to become the leader I am today.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

I remember a few years ago, during a rough shift whilst working on the floor as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, I was very overwhelmed. I was looking after a patient who had some significant medical issues and post-surgery complications, which lead to further major surgery and complications. She was a patient on the ward for over four months. Even though with all these complications, extended length of stay and pain they were in, the patient never lost their compassion or empathy towards healthcare workers. To this day I still remember sitting with them in their room, whilst they comforted me during my overwhelming shift. This has stuck with me, and constantly reminds me no matter how bad the situation is, it is important to show empathy and kindness to everyone, we just don’t know what sort of day someone else is having.

Q: Do you have a message for your nursing/midwifery colleagues?

Despite all the hard days or shifts, there is always a reason that brings you back to work. Whether it be the team you work with, the patients that you have the privilege of looking after or the chance you’ll make a difference in someone’s life at their lowest moment.

This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Annie Tolmay, Associate Midwife Unit Manager and Clinical Support Midwife.

Q: What is your name and title?

My name is Annie Tolmay and I am an Associate Midwife Unit Manager in Birth Suite and a Clinical Support Midwife.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

It feels conflicting to celebrate International Day of the Midwife without also acknowledging the many pressures and challenges nurses and midwives face. As healthcare professionals we are excellent at supporting our patients and families, however we sometimes don’t have the space to address the ways the complexities of this job can affect us. This day can be bittersweet as we reflect on the sacrifices and challenges, and despite it all continue to show up and provide safe care and support to women and their families.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

Being a midwife is one of the most humbling, fulfilling and unique professions. Early in my career, someone told me midwifery is mostly pure joy, with moments of pure terror. The highs are so high with tears of joy, rushes of adrenaline and an overwhelming sense of connection. But the lows can be too devastating for words, nothing compares to caring for a family who has lost their baby. Whether I am experiencing the immense joy or heartbreak of midwifery, I am always so honored that a family is allowing me to share in that with them. It is the most intimate and vulnerable time in a woman’s life, and being witness to that will never stop being incredible.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse and what inspires you?

I have been at the Northern since my very first observation day in first year as a student. The Northern has been instrumental in my growth and development as a midwife. Throughout my years here, both as a student and now as a midwife, I have had the opportunity to work beside some incredible people who have elevated not just me but our unit at large. One of the joys of midwifery is being the lead clinician in pregnancy and birth, and I am constantly driven to support and encourage new midwives to upskill and continue finding opportunities that keep them passionate about their practice in order to further their careers.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

Last week I helped a junior midwife discharge a first-time mum home with her new baby, and she and her partner both welled up with tears as they stepped out the door. She asked me to pass along her immense gratitude and appreciation for her care team. She had felt such warmth and empathy from every clinician that she felt we were now like family. It made me feel very proud of the work that we do here and the impact we have on people’s lives.

This week, Northern Health will celebrate both International Day of the Midwife (May 5) and International Nurse’s (May 12) in a series of celebrations held across the week. Each day shines a spotlight on the compassion and dedication of nurses and midwives, and the vital role they play within our community.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our nurses and midwives for all that you do. Each interaction of care that you provide is so incredibly important, and the impact you have on our patients and community is undeniable.

I am proud to be the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Northern Health, and I thank you for your dedication, your expertise and your kindness. I encourage all staff at Northern Health to celebrate our nurses and midwives for all that they do today, and every day.

Over the next week, we will acknowledge these important celebrations by distributing a special gift to our nurses and midwives, publishing a range of iNews stories, and releasing a new podcast episode featuring Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer, and registered nurse, registered midwife and nurse practitioner.

Lunchtime BBQ’s will be hosted from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm on the following dates:

• Monday, 6 May – Kilmore District Hospital
• Tuesday, 7 May – Northern Hospital Epping (sponsored by BankVic)
• Thursday, 9 May – Bundoora Centre
• Friday, 10 May – Broadmeadows Hospital

All staff are invited to join and celebrate their nursing and midwifery, and staff on other sites are encouraged to visit one of these sites for lunch.

Nurses at our Mental Health sites (Bell Street, Talgarno Street, Noogal Clinic, Pleasant View sites) and at Craigieburn Centre will receive snack boxes on Wednesday, 8 May.

Later this week, I look forward to announcing the recipient of the inaugural BankVic Scholarship, which will be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role. This $5,000 scholarship may be used for further education or towards a national based conference or a professional development activity.

Once again, thank you to all of our wonderful nurses and midwives across Northern Health for everything you do.

Lisa Cox
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
Northern Health

#WeAreNorthern

Consulting on family violence matters is not her only passion. Meet Amanda Dashwood, Mental Health Division, Specialist Family Violence Advisor – and her four goats, Anastasia, Arabella, Cyrus and Baby Iris along with her two Maremma Sheepdogs, Muggle and Mr Darcy.

Q: Your coffee order, please?

A: Latte with one sugar, thank you!

Q: How would you describe your role? 

A: Busy! Consulting on complex family violence matters for our mental health teams; attending high risk review panels; keeping up to date with current practises in the family violence sector for victim and survivors; advocating with external services for a free flow of information under the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) & Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS); embedding family violence practice, policies & procedures; engaging with external services such as Orange Door, Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice, Child Protection and so on… streamlining service system communications.

Q: How did you get into this role? 

A: Previously I was a Senior Detective of Police. I then moved into the family violence sector, that was 25 years ago. This job sounded exciting and new. I believed I could bring a wealth of knowledge with me. I met the criteria for the position, sat an interview, got the job (which I love), still here seven years later (and still passionate about my role).

Q: Any highlights? 

A: My fondest highlights are when staff come to me for a secondary consultation, and I inform staff they have done all the right things re: risk and family violence. They are so switched on and just get it. I couldn’t be more proud of our service and the difference they are making. Highlights are many but representing the Mental Health Service at an international family violence conference, speaking about the marginalisation of mental health consumer, was one.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of this role?

A: Interacting with the teams and watching the amazing work they do to get the best outcomes for their consumers, families and carers.

Q: Your impressions on joining the Northern family?
A: ‘Safe Kind Together’, is a sincere commitment to our consumers and staff. Together, we are achieving goals that address community needs in clinical pathways.

Q: Lastly, tell is something that will surprise us about you?

A: I went to purchase one goat and came home with four – Anastasia, Arabella, Cyrus and Baby Iris. I also have two Maremma Sheepdogs and a tractor named Clementine with matching designer boots.

 

Northern Health’s Accreditation Survey has been officially announced for 6 – 10 May 2024.

Accreditation is a formal process whereby an independent team of healthcare professionals assess the quality and safety of services provided against best practice standards. The Accreditation assessment will involve on-site visits by assessors who are independent of the health service. They look for evidence that each action in the Standards has been implemented.

Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Kilmore District Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre will all be visited during this time. All transitioned mental health services will also be included in the survey, apart from the aged residential services, which will be surveyed under the Aged Care Standards by the Aged Care Commission.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the care given to patients, families and people visiting our organisation is the best it can be, and that we have the right culture where quality and safety is valued. Please make the surveyors feel welcome, and provide them with the answers or information they seek.

A timetable for the surveyors is currently being finalised, and will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

For more information, please visit the Intranet.